Acupuncture inhibits neuroinflammation and gut microbial dysbiosis in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Electro-acupuncture inhibits HDAC2 via modulating gut microbiota to ameliorate SNI-induced pain and depression-like behavior in rats

BACKGROUND

Depression and chronic pain frequent co-occur, exacerbating each other's symptoms and hindering treatment. Emerging studies have highlighted abnormal gut microbiota in both conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of electro-acupuncture (EA) in managing these conditions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

METHODS

Spared nerve injury (SNI) was employed to induce chronic pain and depression-like behavior. Rats were randomly assigned to sham SNI (SS), SNI, and EA groups. SNI surgery was performed on all rats, except those in SS group, which underwent sham SNI surgery. Then EA group received 5 weeks of EA treatment. Pain and depression-like behavior were assessed through paw withdrawal threshold, sucrose-preference test, and forced swim test. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rDNA sequencing. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and acetylation-related proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were evaluated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot.

RESULTS

EA treatment significantly ameliorated pain and depression-like behavior. The 16S rDNA sequencing showed EA modulated gut microbiota composition, increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, including Akkermansi, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae family, particularly Akkermansia. Furthermore, EA increased BDNF, AcH3 and decreased HDAC2 in mPFC. Notably, SCFAs-producing bacteria exhibited a negative correlation with HDAC2 levels.

LIMITATIONS

This study exclusively investigated microbiota differences resulting from EA stimulation, without delving into the functional variations brought about by these microbial distinctions.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effects of EA on the comorbidity of chronic pain and depression may involve the modulation of the gut microbiota, resulting in histone acetylation changes and upregulation of BDNF.

From inflammatory signaling to neuronal damage: Exploring NLR inflammasomes in ageing neurological disorders

The persistence of neuronal degeneration and damage is a major obstacle in ageing medicine. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors detect environmental stressors and trigger the maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can cause neuronal damage and accelerate cell death. NLR (NOD-like receptors) inflammasomes are protein complexes that contain NOD-like receptors. Studying the role of NLR inflammasomes in ageing-related neurological disorders can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. This includes investigating their activation of inflammasomes, transcription, and capacity to promote or inhibit inflammatory signaling, as well as exploring strategies to regulate NLR inflammasomes levels. This review summarizes the use of NLR inflammasomes in guiding neuronal degeneration and injury during the ageing process, covering several neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and peripheral neuropathies. To improve the quality of life and slow the progression of neurological damage, NLR-based treatment strategies, including inhibitor-related therapies and physical therapy, are presented. Additionally, important connections between age-related neurological disorders and NLR inflammasomes are highlighted to guide future research and facilitate the development of new treatment options.

Efficacy of acupuncture as adjunct therapy for sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to summarize existing clinical studies through a systematic review to explore the efficacy of acupuncture in treating sleep disorders in PD patients.

METHODS

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we retrieved the papers through 30 April 2023 from eight databases. The experimental group was treated with acupuncture plus conventional therapy, while the control group was treated with conventional therapy alone or combined with sham acupuncture. The sleep quality was the primary outcome. A team of researchers meticulously performed literature screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment following the Cochrane Handbook. A meta-analysis was synthesized using Review Manager Version 5.4 software if feasible. The quality of the evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool.

RESULTS

A total of 973 papers were identified, with 15 papers involving 957 patients were included in this systematic review. The results showed that acupuncture interventions included manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion and bleeding, with 1-7 times every week implemented during 2-12 weeks. Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy compared to conventional therapy alone showed better effect in sleep quality and overall symptoms of PD. Risk of bias assessment showed deficiencies in blinding and allocation concealment. All included studies were synthesized in a meta-analysis, as the result of which, acupuncture improved PDSS scores(MD =16.57; 95% CI, 7.24-25.90; I2 = 97%) and effective rate for sleep disorders (OR = 5.91; 95% CI, 1.71-20.39; I2 = 54%); meanwhile, acupuncture reduced UPDRS scores(MD = -4.29; 95% CI, -6.54 - -2.03; I2 = 77%) and improved effective rate for PD (OR = 3.22; 95% CI, 1.81-5.72; I2 = 0%). The quality of evidence ranged from low to moderate by GRADE.

CONCLUSION

This study provides initial evidence that acupuncture as an adjunct therapy might be associated with improvement of sleep disorders in PD. Due to the lack of high-quality studies, larger sample size studies with sham acupuncture groups should be conducted in future.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022364249 (PROSPERO).

A preliminary therapeutic study of the effects of molecular hydrogen on intestinal dysbiosis and small intestinal injury in high-fat diet-loaded senescence-accelerated mice

OBJECTIVES

Aging and excessive fat intake may additively induce dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and intestinal inflammatory damage. Here, we analyzed microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal injury in high-fat diet-loaded senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8). Additionally, we examined whether treatment with molecular hydrogen could improve the intestinal environment.

METHODS

SAMP8 and SAMR1 (control) mice were first fed a normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 wk (n = 10 each group). Subsequently, HFD was supplemented with a placebo jelly or hydrogen-rich jelly (HRJ) for 4 wk. After treatment, isolated small intestinal tissues were used for hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Furthermore, we analyzed alterations in the microbiota composition in cecal feces using 16S rRNA gene analysis for microbiota profiling. Statistical analyses were performed using unpaired Student's t tests or one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons.

RESULT

HFD feeding reduced the expression of caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the small intestine of SAMP8. HRJ treatment improved the reduction in CDX2 and BrdU and enhanced MDA levels. We performed a sequence analysis of the gut microbiota at the genus level and identified 283 different bacterial genera from the 30 samples analyzed in the study. Among them, Parvibacter positively correlated with both HFD intake and aging, whereas 10 bacteria, including Anaerofustis, Anaerosporobacter, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus were negatively correlated with both HFD and aging. HRJ treatment increased Lactinobactor and decreased Akkermansia, Gracilibacter, and Marvinbryantia abundance.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that treatment with molecular hydrogen may affect microbiota profiling and suppress intestinal injury in HFD-loaded SAMP8.

Hydrogen-rich water alleviates constipation by attenuating oxidative stress through the sirtuin1/nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Constipation, a highly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder, induces a significant burden on the quality of patients' life and is associated with substantial healthcare expenditures. Therefore, identifying efficient therapeutic modalities for constipation is of paramount importance. Oxidative stress is a pivotal contributor to colonic dysmotility and is the underlying pathology responsible for constipation symptoms. Consequently, we postulate that hydrogen therapy, an emerging and promising intervention, can serve as a safe and efficacious treatment for constipation.

AIM

To determine whether hydrogen-rich water (HRW) alleviates constipation and its potential mechanism.

METHODS

Constipation models were established by orally loperamide to Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats freely consumed HRW, and were recorded their 24 h total stool weight, fecal water content, and charcoal propulsion rate. Fecal samples were subjected to 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Serum non-targeted metabolomic analysis, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels were determined. Colonic tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff, reactive oxygen species (ROS) immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry for cell growth factor receptor kit (c-kit), PGP 9.5, sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis were conducted to determine the expression level of SIRT1, Nrf2 and HO-1. A rescue experiment was conducted by intraperitoneally injecting the SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527, into constipated rats. NCM460 cells were induced with H2O2 and treated with the metabolites to evaluate ROS and SIRT1 expression.

RESULTS

HRW alleviated constipation symptoms by improving the total amount of stool over 24 h, fecal water content, charcoal propulsion rate, thickness of the intestinal mucus layer, c-kit expression, and the number of intestinal neurons. HRW modulated intestinal microbiota imbalance and abnormalities in serum metabolism. HRW could also reduce intestinal oxidative stress through the SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. This regulatory effect on oxidative stress was confirmed via an intraperitoneal injection of a SIRT1 inhibitor to constipated rats. The serum metabolites, β-leucine (β-Leu) and traumatic acid, were also found to attenuate H2O2-induced oxidative stress in NCM460 cells by up-regulating SIRT1.

