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1.
Braz. j. med. biol. res ; 57: e13238, fev.2024. graf
Article in English | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1557315

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, synovial inflammation, and meniscal damage. Although the etiology of OA is multifactorial, pro-inflammatory processes appear to play a key role in disease pathogenesis. Previous studies indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) exerts chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects in preclinical models of OA, but the mechanisms underlying these potential therapeutic benefits remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA on OA development in a rat model, as well as to explore associated molecular mechanisms modulated by EA treatment. Forty rats were divided into OA, EA, antagomiR-214, and control groups. Following intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate to induce OA, EA and antagomiR-214 groups received daily EA stimulation at acupoints around the knee joint for 21 days. Functional pain behaviors and chondrocyte apoptosis were assessed as outcome measures. The expression of microRNA-214 (miR-214) and its downstream targets involved in apoptosis and nociception, BAX and TRPV4, were examined. Results demonstrated that EA treatment upregulated miR-214 expression in OA knee cartilage. By suppressing pro-apoptotic BAX and pro-nociceptive TRPV4, this EA-induced miR-214 upregulation ameliorated articular pain and prevented chondrocyte apoptosis. These findings suggested that miR-214 plays a key role mediating EA's therapeutic effects in OA pathophysiology, and represents a promising OA treatment target for modulation by acupuncture.

2.
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine ; (12): 213-218, 2024.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1005373

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Zhongwan (CV12) on gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation and explore the underlying mechanisms associated with nuclei of the medullary viscerosensory and visceral motor neurons. MethodsTwenty SD rats were given intragastric administration of 0.5 mol/L diluted hydrochloric acid (0.5 ml/100 g) to induce gastric nociceptive response induction. Eight rats were randomly selected to record the gastric slow wave (GSW) area under the curve, and extracellular discharge frequency of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) before intragastric administration and at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 minutes after intragastric administration. The remaining 12 rats received electroacupuncture intervention at Zhongwan within 5 to 25 minutes after intragastric administration of diluted hydrochloric acid, with a duration of one minute. The GSW area under the curve and extracellular discharge frequency of NTS and DMV neurons were compared between the 1-minute intervals before and after electroacupuncture intervention. ResultsCompared to the baseline before intragastric administration, the area under the curve of GSW significantly increased at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 minutes after intragastric administration, and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS (accounting for 90%, 57/63) significantly increased at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 minutes, both reaching peak values at 1 minute after intragastric administration (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV (accounting for 91%, 20/22) showed a non-significant increase at 1 minute after intragastric administration (P>0.05), but significantly decreased at other timepoints (P<0.05). Compared to the baseline before electroacupuncture intervention, the GSW area under the curve and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV showed no significant difference (P>0.05). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at Zhongwan can improve gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation, possibly by reducing the transmission of visceral sensation and decreasing the excitability of NTS neurons in the medulla.

3.
Chinese journal of integrative medicine ; (12): 251-259, 2024.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1010332

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in promoting recovery of the facial function with the involvement of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into the control, sham-operated, facial nerve injury (FNI), EA, EA+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and EA+GDNF antagonist groups using a random number table, with 12 rats in each group. An FNI rat model was established with facial nerve crushing method. EA intervention was conducted at Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 2 weeks. The Simone's 10-Point Scale was utilized to monitor the recovery of facial function. The histopathological evaluation of facial nerves was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of Beclin-1, light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Additionally, IHC was also used to detect the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR.@*RESULTS@#The facial functional scores were significantly increased in the EA group than the FNI group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed nerve axons and myelin sheaths, which were destroyed immediately after the injury, were recovered with EA treatment. The expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 were significantly elevated and the expression of P62 was markedly reduced in FNI rats (P<0.01); however, EA treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.01). Meanwhile, EA stimulation significantly increased the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR (P<0.01). After exogenous administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or GDNF antagonist, the repair effect of EA on facial function was attenuated (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA could promote the recovery of facial function and repair the facial nerve damages in a rat model of FNI. EA may exert this neuroreparative effect through mediating the release of GDNF, activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, and further regulating the autophagy of facial nerves.


Subject(s)
Rats , Male , Animals , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Electroacupuncture , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism , Facial Nerve Injuries/therapy , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Beclin-1 , Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor , Signal Transduction , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism , Autophagy , Mammals/metabolism
4.
Chinese journal of integrative medicine ; (12): 152-162, 2024.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1010329

