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Yu M, Sun P, Sun C, Jin WL. Bioelectronic medicine potentiates endogenous NSCs for neurodegenerative diseases. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:886-896. [PMID: 37735022 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are commonly observed and while no therapy is universally applicable, cell-based therapies are promising. Stem cell transplantation has been investigated, but endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs), despite their potential, especially with the development of bioelectronic medicine and biomaterials, remain understudied. Here, we compare stem cell transplantation therapy with eNSC-based therapy and summarize the combined use of eNSCs and developing technologies. The rapid development of implantable biomaterials has resulted in electronic stimulation becoming increasingly effective and decreasingly invasive. Thus, the combination of bioelectronic medicine and eNSCs has substantial potential for the treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maifu Yu
- School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Pin Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Changkai Sun
- Research & Educational Center for the Control Engineering of Translational Precision Medicine (R-ECCE-TPM), School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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He XK, Liu HH, Chen SJ, Sun QQ, Yu G, Lei L, Niu ZY, Chen LD, Hsieh TH. Subsequent Acupuncture Reverses the Aftereffects of Intermittent Theta-Burst Stimulation. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:675365. [PMID: 33994957 PMCID: PMC8115810 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.675365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explored whether acupuncture affects the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the acquisition of motor skills following repetitive sequential visual isometric pinch task (SVIPT) training. Methods Thirty-six participants were recruited. The changes in the aftereffects induced by intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) and followed acupuncture were tested by the amplitude motor evoked potential (MEP) at pre-and-post-iTBS for 30 min and at acupuncture-in and -off for 30 min. Secondly, the effects of acupuncture on SVIPT movement in inducing error rate and learning skill index were tested. Results Following one session of iTBS, the MEP amplitude was increased and maintained at a high level for 30 min. The facilitation of MEP was gradually decreased to the baseline level during acupuncture-in and did not return to a high level after needle extraction. The SVIPT-acupuncture group had a lower learning skill index than those in the SVIPT group, indicating that acupuncture intervention after SVIPT training may restrain the acquisition ability of one’s learning skills. Conclusion Acupuncture could reverse the LTP-like plasticity of the contralateral motor cortex induced by iTBS. Subsequent acupuncture may negatively affect the efficacy of the acquisition of learned skills in repetitive exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Kuo He
- Fifth Hospital of XiaMen, Xiamen, China.,Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui-Hua Liu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Qian-Qian Sun
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guo Yu
- Fifth Hospital of XiaMen, Xiamen, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Fifth Hospital of XiaMen, Xiamen, China
| | | | - Li-Dian Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- School of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Qu F, Cui Y, Zeng J, Zhang M, Qiu S, Huang X, Chen A. Acupuncture induces adenosine in fibroblasts through energy metabolism and promotes proliferation by activating MAPK signaling pathway via adenosine 3 receptor. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:2441-2451. [PMID: 31556103 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has many advantages in the treatment of certain diseases as opposed to drug therapy. Besides, adenosine has been revealed to affect cellular progression including proliferation. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the mechanism involving acupuncture stress and adenosine in fibroblast proliferation. The fibroblasts from fascia tissues of the acupoint area (Zusanli) were stimulated by different levels of stress, different concentrations of adenosine, and agonist or antagonist of A3 receptor (A3 R) to investigate the effect of stress stimulation, adenosine, and adenosine-A3 R inhibition on fibroblasts. Then, the fibroblasts were treated with stress stimulation of 200 kPa or/and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) blocker. We revealed that stress stimulation and the binding of adenosine and A3 R promoted fibroblast proliferation in the fascial tissue, increased the expression of immune-related factors, adenosine and A3 R, and activated the MAPK signaling pathway. MAPK signaling pathway also directly affected the expression of adenosine, A3 R, and immune-related factors. Stress stimulation and adenosine treatment upregulated A3 R expression, and then activated the MAPK signaling pathway, which could in turn upregulate expression of adenosine, A3 R and immune-related factors, and promote cell proliferation. Adenosine is shown to form a positive feedback loop with the MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, stress stimulation in vitro induces the increase of adenosine in fibroblasts through the energy metabolism and activation of the MAPK signaling pathway through A3 R, ultimately promoting fibroblast proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Qu
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanru Cui
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Mingyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Shaying Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoting Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Aishe Chen
- Department of Physiology, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
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Timing of Acupuncture during LTP-Like Plasticity Induced by Paired-Associative Stimulation. Behav Neurol 2019; 2019:9278270. [PMID: 31093303 PMCID: PMC6476134 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9278270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the time-dependent effects of acupuncture on the excitability and long-term potentiation- (LTP-) like plasticity induced by paired-associative stimulation (PAS) over the primary motor cortex (M1). The present examination is the first to report the influence of acupuncture on the motor-evoked potential (MEP) throughout the treatment process, including baseline (before acupuncture), the needle in situ, and the needle removal. Subsequently, the LTP-like plasticity induced by paired-associative stimulation (PAS) was explored, which consisted of 200 pairs of electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the first dorsal interosseous (FDI), followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the bilateral M1. TMS-MEP amplitudes over the bilateral M1 in resting conditions were measured throughout the whole treatment process. Finally, we confirmed the behavioral measurements. Significant changes were found in both the contralateral and ipsilateral acupuncture sizes as compared to the baseline values. Our results indicated that acupuncture modulated the excitability of M1, and the synaptic plasticity was time-dependent. We concluded that acupuncture should be combined with rehabilitation techniques to improve the motor function in stroke patients. Therefore, we put forward the combined application of the acupuncture timing and rehabilitation for higher therapeutic effectiveness. This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration no. ChiCTR-IPR-1900020515).