CONCLUSION

HRW attenuates constipation-associated intestinal oxidative stress via SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, modulating gut microbiota and serum metabolites. β-Leu and traumatic acid are potential metabolites that upregulate SIRT1 expression and reduce oxidative stress.

Electroacupuncture blocked motor dysfunction and gut barrier damage by modulating intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder commonly accompanied by gut dysfunction. EA has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Here, we aim to explore whether EA can treat Parkinson's disease by restoring the intestinal barrier and modulating NLRP3 inflammasome. We applied 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to establish a PD mouse model and EA at the GV16, LR3, and ST36 for 12 consecutive days. The open-field test results indicated that EA alleviated depression and behavioral defects, upregulated the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and blocked the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the midbrain. Moreover, EA blocked the damage to intestinal tissues of PD mice, indicative of suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and increased gut barrier integrity. Notably, the antibiotic-treated mouse experiment validated that the gut microbiota was critical in alleviating PD dyskinesia and intestinal inflammation by EA. In conclusion, this study suggested that EA exhibited a protective effect against MPTP-induced PD by alleviating behavioral defects, reversing the block of motor dysfunction, and improving the gut barrier by modulating intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome. Above all, this study could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and therapy of PD.

Electroacupuncture improves gastrointestinal motility through a central-cholinergic pathway-mediated GDNF releasing from intestinal glial cells to protect intestinal neurons in Parkinson's disease rats

Constipation symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) seriously reduce the quality of life of patients and aggravate the development of the disease, but current treatment options still cannot alleviate the progress of constipation. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a new method for the treatment of constipation, which can effectively treat the symptoms of constipation in PD patients. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms of EA in the treatment of constipation symptoms in PD remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of EA on PD constipation rats and its regulatory mechanism. A rotenone (ROT)-induced gastrointestinal motility disorder model was used to simulate the pathological process of constipation in PD. The results showed that EA could effectively promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, reduce α-synuclein accumulation in substantia nigra and colon and colonic injury in rats after ROT administration. Mechanistically, EA activation of the central-cholinergic pathway increases acetylcholine release in the colon. At the same time, EA up-regulated the co-expression of enteric glial cells (EGCs) and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). EA increased the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the colon of PD rats. Further mechanistic studies showed that EA increased the expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), GFRa1 and p-AKT in colon tissues. The present study confirmed that EA upregulates α7nAChR through a central-cholinergic mechanism to promote GDNF release from EGCs, thereby protecting intestinal neurons and thereby improving gastrointestinal motility.

Global trends and hotspots in research on acupuncture for neurodegenerative diseases over the last decade: a bibliometric and visualization analysis

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the current status and trends of acupuncture for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) in the last decade and provide new insights for researchers in future studies.

Methods

The publications concerning acupuncture treatment for NDs published between 2014 and 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze data on numbers of annual publications, countries, institutions, cited journals, cited authors, cited references, keywords, and citation bursts about acupuncture for NDs.

Results

A total of 635 publications were obtained from 2014 to 2023. We identified the most prolific journals, countries, institutions, authors, patterns of authorship, and the main direction of future research in the field of acupuncture for NDs in the last decade. The country, institution, and journal with the most publications are China (389 articles), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (56 articles), and Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (42 articles), respectively. The high-frequency keywords focused on "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's disease," "acupuncture," "dementia," and "electroacupuncture." The top five keywords in terms of centrality were "cerebral ischemia," "acupuncture stimulation," "fMRI," "apoptosis," and "deep brain stimulation."

Conclusion

The results from this bibliometric study provide insight into the research trends in acupuncture therapy for NDs, and the current status and trends of the past decade, which may help researchers confirm the current status, hotspots, and frontier trends in this field.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa: a Mendelian randomization study of gut microbiota

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) poses a significant challenge to global public health. Despite extensive research, conclusive evidence regarding the association between gut microbes and the risk of AN and BN remains elusive. Mendelian randomization (MR) methods offer a promising avenue for elucidating potential causal relationships.

Materials and methods

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets of AN and BN were retrieved from the OpenGWAS database for analysis. Independent single nucleotide polymorphisms closely associated with 196 gut bacterial taxa from the MiBioGen consortium were identified as instrumental variables. MR analysis was conducted utilizing R software, with outlier exclusion performed using the MR-PRESSO method. Causal effect estimation was undertaken employing four methods, including Inverse variance weighted. Sensitivity analysis, heterogeneity analysis, horizontal multivariate analysis, and assessment of causal directionality were carried out to assess the robustness of the findings.

Results

A total of 196 bacterial taxa spanning six taxonomic levels were subjected to analysis. Nine taxa demonstrating potential causal relationships with AN were identified. Among these, five taxa, including Peptostreptococcaceae, were implicated as exerting a causal effect on AN risk, while four taxa, including Gammaproteobacteria, were associated with a reduced risk of AN. Similarly, nine taxa exhibiting potential causal relationships with BN were identified. Of these, six taxa, including Clostridiales, were identified as risk factors for increased BN risk, while three taxa, including Oxalobacteraceae, were deemed protective factors. Lachnospiraceae emerged as a common influence on both AN and BN, albeit with opposing effects. No evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected for significant estimates.

Conclusion

Through MR analysis, we revealed the potential causal role of 18 intestinal bacterial taxa in AN and BN, including Lachnospiraceae. It provides new insights into the mechanistic basis and intervention targets of gut microbiota-mediated AN and BN.

Functional modification of recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its protective effect against neurotoxicity

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophic protein that promotes neuronal survival, increases neurotransmitter synthesis, and has potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, but its drug development has been limited by the fact that recombinant proteins of BDNF are unstable and do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we fused a TAT membrane-penetrating peptide with BDNF to express a recombinant protein (TBDNF), which was then PEG-modified to P-TBDNF. Protein characterization showed that P-TBDNF significantly improved the stability of the recombinant protein and possessed the ability to penetrate the BBB, and in cellular experiments, P-TBDNF prevented MPTP-induced nerve cell oxidative stress damage, apoptosis and inflammatory response, and its mechanism of action was closely related to the activation of tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) receptor and inhibition of microglia activation. In animal experiments, P-TBDNF improved motor and cognitive deficits in MPTP mice and inhibited pathological changes in Parkinson's disease (PD). In conclusion, this paper is expected to reveal the mechanism of action of P-TBDNF in inhibiting neurotoxicity, provide a new way for treating PD, and lay the foundation for the future development of recombinant P-TBDNF.

Effect of Zusanli Acupoint Injection with Anisodamine on Postoperative Recovery Quality of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of anisodamine injection at the Zusanli (ST36) on early postoperative recovery quality in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

141 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the normal saline group (group S) and the anisodamine group (group A). Acupuncture point injections were administered after induction of general anesthesia. The quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) scores were documented preoperatively (D0) and on the 1st (D1), 3rd (D3) and 7th (D7) days postoperatively. Additional metrics included: the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), assessment and analgesic consumption 24-h post-extubation and the initial postoperative times for ambulation and anal exhaust. Substance P (SP), β-endorphin (β-EP), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were quantified at 24-h post-surgery.

RESULTS

Compared with group C, group A demonstrated an elevation in QoR-40 scores and physical comfort dimensions during D1-3, and an increased pain scores during D1-7; group S exhibited an augmentation in QoR-40 scores and pain scores on D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, group A improved QoR-40 scores on D1 and pain scores during D1-3 (p < 0.05). SP, β-EP, MTL and GAS presented significant variances among the groups 24-h post-surgery (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups in NRS pain scores and PONV scores at 24-h postoperatively, dosage of dizocin on the first postoperative day, and time to first anal defecation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The administration of anisodamine via ST36 acupoint injections has been demonstrated to facilitate the recuperation of gastrointestinal functionality, to alleviate postoperative pain and nausea, and substantially to enhance the quality of early postoperative recovery.

