1
|
Duan H, Song S, Li R, Hu S, Zhuang S, Liu S, Li X, Gao W. Strategy for treating MAFLD: Electroacupuncture alleviates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by enhancing AMPK mediated glycolipid metabolism and autophagy in T2DM rats. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2024; 16:218. [PMID: 39261952 PMCID: PMC11389443 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have highlighted type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This investigation aimed to assess electroacupuncture's (EA) impact on liver morphology and function in T2DM rats, furnishing experimental substantiation for its potential to stall MAFLD progression in T2DM. METHODS T2DM rats were induced by a high-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and then randomly assigned to five groups: the T2DM group, the electroacupuncture group, the metformin group, combination group of electroacupuncture and metformin, combination group of electroacupuncture and Compound C. The control group received a standard diet alongside intraperitoneal citric acid - sodium citrate solution injections. After a 6-week intervention, the effects of each group on fasting blood glucose, lipids, liver function, morphology, lipid droplet infiltration, and fibrosis were evaluated. Techniques including Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were employed to gauge the expression of key molecules in AMPK-associated glycolipid metabolism, insulin signaling, autophagy, and fibrosis pathways. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy facilitated the observation of liver autophagy, lipid droplets, and fibrosis. RESULTS Our studies indicated that hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and IR promoted lipid accumulation, pathological and functional damage, and resulting in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Meanwhile, EA enhanced the activation of AMPK, which in turn improved glycolipid metabolism and autophagy through promoting the expression of PPARα/CPT1A and AMPK/mTOR pathway, inhibiting the expression of SREBP1c, PGC-1α/PCK2 and TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, ultimately exerting its effect on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in T2DM rats. The above effects of EA were consistent with metformin. The combination of EA and metformin had significant advantages in increasing hepatic AMPK expression, improving liver morphology, lipid droplet infiltration, fibrosis, and reducing serum ALT levels. In addition, the ameliorating effects of EA on the progression of MAFLD in T2DM rats were partly disrupted by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK. CONCLUSIONS EA upregulated hepatic AMPK expression, curtailing gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis while boosting fatty acid oxidation and autophagy levels. Consequently, it mitigated blood glucose, lipids, and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, thus impeding liver steatosis and fibrosis progression and retarding MAFLD advancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoru Duan
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Chaoyang District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Shanshan Song
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China- Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Suqin Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan, 450002, China
| | - Shuting Zhuang
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shaoyang Liu
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang SR, Chen L, Luo D, Wang YY, Liang FX. Unlocking the potential: How acupuncture reshapes the liver-centered lipid metabolism pattern to fight obesity. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024:S2095-4964(24)00374-1. [PMID: 39209583 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Obesity, a widespread global health issue, is frequently linked to disrupted lipid metabolism, resulting in excessive accumulation of adipose tissue and associated health complications. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical modality, has exhibited potential as a viable intervention for addressing obesity. The underlying mechanism proposed involves the stimulation of specific acupoints to exert a regulatory influence on hepatic function. The liver has a central role in lipid metabolism, including processes such as lipid synthesis, storage and distribution. Acupuncture is believed to enhance the liver's efficiency in processing lipids, thereby reducing lipid accumulation and improving metabolic functions. Research indicates that acupuncture can influence the expression of certain genes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism in the liver. This includes upregulating genes that promote lipid breakdown and oxidation, and downregulating those involved in lipid synthesis. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for the regulation of lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the potential anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture may play a significant role in its efficacy for the treatment of obesity. The presence of chronic inflammation has been strongly associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity. Through its ability to mitigate inflammation, acupuncture can potentially aid in the restoration of lipid metabolism and the reduction of body weight. Moreover, the amelioration of hepatic oxidative stress represents another mechanism by which acupuncture may contribute to the reduction of lipid deposition. Notably, the liver, being the primary site of lipid metabolism, maintains communication with various organs including the brain, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and intestines. This perspective opens new avenues for the treatment of obesity, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches in managing complex metabolic disorders. Please cite this article as: Yang SR, Chen L, Luo D, Wang YY, Liang FX. Unlocking the potential: How acupuncture reshapes the liver-centered lipid metabolism pattern to fight obesity. J Integr Med. 2024; Epub ahead of print.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Rui Yang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Hubei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Hubei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Luo
