[Effect of different intensities of electroacupuncture stimulation on expression of SOCS-3 and PPAR-gamma mRNA in adipose tissues of obesity rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma genes in the epididymis adipose tissue of obesity rats so as to explore its mechanism underlying weight reduction. METHODS: SD rats were randomized into normal control, obesity model, EA-5 mA and EA-1 mA groups (10 rats/group). EA stimulation (6 Hz/20 Hz, 5 mA or 1 mA) was delivered to the bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 15 min, once everyday for two weeks. The expression of SOCS-3 mRNA and PPAR-gamma mRNA in the epididymis adipose tissue was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the body weight and expression of SOCS-3 and PPAR-gamma mRNA in the model group were up-regulated obviously (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight and expression of SOCS-3 and PPAR-gamma mRNA were significantly decreased in the EA group, with the effects of EA-5 mA being better than those of EA-1 mA. CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of ST 36-SP 6 can reduce body weight in rats with simple obesity, and the effect of higher intensity of EA is apparently better. Accordingly, EA intervention induces down-regulation of SOCS-3 and PPAR-gamma mRNA expression in the epididymis adipose tissue.

[Effect of different intensities of electroacupuncture on expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and TNF-alpha in adipose tissue in obesity rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of different intensities of electroacupuncture (EA) on adipose tissue inflammatory cytokines in rats with simple obesity so as to investigate its mechanism underlying body weight reduction. METHODS: Forty SD male rats were randomly divided into normal, model, strong EA and weak EA groups (n = 10/group). Obesity model was established by feeding the rats with high fat diet. EA (20 Hz, strong EA: 5 V, weak EA: 2. 5 V) was applied to "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 15 min, once everyday and for 14 days. Body weight and Lee's index (= body weight(1/3) x 10(3) / body length) were detected. The fasting blood glucose was detected by hexokinase method, serum triglyceride (TG) was detected by glycerol-phosphoric acid oxidase peroxydase (GPO-POD)method, total cholesterol (TC) was detected by cholesterol oxidase method, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-O) were measured by using one-step method, respectively. The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MOP-1) mRNA and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA in the epididymis adipose tissue was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-POR). RESULTS: In comparison with the normal group, the body weight, Lee's index, blood lipid (TG, TC, LDL-C), fasting blood glucose levels, and expression of MOP-1 mRNA and TNF-alpha mRNA were significantly higher in the model group (P < 0.01), and HDL-C was significantly lower (P < 0.01). After EA,compared with the model group, the body weight, Lee's index, TG, TC, LDL-C, fasting blood glucose levels, and expression of MCP-1 mRNA and TNF-a mRNA in both strong and weak EA groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and HDL-C was significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The effects of strong EA group were obviously superior to those of weak EA group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No statistical significance was observed between the two EA groups in fasting blood glucose levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) has a beneficial weight-reduction effect on rats with simple obesity, and moreover, the effect of strong EA stimulation is evidently superior to weak EA stimulation.