Acupuncture activates IRE1/XBP1 endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in Parkinson's disease model rats

Acupuncture has demonstrated its efficacy as a treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on PD treatment. Our approach involved several steps. Firstly, we assessed the behavioral changes in PD rats, the modulation of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in the striatum, as well as the alteration in α-synuclein (α-syn) levels in the midbrain, aiming to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in PD treatment. Secondly, we selected endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitors and activators to assess the impact of ER stress on PD rats. Lastly, we utilized an IRE1 inhibitor to observe the influence of acupuncture on the IRE1/XBP1 pathway in PD rats. The findings of this study revealed that acupuncture improved the autonomous motor function, balance ability, coordination, and sensory motor integration function in the PD model rats. Additionally, it increased the levels of DA and 5-HT in the striatum while decreasing the levels of α-syn in the midbrain. Acupuncture also activated the expression of ER stress in the midbrain and upregulated the expression of IRE1/XBP1 in the striatum of PD model rats. Based on these results, we concluded that acupuncture may enhance the behavior of PD rats by activating the IRE1/XBP1 ER stress pathway, associated with the reduction of midbrain α-syn expression and the increase in striatal DA and 5-HT levels in unilateral 6-OHDA lesioned rats.

Electroacupuncture regulates gut microbiota to reduce depressive-like behavior in rats

Background and objectives

Growing studies show that gut microbiota is closely associated with depression. Acupuncture treatment could regulate the gut microbiota of many diseases. Here, we aim to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on gut microbiota in rats that showed depressive-like behavior.

Materials and methods

The rats were randomly divided into normal group, chronic unpredictable mild stress model (CUMS) group, CUMS + electroacupuncture (EA) group, and CUMS + sham-electroacupuncture (Sham) group. The CUMS+EA rats were treated with EA stimulation at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Tianshu (ST25) acupoints for 2 weeks (0.7 mA, 2/100 Hz, 30 min/day). The rats in the sham EA group were treated with the same conditions without inserting needles and electrical stimulation. Behavioral tests were conducted by forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), and sucrose preference test (SPT) to assess depression-like behavior in rats. The relative abundance of intestinal bacteria in rat feces was detected by 16S rRNA analysis. The expression of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SST), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in serum was detected by ELISA kit, and VIP, CGRP, and SST in the colon were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats exhibited depressive-like behaviors and had differential abundance vs. control rats. CUMS significantly decreased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus at the genus level, CGRP in plasma (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the intestine propulsion rate, the mRNA and protein expression of VIP, SST, and mRNA in the colon, and ATCH in plasma (p < 0.05). EA rats with microbial profiles were distinct from CUMS rats. EA markedly reduced the depressive-like behaviors, significantly increased the intestine propulsion rate, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria at the phylum level, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus at the genus level, and VIP and CGRP in plasma (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased Firmicutes, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at the phylum level, ACTH and SST in plasma, and SST mRNA in the colon (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The antidepressant effect of EA at ST36 and ST25 is related to regulating intestinal flora and the neurotransmitter system. Our study suggests that EA contributes to the improvement of depression, and gut microbiota may be one of the mechanisms of EA effect.

The mechanistic effects of acupuncture in rodent neurodegenerative disease models: a literature review

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to a battery of medical conditions that affect the survival and function of neurons in the brain, which are mainly presented with progressive loss of cognitive and/or motor function. Acupuncture showed benign effects in improving neurological deficits, especially on movement and cognitive function impairment. Here, we reviewed the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture at the neural circuit level in movement and cognition disorders, summarizing the influence of acupuncture in the dopaminergic system, glutamatergic system, γ-amino butyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) system, serotonergic system, cholinergic system, and glial cells at the circuit and synaptic levels. These findings can provide targets for clinical treatment and perspectives for further studies.

MicrobeTCM: A comprehensive platform for the interactions of microbiota and traditional Chinese medicine

Thanks to the advancements in bioinformatics, drugs, and other interventions that modulate microbes to treat diseases have been emerging continuously. In recent years, an increasing number of databases related to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or gut microbes have been established. However, a database combining the two has not yet been developed. To accelerate TCM research and address the traditional medicine and micro ecological system connection between short board, we have developed the most comprehensive micro-ecological database of TCM. This initiative includes the standardization of the following advantages: (1) A repeatable process achieved through the standardization of a retrieval strategy to identify literature. This involved identifying 419 experiment articles from PubMed and six authoritative databases; (2) High-quality data integration achieved through double-entry extraction of literature, mitigating uncertainties associated with natural language extraction; (3) Implementation of a similar strategy aiding in the prediction of mechanisms of action. Leveraging drug similarity, target entity similarity, and known drug-target entity association, our platform enables the prediction of the effects of a new herb or acupoint formulas using the existing data. In total, MicrobeTCM includes 171 diseases, 725 microbes, 1468 herb-formulas, 1032 herbs, 15780 chemical compositions, 35 acupoint-formulas, and 77 acupoints. For further exploration, please visit https://www.microbetcm.com.

Acupuncture modulates the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease: current evidence, challenges, and future opportunities

Alzheimer's disease, one of the most severe and common neurodegenerative diseases, has no effective cure. Therefore it is crucial to explore novel and effective therapeutic targets. The gut microbiota - brain axis has been found to play a role in Alzheimer's disease by regulating the neuro-immune and endocrine systems. At the same time, acupuncture can modulate the gut microbiota and may impact the course of Alzheimer's disease. In this Review, we discuss recent studies on the role of acupuncture on the gut microbiota as well current challenges and future opportunities of acupuncture as potential treatment for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Advances in acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis via citespace

OBJECTIVE

To understand research advances and frontiers of acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis.

METHODS

Publications related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the datasets and generate knowledge maps.

RESULTS

A total of 445 relevant publications published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of annual publications fluctuated from 2013 to 2016 but increased gradually from 2016 to 2022. China produced the highest number of publications, while the USA established the most extensive cooperation relationships. China Academy of Chinese Medical Science was the most productive institution. Chen Jiande D.Z. was the most prolific author and Rong Peijing holds the most extensive cooperation network. Han Jisheng was the most co-cited author. Relevant research involved mechanism exploration and clinical efficacy research, and "anti-inflammatory effect" was the most active research topic, especially cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The most cited references mainly focused on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders were the most active medical conditions studied in this field.

CONCLUSIONS

Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function over the past decade. However, the mechanisms of the autonomic effects of acupuncture need further investigation. High-quality clinical studies are required to determine the optimal parameters of acupuncture for clinical application.

Chronic Gut Inflammation and Dysbiosis in IBS: Unraveling Their Contribution to Atopic Dermatitis Progression

Emerging evidence suggests a link between atopic dermatitis (AD) and gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in relation to gut microbial dysbiosis. This study explored the potential exacerbation of AD by gut inflammation and microbial imbalances using an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) mouse model. Chronic gut inflammation was induced in the model by intrarectal injection of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), followed by a 4-week development period. We noted significant upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines in the colon and evident gut microbial dysbiosis in the IBS mice. Additionally, these mice exhibited impaired gut barrier function, increased permeability, and elevated systemic inflammation markers such as IL-6 and LPS. A subsequent MC903 challenge on the right cheek lasting for 7 days revealed more severe AD symptoms in IBS mice compared to controls. Further, fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) from IBS mice resulted in aggravated AD symptoms, a result similarly observed with FMT from an IBS patient. Notably, an increased abundance of Alistipes in the feces of IBS mice correlated with heightened systemic and localized inflammation in both the gut and skin. These findings collectively indicate that chronic gut inflammation and microbial dysbiosis in IBS are critical factors exacerbating AD, highlighting the integral relationship between gut and skin health.

Electroacupuncture at ST25 corrected gut microbial dysbiosis and SNpc lipid peroxidation in Parkinson's disease rats

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) remains one kind of a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disease. Levodopa and dopamine agonists as widely utilized PD therapeutics have not shown significant positive long-term outcomes. Emerging evidences indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) have potential effects on the therapy of nervous system disorders, particularly PD, but its specific underlying mechanism(s) remains poorly understood, leading to the great challenge of clinical application and management. Previous study has shown that acupuncture ameliorates PD motor symptoms and dopaminergic neuron damage by modulating intestinal dysbiosis, but its intermediate pathway has not been sufficiently investigated.

