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Chi H, Hu Q, Li X, Kang Y, Zheng Y, Jiang M, Xu X, Wang X, He X. Electroacupuncture alleviates diabetes-induced mechanical allodynia and downregulates bradykinin B1 receptor expression in spinal cord dorsal horn. Neuroreport 2024; 35:692-701. [PMID: 38874969 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000002059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is one of the most prevalent symptoms of diabetes. The alteration of proteins in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) plays a significant role in the genesis and the development of DNP. Our previous study has shown electroacupuncture could effectively relieve DNP. However, the potential mechanism inducing DNP's genesis and development remains unclear and needs further research. METHODS This study established DNP model rats by intraperitoneally injecting a single high-dose streptozotocin; 2 Hz electroacupuncture was used to stimulate Zusanli (ST36) and Kunlun (BL60) of DNP rats daily from day 15 to day 21 after streptozotocin injection. Behavioral assay, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were used to study the analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture. RESULTS The bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R) mRNA, nuclear factor-κB p65 (p65), substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) protein expression were significantly enhanced in SCDH of DNP rats. The paw withdrawal threshold was increased while body weight and fasting blood glucose did not change in DNP rats after the electroacupuncture treatment. The expression of B1R, p65, substance P, and CGRP in SCDH of DNP rats was also inhibited after the electroacupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION This work suggests that the potential mechanisms inducing the allodynia of DNP rats were possibly related to the increased expression of B1R, p65, substance P, and CGRP in SCDH. Downregulating B1R, p65, substance P, and CGRP expression levels in SCDH may achieve the analgesic effect of 2 Hz electroacupuncture treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyu Chi
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Li R, Sun J, Luo K, Luo N, Sun R, Gao F, Wang Y, Xia Y, Li X, Chen L, Ma R, Shao X, Liang Y, Fang J. Electroacupuncture and carbamazepine for patients with trigeminal neuralgia: a randomized, controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial. J Neurol 2024; 271:5122-5136. [PMID: 38816482 PMCID: PMC11319385 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12433-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is difficult to treat due to its severe pain intensity and recurring episodes, which significantly impact quality of life. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) in alleviating the pain intensity in TN, and to determine whether EA combined with low-dosage carbamazepine (CBZ) has a synergistic effect. METHODS A multi-centre, randomized, 2 × 2 factorial trial was conducted. Participants who met the inclusion criteria received active EA or sham EA for 60 min, three times a week for four weeks; CBZ (300 mg per day) or placebo for four weeks. The primary outcome was the change in visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline to weeks 2, 4, 16, and 28. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and adverse events. RESULTS A total of 120 participants (75 females and 45 males; mean (SD) age, 58.5 (15.3) years) were included. The main effects of EA and CBZ were significant (P < 0.001), and there was a significant interaction was identified between the interventions (P = 0.041). Participants who received EA (mean difference [MD], -0.3 [95% CI, -0.40 to -0.20] at week 2; -1.6 [-1.70 to -1.50] at week 4; -1.1 [-1.31 to -0.89] at week 16; -0.8 [-1.01 to -0.59] at week 28), CBZ (MD, -0.6 [95% CI, -0.70 to -0.50] at week 2; -0.9 [-1.03 to -0.77] at week 4, -0.2 [-0.41 to 0.01] at week 16, 0.2 [-0.01 to 0.41] at week 28), and the combination of both (MD, -1.8 [95% CI, -1.90 to -1.70] at week 2; -3.7 [-3.83 to -3.57] at week 4, -3.4 [-3.61 to -3.19] at week 16, -2.9 [-3.11 to -2.69] at week 28) had a greater reduction in VAS score over the treatment phase than their respective control groups (sham EA, placebo, and sham EA plus placebo). EA-related adverse events (6/59, 10.17%) were lower than that of CBZ (15/59, 25.42%) during the whole phases. CONCLUSIONS EA or CBZ alone are effective treatments for TN, while the combination of EA and low-dosage CBZ exerts a greater benefit. These findings in this trial demonstrate that the combination of EA and low-dosage CBZ may be clinically effective under certain circumstances. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03580317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaitao Luo
- Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ning Luo
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruohan Sun
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yiyi Wang
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunfan Xia
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lifang Chen
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, 219 Moganshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Liang
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, 219 Moganshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, 219 Moganshan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Liu J, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Ji F, Shi H, Lou Y, Xu H. Perioperative Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Reduces Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Res Manag 2024; 2024:5365456. [PMID: 38974755 PMCID: PMC11227941 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5365456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to determine the effects of perioperative transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative pain management in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methods In the prospective, randomized, controlled study, a total of 84 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) were randomly allocated to the TEAS group (Group T) or control group (Group C). Patients in the Group T received TEAS at Neiguan (PC6) and Hegu (LI4) acupoints for 30 min before anesthesia induction and 30 min after thoracoscopic surgery. Patients in the Group C received the same placement of electrodes but without electrical stimulation. The numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score, remifentanil consumption, demand for rescue analgesics and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), patient satisfaction, and the levels of plasma β-endorphin (EP) and IL-6 were recorded. Results Patients in the Group T had significantly lower NRS pain scores at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery than those in the Group C. Compared with Group C, patients in Group T had lower remifentanil consumption during operation, lower demand for rescue analgesics and lower rate of PONV within 24 h after surgery. Patients in Group T also had lower IL-6 content, higher β-EP content and higher satisfaction degree than those in the Group C. Conclusions Perioperative TEAS significantly decreased postoperative pain and rescued analgesia requirements and the incidence of PONV in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, with a higher patient satisfaction. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2100051841.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Liu
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
- Department of AnesthesiologyPulmonary HospitalTongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Keqin Zhang
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yongyan Zhang