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Hubei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ya-Yuan Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Hubei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Hubei International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan 430061, Hubei Province, China; Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine (Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang S, Yu C, Hu M, Wen Q, Wen X, Li S, Li K, Ma H. Electroacupuncture ameliorates hepatic defects in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome induced by letrozole and a high-fat diet. Acupunct Med 2024; 42:87-99. [PMID: 38044823 DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate the effects of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid disturbances in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis. METHODS The PCOS rat model was induced by continuous administration of letrozole (LET) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: control, control + EA, LET + HFD and LET + HFD + EA. EA was administered five or six times a week with a maximum of 20 treatment sessions. Body weight, estrous cyclicity, hormonal status, glucose and insulin tolerance, lipid profiles, liver inflammation factors, liver morphology and changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt (protein kinase B) pathway were evaluated. RESULTS The rat model presented anovulatory cycles, increased body weight, elevated testosterone, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, IR, liver inflammation, hepatic steatosis and dysregulation of the insulin-mediated PI3-K/Akt signaling axis. EA reduced fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, area under the curve for glucose, homeostasis model assessment of IR indices, triglycerides and free fatty acids, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, low-frequency EA downregulated mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, upregulated mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, increased protein expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt (Ser473), p-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β (Ser9) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), increased the ratio of p-GSK3β to GSK3β and downregulated protein expression of GSK3β. CONCLUSION An obese PCOS rat model with IR and hepatic steatosis was successfully established by the combination of LET and HFD. EA improved dysfunctional glucose and lipid metabolism in this PCOS-IR rat model, and the molecular mechanism appeared to involve regulation of the expression of key molecules of the PI3-K/Akt insulin signaling pathway in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Huang
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuyi Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qidan Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuna Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunyin Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pei F, Hu WJ, Zhao YL. Efficacy of Jiao's scalp acupuncture in combination with Xiangshao granules on chronic tension-type headache with concomitant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in climacteric women. Menopause 2023; 30:1132-1138. [PMID: 37788417 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Jiao's scalp acupuncture in combination with Xiangshao granules on chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) with concomitant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in climacteric women. METHODS In this study, we enrolled 150 climacteric women with CTTH and concomitant NAFLD. The participants were divided into three groups based on the random number table: medication group, acupuncture group, and acupuncture-medication group. Treatment continued for 2 months. The efficacy of CTTH was assessed based on the visual analog scale/score (VAS). The influence on NAFLD was assessed based on body mass index (BMI), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and the ratio of hepatic-splenic computed tomography (CT) value. The Participant Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score was compared among the three groups. RESULTS A total of 123 participants completed the trial, including 37 participants in the medication group, 41 participants in the acupuncture group, and 45 participants in the acupuncture-medication group. Results are summarized hereinafter. (1) The total clinical efficiency rates of the medication group, acupuncture group, and acupuncture-medication group were 89.19% (33 of 37), 90.24% (37 of 41), and 95.65% (44 of 46), respectively. (2) Except for the BMI of the medication group ( P = 0.063), a significant difference in VAS, BMI, CAP, the ratio of hepatic-splenic CT value, and PHQ-9 score was found in the three groups ( P < 0.01). (3) There was a significant difference in VAS, BMI, CAP, and PHQ-9 among the three groups ( P < 0.01), with those in the acupuncture-medication group being superior. No difference in the ratio of hepatic-splenic CT value was found ( P = 0.440). (4) The efficacy differed significantly among the three groups ( χ2 = 8.130, P = 0.017), and it was significantly superior in the acupuncture-medication group ( P = 0.008, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Jiao's scalp acupuncture, in combination with Xiangshao granules, was superior in treating CTTH in climacteric women compared with either acupuncture or medication. Jiao's scalp acupuncture, in combination with Xiangshao granules, was superior in subsiding the negative moods in participants with CTTH and concomitant NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Pei