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at sensitized acupoints could reduce sympathetic-sensory coupling (SSC) and neurogenic inflammatory response by interfering with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)ergic neural pathways to relieve colitis and somatic referred pain, and explore the underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Rats were treated with 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution for 7 days to establish a colitis model. Twelve rats were randomly divided into the control and model groups according to a random number table (n=6). According to the "Research on Rat Acupoint Atlas", sensitized acupoints and non-sensitized acupoints were determined. Rats were randomly divided into the control, model, Zusanli-EA (ST 36), Dachangshu-EA (BL 25), and Xinshu (BL 15) groups (n=6), as well as the control, model, EA, and EA + GR113808 (a 5-HT inhibitor) groups (n=6). The rats in the control group received no treatment. Acupuncture was administered on 2 days after modeling using the stimulation pavameters: 1 mA, 2 Hz, for 30 min, with sparse and dense waves, for 14 consecutive days. GR113808 was injected into the tail vein at 5 mg/kg before EA for 10 min for 7 consecutive days. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed with von Frey filaments. Body weight and disease activity index (DAI) scores of rats were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe colon histopathology. SSC was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect 5-HT and substance P (SP) expressions. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in skin tissue and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in DRG were detected by Western blot. The levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), bradykinin (BK), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) in skin tissue, 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), serotonin transporters (SERT), 5-HT 3 receptor (5-HT3R), and 5-HT 4 receptor (5-HT4R) in colon tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).@*RESULTS@#BL 25 and ST 36 acupoints were determined as sensitized acupoints, and BL 15 acupoint was used as a non-sensitized acupoint. EA at sensitized acupoints improved the DAI score, increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds, and alleviated colonic pathological damage of rats. EA at sensitized acupoints reduced SSC structures and decreased TH and CGRP expression levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, EA at sensitized acupoints reduced BK, PGI2, 5-HT, 5-HT3R and TPH1 levels, and increased HA, 5-HT4R and SERT levels in colitis rats (P<0.05). GR113808 treatment diminished the protective effect of EA at sensitized acupoints in colitis rats (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at sensitized acupoints alleviated DSS-induced somatic referred pain in colitis rats by interfering with 5-HTergic neural pathway, and reducing SSC inflammatory response.


Subject(s)
Rats , Animals , Electroacupuncture , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Serotonin , Acupuncture Points , Pain, Referred , Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide , Signal Transduction , Colitis/therapy , Indoles , Sulfonamides
5.
Article in Spanish | LILACS, CUMED | ID: biblio-1441485

ABSTRACT

Introducción: La electroacupuntura induce la liberación de encefalina y b- endorfina. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de la electroacupuntura auricular para la analgesia posoperatoria en los pacientes electivos con diagnóstico quirúrgico de cáncer de piel. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi- experimental de intervención terapéutica en los pacientes electivos con diagnóstico de cáncer de piel, en el Hospital Provincial Docente de Oncología "María Curieˮ de Camagüey, en el período comprendido de enero de 2019 a enero de 2022. El universo fue de 200 pacientes, se constituyeron dos grupos, el grupo experimental integrado por 81 pacientes a los que se les aplicó electroacupuntura auricular preoperatoria y el grupo control formado por 119 pacientes a los que se les aplicó el tratamiento convencional. Resultados: Se observó predominio de la edad entre 55 a 59 años para ambos grupos de pacientes. Con la prueba estadística se planteó con un 95 % de confiabilidad que la intensidad del dolor posoperatorio cambio en relación al tratamiento empleado. La mayor parte de los pacientes tratados previamente con electroacupuntura auricular no presentó dolor en el posoperatorio (p = 0,000). El tratamiento impuesto guarda relación estadística significativa con la presencia de complicaciones posoperatorias relacionadas con el dolor, p ≤ 0,05. Se demostró la efectividad analgésica de la electroacupuntura (p = 0,000). Conclusiones: La electroacupuntura auricular para la analgesia posoperatoria en pacientes operados electivos de cáncer de piel, es eficaz y segura.


Introduction: Electroacupuncture induces enkephalin and b-endorphin release. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of auricular electroacupuncture for postoperative analgesia in elective patients with a surgical diagnosis of skin cancer. Methods: A quasiexperimental study of therapeutic intervention was carried out in elective patients with skin cancer diagnosis, at María Curie Provincial Teaching Oncology Hospital of Camagüey, from January 2019 to January 2022. The study universe was two hundred patients. Two groups were made up: the experimental group, integrated by 81 patients, to whom preoperative auricular electroacupuncture was applied; and the control group, made up of 119 patients, to whom conventional treatment was applied. Results: Predominance of age between 55 and 59 years was observed for both groups of patients. The statistical test showed, with a reliability of 95 %, that the intensity of postoperative pain changed in relation to the used treatment. Most of the patients previously treated with auricular electroacupuncture did not present postoperative pain (p = 0.000). The employed treatment was statistically significant with respect to the presence of postoperative pain-related complications (p ≤ 0.05). The analgesic effectiveness of electroacupuncture was demonstrated (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Auricular electroacupuncture for postoperative analgesia in elective operated patients with skin cancer is effective and safe.


Subject(s)
Humans
6.
Biol. Res ; 56: 26-26, 2023. ilus, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-1513738

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have shown that peripheral nerve injury can lead to abnormal dendritic spine remodeling in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Inhibition of abnormal dendritic spine remodeling can relieve neuropathic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) has a beneficial effect on the treatment of neuropathic pain, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Evidence has shown that slit-robo GTPase activating protein 3 (srGAP3) and Rho GTPase (Rac1) play very important roles in dendritic spine remodeling. Here, we used srGAP3 siRNA and Rac1 activator CN04 to confirm the relationship between SrGAP3 and Rac1 and their roles in improving neuropathic pain with EA. Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) was used as the experimental model, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and Golgi-Cox staining were used to examine changes in behavioral performance, protein expression and dendritic spines. More dendritic spines and higher expression levels of srGAP3 were found in the initial phase of neuropathic pain. During the maintenance phase, dendritic spines were more mature, which was consistent with lower expression levels of srGAP3 and higher expression levels of Rac1-GTP. EA during the maintenance phase reduced the density and maturity of dendritic spines of rats with SNL, increased the levels of srGAP3 and reduced the levels of Rac1-GTP, while srGAP3 siRNA and CN04 reversed the therapeutic effects of EA. These results suggest that dendritic spines have different manifestations in different stages of neuropathic pain and that EA may inhibit the abnormal dendritic spine remodeling by regulating the srGAP3/Rac1 signaling pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain.


Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Electroacupuncture , Neuralgia/metabolism , Neuralgia/therapy , Spinal Nerves/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , rac1 GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism , Dendritic Spines/metabolism , GTP Phosphohydrolases/metabolism , Guanosine Triphosphate/metabolism
7.
Rev. bras. med. esporte ; 29: e2022_0150, 2023. tab, graf
Article in English | LILACS | ID: biblio-1394842

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Introduction: Meniscal injury is a common condition that can lead to disability due to pain and proprioceptive failure, requiring immediate attention. Combination therapies involve advanced approaches aiming to accelerate rehabilitation in athletes, and electroacupuncture presents therapeutic benefits, although there is still no evidence of its combination with sports therapy. Objective: This paper analyzes the performance of sports rehabilitation in athletes with meniscal lesions using electroacupuncture combined with sports therapy. Methods: The intervention in the control group was based on a traditional range of motion work, muscle strength, proprioceptive training, and other exercise therapies, while the experimental group received a 30 min electro-acupuncture protocol three times a week for four consecutive weeks. The surrogate data (gender, age, disease course, location) are the same. Before treatment, joint activity, muscle strength, total joint scale score of the LYSHOLM questionnaire, and other observational indices were measured during the 6th and 12th week of treatment. The non-parametric statistical method and T-test were used to analyze the changes of each index before and after treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the difference between the experimental group and the combination before treatment was significant. Results: The treatment effect of the experimental group was significantly better than the control group. Conclusion: The effect of sports rehabilitation of athletes with meniscus injury based on electroacupuncture combined with sports therapy showed high resolutive application value, indicating an alternative for non-surgical treatment in knee meniscus injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.


RESUMO Introdução: A lesão meniscal é um acometimento comum que pode gerar incapacitação por dor e falha proprioceptiva, exigindo atenção imediata. Terapias combinadas envolvem abordagens avançadas com o objetivo de acelerar a reabilitação nos atletas, e a eletroacupuntura apresenta benefícios terapêuticos, embora ainda não possua evidencias de sua combinação com a terapia esportiva. Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho da reabilitação esportiva em atletas com lesão meniscal utilizando eletroacupuntura combinada à terapia esportiva. Métodos: A intervenção no grupo controle baseou-se no trabalho tradicional de amplitude de movimento, força muscular, treinamento proprioceptivo e outros tipos de terapias de exercício enquanto que ao grupo experimental foi adicionado um protocolo de eletro-acupuntura de 30 minutos de duração, 3 vezes por semana durante 4 semanas consecutivas. Os dados de substituição (sexo, idade, curso de doença, localização) são basicamente os mesmos. Antes do tratamento, a atividade articular, a força muscular, o escore total da escala articular do questionário LYSHOLM e outros índices de observação foram medidos na 6ª e 12ª semana do tratamento. O método estatístico não paramétrico e teste-T foram utilizados para analisar as alterações de cada índice antes e depois do tratamento. Após 12 semanas de tratamento, a diferença entre o grupo experimental e a combinação antes do tratamento foi significativa. Resultados: O efeito de tratamento do grupo experimental foi significativamente melhor do que o grupo controle. Conclusão: O efeito de reabilitação esportiva de atletas com lesão meniscal baseada em eletroacupuntura combinada à terapia esportiva demonstrou alto valor de aplicação resolutiva, indicada como alternativa para o tratamento não cirúrgico em lesões no menisco do joelho. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.


Resumen Introducción: La lesión meniscal es una lesión común que puede causar incapacidad por dolor y fallo propioceptivo, requiriendo atención inmediata. Las terapias combinadas implican enfoques avanzados con el objetivo de acelerar la rehabilitación en los deportistas, y la electroacupuntura presenta beneficios terapéuticos, aunque todavía no hay pruebas de su combinación con la terapia deportiva. Objetivo: Analizar el rendimiento de la rehabilitación deportiva en atletas con lesión meniscal utilizando electroacupuntura combinada con la terapia deportiva. Métodos: La intervención en el grupo de control se basó en el trabajo tradicional de amplitud de movimiento, fuerza muscular, entrenamiento propioceptivo y otros tipos de terapias de ejercicio, mientras que al grupo experimental se le añadió un protocolo de electroacupuntura de 30 minutos de duración, 3 veces a la semana durante 4 semanas consecutivas. Los datos sustitutivos (sexo, edad, evolución de la enfermedad, localización) son básicamente los mismos. Antes del tratamiento, se midieron la actividad articular, la fuerza muscular, la puntuación total de la escala articular del cuestionario LYSHOLM y otros índices de observación en la 6ª y 12ª semana de tratamiento. Se utilizó el método estadístico no paramétrico y la prueba T para analizar los cambios de cada índice antes y después del tratamiento. Tras 12 semanas de tratamiento, la diferencia entre el grupo experimental y la combinación antes del tratamiento era significativa. Resultados: El efecto del tratamiento del grupo experimental fue significativamente mejor que el del grupo de control. Conclusión: El efecto de la rehabilitación deportiva de atletas con lesión de menisco basada en la electroacupuntura combinada con la terapia deportiva mostró un alto valor de aplicación resolutiva, indicada como alternativa de tratamiento no quirúrgico en las lesiones de menisco de rodilla. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.