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Feng Ji
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Haifeng Shi
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yi Lou
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of AnesthesiologyYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
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Sun Y, Xiao Z, Chen B, Zhao Y, Dai J. Advances in Material-Assisted Electromagnetic Neural Stimulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400346. [PMID: 38594598 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Bioelectricity plays a crucial role in organisms, being closely connected to neural activity and physiological processes. Disruptions in the nervous system can lead to chaotic ionic currents at the injured site, causing disturbances in the local cellular microenvironment, impairing biological pathways, and resulting in a loss of neural functions. Electromagnetic stimulation has the ability to generate internal currents, which can be utilized to counter tissue damage and aid in the restoration of movement in paralyzed limbs. By incorporating implanted materials, electromagnetic stimulation can be targeted more accurately, thereby significantly improving the effectiveness and safety of such interventions. Currently, there have been significant advancements in the development of numerous promising electromagnetic stimulation strategies with diverse materials. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental theories, neural stimulation modulating materials, material application strategies, and pre-clinical therapeutic effects associated with electromagnetic stimulation for neural repair. It offers a thorough analysis of current techniques that employ materials to enhance electromagnetic stimulation, as well as potential therapeutic strategies for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
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Huo M, Zhang Q, Si Y, Zhang Y, Chang H, Zhou M, Zhang D, Fang Y. The role of purinergic signaling in acupuncture-mediated relief of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-09985-y. [PMID: 38305986 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-09985-y] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is a traditional medicinal practice in China that has been increasingly recognized in other countries in recent decades. Notably, several reports have demonstrated that acupuncture can effectively aid in pain management. However, the analgesic mechanisms through which acupuncture provides such benefits remain poorly understood. Purinergic signaling, which is mediated by purine nucleotides and purinergic receptors, has been proposed to play a central role in acupuncture analgesia. On the one hand, acupuncture affects the transmission of nociception by increasing adenosine triphosphate dephosphorylation and thereby decreasing downstream P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors signaling activity, regulating the levels of inflammatory factors, neurotrophic factors, and synapsin I. On the other hand, acupuncture exerts analgesic effects by promoting the production of adenosine, enhancing the expression of downstream adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, and regulating downstream inflammatory factors or synaptic plasticity. Together, this systematic overview of the field provides a sound, evidence-based foundation for future research focused on the application of acupuncture as a means of relieving pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Huo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Si
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Youlin Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongen Chang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengmeng Zhou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
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Li XC, Chen H, Chen Y, Chu YX, Mi WL, Wang YQ, Mao-Ying QL. Spinal Neuronal miR-124 Inhibits Microglial Activation and Contributes to Preventive Effect of Electroacupuncture on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:410-420. [PMID: 38088802 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a persistent and irreversible side effect of antineoplastic agents. Patients with CIPN usually show chronic pain and sensory deficits with glove-and-stocking distribution. However, whether spinal neuronal microRNA (miR)-124 is involved in cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy remains to be studied. In this study, miR-124 was significantly reduced in the spinal dorsal horn in CIPN mice. Overexpression of neuronal miR-124 induced by injecting adeno-associated virus with neuron-specific promoter into the spinal cord of mice prevented the development of mechanical allodynia, sensory deficits, and the loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers induced by cisplatin. Meanwhile, cisplatin-induced M1 microglia activation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited by overexpression of neuronal miR-124. Furthermore, electroacupuncture (EA) treatment upregulated miR-124 expression in the spinal dorsal horn of CIPN mice. Interestingly, downregulation of spinal neuronal miR-124 significantly inhibited the regulatory effect of EA on CIPN and microglia activity as well as spinal neuroinflammation induced by cisplatin. These results demonstrate that spinal neuronal miR-124 is involved in the prevention and treatment of EA on cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice. Our findings suggest that spinal neuronal miR-124 might be a potential target for EA effect, and we provide, to our knowledge, a new experimental basis for EA prevention of CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Li Mi
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Liang Mao-Ying
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Yang Y, Rao C, Yin T, Wang S, Shi H, Yan X, Zhang L, Meng X, Gu W, Du Y, Hong F. Application and underlying mechanism of acupuncture for the nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury: remodeling of nerve system. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1253438. [PMID: 37941605 PMCID: PMC10627933 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1253438] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a structural event with harmful consequences worldwide. Due to the limited intrinsic regenerative capacity of the peripheral nerve in adults, neural restoration after PNI is difficult. Neurological remodeling has a crucial effect on the repair of the form and function during the regeneration of the peripheral nerve after the peripheral nerve is injured. Several studies have demonstrated that acupuncture is effective for PNI-induced neurologic deficits, and the potential mechanisms responsible for its effects involve the nervous system remodeling in the process of nerve repair. Moreover, acupuncture promotes neural regeneration and axon sprouting by activating related neurotrophins retrograde transport, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), N-cadherin, and MicroRNAs. Peripheral nerve injury enhances the perceptual response of the central nervous system to pain, causing central sensitization and accelerating neuronal cell apoptosis. Together with this, the remodeling of synaptic transmission function would worsen pain discomfort. Neuroimaging studies have shown remodeling changes in both gray and white matter after peripheral nerve injury. Acupuncture not only reverses the poor remodeling of the nervous system but also stimulates the release of neurotrophic substances such as nerve growth factors in the nervous system to ameliorate pain and promote the regeneration and repair of nerve fibers. In conclusion, the neurological remodeling at the peripheral and central levels in the process of acupuncture treatment accelerates nerve regeneration and repair. These findings provide novel insights enabling the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongke Yang
- Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Chang Rao
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianlong Yin
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaokang Wang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiyan Shi
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Yan
- National Anti-Drug Laboratory Beijing Regional Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianggang Meng
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenlong Gu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuzheng Du
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Hong
- Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
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Yang P, Chen HY, Zhang X, Wang T, Li L, Su H, Li J, Guo YJ, Su SY. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Neuropathic Pain in a Rat Model of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy: Involvement of Spinal Cord Synaptic Plasticity. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2447-2460. [PMID: 37483411 PMCID: PMC10362917 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s415111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is a common neurologic condition that causes chronic neck pain and motor functions, with neuropathic pain (NP) being the primary symptom. Although it has been established that electroacupuncture (EA) can yield an analgesic effect in clinics and synaptic plasticity plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of NP, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the potential mechanisms underlying EA's effect on synaptic plasticity in CSR rat models. Materials and Methods The CSR rat model was established by spinal cord compression (SCC). Electroacupuncture stimulation was applied to LI4 (Hegu) and LR3 (Taichong) acupoints for 20 min once a day for 7 days. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and mechanical pain threshold (MPT) were utilized to detect the pain response of rats. A gait score was used to evaluate the motor function of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to investigate the effects of EA. Results Our results showed that EA alleviated SCC-induced spontaneous pain and gait disturbance. ELISA showed that EA could decrease the concentration of pain mediators in the cervical nerve root. WB, IHC, and IF results showed that EA could downregulate the expression of synaptic proteins in spinal cord tissues and promote synaptic plasticity. TEM revealed that the EA could reverse the synaptic ultrastructural changes induced by CSR. Conclusion Our findings reveal that EA can inhibit SCC-induced NP by modulating the synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord and provide the foothold for the clinical treatment of CSR with EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Yang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Wang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Su
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jun Guo
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Yong Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Preventive Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
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Belo TCA, Santos GX, da Silva BEG, Rocha BLG, Abdala DW, Freire LAM, Rocha FS, Galdino G. IL-10/β-Endorphin-Mediated Neuroimmune Modulation on Microglia during Antinociception. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050789. [PMID: 37239261 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are glial cells centrally related to pathophysiology and neuroimmunological regulation of pain through microglia-neuron crosstalk mechanisms. In contrast, anti-inflammatory mechanisms guided by immunological effectors such as IL-10 trigger the secretion of analgesic substances, culminating in the differential expression of genes encoding endogenous opioid peptides, especially β-endorphin. Thus, when β-endorphin binds to the µ-opioid receptor, it generates neuronal hyperpolarization, inhibiting nociceptive stimuli. This review aimed to summarize the recent advances in understanding the mechanism by which IL-10/β-endorphin can reduce pain. For this, databases were searched for articles from their inception up until November 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies, and seventeen studies were considered eligible for this review. Several studies have demonstrated the impact of IL-10/β-endorphin in reducing pain, where IL-10 can stimulate GLP-1R, GRP40, and α7nAChR receptors, as well as intracellular signaling pathways, such as STAT3, resulting in increased β-endorphin expression and secretion. In addition, molecules such as gabapentinoids, thalidomide, cynandione A, morroniside, lemairamin, and cinobufagin, as well as non-pharmacological treatments such as electroacupuncture, reduce pain through IL-10 mediated mechanisms, reflecting a microglia-dependent β-endorphin differential increase. This process represents a cornerstone in pain neuroimmunology knowledge, and the results obtained by different studies about the theme are presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Xavier Santos
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunobiology of Pain, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dennis William Abdala
- Laboratory of Movement Analysis, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Larissa Alves Moreira Freire
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Neuroimmunomodulation and Pain Study, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Santos Rocha
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunobiology of Pain, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
| | - Giovane Galdino
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunobiology of Pain, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
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10
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Zhou M, Zhang Q, Huo M, Song H, Chang H, Cao J, Fang Y, Zhang D. The mechanistic basis for the effects of electroacupuncture on neuropathic pain within the central nervous system. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114516. [PMID: 36921535 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptive signaling responses to painful stimuli are transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS) from the afferent nerves of the periphery through a series of neurotransmitters and associated signaling mechanisms. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a pain management strategy that is widely used, with clinical evidence suggesting that a frequency of 2-10 Hz is better able to suppress neuropathic pain in comparison to higher frequencies such as 100 Hz. While EA is widely recognized as a viable approach to alleviating neuralgia, the mechanistic basis underlying such analgesic activity remains poorly understood. The present review offers an overview of current research pertaining to the mechanisms whereby EA can alleviate neuropathic pain in the CNS, with a particular focus on the serotonin/norepinephrine, endogenous opioid, endogenous cannabinoid, amino acid neurotransmitter, and purinergic pathways. Moreover, the corresponding neurotransmitters, neuromodulatory compounds, neuropeptides, and associated receptors that shape these responses are discussed. Together, this review seeks to provide a robust foundation for further studies of the EA-mediated alleviation of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Qingxiang Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Mingzhu Huo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Huijun Song