- From the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wei-Jia Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu-Liang Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang H, Wang Q, Liang C, Pan L, Hu H, Fang H. Acupuncture improved hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced NAFLD rats by regulating intestinal microbiota. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1131092. [PMID: 37007509 PMCID: PMC10061080 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1131092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIntestinal dysbiosis has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Acupuncture has been shown to have beneficial effects on NAFLD, but the mechanism is not yet clear. This study explores the potential beneficial effects of acupuncture on intestinal microbiota in NAFLD.MethodsAn NAFLD model in Sprague Dawley rats was established using a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. NAFLD rats were randomly divided into control, model, and acupuncture groups. Following acupuncture treatment over 6 weeks, automated biochemical analysis was used to measure serum lipid metabolism parameters, including levels of alanine transferase, aspartate transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The level of serum inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characteristics of steatosis were evaluated using quantitative computed tomography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Oil Red O staining in the liver, while the intestinal microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsAcupuncture decreased the systemic inflammatory response, ameliorated dyslipidemia, and improved liver function indexes in NAFLD model rats. Tomography and staining indicated that acupuncture reduced steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. 16S rRNA analysis showed that acupuncture reduced the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio, increased the abundance of microbiota, including Bacteroidales_S24-7_group, Prevotellaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Blautia, norank_f_Bacteroidales_S24-7_group, Bacteroides, and Prevotella_9, and decreased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014. Correlation analysis suggested a close correlation between lipid metabolism, inflammation factors, hepatic steatosis, and the changed intestinal microbiota.ConclusionAcupuncture can significantly improve lipid metabolism and the systemic inflammatory response in HFD-induced NAFLD rats, potentially by regulating intestinal microbiota composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Chinese People’s Liberation Army Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Cuimei Liang
- Department of Acupuncture, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Pan
- Department of Acupuncture, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Acupuncture, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Hu,
| | - Hongjuan Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Hongjuan Fang,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen KQ, Ke BY, Cheng L, Yu XQ, Wang ZB, Wang SZ. Research and progress of inflammasomes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110013. [PMID: 36931172 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
With the development of the social economy, unhealthy living habits and eating styles are gradually affecting people's health in recent years. As a chronic liver disease, NAFLD is deeply affected by unhealthy living habits and eating styles and has gradually become an increasingly serious public health problem. As a protein complex in clinical research, the inflammasomes play a crucial role in the development of NAFLD, atherosclerosis, and other diseases. This paper reviews the types, composition, characteristics of inflammasomes, and molecular mechanism of the inflammasome in NAFLD. Meanwhile, the paper reviews the drugs and non-drugs that target NLRP3 inflammasome in the treatment of NAFLD in the past decades. we also analyzed and summarized the related experimental models, mechanisms, and results of NAFLD. Although current therapeutic strategies for NAFLD are not effective, we expect that we will be able to find an appropriate treatment to address this problem in the future with further research on inflammasome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Qian Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Bo-Yi Ke
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Yu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zong-Bao Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Shu-Zhi Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yuan M, Wang D, Yang J, Lan H. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome in the mechanism of electroacupuncture: Current status and future perspectives. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:913881. [PMID: 36337711 PMCID: PMC9626972 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.913881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture, which is the most widely used alternative medicine treatment, has been gradually recognized for its effectiveness; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a thoroughly studied inflammasome that is closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other diseases and plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of human immune system diseases. In recent years, some scholars have found that the NLRP3 inflammasome is a part of the mechanism of action of electroacupuncture, which has attracted further attention. In the current review, using “electroacupuncture” and “NLRP3 inflammasome” as keywords and based on the existing randomized controlled trials or clinical trials, we summarize the mechanisms of electroacupuncture targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in the treatment of different diseases and discuss how to optimize the electroacupuncture protocol to obtain thorough mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome in electroacupuncture and improve the level of evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaen Yang
- Department of TCM Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Foshan Gaoming Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Hai Lan