Methods

A rat model of PD was induced using rotenone. The therapeutic effect of EA on PD was assessed using the pole and rotarod tests and immunohistostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra (SN) of brain. The role of gut microbiota was explored using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabonomic analysis. PICRUSt2 analysis, lipidomic analysis, LPS and inflammatory factor assays were used for subsequent exploration and validation. Correlation analysis was used to identify the key bacteria that EA regulates lipid metabolism to improve PD.

Results

The present study firstly reappeared the effects of EA on protecting motor function and dopaminergic neurons and modulation of gut microbial dysbiosis in rotenone-induced PD rat model. EA improved motor dysfunction (via the pole and rotarod tests) and protected TH+ neurons in PD rats. EA increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Dubosiella and Bifidobacterium and decreased the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Morganella belonging to Pseudomonadota, suggesting that the modulation of gut microbiota by EA improving the symptoms of PD motility via alleviating LPS-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which was also validated by various aspects such as microbial gene functional analysis, fecal metabolomics analysis, LPS and inflammatory factor assays and SNpc lipidomics analysis. Moreover, correlation analyses also verified strong correlations of Escherichia-Shigella and Morganella with motor symptoms and SNpc lipid peroxidation, explicating targets and intermediate pathways through which EA improve PD exercise symptom.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the improvement of motor function in PD model by EA may be mediated in part by restoring the gut microbiota, which intermediate processes involve circulating endotoxins and inflammatory mediators, SNpc oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The gut-microbiome - brain axis may be a potential mechanism of EA treatment for the PD.

Connecting the Dots: The Cerebral Lymphatic System as a Bridge Between the Central Nervous System and Peripheral System in Health and Disease

As a recently discovered waste removal system in the brain, cerebral lymphatic system is thought to play an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Currently, more and more attention is being focused on the cerebral lymphatic system. Further understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of diseases and to explore therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the structural components and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system. More importantly, it is closely associated with peripheral system diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidney. However, there is still a gap in the study of the cerebral lymphatic system. However, we believe that it is a critical mediator of the interactions between the central nervous system and the peripheral system.

What Can Inflammation Tell Us about Therapeutic Strategies for Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with a complicated etiology and pathogenesis. α-Synuclein aggregation, dopaminergic (DA) neuron loss, mitochondrial injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation are involved in the process of PD. Neuroinflammation has been recognized as a key element in the initiation and progression of PD. In this review, we summarize the inflammatory response and pathogenic mechanisms of PD. Additionally, we describe the potential anti-inflammatory therapies, including nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibition, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibition, microglia inhibition, astrocyte inhibition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibition, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, targeting the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent pathway, targeting α-synuclein, targeting miRNA, acupuncture, and exercise. The review focuses on inflammation and will help in designing new prevention strategies for PD.

Electroacupuncture Reduces Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Obese Mice by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways and Repairing the Intestinal Barrier

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA) is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which this approach safeguards against obesity-induced intestinal barrier damage has not been fully understood.

Objective

This study aimed to assess whether EA could ameliorate intestinal barrier damage that had been reversed in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and whether this repair is correlated with ferroptosis and gut microbiota enhancement.

Methods

To assess the potential of EA to prevent obesity and restore the intestinal barrier, we divided in C57BL/6J mice into two groups; one was fed with HFD and another one with a normal diet. Samples of stool, blood, fat, and intestinal epithelium were then evaluated, along with body weight.

Results

Following EA, we observed a significant reduction in body weight, fat accumulation, and serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels; an increase was seen in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. EA also activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway; upregulated the expression of GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11; and downregulated the expression of TFR1. In addition, the administration of EA resulted in a notable modification of the gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio.

Conclusion

EA had beneficial effects on weight loss and showed potential ability to repair the intestinal barrier by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, inhibiting intestinal inflammation and ferroptosis, and regulating the intestinal microbiota to treat IBD caused by HFD-induced obesity.

Astrocytic transcription factors REST, YY1, and putative microRNAs in Parkinson's disease and advanced therapeutic strategies

Transcription factors (TF) and microRNAs are regulatory factors in astrocytes and are linked to several Parkinson's disease (PD) progression causes, such as disruption of glutamine transporters in astrocytes and concomitant disrupted glutamine uptake and inflammation. REST, a crucial TF, has been documented as an epigenetic repressor that limits the expression of neuronal genes in non-neural cells. REST activity is significantly linked to its corepressors in astrocytes, specifically histone deacetylases (HDACs), CoREST, and MECP2. Another REST-regulating TF, YY1, has been studied in astrocytes, and its interaction with REST has been investigated. In this review, the molecular processes that support the astrocytic control of REST and YY1 in terms of the regulation of glutamate transporter EAAT2 were addressed in a more detailed and comprehensive manner. Both TFs' function in astrocytes and how astrocyte abnormalities cause PD is still a mystery. Moreover, microRNAs (short non-coding RNAs) are key regulators that have been correlated to the expression and regulation of numerous genes linked to PD. The identification of numerous miRs that are engaged in astrocyte dysfunction that triggers PD has been shown. The term "Gut-brain axis" refers to the two systems' mutual communication. Gut microbial dysbiosis, which mediates an imbalance of the gut-brain axis, might contribute to neurodegenerative illnesses through altered astrocytic regulation. New treatment approaches to modify the gut-brain axis and prevent astrocytic repercussions have also been investigated in this review.

Causal relationship between gut microflora and dementia: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Numerous pertinent investigations have demonstrated a correlation between gut microflora (GM) and the occurrence of dementia. However, a causal connection between GM and dementia and its subtypes has not yet been clarified.

Objective

To explore the causal association between GM and dementia, including its subtypes, a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was used.

Methods

Our data comes from the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). The principal approach employed for the Mendelian randomization study was the inverse-variance weighted method, supplemented by four methods: MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. This was followed by Cochrane's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out as sensitivity analysis validation.

Results

Twenty-one GMs associated with any dementia, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson's disease, and dementia under other disease classifications were derived from the analysis, and 21 passed sensitivity tests.

Conclusion

We confirmed the causal relationship between GM and dementia and its subtypes, derived specific flora associated with increased or decreased risk of dementia, and provided new ideas for preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions for dementia mediated by gut microbiota.

Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for cognitive impairment: the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role

Cognitive impairment poses a significant burden on individuals, families, and society worldwide. Despite the lack of effective treatment strategies, emerging evidence suggests that the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. While targeted treatment is not yet comprehensive, recently, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy has participated increasingly in the treatment of degenerative diseases and has achieved a certain therapeutic effect. In this review, the possible mechanisms by which acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may improve cognitive impairment through the MGB axis are reviewed, including regulating gut microbial homeostasis, improving intestinal inflammation mediated by the neuroendocrine-immune system, and enhancing intestinal barrier function. We also discuss common acupoints and corresponding mechanism analysis to provide insights into further exploration of mechanisms that target the MGB axis and thereby intervene in cognitive impairment.

Alterations of gut microbiota and its correlation with the liver metabolome in the process of ameliorating Parkinson's disease with Buyang Huanwu decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD), a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, was first recorded in Qing Dynasty physician Qingren Wang's Yi Lin Gai Cuo. BHD has been widely utilized in the treatment of patients with neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In particular, little is known about the role of gut microbiota.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to reveal the alterations and functions of gut microbiota and its correlation with the liver metabolome in the process of improving PD with BHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cecal contents were collected from PD mice treated with or without BHD. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq-PE250 platform, and the ecological structure, dominant taxa, co-occurrence patterns, and function prediction of the gut microbial community were analyzed by multivariate statistical methods. The correlation between differential microbial communities in the gut and differentially accumulated metabolites in the liver was analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The abundance of Butyricimonas, Christensenellaceae, Coprococcus, Peptococcaceae, Odoribacteraceae, and Roseburia was altered significantly in the model group, which was by BHD. Ten genera, namely Dorea, unclassified_Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospira, unidentified_Ruminococcaceae, unclassified_Clostridiales, unidentified_Clostridiales, Bacteroides, unclassified_Prevotellaceae, unidentified_Rikenellaceae, and unidentified_S24-7, were identified as key bacterial communities. According to the function prediction of differential genera, the mRNA surveillance pathway might be a target of BHD. Integrated analysis of gut microbiota and the liver metabolome revealed that several gut microbiota genera such as Parabacteroides, Ochrobactrum, Acinetobacter, Clostridium, and Halomonas, were positively or negatively correlated with some nervous system-related metabolites, such as L-carnitine, L-pyroglutamic acid, oleic acid, and taurine.

