1
|
Fan X, Liu Y, Li S, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Li W, Hao J, Xu Z, Zhang B, Liu W, Zhang S. Comprehensive landscape-style investigation of the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at ST36 single acupoint on different systemic diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26270. [PMID: 38375243 PMCID: PMC10875596 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26270] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The principle of acupoint stimulation efficacy is based on traditional meridian theory. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of acupoints in treating diseases remain unclear in modern scientific understanding. In this study, we selected the ST36 acupoint for investigation and summarized all relevant literature from the PubMed database over the past 10 years. The results indicate that stimulation of ST36 single acupoints has therapeutic effects mainly in models of respiratory, neurological, digestive, endocrine and immune system diseases. And it can affect the inflammatory state, oxidative stress, respiratory mucus secretion, intestinal flora, immune cell function, neurotransmitter transmission, hormone secretion, the network of Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) and glucose metabolism of the organism in these pathological states. Among them, acupuncture at the ST36 single point has the most prominent function in regulating the inflammatory state, which can mainly affect the activation of MAPK signaling pathway and drive the "molecular-cellular" mode involving macrophages, T-lymphocytes, mast cells (MCs) and neuroglial cells as the core to trigger the molecular level changes of the acupuncture point locally or in the target organ tissues, thereby establishing a multi-system, multi-target, multi-level molecular regulating mechanism. This article provides a comprehensive summary and discussion of the molecular mechanisms and effects of acupuncture at the ST36 acupoint, laying the groundwork for future in-depth research on acupuncture point theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Fan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300250, China
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yongrui Yang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Yinghui Zhao
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Wenxi Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Jiaxin Hao
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Institute for TCM-X, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Suzhao Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Y, Chen X, Qian H, Li B, Su X. Acupuncture alleviates acute peritonitis: A case report. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15290. [PMID: 37095912 PMCID: PMC10121459 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many inflammatory and infectious entities can affect the peritoneum acutely, and patients with peritonitis often have painful expressions. Abdominal pain can be aggravated by coughing, breathing, and turning the body. Here we report the case of an 88-year-old patient with acute gastrointestinal perforation. The patient has been experiencing pain in the right lower abdomen, presenting persistent colic. The X-ray of abdomen and abdominal computed tomography showed perforation of digestive tract. In addition to the use of anti-infection and stomach protection agents, we use different analgesic injections, but the effect on reducing the pain was not obvious. After acupuncture treatment, the patient quickly relieved the pain of acute peritonitis in 1 minute. However, to our knowledge, there is few literature showing that acupuncture relieves preoperative opioid-induced hyperalgesia in patients with acute peritonitis. Based on this case, we suggest acupuncture as an option in the management of relieving the pain of acute peritonitis when opioid therapy is ineffective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Guangdong Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hong Qian
- Guangdong Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, PR China
| | - Biyi Li
- Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Foshan, PR China
| | - Xuan Su
- The Ninth People's Hospital of Nanhai District, Foshan, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Electroacupuncture at Acupoint ST36 (Zusanli) Improves Intestinal Motility Dysfunction Via Increasing the Proportion of Cholinergic Neurons in Rat Ileal Myenteric Ganglia after Severe Acute Pancreatitis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7837711. [PMID: 36317104 PMCID: PMC9617694 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7837711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Using a severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rat model, the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) were studied on the intestinal function of pancreatitis. The SAP models were established by injecting 30% L-ornithine at hourly intervals, and were divided into two groups (14 in each): SAP model group, which was not treated, and EA group, which received EA at ST36 at a frequency of 1-2 Hz and amplitude of 1 mA for 30 min twice a day. Fourteen rats were also included as the control group. After EA, the intestinal propulsion was measured. In the distal ileum myenteric plexus, the density of HuC/D and the proportion of cholinergic neurons were measured using immunohistochemistry. Compared to the SAP model group, the EA group demonstrated significant improvements in intestinal propulsion rates. Furthermore, after EA, the density of myenteric neurons in the ileum returned to normal levels and the proportion of cholinergic neurons was increased compared to the SAP model group. And finally, EA alleviated the damage to the pancreas. Thus, our results suggest that EA stimulation at ST36 can partly restore the enteric neuron function and improve intestinal motility dysfunction, therefore could ameliorate SAP. The enteric nervous system can participate in changes in intestinal motility by affecting cholinergic neurons.