Subject(s)
Humans , Athletic Injuries/rehabilitation , Electroacupuncture , Exercise Therapy/methods , Tibial Meniscus Injuries/rehabilitation , Knee Injuries/rehabilitation , Pain Measurement , Muscle Strength
8.
Acta Anatomica Sinica ; (6): 689-694, 2023.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1015175

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the potential mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor B2/erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor-interacting B2/big mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(EphB2/EphrinB2/BMK1) signaling pathway to improve neural damage in vascular dementia rats. Methods Eighty SD male adult rats were randomly divided into a sham surgery group, a model group, a non acupoint electroacupuncture group, a nimodipine group, and an electroacupuncture three needle group. The vascular dementia rat model was made by the modified Pulsinelli four vessel occlusion method. After grouping, the rats in each group were subjected to water maze test, HE staining, Nissl staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 area, and the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 area was detected by immunohistochemistry; Detection of EphB2 and BMK1 protein expression in rat hippocampal CA1 region was detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the escape latency of vascular dementia rats treated with electroacupuncture and nimodipine decreased (P0.05). Compared with the nimodipine group, the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats in the electroacupuncture Zhisanzhen group significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve the damage of hippocampal neurons in vascular dementia rats by increasing the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, thereby improving the learning and memory of vascular dementia rats.

9.
Journal of Integrative Medicine ; (12): 496-508, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1010954

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#This work explores the impact of electroacupuncture (EA) on acute postoperative pain (APP) and the role of stimulator of interferon genes/type-1 interferon (STING/IFN-1) signaling pathway modulation in the analgesic effect of EA in APP rats.@*METHODS@#The APP rat model was initiated through abdominal surgery and the animals received two 30 min sessions of EA at bilateral ST36 (Zusanli) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoints. Mechanical, thermal and cold sensitivity tests were performed to measure the pain threshold, and electroencephalograms were recorded in the primary somatosensory cortex to identify the effects of EA treatment on APP. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to examine the expression and distribution of proteins in the STING/IFN-1 pathway as well as neuroinflammation. A STING inhibitor (C-176) was administered intrathecally to verify its role in EA.@*RESULTS@#APP rats displayed mechanical and thermal hypersensitivities compared to the control group (P < 0.05). APP significantly reduced the amplitude of θ, α and γ oscillations compared to their baseline values (P < 0.05). Interestingly, expression levels of proteins in the STING/IFN-1 pathway were downregulated after inducing APP (P < 0.05). Further, APP increased pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and downregulated anti-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-10 and arginase-1 (P < 0.05). EA effectively attenuated APP-induced painful hypersensitivities (P < 0.05) and restored the θ, α and γ power in APP rats (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, EA distinctly activated the STING/IFN-1 pathway and mitigated the neuroinflammatory response (P < 0.05). Furthermore, STING/IFN-1 was predominantly expressed in isolectin-B4- or calcitonin-gene-related-peptide-labeled dorsal root ganglion neurons and superficial laminae of the spinal dorsal horn. Inhibition of the STING/IFN-1 pathway by intrathecal injection of C-176 weakened the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of EA on APP (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA can generate robust analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on APP, and these effects may be linked to activating the STING/IFN-1 pathway, suggesting that STING/IFN-1 may be a target for relieving APP. Please cite this article as: Ding YY, Xu F, Wang YF, Han LL, Huang SQ, Zhao S, Ma LL, Zhang TH, Zhao WJ, Chen XD. Electroacupuncture alleviates postoperative pain through inhibiting neuroinflammation via stimulator of interferon genes/type-1 interferon pathway. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 496-508.


Subject(s)
Rats , Animals , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Neuroinflammatory Diseases , Electroacupuncture , Pain, Postoperative , Interferons
10.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1435-1440, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007507

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) on the gastric emptying rate, the level of serotonin (5-HT) and the protein expression of motilin (MTL), ghrelin, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the antral tissue of the rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of FD.@*METHODS@#A total of 21 SPF male SD rat pups were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an EA group, with 7 rats in each group. In the model group and the EA group, FD model was prepared by the gavage with 0.1% sucrose iodoacetamide solution combined with the modified small platform method. After the successful modeling, EA was applied to "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) in the rats of the EA group, with disperse-dense wave, 20 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, stimulated for 30 min, once daily, for 7 days consecutively. Before and after intervention, the general condition of the rats was observed in each group. After the completion of intervention, the gastric emptying rate was measured, the morphological changes of gastric antral tissue were observed using HE staining, the level of 5-HT was detected with ELISA method, and the protein expression of MTL, ghrelin, SP, and VIP was determined with Western blot method in the antral tissue of rats.@*RESULTS@#In the normal group, the rats were in a good mental state, with lustrous fur, flexible movement and the increase of food intake and body mass. In the model group, the rats were poor in mental state, lack of lustre in fur, preference for the body curled up, reduced activity and response; and a part of rats had loose stool, obviously enlarged gastric body and gastric food retention. In the EA group, the general condition of rats, e.g. the mental state, food intake and activity, were improved, the gastric body got smaller obviously and the gastric food retention was reduced when compared with the model group. The antral structure was intact, the glands were rich and no injury of the gastric mucosa was found, e.g. inflammatory reaction and edema in the rats of each group. Compared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate was decreased (P<0.01), 5-HT level was increased (P<0.01), the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was reduced (P<0.01) and that of VIP was elevated (P<0.01) in the rats of the model group. The gastric emptying rate was increased (P<0.01), 5-HT level was decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the rats of the EA group when compared with those in the model group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) may effectively relieve gastric dysfunction, strengthen gastric motility and promote gastric emptying so as to alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia in FD rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the antral tissue.