CONCLUSIONS

Gut microbiota might be a target of BHD in the process of ameliorating PD. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the effects of BHD on PD and contribute to the development of TCM.

Relationship among α‑synuclein, aging and inflammation in Parkinson's disease (Review)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative pathology whose major clinical symptoms are movement disorders. The main pathological characteristics of PD are the selective death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies containing α-synuclein (α-Syn) within these neurons. PD is associated with numerous risk factors, including environmental factors, genetic mutations and aging. In many cases, the complex interplay of numerous risk factors leads to the onset of PD. The mutated α-Syn gene, which expresses pathologicalα-Syn protein, can cause PD. Another important feature of PD is neuroinflammation, which is conducive to neuronal death. α-Syn is able to interact with certain cell types in the brain, including through phagocytosis and degradation of α-Syn by glial cells, activation of inflammatory pathways by α-Syn in glial cells, transmission of α-Syn between glial cells and neurons, and interactions between peripheral immune cells and α-Syn. In addition to the aforementioned risk factors, PD may also be associated with aging, as the prevalence of PD increases with advancing age. The aging process impairs the cellular clearance mechanism, which leads to chronic inflammation and the accumulation of intracellular α-Syn, which results in DA neuronal death. In the present review, the age-associated α-Syn pathogenicity and the interactions between α-Syn and certain types of cells within the brain are discussed to facilitate understanding of the mechanisms of PD pathogenesis, which may potentially provide insight for the future clinical treatment of PD.

Multidirectional associations between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, updated information from the perspectives of humoral pathway, cellular immune pathway and neuronal pathway

The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by a diverse range of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which form a vast and complex ecosystem. It has been reported that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in regulating host neuroprotective function. Studies have shown that patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and experiments involving germ-free mice and fecal microbiota transplantation from PD patients have revealed the pathogenic role of the gut microbiota in PD. Interventions targeting the gut microbiota in PD, including the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, have also shown efficacy in treating PD. However, the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease remains intricate. This study reviewed the association between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and PD from the perspectives of humoral pathway, cellular immune pathway and neuronal pathway. We found that the interactions among gut microbiota and PD are very complex, which should be "multidirectional", rather than conventionally regarded "bidirectional". To realize application of the gut microbiota-related mechanisms in the clinical setting, we propose several problems which should be addressed in the future study.

Integration of microbiota and metabolomics reveals the analgesic mechanisms of emodin against neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Neuropathic pain (NeP) induced dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. Emodin has analgesic effect but the detailed mechanism is not clear at the present time. This study aims to explore the underling mechanism of action of emodin against NeP with in CCI model.

METHODS

Male SD rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into three groups: sham group, CCI group, and emodin group. Behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of emodin on CCI model. Feces and spinal cords of all rats were collected 15 days after surgery. 16S rDNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, qPCR and ELISA were performed.

RESULTS

Mechanical withdrawal thresholds (MWT), thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) and Sciatic functional index (SFI) in emodin group were significantly higher than CCI group (P < 0.05). Emodin not only inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cords and colonic tissue, but also increased the expression of tight junction protein in colonic tissue. 16S rDNA sequencing showed that emodin treatment changed the community structure of intestinal microbiota in CCI rats. Untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that 33 differential metabolites were screened out between CCI group and emodin group. After verification, we found that emodin increased the level of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and Histamine in the spinal cord of CCI rats.

CONCLUSION

Emodin was effective in relieving neuropathic pain, which is linked to inhibition inflammatory response, increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria and beneficial metabolites.

Compound Dihuang Granule Changes Gut Microbiota of MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Mice via Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling

Intestinal microbiota was connected to Parkinson's Disease (PD) pathology. The ancient Chinese medication for PD is Compound Dihuang Granule (CDG), and we found a neuroprotective function in treating the constipation of PD patients. Nevertheless, the mechanism of action still needs to be clarified. We predicted the probable targets of CDG against PD through Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) network pharmacology and verified the analysis through animal experiments in vivo. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis screened PD-related genes, including Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1), Nuclear Factor- Kappa B (NF-κB), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses proved that the NF-κB and toll-like receptor signaling pathways serve a key function in CDG therapy of PD. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that CDG strongly connected to TLR4/NF-κB. Experiments findings indicated that CDG improved the damage of dopaminergic neurons and gut microbial dysbiosis, ameliorated motor impairments, and suppressed the PD-associated inflammation and oxidative stress in mice induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahy dropyridine (MPTP). CDG suppressed the inflammatory proteins in the colon and protected the intestinal barrier. Overall, CDG improved gut microbial in PD by blocking the pathway of TLR4/NF-κB.

Acupuncture for brain diseases: Conception, application, and exploration

The brain is probably the most complex organ in the human body. It has been the hot spot and direction of brain science research all over the world to deeply study the pathogenesis of various kinds of brain diseases and find effective treatment methods. Acupuncture is a nonpharmacological therapy of traditional Chinese medicine originating from ancient clinical practice. The research on the treatment of brain diseases by acupuncture has been constantly enriched and updated with the promotion of interdisciplinary research. In order to account for the current achievements in the field of acupuncture for brain diseases, this article reviews it in terms of conception, application, and exploration. Based on the literature review, we found that in the past decades, acupuncture has received widespread attention worldwide and many literatures have reported the clinical efficacy and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of brain diseases. Presently, the conception, application, and exploration of acupuncture in the treatment of brain diseases have evolved from empirical medicine to evidence-based medicine and precision medicine, and are experiencing a deeper understanding of the information about acupuncture regulating the brain function based on interdisciplinary research.

Fecal microbiota as a predictor of acupuncture responses in patients with postpartum depressive disorder

Background

There are several clinical and molecular predictors of responses to antidepressant therapy. However, these markers are either too subjective or complex for clinical use. The gut microbiota could provide an easily accessible set of biomarkers to predict therapeutic efficacy, but its value in predicting therapy responses to acupuncture in patients with depression is unknown. Here we analyzed the predictive value of the gut microbiota in patients with postpartum depressive disorder (PPD) treated with acupuncture.

Methods

Seventy-nine PPD patients were enrolled: 55 were treated with acupuncture and 24 did not received any treatment. The 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17) was used to assess patients at baseline and after eight weeks. Patients receiving acupuncture treatment were divided into an acupuncture-responsive group or non-responsive group according to HAMD-17 scores changes. Baseline fecal samples were obtained from the patients receiving acupuncture and were analyzed by high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome.

Results

47.27% patients responded to acupuncture treatment and 12.5% patients with no treatment recovered after 8-week follow-up. There was no significant difference in α-diversity between responders and non-responders. The β-diversity of non-responders was significantly higher than responders. Paraprevotella and Desulfovibrio spp. were significantly enriched in acupuncture responders, and these organisms had an area under the curve of 0.76 and 0.66 for predicting responder patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Paraprevotella and Desulfovibrioare may be useful predictive biomarkers to predict PPD patients likely to respond to acupuncture. Larger studies and validation in independent cohorts are now needed to validate our findings.

TLR2 deficiency is beneficial at the late phase in MPTP-induced Parkinson' disease mice

AIMS

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The etiology of PD is still elusive but neuroinflammation is proved to be an important contributor. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) involves in the release of several inflammatory cytokines. Whether TLR2 serves as a mediator contributing to the damage of DA system in PD remain unclear.