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Hongen Chang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Jiaojiao Cao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
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11
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Abstract
Interactions between the immune and nervous systems are of central importance in neuropathic pain, a common and debilitating form of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. Our understanding of neuroimmune interactions in pain research has advanced considerably. Initially considered as passive bystanders, then as culprits in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, immune responses in the nervous system are now established to underpin not only the initiation and progression of pain but also its resolution. Indeed, immune cells and their mediators are well-established promoters of neuroinflammation at each level of the neural pain pathway that contributes to pain hypersensitivity. However, emerging evidence indicates that specific subtypes of immune cells (including antinociceptive macrophages, pain-resolving microglia and T regulatory cells) as well as immunoresolvent molecules and modulators of the gut microbiota-immune system axis can reduce the pain experience and contribute to the resolution of neuropathic pain. This Review provides an overview of the immune mechanisms responsible for the resolution of neuropathic pain, including those involved in innate, adaptive and meningeal immunity as well as interactions with the gut microbiome. Specialized pro-resolving mediators and therapeutic approaches that target these neuroimmune mechanisms are also discussed.
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12
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Hu QQ, He XF, Ma YQ, Ma LQ, Qu SY, Wang HZ, Kang YR, Chen LH, Li X, Liu BY, Shao XM, Fang JF, Liang Y, Fang JQ, Jiang YL. Dorsal root ganglia P2X4 and P2X7 receptors contribute to diabetes-induced hyperalgesia and the downregulation of electroacupuncture on P2X4 and P2X7. Purinergic Signal 2023; 19:29-41. [PMID: 35218450 PMCID: PMC9984662 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-022-09844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is highly common in diabetes patients. P2X receptors play critical roles in pain sensitization. We previously showed that elevated P2X3 expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to DNP. However, the role of other P2X receptors in DNP is unclear. Here, we established the DNP model using a single high-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection and investigated the expression of P2X genes in the DRG. Our data revealed elevated P2X2, P2X4, and P2X7 mRNA levels in DRG of DNP rats. The protein levels of P2X4 and P2X7 in DNP rats increased, but the P2X2 did not change significantly. To study the role of P2X4 and P2X7 in diabetes-induced hyperalgesia, we treated the DNP rats with TNP-ATP (2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate), a nonspecific P2X1-7 antagonist, and found that TNP-ATP alleviated thermal hyperalgesia in DNP rats. 2 Hz electroacupuncture is analgesic against DNP and could downregulate P2X4 and P2X7 expression in DRG. Our findings indicate that P2X4 and P2X7 in L4-L6 DRGs contribute to diabetes-induced hyperalgesia, and that EA reduces thermal hyperalgesia and the expression of P2X4 and P2X7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun-Qi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Qi Ma
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Qian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Ying Qu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Rong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Hang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Mei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Fan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Qiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong-Liang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Jin Y, Yu X, Hu S, Liu L, Wang B, Feng Y, Li Y, Xiong B, Wang L. Efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after cesarean delivery: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100826. [PMID: 36464237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture is a nonpharmacologic intervention for analgesia that is widely recognized as therapy for pain. However, the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery, determine the optimal frequency for the best analgesic effect, and explore the underlying mechanism of action. STUDY DESIGN This single-center, randomized, single-blinded, sham acupuncture controlled clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in China. Female patients who underwent cesarean delivery and received fentanyl as patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia were enrolled. Patients were after surgery randomized to receive 2 Hz electroacupuncture treatment (n=53), 20/100 Hz electroacupuncture treatment (n=53), or sham electroacupuncture treatment (n=52) (controls). The 2 electroacupuncture groups received electroacupuncture treatment at 2 or 20/100 Hz at the ST36 and SP6 points, whereas, in the sham electroacupuncture group, sham electroacupuncture was performed at nonmeridian points with nonenergized electroacupuncture instruments. Of note, 4 electroacupuncture treatments were performed in all groups at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. The primary outcome was the number of analgesic pump compressions at 48 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes included number of analgesic pump compressions at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery; pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery; fentanyl consumption at 48 hours after surgery; interleukin 6 and procalcitonin levels at 12 and 48 hours after surgery; and time to first exhaust. RESULTS Overall, 174 primigravida women were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The number of analgesic pump compressions and pain scores at all 4 time points and fentanyl consumption at 48 hours after surgery were significantly lower in the electroacupuncture treatment groups than in the sham electroacupuncture group (P<.001). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia had a significantly better analgesic effect than sham electroacupuncture + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia within 48 hours after surgery. Thus, electroacupuncture can be considered safe and effective and may improve the efficacy of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for pain management after cesarean delivery. Electroacupuncture can be recommended as a routine complementary therapy for pain control after cesarean delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Jin and Xiong); Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jin and Liu); Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Drs Jin and Li)
| | - Xiaoshuai Yu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Dr Yu)
| | - Shen Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Hu, Feng, and L Wang)
| | - Lanying Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jin and Liu)
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Dr B Wang)
| | - Yuanling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Hu, Feng, and L Wang)
| | - Yubo Li
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Dr Li); Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Drs Jin and Li)
| | - Bing Xiong
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Jin and Xiong).