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Hai Lan,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Research Progress on the Mechanism of Acupuncture Treatment for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2022; 2022:5259088. [PMID: 35782337 PMCID: PMC9242809 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5259088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, ranging from simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Acupuncture is a long-established treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, increasing evidence has pointed to the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of NAFLD, and a certain degree of progress has been made in the study of related mechanisms. However, previous systematic reviews have not discussed the characteristics and the related mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, this review synthesizes the progress in research on acupuncture in the context of NAFLD treatment by the inhibition of inflammatory responses, regulation of lipid metabolism disorder, treatment of insulin resistance, antagonization of oxidative stress injury, and interference with endoplasmic reticulum stress. Overall, we sought to highlight the latest research results, potential applications, and ongoing challenges of this therapy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ji L, Li Q, He Y, Zhang X, Zhou Z, Gao Y, Fang M, Yu Z, Rodrigues RM, Gao Y, Li M. Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of NAFLD: a promising drug Potentilla discolor Bunge. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3529-3547. [PMID: 36176915 PMCID: PMC9513494 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive accumulation of hepatic lipids and metabolic stress-induced liver injury. There are currently no approved effective pharmacological treatments for NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat patients with chronic liver diseases without clear disease types and mechanisms. More recently, TCM has been shown to have unique advantages in the treatment of NAFLD. We performed a systematic review of the medical literature published over the last two decades and found that many TCM formulas have been reported to be beneficial for the treatment of metabolic dysfunctions, including Potentilla discolor Bunge (PDB). PDB has a variety of active compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, organic acids, steroids and tannins. Many compounds have been shown to exhibit a series of beneficial effects for the treatment of NAFLD, including anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions, improvement of lipid metabolism and reversal of insulin resistance. In this review, we summarize potential therapeutic effects of TCM formulas for the treatment of NAFLD, focusing on the medicinal properties of natural active compounds from PDB and their underlying mechanisms. We point out that PDB can be classified as a novel candidate for the treatment and prevention of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longshan Ji
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qian Li
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhenhua Zhou
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yating Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Miao Fang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Robim M. Rodrigues
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels 1000, Belgium
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Man Li
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Institute of Clinical Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 201203, China
- Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li N, Guo Y, Gong Y, Zhang Y, Fan W, Yao K, Chen Z, Dou B, Lin X, Chen B, Chen Z, Xu Z, Lyu Z. The Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture from Acupoint to Target Organs via Neuro-Immune Regulation. J Inflamm Res 2022; 14:7191-7224. [PMID: 34992414 PMCID: PMC8710088 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s341581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. This study comprehensively reviews and presents literature from the last five years, showing that acupuncture indeed exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects in multiple biological systems, namely, the immune, digestive, respiratory, nervous, locomotory, circulatory, endocrine, and genitourinary systems. It is well known that localized acupuncture-mediated anti-inflammatory effects involve the regulation of multiple populations and functions of immune cells, including macrophages, granulocytes, mast cells, and T cells. In acupuncture stimulation, macrophages transform from the M1 to the M2 phenotype and the negative TLR4 regulator PPARγ is activated to inhibit the intracellular TLR/MyD88 and NOD signaling pathways. The downstream IκBα/NF-κB and P38 MAPK pathways are subsequently inhibited by acupuncture, followed by suppressed production of inflammasome and proinflammatory mediators. Acupuncture also modulates the balance of helper T cell populations. Furthermore, it inhibits oxidative stress by enhancing SOD activity via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and eliminates the generation of oxygen free radicals, thereby preventing inflammatory cell infiltration. The anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture on different biological systems are also specific to individual organ microenvironments. As part of its anti-inflammatory action, acupuncture deforms connective tissue and upregulates the secretion of various molecules in acupoints, further activating the NF-κB, MAPK, and ERK pathways in mast cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and monocytes/macrophages. The somatic afferents present in acupuncture-activated acupoints also convey sensory signals to the spinal cord, brainstem, and hypothalamic neurons. Upon information integration in the brain, acupuncture further stimulates multiple neuro-immune pathways, including the cholinergic anti-inflammatory, vagus-adrenal medulla-dopamine, and sympathetic pathways, as well as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, ultimately acting immune cells via the release of crucial neurotransmitters and hormones. This review provides a scientific and reliable basis and viewpoints for the clinical application of acupuncture in various inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningcen Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Fan
- Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka City, Japan
| | - Kaifang Yao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zelin Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongxi Lyu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|