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Li N, Wang H, Liu H, Zhu L, Lyu Z, Qiu J, Zhao T, Ren H, Huang L, Chen S, Hu X, Zhou L. The effects and mechanisms of acupuncture for post-stroke cognitive impairment: progress and prospects. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1211044. [PMID: 37397457 PMCID: PMC10309044 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1211044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the important causes of both disability and death worldwide, which is very common in older adults. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common secondary damage of stroke, which is the main cause of long-term disability and decreased quality of life in stroke patients, which brings a heavy burden to society and families. Acupuncture, as one of the oldest and widely used worldwide techniques in Chinese medicine, is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an alternative and complementary strategy for improving stroke care. This review comprehensively summarizes literature from the last 25 years, showing that acupuncture can exert strong beneficial effect on PSCI. The mechanisms of acupuncture on PSCI involves anti-neuronal apoptosis, promoting synaptic plasticity, alleviating central and peripheral inflammatory reactions, and regulating brain energy metabolism disorders (including improving cerebral blood flow, glucose utilization and mitochondrial structure and function, etc.), etc. The effects and mechanisms of acupuncture on PSCI reviewed in this study provides scientific and reliable evidence for acupuncture application for PSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningcen Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Binhai New Area Hospital of TCM, Fourth Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Xi’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Hang Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Nanchang Hongdu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medical Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Nanchang Hongdu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medical Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhongxi Lyu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiwen Qiu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyan Ren
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihong Huang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangli Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuwu Hu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Nanchang Hongdu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medical Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Nanchang Hongdu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medical Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Mi Y, Xu J, Shi R, Meng Q, Xu L, Liu Y, Guo T, Zhou D, Liu J, Li W, Li N, Hou Y. Okanin from Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. alleviates cognitive impairment in bilateral common carotid artery occlusion mice by regulating the miR-7/NLRP3 axis in microglia. Food Funct 2023; 14:369-387. [PMID: 36511396 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01476a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is the main clinical feature following stroke, and microglia-mediated inflammatory response is a major contributor to it. Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt., an edible chrysanthemum, is commonly used as a functional ingredient in healthcare beverages and food. Okanin, the main active ingredient of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. flower, inhibits microglial activation. However, the role of okanin in cognitive impairment following ischemic stroke is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of okanin on ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanism both in vivo and in vitro. Okanin was found to attenuate cognitive impairment in bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) mice, inhibit neuronal loss and microglial activation, decrease NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and increase miR-7 expression. Okanin suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia by increasing miR-7 expression and inhibited microglia-induced neuronal injury. This study provides new insights into the role of okanin in ischemic stroke and shows that the miR-7/NLRP3 axis plays an important role in mediating the beneficial effects of okanin on cerebral ischemia. These findings suggest that okanin has great potential as a functional food for stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Mi
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry, Northeastern University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Jikai Xu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry, Northeastern University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruijia Shi
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Qingqi Meng
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Libin Xu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yeshu Liu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Tingting Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory for TCM Material Basis Study and Innovative Drug Development of Shenyang City, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Di Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory for TCM Material Basis Study and Innovative Drug Development of Shenyang City, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jingyu Liu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toho University, Miyama 2-2-1, Funabashi, Chiba 274-8510, Japan
| | - Ning Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory for TCM Material Basis Study and Innovative Drug Development of Shenyang City, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yue Hou
- College of Life and Health Sciences, National Frontiers Science Center for Industrial Intelligence and Systems Optimization, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. .,Key Laboratory of Data Analytics and Optimization for Smart Industry, Northeastern University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
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Yang Y, Zhao X, Zhu Z, Zhang L. Vascular dementia: A microglia's perspective. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 81:101734. [PMID: 36113763 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a second most common form of age-related dementia. It is characterized by cognitive impairment associated with vascular pathology, symptoms mainly caused by cerebral damage due to inadequate blood flow to the brain. The pathogenesis of VaD is complex, and a growing body of literature emphasizes on the involvement of microglia in disease development and progression. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of microglia in regulating neuroinflammation under the pathogenesis of VaD. The commonly used animal and cell models for understanding the disease pathogenesis were summarized. The mechanisms by which microglia contribute to VaD are multifactorial, and we specifically focus on some of the predominant functions of microglia, including chemotaxis, secretory property, phagocytosis, and its crosstalk with other neurovascular unit cells. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglia-modulated neuroinflammation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zirui Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Lihui Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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Electroacupuncture Increases the Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission Efficiency and Long-Term Plasticity to Improve Vascular Cognitive Impairment. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:5985143. [PMID: 35784174 PMCID: PMC9246579 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5985143] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively improve vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), but its mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. This study is aimed at investigating the mechanisms underlying the effects of EA treatment on hippocampal synaptic transmission efficiency and plasticity in rats with VCI. Methods. Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to VCI with bilateral common carotid occlusion (2VO). EA stimulation was applied to Baihui (GV20) and Shenting (GV24) acupoints for 30 min once a day, five times a week, for four weeks. Our study also included nonacupoint groups to confirm the specificity of EA therapy. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess cognitive function. Electrophysiological techniques were used to detect the field characteristics of the hippocampal CA3–CA1 circuit in each group of rats, including input-output (I/O), paired-pulse facilitation ratios (PPR), field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP), and excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC). The expression of synapse- and calcium-mediated signal transduction associated proteins was detected through western blotting. Results. The MWM behavioural results showed that EA significantly improved cognitive function in VCI model rats. EA increased the I/O curve of VCI model rats from 20 to 90 μA. No significant differences were observed in hippocampal PPR. The fEPSP of the hippocampal CA3–CA1 circuit was significantly increased after EA treatment compared with that after nonacupuncture treatment. We found that EA led to an increase in the EPSC amplitude and frequency, especially in the decay and rise times. In addition, the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptor 1, and Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II increased to varying degrees in the hippocampus of VCI model rats. Conclusion. EA at GV20 and GV24 acupoints increased the basic synaptic transmission efficiency and synaptic plasticity of the hippocampal CA3–CA1 circuit, thereby improving learning and memory ability in rats with VCI.
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Xin YY, Wang JX, Xu AJ. Electroacupuncture ameliorates neuroinflammation in animal models. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:474-483. [PMID: 35229660 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221076515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation refers to a wide range of immune responses occurring in the brain or spinal cord. It is closely related to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, for which it potentially represents a new direction for treatment. Electroacupuncture (EA) is one method of acupuncture treatment, which can be used as an adjuvant therapy for many diseases. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms of EA in the reduction of neuroinflammation, summarizes relevant basic research and outlines future directions for investigation. Findings: A growing body of basic research has shown that EA can ameliorate neuroinflammation centrally (in animal models of ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia) and peripherally (e.g. after a surgical insult or injection of lipopolysaccharide) and that its effects involve different molecular mechanisms, including activation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling pathway and P2 type purinergic receptors, inhibition of nuclear factor κB, and mitigation of damage secondary to oxidative stress and NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: EA is capable of regulating multiple cell signal transduction pathways to alleviate neuroinflammation in animal models. Although the findings of animal studies are encouraging, further prospective clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy of EA for the treatment of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-yang Xin
- Anesthesiology Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-xu Wang
- Anesthesiology Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai-jun Xu
- Anesthesiology Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Jun G, Yong Y, Lu L, Gao H, Yin Z, Wei P, Sun L, Ruan W, Zou Y, He H, Song W, Tong Q, Wang X, Wang Y, Song J. Electroacupuncture treatment ameliorated the long-term cognitive impairment via activating eNOS/NO pathway and related Aβ downregulation in sepsis-survivor mice. Physiol Behav 2022; 243:113646. [PMID: 34780728 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113646] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sepsis is a major challenge in intensive care unit worldwide and the septic survivors are left with long-term cognitive deficits. This work aims to explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on long-term cognitive function and its underlying mechanism in sepsis-survivor mice. METHODS Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture in C57BL/6 male mice. Seven days post-surgery, sepsis-survivor mice were treated with EA or nonacupoint EA for 17 days twice daily. Then, cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze task. The hippocampus tissue were collected from the mice at 30 days post-surgery. The level of nitric oxide and the expression of endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS), phospho-eNOS (p-eNOS), and amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) were measured. RESULTS Compared with the sham-operated control, sepsis-survivors had significant cognitive deficits evidenced by the increased time of escape latency and reduced crossing number in Morris water maze task, as well as lower NO and p-eNOS level and higher Aβ level. EA treatment at GV20 and ST36 acupoints but not at a nonacupoint improved the cognitive function, increased the NO and p-eNOS level, and decreased Aβ generation; while eNOS inhibitor (l-NAME) undermined the efficacy of EA treatment. CONCLUSION In conclusion, repeated EA treatment could ameliorate the long-term cognitive impairment via manipulating the expression of p-eNOS and related Aβ in sepsis-survivor mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Jun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yue Yong
- Research Institute of Acupuncture Anesthesia, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Liyue Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyu Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Pan Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Long Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wenqing Ruan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yinghua Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - He He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyu Tong