MAIN METHODS

Tlr2 knockout (Tlr2-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with a subacute regimen of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). At 3, 7 and 14 days after MPTP injection, the behavioral performance, including the Pole test, the Rotarod test, the Rearing test and the Wire hang test was evaluated. Moreover, the PD-like phenotypes, including dopaminergic degeneration, the activation of glial cells and the α-Syn expression were systematically analyzed in the nigrostriatal pathway. Finally, the composition of gut microbiota in the MPTP-treated groups were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

TLR2 deficiency had no obvious impact on the dopaminergic injury at 3 and 7 days following MPTP administration. On the contrary, at 14 days post injection, TLR2 deficiency not only significantly attenuated motor deficits in the Pole test and the Rotarod test, and the nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration, but also mitigated α-Syn abnormality, astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation through the suppressed TLR2/MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathways. Additionally, the alteration of gut microbiota was also detected in the mutant mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings highlight the neuroprotective effect of TLR2-pathways at the late phase in the MPTP-induced PD mouse model.

Intestinal histomorphological and molecular alterations in patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Changes in gut microbiota composition, enteric inflammation, impairments of the intestinal epithelial barrier and neuroplastic changes in the enteric nervous system have been reported in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and could contribute to the onset of both neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, their mutual interplay has rarely been investigated. This study evaluated, in an integrated manner, changes in faecal microbiota composition, morphofunctional alterations of colonic mucosal barrier and changes of inflammatory markers in blood and stools of PD patients.

METHODS

Nineteen PD patients and nineteen asymptomatic subjects were enrolled. Blood lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP, marker of altered intestinal permeability) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, as well as stool IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels, were evaluated. Gut microbiota analysis was performed. Epithelial mucins, collagen fibres, claudin-1 and S100-positive glial cells as markers of an impairment of the intestinal barrier, mucosal remodelling and enteric glial activation were evaluated on colonic mucosal specimens collected during colonoscopy.

RESULTS

Faecal microbiota analysis revealed a significant difference in the α-diversity in PD patients compared to controls, while no differences were found in the β-diversity. Compared to controls, PD patients showed significant chenags in plasma LBP levels, as well as faecal TNF and IL-1β levels. The histological analysis showed a decrease in epithelial neutral mucins and claudin-1 expression and an increased expression of acidic mucins, collagen fibres and S100-positive glial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Parkinson's disease patients are characterized by enteric inflammation and increased intestinal epithelial barrier permeability, as well as colonic mucosal barrier remodelling, associated with changes in gut microbiota composition.

The effect of acupuncture on lateral habenular nucleus and intestinal microflora in depression model rats

BACKGROUND

Depression is a severe emotional condition that significantly affects the quality of life. Acupuncture exerts preventive effects on depression in rats with post-chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Methods The study involved chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model mice to administer acupuncture as a preventative measure to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture's antidepressant and observe the effect of acupuncture on impact via the Lateral Habenula (LHb) and Gut-Liver-Brain Axis. The researcher investigated molecules correlating with a nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) pathway and assessed inflammation in the LHb and liver. In addition, 16 S rDNA bioinformatics study revealed the quantity and variety of gut microbiota. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (CON), CUMS, CUMS + acupuncture (AP), CUMS + fluoxetine (FX) and CUMS + N(G) -nitro -L- arginine methyl ester (LNAME) group. Except for the CON group, other rats were exposed to CUMS condition for 28 days. Simultaneously, manual acupuncture (at Fengfu and Shangxing acupoints, once every other day) and fluoxetine gavage (2.1 mg/kg, 0.21 mg/mL, daily) were conducted to the groups of AP and FX, respectively, after stressors. Rats in LNAME group were treated with LNAME normal saline (10 mg/kg, 1 mg/mL, i.p.) solution. Behavioural tests and biological detection methods were conducted sequentially to evaluate depressionlike phenotype in rats.

RESULTS

The results showed CUMS induced depression-like behaviours, hyper-activation of NO/cGMP signaling pathway, inflammation in serum, LHb and liver, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. These changes could be prevented and ameliorated by acupuncture to varying extents.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture prevented and attenuated depression-like phenotype induced by CUMS, possibly via regulating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway and thus improving inflammation in serum, LHb and liver, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. In addition, these can be evidence of the existence of the gut-liver-brain axis.

Brain network mechanism of acupuncture for chronic spontaneous urticaria: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study protocol

Introduction

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin condition that can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Although studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture in treating CSU, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Dysfunction within the brain's default mode network (DMN) represents a fundamental characteristic of central pathological changes associated with CSU. Therefore, it is hypothesized that improving brain network dysfunction could serve as a key mechanism through which acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects. This study aims to provide evidence supporting this hypothesis.

Methods and analysis

This study, a parallel, randomized, sham-controlled functional neuroimaging investigation will be conducted in China. We aim to enroll 50 patients with CSU and 25 healthy controls, distributing them evenly between the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups in a 1:1 ratio. The total observation period will span 6 weeks, including 2 weeks designated for the baseline phase and 4 weeks allocated for the clinical treatment phase. Prior to treatment, all participants will undergo magnetic resonance scanning, clinical index detection, and microbiota collection. Following treatment, the patients with CSU will be retested for these indicators. Using resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis, dynamic Functional Connection (dFC) analysis, and brain microstate extraction technology combined with correlation analysis of microbiota and clinical indicators, the regulatory mechanism of acupuncture on the brain network of CSU will be evaluated from multiple dimensions.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial was approved by the Biomedical Ethics Review Committee of the West China Hospital, Sichuan University (No. 2022-1255). Each participant will provide written informed consent to publish any potentially identifiable images or data.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier: ChiCTR2200064563.

Electroacupuncture inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and improves cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia via the JNK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to reduce cognitive impairment in vascular dementia (VaD) patients. However, the mechanism of action remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway plays an important role in apoptosis. Herein, we focused on whether EA can inhibit apoptosis and alleviate cognitive impairment by regulating the JNK signaling pathway using a mouse model of VaD induced by modified bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo).

METHODS

In experiment I, 60 mice were randomly divided into a Sham group, BCCAo group, BCCAo + EA group, BCCAo + Sham-EA group, BCCAo + SP group (receiving the selective JNK inhibitor SP600125) and BCCAo + SP + EA group. Morris water maze tests, TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effect of the EA intervention on VaD. In experiment II, 30 mice were randomly divided into a Sham group, BCCAo group, BCCAo + EA group, BCCAo + SP group and BCCAo + SP + EA group. Western blotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect protein and mRNA expression of key factors in the JNK signaling pathway in the hippocampus.

RESULTS

EA, SP600125 and EA + SP600125 significantly inhibited hippocampal apoptosis and improved cognitive impairment in VaD model mice. There were no significant differences between the BCCAo group and the BCCAo + Sham-EA group. EA, EA + SP600125 and SP600125 inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK and caspase-3. EA and EA + SP600125 promoted protein and mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in the hippocampus of VaD mice and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of activator protein (AP)-1, p53 and Bax.

CONCLUSION

EA can reverse cognitive deficits and inhibit hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in VaD model mice, at least partially through inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway and regulation of apoptosis signals.

From-Toilet-to-Freezer: A Review on Requirements for an Automatic Protocol to Collect and Store Human Fecal Samples for Research Purposes

The composition, viability and metabolic functionality of intestinal microbiota play an important role in human health and disease. Studies on intestinal microbiota are often based on fecal samples, because these can be sampled in a non-invasive way, although procedures for sampling, processing and storage vary. This review presents factors to consider when developing an automated protocol for sampling, processing and storing fecal samples: donor inclusion criteria, urine-feces separation in smart toilets, homogenization, aliquoting, usage or type of buffer to dissolve and store fecal material, temperature and time for processing and storage and quality control. The lack of standardization and low-throughput of state-of-the-art fecal collection procedures promote a more automated protocol. Based on this review, an automated protocol is proposed. Fecal samples should be collected and immediately processed under anaerobic conditions at either room temperature (RT) for a maximum of 4 h or at 4 °C for no more than 24 h. Upon homogenization, preferably in the absence of added solvent to allow addition of a buffer of choice at a later stage, aliquots obtained should be stored at either -20 °C for up to a few months or -80 °C for a longer period-up to 2 years. Protocols for quality control should characterize microbial composition and viability as well as metabolic functionality.