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Zhang H, He S, Hu Y, Zheng H. Antagonism of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Attenuates the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Electroacupuncture in a Rodent Model of Migraine. Acupunct Med 2018; 34:463-470. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The anti-nociceptive effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in migraine have been documented in multiple randomised controlled trials. Neurogenic inflammation plays a key role in migraine attacks, and the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture have been associated with the type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor. Objective To investigate whether CB1 receptors mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of EA on migraine attacks. Methods A migraine model was produced in Sprague-Dawley rats by unilateral electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (TGES). Rats received EA daily on the 5 days preceding TGES with (TGES+EA+SR141716 group) or without (TGES+EA group) intraperitoneal injections of the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716. Another group of TGES rats (TGES+MA group) and a non-TGES sham-operated group of rats (Sham+MA group) received minimal acupuncture (MA). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations were determined in serum obtained from the ipsilateral jugular vein at initiation of TGES and 5 min after. Postmortem interleukin (IL)-1β and cyclooxygenase (COX)2 protein levels in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and plasma protein extravasation (PPE) in the dura mater were assessed. Results TGES induced increases in serum CGRP and PGE2 levels (TGES+MA vs baseline and vs Sham: all p<0.001), as well as IL-1β and COX2 protein expression in the TG, and neurogenic PPE levels (TGES+MA vs Sham+MA: all p<0.001). EA attenuated TGES-induced increases in the levels of these proteins (TGES+EA vs TGES+MA: all p<0.001). CB1 receptor antagonism reversed the effects of EA (TGES+EA+SR141716 vs TGES+EA: all p<0.05). Conclusions CB1 receptors appear to mediate anti-inflammatory effects of EA in a rat model of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengdong He
- Department of Respirology, The affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Youping Hu
- Acupuncture College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Acupuncture College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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The Effect of Electroacupuncture versus Manual Acupuncture through the Expression of TrkB/NF- κB in the Subgranular Zone of the Dentate Gyrus of Telomerase-Deficient Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:1013978. [PMID: 29849690 PMCID: PMC5937603 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1013978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study showed that the acupuncture stimulation on the acupoint (ST-36) could activate the brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways in telomerase-deficient mice. Recently, we set out to investigate whether the manual acupuncture (MA) or electroacupuncture (EA) displays a therapeutic advantage on age-related deterioration of learning and memory. Both telomerase-deficient mice (Terc−/− group, n = 24) and wild-type mice (WT group, n = 24) were randomly assigned to 3 subgroups (CON, controls with no treatment; MA, mice receiving manual acupuncture; EA, mice receiving electric acupuncture). The mice were subjected to behavior test, and EA/MA were applied at bilateral acupoints (ST36) 30 min daily for 7 successive days. The brain tissues were collected after the last Morris water maze (MWM) test and were subjected to the immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The MWM test showed that EA can significantly increase the time in target quadrant (P ≤ 0.01) and frequency of locating platform for Terc−/− mice (P ≤ 0.05), while nothing changed in WT mice. Furthermore, western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggested that EA could also specifically increase the expression of TrkB and NF-κB in Terc−/− mice but not in wild-type mice (P ≤ 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression level and ratio of ERK/p-ERK did not exhibit significant changes in each subgroup. These results indicated that, compared with MA, the application of EA could specifically ameliorate the spatial learning and memory capability for telomerase-deficient mice through the activation of TrkB and NF-κB.