- Research Institute of Acupuncture Anesthesia, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiongbiao Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Jiangang Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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Qi FX, Hu Y, Li YW, Gao J. Levels of anti-oxidative molecules and inflammatory factors in patients with vascular dementia and their clinical significance. Pak J Med Sci 2021; 37:1509-1513. [PMID: 34475939 PMCID: PMC8377923 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.37.5.3854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To explore levels of anti-oxidative molecules and inflammatory factors in patients with vascular dementia (VD) and their clinical significance. Methods: Sixty VD patients admitted in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2019 were classified into an experimental group, while another 60 healthy patients seeking physical examinations in the corresponding period were selected as a control group. Various indexes related to serum inflammatory factors and anti-oxidative molecules were compared among patients in such two groups. For the purpose of comparing anti-oxidative molecular expression levels and inflammatory factor levels in patients with VD of different severities, 60 cases in the experimental group were divided, based on a Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scale, into patients with mild symptoms (n=20, score: 21~26), patients with moderate symptoms (n=22, score: 10~20) and patients with severe symptoms (n=18, score: 0~9). Results: By contrast to the control group, levels of inflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-a, CRP and IL-6) in VD patients are all significantly increased and their differences show statistical significance (p<0.05); and, expression levels of anti-oxidative factors, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR), in the experimental group are apparently below those of the control group (P<0.05). As dementia degree increases, expression levels of serum anti-oxidative molecules in such patients are inclined to drop in a significant way (P<0.05), while inflammatory factor levels tend to go up gradually (P<0.05). Conclusions: If compared with the normal population, inflammatory factor levels in serum of VD patients are higher; however, expression levels of anti-oxidative molecules become below those of the normal population. Additionally, levels of inflammatory factors and anti-oxidative molecules may change obviously as severity of illness increases. This suggests that inflammation and oxidation play a certain role of auxoaction in VD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-Xing Qi
- Fan-xing Qi Department of Neurology, Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Ying Hu Department of Cardiology, Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Ya-Wei Li
- Ya-wei Li Department of Medical Record Management, Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
| | - Juan Gao
- Juan Gao Department of Neurology, Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, Hebei, China
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Cai M, Yang EJ. Effect of Combined Electroacupuncture and Selegiline Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease: An Animal Model. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:606480. [PMID: 33362561 PMCID: PMC7758426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.606480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of pathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses significant challenges to the development of corresponding drugs. Symptom-specific pharmacological interventions and alternative treatments provide promising treatment possibilities. Therefore, we considered a combination of selegiline (SEL) and electroacupuncture (EA). We used an animal model with AD to investigate the effect of a combination of these treatments on cognitive function. 5XFAD mice received a week of SEL treatment and 2 weeks of EA. Novel object recognition and Y-maze tests were subsequently performed to assess their cognitive functions. To determine the molecular action of the combination treatment, Western blots, Aβ1-42 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and micro-positron-emission tomography were also performed to assess pathological markers and processes. The results were assessed based on the difference between untreated transgenic, SEL-treated, and SEL- and EA-treated groups of mice. Mice in the combined treatment group demonstrated significantly better cognitive functions, and lesser neuroinflammation than the comparative groups. In addition, mice treated with a combination of SEL and EA did not demonstrate a direct modulation of insoluble Aβ but demonstrated greater glucose metabolism. Our findings demonstrated that SEL combined with EA treatment was associated with better cognitive functioning due to inhibition of neuroinflammation and increased glucose metabolism relative to the comparative groups in a mouse model with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Cai
- Department of Herbal Medicine Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
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Effect and Neuroimaging Mechanism of Electroacupuncture for Vascular Cognitive Impairment No Dementia: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Assessor-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7190495. [PMID: 32184898 PMCID: PMC7061121 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7190495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND) is likely to develop into vascular dementia (VD) without intervention. The clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for VCIND has been previously demonstrated. However, the neuroimaging mechanism of EA for VCIND has not been elucidated clearly. This trial is designed to provide solid evidence for the efficacy and neuroimaging mechanism of EA treatment for patients with VCIND. This ongoing study is an assessor-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. 140 eligible subjects will be recruited from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and randomized into either the electroacupuncture (EA) group or the control group (CG). All subjects will receive basic treatment, and participants in the CG will receive health education performed weekly. Except for basic treatment and health education, participants in the EA group will receive treatment 5 times per week for a total of 40 sessions over 8 weeks. The primary outcome in this study is Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the secondary outcomes are Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Stroop color-naming condition (STROOP), Rey–Osterrieth Complex Graphics Testing, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). All of the outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and 8 weeks of intervention. The medical abstraction of adverse events will be done at each visit. The results of this trial will demonstrate the efficacy and neuroimaging mechanism of EA treatment for VCIND, thus supporting EA treatment as an ideal choice for VCIND treatment. The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 28 July 2018 (ChiCTR1800017398).