| | - Liquan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Hu, Feng, and L Wang).
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14
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Chen Y, Li D, Li N, Loh P, Guo Y, Hu X, Zhang J, Dou B, Wang L, Yang C, Guo T, Chen S, Liu Z, Chen B, Chen Z. Role of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk in mediating the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1093849. [PMID: 36756246 PMCID: PMC9899820 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1093849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic pain rises because of nervous system damage or dysfunction and is the most difficult to treat among other pathological pains. Acupuncture has been reported as a great treatment option for neurogenic pain owing to its unlimited advantages. However, previous studies on the analgesic effects of acupuncture for NP were scattered and did not form a whole. In this study, we first comprehensively review the relevant basic articles on acupuncture for NP published in the last 5 years and summarize the analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in terms of nerve signaling, neuro-immune crosstalk, and metabolic and oxidative stress regulation. Acupuncture inhibits the upstream excitatory system and suppresses neuronal transmission efficiency by downregulating glutamate, NMDA receptors, P2XR, SP, CGRP, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the spinal cord, as well as plasma channels such as TRPV1, HCN. It can also activate the downstream pain inhibitory pathway by upregulating opioid peptide (β-endorphin), MOR receptors, GABA and GABA receptors, bi-directional regulating 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its receptors (upregulate 5-HT 1A and downregulate 5-HT7R) and stimulating hypothalamic appetite-modifying neurons. Moreover, neuroinflammation in pain can be inhibited by acupuncture through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/mTOR pathways, down regulating chemokine receptor CX3CR1 on microglia and up regulating adenosine receptor A1Rs on astrocytes, inhibiting the activation of glia and reducing TNF-α and other inflammatory substances. Acupuncture also inhibits neuronal glucose metabolism by downregulating mPFC's GLUT-3 and promotes metabolic alterations of the brain, thus exerting an analgesic effect. In conclusion, the regulation of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk at the peripheral and central levels mediates the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain in an integrated manner. These findings provide a reliable basis for better clinical application of acupuncture in the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningcen Li
- Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - PeiYong Loh
- School of International Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiyou Hu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lifen Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaobo Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangli Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Zelin Chen ✉
| | - Zelin Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,Bo Chen ✉
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15
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Feng Z, Cui S, Yang H, Wang Y, Zhou X, Wong J, Lai L, Yang Z, Huang B, Zheng H, Xu M. Acupuncture for neuropathic pain: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1076993. [PMID: 36698895 PMCID: PMC9868276 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1076993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is expected to increase due to the high risk of global population aging. Acupuncture has a definite clinical effect on NP. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effect on pain intensity and safety of acupuncture in patients with NP. Methods An encompassing search of specific authoritative databases in English, from their inception to 2022, was performed. The databases were as follows: Scopus, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, and Daily. All the randomized controlled trials regarding the acupuncture treatment of NP will be included. Methodological quality assessment of the included trials was assessed based on the risk of bias from the Cochrane handbook. A meta-analysis was performed for the main outcomes. In addition, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and funnel plot were also carried out. Results A total of 16 studies with 1,021 patients with NP were evaluated in a systematic review. According to the results of the overall meta-analysis in eight RCTs with 338 participants, the acupuncture group was better than the control group in improving changes in pain intensity (SMD -0.59, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.23, P = 0.001). In subgroup analysis, five trials indicated that acupuncture was more effective in improving changes in pain intensity than sham acupuncture (SMD -0.54, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.13, P = 0.01), two trials evaluated the effect on changes in pain intensity in the comparison of acupuncture and conventional treatments, no significant difference existed (SMD -0.61, 95% CI: -1.83 to 0.61, P = 0.33), and one trial compared acupuncture with blank control evaluating the effect of changes in pain intensity with a significant difference. Eleven studies mentioned the safety conditions and acupuncture-induced AEs were mild and reversible. Both the sensitivity analysis and funnel plot analysis showed that the meta-analysis was stable and irreversible without publication bias. The GRADE was rated as "very low." Conclusion The acupuncture group had higher effectiveness than sham intervention or blank control for changes in pain intensity, but there is no significant difference between acupuncture and conventional treatments in treating NP. The acupuncture-induced adverse events were mild and reversible. However, the interpretation of our results should be performed cautiously due to the low methodological quality of selected publications. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022306461.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Feng
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoyang Cui
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China,Department of Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huijun Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yixiao Wang
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - John Wong
- School of Nursing, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States,Department of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liting Lai
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingjing Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huiyan Zheng
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingzhu Xu
- Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Mingzhu Xu ✉
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16
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Wang N, Zhao L, Zhang D, Kong F. Research progress on the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture in tumor immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1092402. [PMID: 36865562 PMCID: PMC9971227 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1092402] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
With the constantly deeper understanding of individualized precision therapy, immunotherapy is increasingly developed and personalized. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) mainly consists of infiltrating immune cells, neuroendocrine cells, extracellular matrix, lymphatic vessel network, etc. It is the internal environment basis for the survival and development of tumor cells. As a characteristic treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has shown potentially beneficial impacts on TIME. The currently available information demonstrated that acupuncture could regulate the state of immunosuppression through a range of pathways. An effective way to understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture was to analyze the response following treatment of the immune system. This research reviewed the mechanisms of acupuncture regulating tumor immunological status based on innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Dou Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanming Kong