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Shin HK, Lee SW, Choi BT. Modulation of neurogenesis via neurotrophic factors in acupuncture treatments for neurological diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 141:132-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Acupuncture Stimulation at GB34 Restores MPTP-Induced Neurogenesis Impairment in the Subventricular Zone of Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:3971675. [PMID: 28592981 PMCID: PMC5448055 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3971675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis has recently been considered a new therapeutic paradigm of Parkinson's disease. In this study, we investigated whether acupuncture restores 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine- (MPTP-) induced impaired neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ). Male C57BL/6 mice were given 30 mg/kg of MPTP intraperitoneally once a day for 5 days, after which they were intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and given acupuncture stimulation at HT7 or GB34 for 12 consecutive days. Dopaminergic neuronal survival in the nigrostriatal pathway and cell proliferation in the SVZ was then evaluated by immunostaining. MPTP administration induced dopaminergic neuronal death in the nigrostriatal pathway, which was suppressed by acupuncture stimulation at GB34. MPTP administration also suppressed the number of BrdU-positive cells and glial fibrillary acidic protein/BrdU-positive cells and increased the number of doublecortin/BrdU-positive cells in the SVZ, which were restored by acupuncture stimulation at GB34. These results indicate that acupuncture stimulation at GB34 restores MPTP-induced neurogenesis impairment.
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Liu Y, Wang XJ, Wang N, Cui CL, Wu LZ. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Propofol-Induced Cognitive Impairment via an Opioid Receptor-Independent Mechanism. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2016; 44:705-19. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x16500385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
While general anesthesia is known to induce cognitive deficits in elderly and pediatric patients, its influence on adults is less well-characterized. The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of propofol on the learning and memory of young adult rats, as well as the potential neuroprotective role of electroacupuncture (EA) in propofol-induced cognitive impairment. Intravenous anesthesia with propofol was administered to young adult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats for 6 h, and EA was administered three times before and after anesthesia. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was conducted to determine the rat’s cognitive performance following the anesthesia treatment. Our results showed that propofol induced obvious cognitive impairment in young adult rats, which could be ameliorated by multiple EA treatments. Moreover, the decreased level of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (pGSK-3β) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus accompanying the cognitive impairment was also reversed by EA treatment. Further experiments demonstrated that neither 2 nor 10 mg/kg (I.P.) naloxone blocked the effect of EA, indicating that the neuroprotective effect of EA on propofol-induced cognitive impairment was not mediated via the opioid receptors. The present study suggests that EA could ameliorate the cognitive impairment induced by prolonged anesthesia with propofol in young adult rats, which is likely associated with pGSK-3β levels in the CA1 independently of opioid receptors. These findings imply that EA may be used as a potential neuroprotective therapy for post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin-Juan Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Na Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cai-Lian Cui
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liu-Zhen Wu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Department of Neurobiology School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
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Zhu B, Wang Y, Zhang G, Ouyang H, Zhang J, Zheng Y, Zhang S, Wu C, Qu S, Chen J, Huang Y, Tang C. Acupuncture at KI3 in healthy volunteers induces specific cortical functional activity: an fMRI study. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:361. [PMID: 26467429 PMCID: PMC4604759 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we determined brain regions that were activated/deactivated more by acupuncture at Taixi (KI3) than by non-acupoint or sham acupuncture. Methods A total of 30 healthy volunteers were randomly divided into a KI3 group (15 subjects) and non-acupoint group (15 subjects). Subjects in KI3 group received a sham acupuncture and then a real acupuncture, fMRI was performed before and after sham acupuncture as well as after ture acupuncture. Subjects in non-acupoint group received a ture acupuncture and the fMRI was performed before and after ture acupuncture. The fMRI data obtained were successively analyzed using DPARSF2.3 and REST1.8 software, yielding regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) values. Results Compared with sham acupuncture, ALFF values were higher in Brodmann area (BA) 10 and lower in BA7 and BA18. ReHo values after real acupuncture at KI3 were higher in the right sub-lobar region and BA10 and were lower in BA31. Compared with the changes before and after real acupuncture at non-acupoint, the changes at KI3 showed higher ALFF valued in the left cerebellum posterior lobe, BA10, BA39, BA31 and decreased ALFF was observed in the BA18, BA19 and BA40; and higher ReHo values were shown in left cerebellum posterior lobe pyramis, left cerebellum anterior lobe. BA37, BA10, BA39, BA31 and lower ReHo values were shown in BA18 and BA31. Conclusion Acupuncture at KI3 has a specific effect on certain brain regions associated with perception, body movement, spirit, and association. Additionally, visual and auditory cortices were affected, which may be related to the clinical applications of KI3 acupuncture in auditory and cognitive disorders, hypomnesis, loss of concentration, and the loss of ability to work and learn. Trial registration The research ethics committee was achieved at 01/08/2012, the NO. was ChiECRCT-2012011. Website for Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=7123. This study was registered at www.chictr.org, the Clinical Trial Registration Number was ChiCTR-TRC-12002427, and the registration number was achieved at 18/08/2012. The name of IRB that provided approval for the study and clearly state is Chinese Clinical Trail Registry.