Acupuncture as multi-targeted therapy for the multifactorial disease obesity: a complex neuro-endocrine-immune interplay

The prevalence of obesity has reached pandemic dimensions. It is associated with multiple comorbidities and is becoming a clinical and public health threat. Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a complex pathophysiology and interplay of various systems. A strong interplay exists between the neuro-endocrine system, the immune system with systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, and microbiome dysbiosis that can lead to the development of obesity, which in turn can exacerbate each of these factors, hence creating a vicious cycle. The conventional treatment with lifestyle modifications such as diet, physical exercise, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery does not always result in sufficient weight control thus paving the way for other strategies. As one such strategy, acupuncture is increasingly used worldwide to treat obesity. This narrative review outlines the evidence for this neuro-endocrine-immune interplay in the pathophysiology of obesity. Furthermore, the existing experimental and clinical evidence of acupuncture as a multi-targeted therapy for obesity is explained and future research perspectives are discussed.

Effect of electroacupuncture at ST36 on the cerebral metabolic kinetics of rheumatoid arthritis rats

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to enhance the recovery of symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Both the pathogenesis of RA and the therapeutic effects of EA are closely associated with the metabolic activity of the brain. In this study, we investigated the effect of EA at the "Zusanli" acupoint (ST36) on a rat model of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). The results demonstrated that EA effectively alleviated joint swelling, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage erosion, and bone destruction in CIA rats. Additionally, the metabolic kinetics study revealed a significant increase in the 13C enrichment of GABA2 and Glu4 in the midbrain of CIA rats treated with EA. Correlation network analysis showed that changes in Gln4 levels in the hippocampus were strongly associated with the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Immunofluorescence staining of c-Fos in the midbrain's periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) and hippocampus demonstrated increased c-Fos expression in these regions following EA treatment. These findings suggest that GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in the midbrain, along with astrocytes in the hippocampus, may play vital roles in the beneficial effects of EA on RA. Furthermore, the PAG and hippocampus brain regions hold potential as critical targets for future RA treatments. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the specific mechanism of EA in treating RA by elucidating the perspective of cerebral metabolism.

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation from Aged Mice Render Recipient Mice Resistant to MPTP-Induced Nigrostriatal Degeneration Via a Neurogenesis-Dependent but Inflammation-Independent Manner

Accumulating data support a crucial role of gut microbiota in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, gut microbiota vary with age and, thus, will affect PD in an age-dependent, but unknown manner. We examined the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) pretreatment, using fecal microbiota from young (7 weeks) or aged mice (23 months), on MPTP-induced PD model. Motor function, pathological changes, striatal neurotransmitters, neuroinflammation, gut inflammation and gut permeability were examined. Gut microbiota composition and metabolites, namely short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were analyzed. Neurogenesis was also evaluated by measuring the number of doublecortin-positive (DCX+) neurons and Ki67-positive (Ki67+) cells in the hippocampus. Expression of Cd133 mRNA, a cellular stemness marker, in the hippocampus was also examined. Mice who received FMT from young mice showed MPTP-induced motor dysfunction, and reduction of striatal dopamine (DA), dopaminergic neurons and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels. Interestingly and unexpectedly, mice that received FMT from aged mice showed recovery of motor function and rescue of dopaminergic neurons and striatal 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), as well as decreased DA metabolism after MPTP challenge. Further, they showed improved metabolic profiling and a decreased amount of fecal SCFAs. High-throughput sequencing revealed that FMT remarkably reshaped the gut microbiota of recipient mice. For instance, levels of genus Akkermansia and Candidatus Saccharimonas were elevated in fecal samples of recipient mice receiving aged microbiota (AM + MPTP mice) than YM + MPTP mice. Intriguingly, both young microbiota and aged microbiota had no effect on neuroinflammation, gut inflammation or gut permeability. Notably, AM + MPTP mice showed a marked increase in DCX+ neurons, as well as Ki67+ cells and Cd133 expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) compared to YM + MPTP mice. These results suggest that FMT from aged mice augments neurogenesis, improves motor function and restores dopaminergic neurons and neurotransmitters in PD model mice, possibly through increasing neurogenesis.

Acupuncture for Parkinson's disease-related constipation: current evidence and perspectives

Parkinson's disease-related constipation (PDC) is commonly associated with impaired dopamine transmission and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Current pharmacological treatments have limited efficacy and potential side effects. Acupuncture has shown promise as an alternative or adjunct therapy by modulating the brain-gut axis, gastrointestinal hormones, and autonomic function. Preliminary randomized trials have shown that acupuncture significantly improves constipation symptoms, bowel movements, and comfort compared to sham or drug treatments and is well-tolerated. The mechanisms of action may involve regulating the gut microbiota and mucosal immunity to improve dysbiosis and gastrointestinal motility. However, more rigorous studies are required to optimize acupuncture protocols and determine long-term efficacy and safety. In summary, acupuncture shows promise as an adjunct therapy for PDC, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Mendelian randomization supports causality between gut microbiota and chronic hepatitis B

Background

Observational studies have provided evidence of a close association between gut microbiota and the progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, establishing a causal relationship between gut microbiota and CHB remains a subject of investigation.

Methods

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of gut microbiota came from the MiBioGen consortium, while the GWAS summary data of CHB came from the Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS project. Based on the maximum likelihood (ML), Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), and weighted-mode and weighted-median methods, we conducted a bidirectional, two-sample, MR analysis to explore the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and CHB. Additionally, we evaluated the genetic associations between individual gut microbes and CHB using the Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) program.

Results

According to the IVW method estimates, genetically predicted class Alphaproteobacteria (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.96; false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.046), genus Family XIII AD3011 group (OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.91; FDR = 0.026), genus Prevotella 7 (OR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56-0.94; FDR = 0.022) exhibited a protective effect against CHB. On the other hand, family Family XIII (OR = 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03-3.12; FDR = 0.061), genus Eggerthella group (OR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.74; FDR = 0.043), genus Eubacterium ventriosum group (OR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01-2.51; FDR = 0.056), genus Holdemania (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.00-1.82; FDR = 0.049), and genus Ruminococcus gauvreauii group (OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10-2.61; FDR = 0.076) were associated with an increased risk of CHB. The results from LDSC also indicated a significant genetic correlation between most of the aforementioned gut microbiota and CHB. Our reverse MR analysis demonstrated no causal relationship between genetically predicted CHB and gut microbiota, and we observed no significant horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity of instrumental variables (IVs).

Conclusion

In this study, we identified three types of gut microbiota with a protective effect on CHB and five types with an adverse impact on CHB. We postulate that this information will facilitate the clinical prevention and treatment of CHB through fecal microbiota transplantation.

A Low-Protein, High-Carbohydrate Diet Exerts a Neuroprotective Effect on Mice with 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-Induced Parkinson's Disease by Regulating the Microbiota-Metabolite-Brain Axis and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21

Parkinson's disease (PD) is closely linked to lifestyle factors, particularly dietary patterns, which have attracted interest as potential disease-modifying factors. Eating a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet is a promising dietary intervention against brain aging; however, its protective effect on PD remains elusive. Here, we found that an LPHC diet ameliorated 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrathydropyridine (MPTP)-induced motor deficits, decreased dopaminergic neuronal death, and increased the levels of striatal dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites in PD mice. Levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), a member of the fibroblast growth factor family, were elevated in PD mice following LPHC treatment. Furthermore, the administration of FGF-21 exerted a protective effect on MPTP-induced PC12 cells, similar to the effect of an LPHC diet in MPTP-induced mice. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA from fecal microbiota revealed that an LPHC diet normalized the gut bacterial composition imbalance in PD mice, as evidenced by the increased abundance of the genera Bifidobacterium, Ileibacterium, Turicibacter, and Blautia and decreased abundance of Bilophila, Alistipes, and Bacteroides. PICRUSt-predicted fecal microbiome function revealed that an LPHC diet suppressed lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), biosynthesis of ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinones, and oxidative phosphorylation pathways caused by MPTP, and enhanced the biosynthesis of amino acids, carbohydrate metabolism, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. A nonmetabolomic analysis of the serum and feces showed that an LPHC diet significantly increased the levels of aromatic amino acids (AAAs), including tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. In addition, an LPHC diet elevated the serum concentrations of bile acids (BAs), particularly tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and taurine. Collectively, our current findings point to the potential mechanism of administering an LPHC diet in attenuating movement impairments in MPTP-induced PD mice, with AAAs, microbial metabolites (TUDCA and taurine), and FGF-21 as key mediators along the gut-microbiota-brain axis.