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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17
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Wu T, Kou J, Li X, Diwu Y, Li Y, Cao DY, Wang R. Electroacupuncture alleviates traumatic brain injury by inhibiting autophagy via increasing IL-10 production and blocking the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in rats. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 38:921-932. [PMID: 36517637 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01133-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy, switched by the AMPK/mTOR signaling, has been revealed to contribute greatly to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Electroacupuncture (EA) is a promising therapeutic method for TBI, however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Herein, we hypothesize that the therapeutic effect of EA on TBI is associated with its inhibition on AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, TBI, and TBI + EA. TBI model was established by using an electronic controlled cortical impactor. Rats were treated with EA at 12 h after modeling, 15 min daily for 14 consecutive days. EA was applied at the acupuncture points Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI4), Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), Zusanli (ST36) and Yongquan (KI1), using dense-sparse wave, at frequencies of 1 Hz, and an amplitude of 1 mA. After 3, 7 and 14 days of modeling, the modified neurological severity scale (mNSS), rota rod system, and Morris Water Maze (MWM) test showed that EA treatment promoted neurological function recovery in TBI rats. Moreover, EA treatment alleviated brain edema, pathological damage, neuronal apoptosis in TBI rats. EA improved abnormal ultrastructure, including abnormal mitochondrial morphology and increased autophagosomes, in the brain neurons of TBI rats, as measured by transmission electron microscopy, and the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were performed to measure the protein levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), autophagy-related proteins and key proteins in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. EA treatment increased IL-10 production, inhibited the AMPK/mTOR signaling, and inhibited excessive autophagy in TBI rats. Additionally, AMPK inhibitor Compound C treatment had similar effects to EA. Both AMPK agonist AICAR and IL-10 neutralizing antibody treatments reversed the effects of EA on the related protein levels of autophagy and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and abolished the protective effects of EA on TBI rats. In conclusion, EA treatment promoted neurological function recovery and alleviated pathological damage and neuronal apoptosis in TBI rats through inhibiting excessive autophagy via increasing IL-10 production and blocking the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New Area, Shaanxi, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiushe Kou
- Pain Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New Area, Shaanxi, 712000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Orthopedics Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New Area, Shaanxi, 712000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongchang Diwu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New Area, Shaanxi Province, 712046, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Scientific Research Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New Area, Shaanxi, 712000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ruihui Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New Area, Shaanxi, 712046, People's Republic of China.
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Luo H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Shao J, Ren X, Zang W, Cao J, Xu B. Glucocorticoid Receptor Contributes to Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia by Inhibiting Nav1.7 Expression in Rats With Inflammatory Pain Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:1393-1402. [PMID: 34337820 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While electroacupuncture (EA) has been used traditionally for the treatment of chronic pain, its analgesic mechanisms have not been fully clarified. We observed in an earlier study that EA could reverse inflammatory pain and suppress high Nav1.7 expression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Nav1.7 expression regulation is unclear. In this study, we studied the relationship between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and Nav1.7 and the role of these molecules in EA analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we established an inflammatory pain model by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. EA stimulation was applied to the ipsilateral "Huantiao" (GB30) and "Zusanli" (ST36) acupoints in the rat model. Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining, intrathecal injection, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were performed to determine whether the sodium channel protein Nav1.7 plays a role in CFA-induced pain and whether GR regulates Nav1.7 expression during analgesia following EA stimulation. RESULTS EA application significantly decreased the paw withdrawal threshold thresholds and thermal paw withdrawal latency and suppressed GR and Nav1.7 expression in the dorsal root ganglion. Moreover, treatment with a GR sense oligonucleotide (OND) markedly reversed these alterations. In contrast, treatment with a GR antisense OND along with EA application exerted a better analgesic effect, which was accompanied by the suppression of Nav1.7 and GR protein expression. The ChIP assay showed that the binding activity of GR to the Nav1.7 promoter was enhanced in CFA injected rats and suppressed in EA-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that EA exerted anti-hyperalgesic effects by inhibiting GR expression, which led to Nav1.7 expression modulation in the rat model of CFA-induced inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinping Shao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Characteristics of Zusanli Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons in Rats and Their Receptor Mechanisms in Response to Adenosine. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1564-1580. [PMID: 35472520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neural systems play important roles in the functions of acupuncture. But the unclear structure and mechanism of acupoints hinder acupuncture standardization and cause the acupuncture effects to be varying or even paradoxical. It has been broadly assumed that the efficacy of acupuncture depends on the biological signals triggered at acupoints and passed up along neural systems. However, as the first station to transmit such signals, the characters of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons innervating acupoints are still not well elucidated. We adopted Zusanli (ST36) as a representative acupoint and found most DRG neurons innervating ST36 acupoint are middle-size neurons with a single spike firing pattern. This suggests that proprioceptive neurons take on greater possibility than small size nociceptive neurons do to mediate the acupuncture signals. Moreover, we found that adenosine injected into ST36 acupoints could dose- and acupoint-dependently mimic the analgesic effect of acupuncture. However, adenosine could not elicit action potentials in the acutely isolated ST36 DRG neurons, but it inhibited ID currents and increased the areas of overshoots. Further, we found that 4 types of adenosine receptors were all expressed by ST36 DRG neurons, and A1, A2b, and A3 receptors were the principal reactors to adenosine. PERSPECTIVE: This study provides the major characteristics of ST36 DRG neurons, which will help to analyze the neural pathway of acupuncture signals. At the same time, these findings could provide a new possible therapy for pain relief, such as injecting adenosine or corresponding agonists into acupoints.