Subject(s)
Rats , Male , Animals , Electroacupuncture , Dyspepsia/therapy , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Ghrelin , Gastrointestinal Hormones , Serotonin , Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide , Acupuncture Points
11.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1425-1430, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007504

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects on the glucose-lipid metabolism and the expression of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue after electroacupuncture (EA) at "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) in the rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), so as to explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of T2DM.@*METHODS@#Twelve ZDF male rats were fed with high-sugar and high-fat fodder, Purina #5008 for 4 weeks to induce T2DM model. After successfully modeled, the rats were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, with 6 rats in each one. Additionally, 6 ZL male rats of the same months age were collected as the blank group. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), with continuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency, and 2 mA in intensity. The electric stimulation lasted 20 min each time. EA was delivered once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Separately, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured before modeling, before and after intervention, and the body mass of each rat was weighted before and after intervention. After intervention, the levels of the total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) in serum were detected using enzyme colorimetric method; and the levels of the serum insulin (INS) and ZAG were detected by ELISA. Besides, the insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) was calculated. With Western blot technique adopted, the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue were determined.@*RESULTS@#After intervention, compared with the blank group, the levels of FBG and body mass, and the levels of serum TC, TG, FFA and INS increased (P<0.01), while HOMA-ISI decreased (P<0.01); the level of ZAG in the serum and the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue dropped (P<0.01) in the model group. In the EA group, compared with the model group, the levels of FBG and body mass, and the levels of serum TC, TG, FFA and INS were reduced (P<0.01), and HOMA-ISI increased (P<0.01); the level of ZAG in the serum and the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue increased (P<0.01, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture can effectively regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, improve insulin resistance and sensitivity in the rats with T2DM, which is associated with the modulation of ZAG and GLUT4 expression in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.


Subject(s)
Rats , Male , Animals , Glucose/metabolism , Electroacupuncture , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Lipid Metabolism , Triglycerides , Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Acupuncture Points
12.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1343-1350, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007492

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the cerebral metabolism in the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated cognitive dysfunction (T2DACD) and explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) at the acupoints for Tiaozang Xingshen (adjusting zangfu function and rescuing the spirit) in treatment of T2DACD, using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.@*METHODS@#Fifteen patients with T2DACD (observation group) and 22 healthy subjects (control group) were enrolled. In the observation group, the patients were treated with EA for Tiaozang Xingshen at Baihui (GV 20) and Shenting (GV 24), and bilateral Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3). EA was operated with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency and 0.1 mA to 1.0 mA in current intensity; 30 min each time, once daily. One course of EA consisted of 5 treatments, at the interval of 2 days and the intervention lasted 8 courses. Before treatment in the control group, before and after treatment in the observation group, the score of Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), the score of clinical dementia rating (CDR), Flanker paradigm, Stroop paradigm, Nback paradigm, the score of self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the score of self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the score of Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) were evaluated separately; the glycolipid metabolic indexes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], glycosylated hemoglobin type A1c [HbA1c], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) were determined;with the magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique adopted, the metabolites in the basal ganglia area were detected. The correlation analysis was performed for the metabolite values with MoCA score, CDR score , Flanker paradigm, Stroop paradigm, and Nback paradigm.@*RESULTS@#Before treatment, compared with the control group, in the observation group, MoCA score was lower (P<0.001), CDR score and the levels of FPG and HbA1c were higher (P<0.001); the reaction times of Flanker non-conflict, Flanker conflict, Stroop neutrality, Stroop congruence, Stroop conflict, and 1-back were prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.001), and the accuracy of Flanker conflict, Stroop conflict, and 1-back decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the ratio of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) to creatine (Cr) in the left basal ganglia area was dropped (P<0.001), and that of myo-inositol (MI) to Cr in the right side increased (P<0.05). In the observation group after treatment, compared with the levels before treatment, MoCA score was higher (P<0.001), the scores of CDR, SAS and HAMD were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the reaction times of Flanker conflict and Stroop conflict shortened (P<0.001, P<0.05), and the accuracy of Flanker conflict and 1-back increased (P<0.001, P<0.05); the ratio of NAA to Cr in the left basal ganglia area and that of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to Cr in the right increased (P<0.05), that of MI to Cr in the right decreased (P<0.05). Before treatment, in the observation group, the ratio of MI to Cr in the right basal ganglia area was positively correlated with the reaction time of Stroop congruence (r=0.671, P=0.012) and this ratio was positively correlated with the reaction time of Stroop conflict (r=0.576, P=0.039).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture for "adjusting zangfu function and rescuing the mind" improves the cognitive function of T2DACD patients, which may be related to the regulation of NAA, MI and GABA levels in the basal ganglia.