Potential role of acupuncture in the treatment of Parkinson's disease: A narrative review

Background

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has grown rapidly compared to that of other neurological disorders. Acupuncture has been used to address the complex symptoms of PD. Recently, similarities in the mechanisms of action between acupuncture and neuromodulation have received considerable attention. This review aims to summarize the evidence regarding these similarities to suggest potential role of acupuncture in the treatment of PD.

Methods

The literature from two electronic databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, was searched using the search terms 'Acupuncture', 'Parkinson's disease', 'Vagus nerve stimulation', and 'Brain functional connectivity'. We then explored the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in PD and evaluated the evidence for similarities in the mechanisms of action between acupuncture and neuromodulation.

Results

Data suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective for PD symptoms by modulating inflammation and brain functional connectivity (BFC). These acupuncture effects have been shown to be similar to neuromodulation in controlling inflammation and BFC. Based on the shared mechanisms of action, potential acupuncture mechanisms that may ameliorate a wide range of PD symptoms include but are not limited to (1) vagal activation of the anti-inflammatory pathway and (2) BFC enhancement.

Conclusion

The development of acupuncture strategies based on shared mechanisms with neuromodulation will provide new treatment options for patients with PD as personalized neuromodulating therapies. Further studies are needed to gather scientific evidence for optimizing parameters in PD patients.

Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Diseases and the Gut-Brain Axis: The Potential of Therapeutic Targeting of the Microbiome

The human gut microbiome contains the largest number of bacteria in the body and has the potential to greatly influence metabolism, not only locally but also systemically. There is an established link between a healthy, balanced, and diverse microbiome and overall health. When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced (dysbiosis) through dietary changes, medication use, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and ageing, this has a profound effect on our health and is linked to many diseases, including lifestyle diseases, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurological diseases. While this link in humans is largely an association of dysbiosis with disease, in animal models, a causative link can be demonstrated. The link between the gut and the brain is particularly important in maintaining brain health, with a strong association between dysbiosis in the gut and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. This link suggests not only that the gut microbiota composition can be used to make an early diagnosis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases but also that modifying the gut microbiome to influence the microbiome-gut-brain axis might present a therapeutic target for diseases that have proved intractable, with the aim of altering the trajectory of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others. There is also a microbiome-gut-brain link to other potentially reversible neurological diseases, such as migraine, post-operative cognitive dysfunction, and long COVID, which might be considered models of therapy for neurodegenerative disease. The role of traditional methods in altering the microbiome, as well as newer, more novel treatments such as faecal microbiome transplants and photobiomodulation, are discussed.

Electroacupuncture prevents astrocyte atrophy to alleviate depression

Astrocyte atrophy is the main histopathological hallmark of major depressive disorder (MDD) in humans and in animal models of depression. Here we show that electroacupuncture prevents astrocyte atrophy in the prefrontal cortex and alleviates depressive-like behaviour in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Treatment of mice with CUMS induced depressive-like phenotypes as confirmed by sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. These behavioural changes were paralleled with morphological atrophy of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex, revealed by analysis of 3D reconstructions of confocal Z-stack images of mCherry expressing astrocytes. This morphological atrophy was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of cytoskeletal linker Ezrin, associated with formation of astrocytic leaflets, which form astroglial synaptic cradle. Electroacupuncture at the acupoint ST36, as well as treatment with anti-depressant fluoxetine, prevented depressive-like behaviours, astrocytic atrophy, and down-regulation of astrocytic ezrin. In conclusion, our data further strengthen the notion of a primary role of astrocytic atrophy in depression and reveal astrocytes as cellular target for electroacupuncture in treatment of depressive disorders.

Effect of gastrodin against cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration in APP/PS1 mice via regulating gut microbiota-gut-brain axis

Gastrodin (Gas) has exhibited protective activity in neurological disorders. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect and potential mechanisms of Gas against cognitive impairment via regulating gut microbiota. APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic (APP/PS1) mice were treated intragastrically with Gas for 4 weeks, and then cognitive deficits, deposits of amyloid-β (Aβ) and phosphorylation of tau were analyzed. The expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway-related proteins, such as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), were detected. Meanwhile, gut microbiota composition was evaluated. Our results showed that Gas treatment significantly improved cognitive deficits and Aβ deposition in APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, Gas treatment increased the level of Bcl-2 and decreased level of Bax and ultimately inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Gas treatment markedly increased the expression levels of IGF-1 and CREB in APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, Gas treatment improved abnormal composition and structure of gut microbiota in APP/PS1 mice. These findings revealed that Gas actively participated in regulating the IGF-1 pathway to inhibit neuronal apoptosis via the gut-brain axis and that it can be considered a new therapeutic strategy against Alzheimer's disease.

The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice

The system physiology approaches that emerge in western countries in recent years echo the holistic view of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices that deal with the root, rather than only the symptoms of diseases. Particularly, TCM practices, including acupuncture, emphasize the mobilization of self-healing mechanisms to bring back body homeostasis. Acupuncture has been practiced for over two thousand years to modulate body physiology via stimulation at specific body regions (acupoints). With the development of various research on acupuncture therapy, its regulatory effect on the immune system has been gradually recognized, especially on immunological diseases, including infectious and allergic diseases. In this study, we reviewed the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture and systematically integrates existing research to respectively elucidate the modulatory mechanisms of acupuncture on the innate immune system, adaptive immune system, and well-known neuroanatomical mechanisms, including intact somatosensory-autonomic reflex pathway. With the advances made in recent systems physiology studies, we now have a great opportunity to gain insight into how acupuncture modulates immunity, and subsequently improves its efficacy.

Electro-acupuncture treatment ameliorates intestinal inflammatory injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats via regulating the balance of Treg / γδ T cells

Electro-acupuncture (EA) has an anti-inflammatory role in ischemic stroke, but whether the protective effect of EA involves the regulation of the intestine barrier and Treg/ γδ T cells is unclear. Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) for 2 h followed by reperfusion for 24 h. The rats have treated with EA at the "Baihui" acupoint(GV20). Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Longa neurologic score were performed to evaluate the outcomes after ischemic stroke. Inflammatory factor expression levels in the serum, ischemic hemisphere brain, and small intestine were detected by ELISA or RT-qPCR. Additionally, the morphology change of the small intestine was evaluated by analyzing villus height and smooth muscle thickness. Meanwhile, the expression of tight-junction proteins, including Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1, were detected to evaluate the impact of EA on mucosal permeability in the small intestine. The percentages of regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD45⁺CD4⁺Foxp3⁺) and γδ T cells (CD45⁺CD4^-γδ T⁺) were measured to assess the effect of EA on intestinal T cells. EA decreased the brain infarction volume and intestine barrier injury in ischemic stroke rats. At the same time, it effectively suppressed the post-stroke inflammation in the brain and small intestine. More importantly, EA treatment increased the percentage of Tregs in the small intestine while reducing the rate of γδ T cells, and ultimately increased the ratio of Treg/ γδ T cells. These results demonstrated that EA ameliorated intestinal inflammation damage by regulating the Treg/ γδ T cell polarity shift and improving the intestine barrier integrity in rats with I/R injury. This may be one of the mechanisms underlying the anti-ischemic injury effects of acupuncture on stroke.