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20
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Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuropathic Pain through Regulating miR-206-3p Targeting BDNF after CCI. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:1489841. [PMID: 35719137 PMCID: PMC9203241 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1489841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electroacupuncture (EA) has benefits for neuropathic pain. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The current study explores the underlying mechanisms of EA in neuropathic pain of chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats. Material/Methods. Overall, 126 Sprague-Dawley (200-250 g) rats were divided into nine groups randomly: the sham-operated, CCI, CCI+EA, CCI+sham EA, CCI+NS, CCI+AAV-NC, CCI+AAV-miR-206-3p, CCI+EA+NS, and CCI+EA+AAV-miR-206-3p groups. The animals were sacrificed 14 days postsurgery. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) tests were used to determine differences in neurobehavioral manifestations. qPCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF) were carried out to detect the expression levels of miR-206-3p, BDNF, BAX/Bcl-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Nissl staining was measured to observe morphological changes in neurons. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to evaluate microscopic changes in dorsal horn synapses. Results Hyperalgesia was reduced markedly by EA in the CCI model. The expression level of miR-206-3p was elevated, whereas the expression levels of BDNF, BAX/Bcl-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 were decreased in EA-treated CCI rats. However, a miR-206-3p inhibitor partially abrogated the analgesic effect of EA and resulted in poor behavioral performance and the BDNF, BAX/Bcl-2, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression was elevated as well. Conclusions EA can relieve neuropathic pain by regulating the miR-206-3p/BDNF pathway, thus exerting anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect.
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21
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Corydalis decumbens Can Exert Analgesic Effects in a Mouse Neuropathic Pain Model by Modulating MAPK Signaling. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7722951. [PMID: 35669365 PMCID: PMC9166945 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7722951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study is aimed at investigating the analgesic effect of the administration of Corydalis decumbens (CD) in a mouse model of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and at elucidating its mechanism of analgesic action. Methods Adult Kunming (KM) mice were randomly divided into control, CD, and vehicle-treated groups. Neuropathic pain was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of resiniferatoxin (RTX). Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed with a hot/cold plate test, and mechanical allodynia was evaluated using von Frey filaments. The activation states of astrocytes, microglia, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in the spinal cord were determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis of Iba-1, GFAP, phospho-p38, and phospho-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Results RTX diminished thermal sensitivity and gradually increased sensitivity to tactile stimulation. The expression of Iba-1, GFAP, phospho-p38 MAPK, and phospho-JNK was upregulated in the RTX-induced postherpetic neuralgia mouse model. Systemic treatment with CD significantly ameliorated thermal sensitivity and mechanical hyperalgesia and was accompanied by a reduction in the expression of Iba-1 and GFAP and reduced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. Conclusions This study suggests that CD is effective at ameliorating mechanical hyperalgesia in PHN mice and that its mechanism of action may involve modulation of MAPK phosphorylation and glial cell activation. Thus, CD may be a promising alternative therapy for PHN.