Subject(s)
Humans , Electroacupuncture , Acupuncture Therapy , Acupuncture Points , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , Glycated Hemoglobin , Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy , Cholesterol , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
13.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1303-1306, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007487

ABSTRACT

The academic thoughts of professor GAO Wei-bin regarding the use of electroacupuncture in the treatment of dry eye are introduced. Professor GAO believes that the occurrence of dry eye is mainly related to the stagnation of qi and blood in the eye meridians, leading to inadequate nourishment of the eyes. The acupuncture treatment principle focuses on promoting blood circulation, clearing and benefiting the eye orifices. By integrating traditional acupuncture theory with modern neuroanatomy, the treatment approach centers on stimulating the lacrimal gland, emphasizing the importance of promoting, addressing symptoms as a priority, and considering both the root cause and symptoms.The precise acupoint selection is emphasized. Acupoints of periocular region, such as Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and Leixian point are selected along with Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue point to treat dry eye. Attention is also given to the use of electroacupuncture and the selection of its frequencies, emphasizing specific needling techniques based on the severity and classification of the disease.


Subject(s)
Humans , Electroacupuncture , Meridians , Acupuncture Therapy/methods , Acupuncture Points , Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy
14.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1293-1299, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007485

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with neurodynamic mobilization (NM) on the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers after sciatic nerve injury in rabbits, and the expression of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and muscle-specific ring-finger protein 1 (MuRF1).@*METHODS@#A total of 180 common-grade New Zealand rabbits (half male and half female) were randomly divided into five groups, i.e. a normal control group, a model control group, a NM group, an EA group and a combined intervention group, 36 rabbits in each group. Except in the normal control group, clipping method was used to prepare the model of sciatic nerve injury in the rest groups. On the 3rd day of successful modeling, NM was delivered in the NM group. In the EA group, EA was exerted at bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L4 to L6, stimulated with disperse-dense wave and the frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz. In the combined intervention group, after EA delivered at bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) of L4 to L6 , NM was operated. The intervention in each group was delivered once daily, for 6 days a week, and lasted 1, 2 or 4 weeks according to the collection time of sample tissue. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, in each group, the toe tension reflex score and the modified Tarlov test score were observed; the morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by HE staining and the cross-sectional area of muscular fiber was measured; using Western blot method, the expression of NF-κB and MuRF1 of the gastrocnemius muscle was detected.@*RESULTS@#After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the toe tension reflex scores and the modified Tarlov scores in the model control group were lower than those of the normal control group (P<0.05), and these two scores in the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group were all higher than those of the model control group (P<0.05); the scores in the combined intervention group were higher than those in the EA group and the NM group (P<0.05). The gastrocnemius fibers were well arranged and the myocyte morphology was normal in the normal control group. In the model control group, the gastrocnemius fibers were disarranged, the myocytes were irregular in morphology and the inflammatory cells were infiltrated in the local. In the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group, the muscle fibers were regularly arranged when compared with the model control group. After 1, 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the cross-sectional areas of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers in the model control group were smaller than those of the normal control group (P<0.05). The cross-sectional areas in the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group were larger than those of the model control group (P<0.05), and the cross-sectional areas in the combined intervention group were larger than those in the NM group and the EA group (P<0.05). After intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks, the protein expressions of NF-κB and MuRF1 in the gastrocnemius muscle were higher in the model control group in comparison of those in the normal control group (P<0.05). In the NM group, the EA group and the combined intervention group, the expressions of NF-κB after intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and the expressions of MuRF1 after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention were lower when compared with those in the model control group (P<0.05). In the combined intervention group, the protein expressions of NF-κB after intervention for 1, 2 and 4 weeks and the expressions of MuRF1 after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention were decreased when compared with those in the NM group and the EA group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture at "Jiaji" (EX-B 2) combined with NM may increase the muscle strength and sciatic function and alleviate gastrocnemius muscle atrophy in the rabbits with sciatic nerve injury. The underlying mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB and MuRF1 expression.


Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Male , Rabbits , Electroacupuncture , Muscle, Skeletal , Muscular Atrophy/therapy , NF-kappa B/genetics , Peripheral Nerve Injuries , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Sciatic Nerve
15.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1239-1245, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007479

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different time intervals on corticospinal excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1) and the upper limb motor function in healthy subjects and observe the after-effect rule of acupuncture.@*METHODS@#Self-comparison before and after intervention design was adopted. Fifteen healthy subjects were included and all of them received three stages of trial observation, namely EA0 group (received one session of EA), EA6h group (received two sessions of EA within 1 day, with an interval of 6 h) and EA48h group (received two sessions of EA within 3 days, with an interval of 48 h). The washout period among stages was 1 week. In each group, the needles were inserted perpendicularly at Hegu (LI 4) on the left side, 23 mm in depth and at a non-acupoint, 0.5 cm nearby to the left side of Hegu (LI 4), separately. Han's acupoint nerve stimulator (HANS-200A) was attached to these two needles, with continuous wave and the frequency of 2 Hz. The stimulation intensity was exerted higher than the exercise threshold (local muscle twitching was visible, and pain was tolerable by healthy subjects, 1-2 mA ). The needles were retained for 30 min. Using the single pulse mode of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) technique, before the first session of EA (T0) and at the moment (T1), in 2 h (T2) and 24 h (T3) after the end of the last session of EA, on the left first dorsal interosseous muscle, the amplitude, latency (LAT), resting motor threshold (rMT) of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the completion time of grooved pegboard test (GPT) were detected. Besides, in the EA6h group, TMS was adopted to detect the excitability of M1 (amplitude, LAT and rMT of MEPs) before the last session of EA (T0*).@*RESULTS@#The amplitude of MEPs at T1 and T2 in the EA0 group, at T0* in the EA6h group and at T1, T2 and T3 in the EA48h group was higher when compared with the value at T0 in each group separately (P<0.001). At T1, the amplitude of MEPs in the EA0 group and the EA48h group was higher than that in the EA6h group (P<0.001, P<0.01); at T2, it was higher in the EA0 group when compared with that in the EA6h group (P<0.01); at T3, the amplitude in the EA0 group and the EA6h group was lower than that of the EA48h group (P<0.001). The LAT at T1 was shorter than that at T0 in the three groups (P<0.05), and the changes were not obvious at the rest time points compared with that at T0 (P > 0.05). The GPT completion time of healthy subjects in the EA0 group and the EA48h group at T1, T2 and T3 was reduced in comparison with that at T0 (P<0.001). The completion time at T3 was shorter than that at T0 in the EA6h group (P<0.05); at T2, it was reduced in the EA48h group when compared with that of the EA6h group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in rMT among the three groups and within each group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Under physiological conditions, EA has obvious after-effect on corticospinal excitability and upper limb motor function. The short-term interval protocol (6 h) blocks the after-effect of EA to a certain extent, while the long-term interval protocol (48 h) prolongs the after-effect of EA.