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Neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborn rats are associated with increased expression of GDNF-RET and protein kinase B. Chin J Integr Med 2015; 22:457-66. [PMID: 26033318 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-1972-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to further investigate the role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family receptor member RET (rearranged during transfection) and its key downstream phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI-3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in the process. METHODS A total of 220 seven-day-old SD rats (of either sex, from 22 broods) were randomly divided into two groups, one (30 rats) for sham-surgery group and the other (190 rats) for HIE model group. The HIE model was established using the left common carotid artery ligation method in combination with hypoxic treatment. The successfully established rats were randomly divided into five groups, including control model group, EA group, sham-EA group, antagonist group and antagonist plus electroacupuncture group, with 35 rats in each group. Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Quchi (LI 11) and Yongquan (KI 1) acupoints were chosen for acupuncture. EA was performed at Baihui and Quchi for 10 min once a day for continuous 1, 3, 7 and 21 days, respectively. The rats were then killed after the operation and injured cerebral cortex was taken for the measurement of neurologic damage by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and the degenerative changes of cortical ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy. RET mRNA level and Akt protein level were detected by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS EA could ameliorate neurologic damage of the first somatic sensory area (S1Tr) and alleviate the degenerative changes of ultrastructure of cortical neurons in rats subjected to HIE. And the longer acupuncture treatment lasted, the better its therapeutic effect would be. This was accompanied by gradually increased expression of GDNF family receptor RET at the mRNA level and its downstream signaling Akt at the protein level in the ischemic cortex. CONCLUSION EA has neuroprotective effects on HIE and could be a potential therapeutic strategy for HIE in the neonate. Activation of RET/Akt signaling pathway might be involved in this process.
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Nam MH, Ahn KS, Choi SH. Acupuncture: a potent therapeutic tool for inducing adult neurogenesis. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:33-5. [PMID: 25788912 PMCID: PMC4357108 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.150643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ho Nam
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hoon Choi
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Fan HC, Ho LI, Chi CS, Cheng SN, Juan CJ, Chiang KL, Lin SZ, Harn HJ. Current proceedings of cerebral palsy. Cell Transplant 2015; 24:471-85. [PMID: 25706819 DOI: 10.3727/096368915x686931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complicated disease with varying causes and outcomes. It has created significant burden to both affected families and societies, not to mention the quality of life of the patients themselves. There is no cure for the disease; therefore, development of effective therapeutic strategies is in great demand. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that the transplantation of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, umbilical cord blood cells, and human embryonic germ cells, focusing on the root of the problem, may provide the possibility of developing a complete cure in treating CP. However, safety is the first factor to be considered because some stem cells may cause tumorigenesis. Additionally, more preclinical and clinical studies are needed to determine the type of cells, route of delivery, cell dose, timing of transplantation, and combinatorial strategies to achieve an optimal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hueng-Chuen Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chung JY, Yoo DY, Im W, Choi JH, Yi SS, Youn HY, Hwang IK, Seong JK, Yoon YS. Electroacupuncture at the Zusanli and Baihui acupoints ameliorates type-2 diabetes-induced reductions in proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts in the hippocampal dentate gyrus with increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 77:167-73. [PMID: 25342636 PMCID: PMC4363018 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) can inhibit pathological reductions in neurogenesis. Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats at 7 weeks of age were anesthetized with zoletil, and sham-acupuncture or EA at the Zusanli (ST36) and Baihui (GV20) acupoints was administered once a day for 5 weeks. In the ZDF group that received sham-EA (ZDF-Sham group), the blood glucose level was significantly increased together with age as compared to the control littermates [Zucker lean control (ZLC) rat]. In contrast, proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts were significantly decreased in the ZDF-Sham group compared to the ZLC group. Although EA treatment decreased blood glucose levels, this was not statistically significant when compared to blood glucose levels changes in the ZDF-Sham group. However, proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts were significantly increased with EA in ZDF rats as compared to those in the ZDF-Sham group.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly decreased in hippocampal homogenates of ZDF-Sham group compared to those in the ZLC group. The EA treatment significantly increased the BDNF levels compared to those in the ZDF-Sham group, and BDNF levels in this group were similar to those in the ZLC group. These results suggest that EA at ST36 and GV20 can ameliorate the reductions in proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts in the dentate gyrus induced by type-2 diabetes without significantly reducing blood glucose levels with increasing BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Chung
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
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Ho TJ, Chan TM, Ho LI, Lai CY, Lin CH, Macdonald I, Harn HJ, Lin JG, Lin SZ, Chen YH. The possible role of stem cells in acupuncture treatment for neurodegenerative diseases: a literature review of basic studies. Cell Transplant 2014; 23:559-66. [PMID: 24636189 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x678463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This review reports on recent findings concerning the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) on stem cell mobilization and differentiation, in particular with regard to neurogenesis. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has a history of over 2,500 years and is becoming more popular worldwide. Evidence has demonstrated that acupuncture may be of benefit in stroke rehabilitation, parkinsonism, dementia, and depression. This article reviews recent studies concerning the effects of acupuncture/EA on stem cell mobilization and on progenitor cell proliferation in the CNS. The reviewed evidence indicates that acupuncture/EA has beneficial effects in several neurodegenerative diseases, and it may prove to be a nondrug method for mobilizing stem cells in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jung Ho
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Electroacupuncture promotes proliferation of amplifying neural progenitors and preserves quiescent neural progenitors from apoptosis to alleviate depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:872568. [PMID: 24719647 PMCID: PMC3955608 DOI: 10.1155/2014/872568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours and neural progenitors in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression. After being exposed to a CUS procedure for 2 weeks, rats were subjected to EA treatment, which was performed on acupoints Du-20 (Bai-Hui) and GB-34 (Yang-Ling-Quan), once every other day for 15 consecutive days (including 8 treatments), with each treatment lasting for 30 min. The behavioural tests (i.e., forced swimming test, elevated plus-maze test, and open-field entries test) revealed that EA alleviated the depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviours of the stressed rats. Immunohistochemical results showed that proliferative cells (BrdU-positive) in the EA group were significantly larger in number compared with the Model group. Further, the results showed that EA significantly promoted the proliferation of amplifying neural progenitors (ANPs) and simultaneously inhibited the apoptosis of quiescent neural progenitors (QNPs). In a word, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like effects of EA is associated with enhancement of ANPs proliferation and preserving QNPs from apoptosis.