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Moxibustion therapy improving delayed memory deficits via promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis of hippocampus in a vascular dementia rat model. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-019-1140-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Cai M, Lee JH, Yang EJ. Electroacupuncture attenuates cognition impairment via anti-neuroinflammation in an Alzheimer's disease animal model. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:264. [PMID: 31836020 PMCID: PMC6909515 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1665-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of cognitive abilities and memory leading to dementia. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a complementary alternative medicine approach, applying an electrical current to acupuncture points. In clinical and animal studies, EA causes cognitive improvements in AD and vascular dementia. However, EA-induced changes in cognition and microglia-mediated amyloid β (Aβ) degradation have not been determined yet in AD animals. Therefore, this study investigated the EA-induced molecular mechanisms causing cognitive improvement and anti-inflammatory activity in five familial mutation (5XFAD) mice, an animal model of AD. Methods 5XFAD mice were bilaterally treated with EA at the Taegye (KI3) acupoints three times per week for 2 weeks. To evaluate the effects of EA treatment on cognitive functions, novel object recognition and Y-maze tests were performed with non-Tg, 5XFAD (Tg), and EA-treated 5XFAD (Tg + KI3) mice. To examine the molecular mechanisms underlying EA effects, western blots, immunohistochemistry, and micro-positron emission tomography scans were performed. Furthermore, we studied synapse ultrastructures with transmission electron microscopy and used electrophysiology to investigate EA effects on synaptic plasticity in 5XFAD mice. Results EA treatment significantly improved working memory and synaptic plasticity, alleviated neuroinflammation, and reduced ultrastructural degradation of synapses via upregulation of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density-95 protein in 5XFAD mice. Furthermore, microglia-mediated Aβ deposition was reduced after EA treatment and coincided with a reduction in amyloid precursor protein. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that EA treatment ameliorates cognitive impairment via inhibition of synaptic degeneration and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Cai
- Department of Herbal Medicine Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea.
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He J, Huang Y, Du G, Wang Z, Xiang Y, Wang Q. Lasting spatial learning and memory deficits following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion are associated with hippocampal mitochondrial aging in rats. Neuroscience 2019; 415:215-229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Zhang HR, Tao JL, Bai H, Yang EM, Zhong ZH, Liu XT, Gu YH, Lu SF. Changes in the Serum Metabolome of Acute Myocardial Ischemia Rat Pretreatment with Electroacupuncture. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:1025-1041. [PMID: 31327237 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI), the most common symptom is chest pain, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. Electroacupuncture pretreatment (EP) is a recent observation which has been shown to induce ischemic tolerance like the ischemia preconditioning, suggesting that EP may be a promising preventive strategy for individual susceptibility to MI. This study investigated mechanisms that underlie the effect of EP on MI through the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolic profiling. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided to receive or not receive three days of EP at PC6 (Neiguan). Then on the fourth day, each group was further divided to undergo mock surgery or MI, induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. After 24h, the blood samples and hearts were collected for the follow-up research. The results showed that treatment by EP significantly reduced the levels of CK-MB, cTnT, AST, and MDH in serum and decreased myocardial infarction area. According to GC-MS-based serum metabolic profiling and analysis, a total of 636 characteristic peaks were identified, including 158 known and 478 unknown metabolites. MI caused comprehensive metabolic changes in glycolysis-related metabolites, malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) metabolites, and purine metabolites with anti-oxidant functions, while EP reversed more than half of the differential metabolic changes, mainly affecting amino acid and energy metabolism, especially the glutamate metabolism and MAS. In a word, our findings suggest that EP exerts its cardioprotective effect on MI by regulating amino acid and energy metabolisms. Meanwhile, GC-MS-based metabolomics provided a powerful way to characterize the metabolic features of MI, with and without EP, and thereby improved our understanding of the effect and mechanisms of EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ru Zhang
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Lei Tao
- ‡Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Paediatric Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Hua Bai
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Eun-Mee Yang
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Ze-Hao Zhong
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Tong Liu
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Huang Gu
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Sheng-Feng Lu
- *The No.2 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China.,†Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
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14