Subject(s)
Humans , Electroacupuncture , Motor Cortex/physiology , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Upper Extremity , Exercise , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology
16.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1279-1286, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007473

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on functional constipation (FC) at the combined lower he-sea and front-mu points of large intestine based on enteric neuronal autophagy.@*METHODS@#A total of 40 SPF Kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8), i.e. a control group, a model group, an acupuncture group, a 3-methyl adenine (3-MA) group, and a 3-MA + acupuncture group. Except the control group, the FC model was established by gavage with compound diphenoxylate suspension for 14 days in the other 4 groups. After successful modeling, the mice of the acupuncture group and the 3-MA + acupuncture group received EA at bilateral "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37), stimulated for 30 min with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz of frequency, 1 mA of intensity. EA was delivered once daily. One course of treatment was composed of 5 days and 2 courses were needed, with an interval of 2 days. An intraperitoneal injection of 3-MA (15 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before EA in the mice of the 3-MA group and the 3-MA + acupuncture group, once daily. Before and after intervention, the time of the first black stool defecation and defecation behaviors in 6 h were observed in each group. After intervention, in every group, the small intestine propulsion rate was calculated, the colon tissue morphology was observed using HE staining, the ultrastructure of enteric neuronal autophagy was observed under transmission electron microscope, and the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin-1 and neuronal nuclear antigen protein (NeuN) in neurons of colonic muscularis were determined by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#Before intervention, when compared with those in the control group, the time of the first black stool defecation was prolonged (P<0.01, P<0.05), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01, P<0.05) and water content (P<0.05, P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were reduced in the model, acupuncture, 3-MA and 3-MA + acupuncture groups. After intervention, compared with those in the control group, the time of the first black stool defecation was longer (P<0.05), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01) and water content (P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were decreased in the model group. The time of the first black stool defecation was shortened (P<0.01), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01) and water content (P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were increased in the acupuncture group when compared with those in the model group. The time of the first black stool defecation was extended (P<0.01), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01) and water content (P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were declined in the 3-MA + acupuncture group in comparison with those in the acupuncture group. All layers of colon tissue were normal and intact in each group. When compared with the control group, the small intestine propulsion rate and the average optical density (OD) values of LC3, Beclin-1 and NeuN in neurons of colonic muscularis were decreased (P<0.01), and autophagosomes were dropped in the model group. In the acupuncture group, the small intestine propulsion rate and the average OD values of NeuN, LC3 and Beclin-1 in neurons of colonic muscularis increased (P<0.01,P<0.05), and autophagosomes were elevated when compared with those in the model group. The small intestine propulsion rate and the average OD values of NeuN, LC3 and Beclin-1 in neurons of colonic muscularis were dropped (P<0.05,P<0.01) in the 3-MA + acupuncture group in comparison with those in the acupuncture group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture may promote enteric neuronal autophagy and increase the number of neurons so that the intestinal motility can be improved and constipation symptoms can be relieved in FC mice.


Subject(s)
Mice , Animals , Electroacupuncture , Beclin-1 , Acupuncture Points , Constipation/therapy , Intestine, Small , Autophagy , Water
17.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1221-1225, 2023.
Article in English | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007469

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the efficacy of needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training and electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).@*METHODS@#A total of 206 patients with PSCI were randomized into a needle retaining group (103 cases, 9 cases dropped out) and an electroacupuncture group (103 cases, 6 cases dropped out). In addition to the conventional basic medical treatment and the rehabilitation treatment, in the needle retaining group, electroacupuncture at Shenting (GV 24) and Baihui (GV 20) was applied, with continuous wave of 50 Hz in the first 15 min and with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/50 Hz in the last 15 min, the needles were continuously retained for 1 h after electroacupuncture, during which cognitive training was adopted; in the electroacupuncture group, cognitive training was performed after the same electric stimulation exerted for 30 min, without additional needles retaining. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for totally 8 weeks in the two groups. Before and after 8-week treatment, the TCM syndrome score was observed; before and after 4,8-week treatment, the scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and ability of daily living were observed in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after 8-week treatment.@*RESULTS@#After 8-week treatment, the TCM syndrome scores were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05); the TCM syndrome score in the needle retaining group was higher than that in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05).After 4,8-week treatment, the scores of MMSE, MoCA and ability of daily living were increased compared with those before treatment in both groups (P<0.05); MMSE, MoCA scores after 4,8-week treatment and ability of daily living score after 8-week treatment in the needle retaining group were higher than those in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.4% (85/94) in the needle retaining group, which was superior to 82.5% (80/97) in the electroacupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training and electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training can effectively treat PSCI, improve the clinical symptom, cognitive function and ability of daily living in PSCI patients. Needle retaining after electroacupuncture combined with cognitive training has a better therapeutic effect.