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Chen ZY, Lin L, Wang HH, Zhou Y, Yan JQ, Huang YL, Guo QL. Ondansetron combined with ST36 (Zusanli) acupuncture point injection for postoperative vomiting. Acupunct Med 2014; 32:124-31. [PMID: 24440809 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ondansetron, sometimes combined with acustimulation at PC6 (Neiguan), is commonly used for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting, but PC6 is not the only point that can be used for this purpose. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the combined effects of ondansetron and ST36 (Zusanli) acupuncture point injection on postoperative vomiting (POV) after laparoscopic surgery. METHODS A randomised, patient and assessor-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted. One hundred and sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) group P (placebo-control): intravenous normal saline+bilateral non-acupuncture point injection of vitamin B1 (n=40); (2) group O (ondansetron): intravenous ondansetron+bilateral ST36 sham injection (n=40); (3) group A (acupuncture point injection): intravenous normal saline+bilateral acupuncture point injection at ST36 of vitamin B1 (n=40); (4) group C (combination): intravenous ondansetron+bilateral acupuncture point injection at ST36 of vitamin B1 (n=40). Interventions were made on arrival at the postanaesthesia care unit. The primary outcome was the incidence of POV within 24 h after the operation. Secondary outcomes included severity of vomiting, incidence of rescue treatment, patients' satisfaction and the first anal exsufflation time 24 h after the operation. RESULTS The incidence of POV within 24 h postoperative period in each group was P 33%; O 11%, A 9% and C 6%. Outcomes for all intervention groups were significantly better than that for placebo (p<0.01). For the three interventions compared with placebo, the numbers needed to treat (NNTs) were O, NNT=5; A, NNT=5 and C, NNT=4. The secondary outcomes also demonstrated greater benefits of the combined regimen, with improvement seen in all the measures. CONCLUSIONS Ondansetron, acupuncture, and ondansetron and acupuncture combined are effective prophylaxis for POV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Y Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, , Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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Chen Y, Xu JJ, Liu S, Hou XH. Electroacupuncture at ST36 ameliorates gastric emptying and rescues networks of interstitial cells of Cajal in the stomach of diabetic rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83904. [PMID: 24391842 PMCID: PMC3877115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Depletion of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is certified in the stomach of diabetic patients. Though electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 is an effective therapy to regulate gastric motility, the mechanisms of EA at ST36 on gastric emptying and networks of ICC remain to be elucidated. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of EA on gastric emptying and on the alterations of ICC networks. Rats were randomized into the control, diabetic rats (DM), diabetic rats with sham EA (DM+SEA), diabetic rats with low frequency EA (DM+LEA) and diabetic rats with high frequency EA groups (DM+HEA). The expression of c-kit in each layer of gastric wall was assessed by western blotting. The proliferation of ICC was identified by immunolabeling of c-kit and Ki67 as the apoptosis of ICC was examined by TUNEL staining. The results were as follows: (1) Gastric emptying was severely delayed in the DM group, but accelerated in the LEA and HEA group, especially in the LEA group. (2) The expression of c-kit in each layer was reduced apparently in the DM group, but also up-regulated in the LEA and HEA group. (3) Plentiful proliferated ICC (c-kit+/Ki67+) forming bushy networks with c-kit+ cells were observed in the LEA and HEA group, while the apoptotic cells (c-kit+/TUNEL+) were hardly captured in the LEA and HEA group. Collectively, low and high frequency EA at ST36 rescue the damaged networks of ICC by inhibiting the apoptosis and enhancing the proliferation in the stomach of diabetic rats, resulting in an improved gastric emptying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Juan Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiao Hua Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Electroacupuncture regulates apoptosis/proliferation of intramuscular interstitial cells of cajal and restores colonic motility in diabetic constipation rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:584179. [PMID: 24348706 PMCID: PMC3852313 DOI: 10.1155/2013/584179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Injury of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is associated with gut dysmotility in diabetic rats. We have shown an acceleration of the colonic contractility by electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS). However, little is known about potential roles of EAS on colonic transit and ICC. In this study, we evaluate the effect of EAS on colonic transit and investigate whether apoptosis/proliferation of ICC was involved in regulative effect of EAS on colonic transit. Rats were randomly assigned to normal, diabetic, diabetic-plus-sham stimulation, diabetic-plus-low-frequency stimulation, and diabetic-plus-high-frequency stimulation groups. Bead expulsion test was used for measuring the distal colonic transit. The Kit (ICC marker) was detected by western blot. Apoptotic ICC was detected by terminal dUTP nucleotide end labeling. Proliferating ICC was identified by Kit/Ki67 double immunofluorescent staining on whole mount preparations. Ultrastructure changes of ICC were studied using electron microscopy. Results showed that high-frequency stimulation significantly promoted colonic transit. Low- and high-frequency stimulation markedly rescued intramuscular ICC from apoptosis. Abundant proliferating intramuscular ICC was found in low- and high-frequency stimulation groups. Our results indicate that high-frequency EAS has stimulatory effect on the distal colonic transit, which may be mediated by downregulation of the apoptosis and upregulation of the proliferation of intramuscular ICC.
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Acupuncture Stimulation Induces Neurogenesis in Adult Brain. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 111:67-90. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411545-3.00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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HONG JIANGCONG, WU GUANGWEN, ZOU YULONG, TAO JING, CHEN LIDIAN. Electroacupuncture promotes neurological functional recovery via the retinoic acid signaling pathway in rats following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Int J Mol Med 2012; 31:225-31. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Nam MH, Yin CS, Soh KS, Choi SH. Adult Neurogenesis and Acupuncture Stimulation at ST36. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2011; 4:153-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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