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Signal Transduction Pathways of Acupuncture for Treating Some Nervous System Diseases. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:2909632. [PMID: 31379957 PMCID: PMC6657648 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2909632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we review signal transduction pathways through which acupuncture treats nervous system diseases. We electronically searched the databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, clinical Key, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inception to December 2018 using the following MeSH headings and keywords alone or in varied combination: acupuncture, molecular, signal transduction, genetic, cerebral ischemic injury, cerebral hemorrhagic injury, stroke, epilepsy, seizure, depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Acupuncture treats nervous system diseases by increasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and involves multiple signal pathways, including p38 MAPKs, Raf/MAPK/ERK 1/2, TLR4/ERK, PI3K/AKT, AC/cAMP/PKA, ASK1-JNK/p38, and downstream CREB, JNK, m-TOR, NF-κB, and Bcl-2/Bax balance. Acupuncture affects synaptic plasticity, causes an increase in neurotrophic factors, and results in neuroprotection, cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation, and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier.
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15
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Current Tracking on Effectiveness and Mechanisms of Acupuncture Therapy: A Literature Review of High-Quality Studies. Chin J Integr Med 2019; 26:310-320. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Electroacupuncture Improved Hippocampal Neurogenesis following Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice through Inhibition of TLR4 Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5841814. [PMID: 28848607 PMCID: PMC5564094 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5841814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The protective role of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in diverse neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke is well acknowledged. However, whether and how EA act on hippocampal neurogenesis following traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of EA on hippocampal neurogenesis and neurological functions, as well as its underlying association with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in TBI mice. BrdU/NeuN immunofluorescence was performed to label newborn neurons in the hippocampus after EA treatment. Water maze test and neurological severity score were used to evaluate neurological function posttrauma. The hippocampal level of TLR4 and downstream molecules and inflammatory cytokines were, respectively, detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. EA enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and inhibited TLR4 expression at 21, 28, and 35 days after TBI, but the beneficial effects of EA on posttraumatic neurogenesis and neurological functions were attenuated by lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 activation. In addition, EA exerted an inhibitory effect on both TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB and TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB pathways, as well as the inflammatory cytokine expression in the hippocampus following TBI. In conclusion, EA promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and neurological recovery through inhibition of TLR4 signaling pathway posttrauma, which may be a potential approach to improve the outcome of TBI.
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17
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Bee Venom Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction Caused by Neuroinflammation in an Animal Model of Vascular Dementia. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:5952-5960. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Du SQ, Wang XR, Xiao LY, Tu JF, Zhu W, He T, Liu CZ. Molecular Mechanisms of Vascular Dementia: What Can Be Learned from Animal Models of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion? Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3670-3682. [PMID: 27206432 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disease of cognitive decline, attributable to cerebrovascular factors. Numerous studies have demonstrated that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is associated with the initiation and progression of VD and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Suitable animal models were established to replicate such pathological condition in experimental research, which contributes largely to comprehending causal relationships between CCH and cognitive impairment. The most widely used experimental model of VD and CCH is permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats. In CCH models, changes of learning and memory, cerebral blood flow (CBF), energy metabolism, and neuropathology initiated by ischemia were revealed. However, in order to achieve potential therapeutic targets, particular mechanisms in cognitive and neuropathological changes from CCH to dementia should be investigated. Recent studies have shown that hypoperfusion resulted in a chain of disruption of homeostatic interactions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter system dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, disturbance of lipid metabolism, and alterations of growth factors. Evidence from experimental studies that elucidate the damaging effects of such imbalances suggests their critical roles in the pathogenesis of VD. The present review provides a summary of the achievements in mechanisms made with the CCH models, permits an understanding of the causative role played by CCH in VD, and highlights preventative and therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Du
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Ling-Yong Xiao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jian-Feng Tu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Tian He
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China.
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