Subject(s)
Humans , Electroacupuncture , Acupuncture Therapy , Cognitive Training , Acupuncture Points , Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy , Stroke/complications , Treatment Outcome
18.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1151-1156, 2023.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007458

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and explore preliminarily the mediating role of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) and its downstream nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Six 12-week-old WKY male rats were employed as the normal group. Eighteen 12-week-old SHR were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e. a model group, an EA group and a blocking group (EA after blocking α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor [α7nAchR]), with 6 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was delivered at "Neiguan"(PC 6) and the site 0.5 cm from its left side, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency and 1 mA in current intensity. One intervention took 30 min and was given once every 2 days, lasting 8 weeks. In the blocking group, prior to each EA, the α7nAchR specific blocker, α-bungartoxin was injected intravenously in the tails of the rats. After EA intervention, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured with non-invasive blood pressure monitor. Using echocardiogram, the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVAWd) , LV posterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVPWd) and the LV end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) were measured. The level of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the myocardial tissue was determined by using alkaline hydrolysis, and that of acetylcholine (Ach) was detected by ELISA. With the real-time PCR adopted, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, SBP, DBP, MAP, LVAWd and LVPWd were increased (P<0.01), and LVIDd was decreased (P<0.01) in the rats of the model group. SBP, DBP, MAP and LVAWd were dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), and LVIDd rose (P<0.01) in the EA group when compared with those in the model group. The differences in the above indexes were not statistically significant between the blocking group and the model group (P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, Hyp level and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) and Ach level decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Hyp level, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01) and Ach level rose (P<0.01) in the EA group when compared with those in the model group. These indexes were not different statistically between the blocking group and the model group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#CAP may be involved in ameliorating the pathological damage of myocardial fibrosis during EA at "Neiguan"(PC 6). The underlying effect mechanism is associated with up-regulating the neurotransmitter, Ach and down-regulating mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 and pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in myocardial tissue.


Subject(s)
Rats , Male , Animals , Rats, Inbred SHR , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Rats, Inbred WKY , Electroacupuncture , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Neuroimmunomodulation , alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor , Acetylcholine , Fibrosis , RNA, Messenger
19.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1114-1117, 2023.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007452

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians for sarcopenia.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with sarcopenia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the control group, conventional nutrition intervention for sarcopenia was adopted. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc.,ipsilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Zusanli (ST 36) were connected to electroacupuncture, with discontinuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1-10 mA in intensity, 2 times a week, with a interval of 3 days. A total of 12-week treatment was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, 6 m-walking time, body fat percentage and body moisture percentage were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, after treatment, ASMI and grip strength were increased while 6 m-walking time was shortened in the two groups (P<0.05); body fat percentage was decreased while body moisture percentage was increased in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, in the observation group, ASMI, grip strength and body moisture percentage were increased (P<0.05), 6 m-walking time was shortened and body fat percentage was decreased (P<0.05) compared with those in the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians can effectively improve the skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, body fat percentage and body moisture percentage in patients with sarcopenia, and make the distribution of muscle and fat more reasonable.


Subject(s)
Humans , Meridians , Acupuncture Points , Electroacupuncture , Sarcopenia/therapy , Acupuncture Therapy
20.
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion ; (12): 1099-1103, 2023.
Article in Chinese | WPRIM | ID: wpr-1007449

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects on neural function, living ability and mental state of the patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), as well as aquaporin 4 (AQP4) in the serum after treated with electroacupuncture (EA) on the base of routine therapy of western medicine.@*METHODS@#Seventy-two acute ICH patients were randomized into an observation group (36 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (36 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, the conventional treatment was delivered such as stopping bleeding, preventing re-hemorrhage, controlling blood pressure, mitigating neural edema and reducing intracranial pressure. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment in the control group, EA was supplemented. Acupoints included Shuigou (GV 26), bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) etc. Electric stimulation was operated at Neiguan (PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on the same side, with disperse-dense wave, and 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, tolerable current intensity. Electric stimulation was delivered for 30 min in each treatment, once daily and for 6 times per week. The duration of treatment was 2 weeks in the two groups. Before and after treatment, changes of the scores of National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel index (MBI) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), as well as AQP4 content in the serum were observed in the two groups; the efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The NIHSS scores and the serum AQP4 content decreased after treatment when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), while, MBI and MMSE scores increased (P<0.05). In the observation group, NIHSS score and serum AQP4 content were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05), and MBI and MMSE scores were higher (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.8% (30/32), higher than that of the control group (73.5%, 25/34, P<0.05). The treatment in the two groups was safe, without adverse reactions and events occurring in the patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture, on the base of conventional treatment of western medicine, can effectively improve the neural function, living ability, mental state and serum AQP4 content of the patients with acute ICH. It is suggested that the effective treatment by electroacupuncture may be related to the regulation of the serum AQP4 content.


Subject(s)
Humans , Electroacupuncture , Aquaporin 4 , Acupuncture Therapy , Cerebral Hemorrhage/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Acupuncture Points
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