Collapse
|
4
|
Wen E, Xin G, Li S, Dong Y, Zhu Y, Wan C, Yu X, Wei Z, Wang Y, Li F, Zhang K, Niu H, Huang W. Tuftsin ameliorates splenic inflammatory injury by promoting neuropilin-1 in severe acute pancreatitis. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 199:115030. [PMID: 35381211 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-associated spleen injury causing immune disturbances aggravates organs injuries, which contributes to higher mortality rate. However, there are no effective drugs to cure SAP-induced spleen injury. Here, we found that Tuftsin (TN) is effective for ameliorating SAP-induced pathological damage and inflammation of spleen, mainly via alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, ATP depletion and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. We further found that TN promoted anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype M2 via up-regulating NRP1 on macrophage in spleen during SAP. Meanwhile, EG00229 (an inhibitor of NRP1 bound to TN) weakened TN's therapeutic effect in SAP-associated spleen injury. And EG00229 also inhibited M2 macrophage, leading to increasing inflammasome formation. Additionally, EG00229 reduced the protective efficiency of TN on mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation injury via NRP1 in spleen caused by SAP. Similarly, siRNA-Nrp1 into macrophage also prevented TN's inhibition on apoptosis. These findings reveal that TN alleviates SAP-induced spleen injury by promoting NRP1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Wen
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guang Xin
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyi Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuman Dong
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuda Zhu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengyu Wan
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuxian Yu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zeliang Wei
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilan Wang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hai Niu
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Huang
- Laboratory of Ethnopharmacology, Tissue-orientated Property of Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oh JE, Kim SN. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture at ST36 Point: A Literature Review in Animal Studies. Front Immunol 2022; 12:813748. [PMID: 35095910 PMCID: PMC8790576 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.813748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
So far, a number of acupuncture studies have shown anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture treatment, mostly known at specific point ST36. However, there is no literature that oversaw the inflammation-regulatory effects of acupuncture in each tissue. Therefore, we investigated how acupuncture at specific acupoint ST36 regulates inflammation and its underlying mechanisms. We searched literatures on PubMed until July 2021 using the keywords “animal, acupuncture, ST36, inflammation, immune,” and 292 literatures were searched. We ultimately selected 69 studies to determine the anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture at ST36 and classified the changes of inflammatory mediators according to target regions. Forty-three studies were included in body fluids, 27 studies in the digestive system, 17 studies in the nervous system, and 30 studies in other tissues or organs. In this review, we found that acupuncture at ST36 has clinical benefits in relieving inflammation through several mechanisms such as vagus nerve activation, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling, macrophage polarization, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. We expect that these data will inform further studies related to ST36 acupuncture on inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Oh
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang J, Lu S, Yang F, Guo Y, Chen Z, Yu N, Yao L, Huang J, Fan W, Xu Z, Gong Y. The role of macrophage polarization and associated mechanisms in regulating the anti-inflammatory action of acupuncture: a literature review and perspectives. Chin Med 2021; 16:56. [PMID: 34281592 PMCID: PMC8287695 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions and diseases. However, the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory action are complex and have not been systematically investigated. Macrophages are key components of the innate immune system, thus, balancing the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and modulating cytokine levels in the inflammatory environment may be desirable therapeutic goals. Evidence has shown that acupuncture has anti-inflammatory actions that affect multiple body systems, including the immune, locomotory, endocrine, nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems, by downregulating pro-inflammatory M1 and upregulating anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, as well as by modulating associated cytokine secretion. Macrophage polarization is controlled by the interlocking pathways of extrinsic factors, the local tissue microenvironment, and the neural-endocrine-immune systems. It has been suggested that polarization of T lymphocytes and cytokine secretions resulting in modulation of the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, may be upstream mechanisms of acupuncture-induced macrophage polarization. We further propose that macrophage polarization could be the principal pathway involved in acupuncture immune regulation and provide the scientific basis for the clinical application of acupuncture in inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuming Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, People's Republic of China
| | - Zelin Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, People's Republic of China
| | - Nannan Yu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Yao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Huang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Fan
- Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, 5100293, Japan
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China. .,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China. .,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.10 Poyang Lake Road, Tuanbo New Town, Jinghai District, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ren YP, Xiong Y, Liu XP, Bai AP. Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and gastrointestinal diseases. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:2854-2859. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i18.2854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon stimulation, vagus nerves release acetylcholine in local tissues, which can regulate immunecell function and inflammatory responses, operationally through alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. This process is termed cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). It has been shown that CAP exhibits physical functions, and also contributes to the progression of a variety of gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, esophagitis, allergic intestine inflammation, peptic ulcer, colitis, and hepatitis. This review discusses the physical function of CAP, as well as its pivotal role in the development of gastrointestinal diseases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao Q, Liang N. Integrated traditional Chinese medicine improves acute pancreatitis via the downregulation of PRSS1 and SPINK1. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:947-954. [PMID: 25667658 PMCID: PMC4316909 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated traditional Chinese medicine (ITCM) is known to improve health in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are unknown. AP is associated with the expression of PRSS1 and SPINK1. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether ITCM was able to ameliorate AP by regulating the expression levels of protein, serine 1 (PRSS1) and serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1). A total of 100 AP patients were divided at random into two groups. The treatment group were treated externally with a herbal ITCM preparation, while the control group received a routine placebo treatment. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PRSS1 and SPINK1 were subsequently compared between the two groups. The results revealed that the health of the patients who had received ITCM improved significantly when compared with the control group patients (P<0.05). In addition, the expression levels of PRSS1 and SPINK1 were found to be lower in the treatment group when compared with the control group (P<0.05). Therefore, ITCM exhibited a significant therapeutic effect on AP and produced no side effects since the treatment was applied externally. ITCM may ameliorate AP by downregulating the expression of PRSS1 and SPINK1; thus, should be considered as a potential therapy for the development of drugs against AP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Gao
- Physician Department, Health Service Center, Nyalam, Tibet 858300, P.R. China ; Gastroenterology Department, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264002, P.R. China
| | - Nusheng Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300193, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|