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22
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Effective Oriental Magic for Analgesia: Acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1451342. [PMID: 35313481 PMCID: PMC8934214 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1451342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a kind of complex physiological and psychological symptom, which makes the person debilitated and uncomfortable. Some persistent pain is unbearable for the patients, reducing the quality of life and bringing considerable pressure to the individuals and society. Pain killers seem to be effective in analgesia for patients, but their safety and addiction are crucial issues. From the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the blocked meridian is the main cause of pain, and effective acupuncture can play a positive analgesic effect. Acupuncture that can date back thousands of years is one of the ancient medical practices in China. Its safety and effectiveness are respected. Based on its superior safety and inferior side effects, it has been gradually recognized as a therapeutic intervention method for complementary medicine, which is also generally used to treat multiple pain diseases. It is shown by modern medical studies that neurotransmitters are the material basis for the acupuncture effect, and the effect of acupuncture analgesia is related to changes in neurotransmitters. However, the specific mechanism has not been elucidated. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the historical evolution of acupuncture analgesia, clinical research of acupuncture analgesia, comparison of acupuncture and drug therapy, the neurotransmitter mechanism of acupuncture analgesia, the effect of acupuncture manipulation on analgesia, and bibliometric analysis of acupuncture treatment for pain, to explore the superiority and related mechanism of acupuncture analgesia from different aspects, and to provide a more effective treatment for alleviating patients' pain.
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23
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Infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex alters electroacupuncture effect in animals with neuropathic chronic pain. Behav Brain Res 2022; 424:113803. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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Zhou K, Wu Q, Yue J, Yu X, Ying X, Chen X, Zhou Y, Yang G, Tu W, Jiang S. Electroacupuncture suppresses spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain via regulation of synaptic plasticity through upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor expression. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:379-388. [PMID: 35100811 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211066499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Improving synaptic plasticity is a good way to alleviate neuropathic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) is currently used worldwide to treat this disease, but its specific mechanisms of action need further investigation. Evidence has suggested that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in promoting nerve regeneration and can promote the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Objective: In this study, we examined the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and its underlying mechanism. Methods: A spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat model was established. NSC37204 (a specific inhibitor of bFGF) was used to determine the relationship between bFGF and putative EA-mediated improvements in synaptic plasticity. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed to evaluate hyperalgesia in rats with SNL. Tissue morphology was detected by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Nissl staining, while neural plasticity and its molecular mechanisms were examined by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), dual-label immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. Results: We found that EA improved synaptic plasticity, consistent with higher levels of expression of bFGF and VEGF. Contrary to the beneficial effects of EA, NSC37204 promoted synaptic reconstruction. Furthermore, EA-induced improvements in the neurobehavioral state and improved synaptic plasticity were blocked by NSC37204, consistent with lower expression levels of bFGF and VEGF. Conclusion: These findings indicate that EA suppresses SNL-induced neuropathic pain by improving synaptic plasticity via upregulation of bFGF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoyun Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xinwang Ying
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ye Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
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25
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Toledo RS, Stein DJ, Stefani Sanches PR, de Souza A, da Silva LS, Medeiros HR, de Souza Antunes MA, de Castro JM, Fregni F, Caumo W, Torres ILS. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Reverses the Long-term Memory Impairment and the Decrease of Hippocampal Interleukin-10 Levels, both Induced by Neuropathic Pain in Rats. Neuroscience 2021; 472:51-59. [PMID: 34358630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized by the presence of spontaneous pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is one of neuromodulatory techniques that induces satisfactory NP relief, including that from refractory pain patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate rTMS treatment over long term memory (LTM) and hippocampal BDNF and IL-10 levels in rats submitted to a NP model. A total of 81 adult (60-days old) male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of the following 9 experimental groups: control, control + sham rTMS, control + rTMS, sham neuropathic pain, sham neuropathic pain + sham rTMS, sham neuropathic pain + rTMS, neuropathic pain (NP), neuropathic pain + sham rTMS and neuropathic pain + rTMS. Fourteen days after the surgery for chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, NP establishment was accomplished. Then, rats were treated with daily 5-minute sessions of rTMS for eight consecutive days. LTM was assessed by the object recognition test (ORT) twenty-four hours after the end of rTMS treatment. Biochemical assays (BDNF and IL-10 levels) were performed in hippocampus tissue homogenates. rTMS treatment reversed the reduction of the discrimination index in the ORT and the hippocampal IL-10 levels in NP rats. This result shows that rTMS reverses the impairment LTM and the increase in the hippocampal IL-10 levels, both induced by NP. Moreover, it appears to be a safe non-pharmacological therapeutic tool since it did not alter LTM and neurochemical parameters in naive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ströher Toledo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Farmacologia e Terapêutica - Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Dirson João Stein
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Stefani Sanches
- Serviço de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento em Engenharia Biomédica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Souza
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lisiane Santos da Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helouise Richardt Medeiros
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mayra Angélica de Souza Antunes
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Josimar Macedo de Castro
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Iraci L S Torres
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Farmacologia e Terapêutica - Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Farmacologia da Dor e Neuromodulação: Investigações Pré-Clínicas - Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Ciências Médicas - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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26
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Ahmad KA, Shoaib RM, Ahsan MZ, Deng MY, Ma L, Apryani E, Li XY, Wang YX. Microglial IL-10 and β-endorphin expression mediates gabapentinoids antineuropathic pain. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:344-361. [PMID: 33862171 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gabapentinoids are recommended first-line treatments for neuropathic pain. They are neuronal voltage-dependent calcium channel α2δ-1 subunit ligands and have been suggested to attenuate neuropathic pain via interaction with neuronal α2δ-1 subunit. However, the current study revealed their microglial mechanisms underlying antineuropathic pain. Intrathecal injection of gabapentin, pregabalin and mirogabalin rapidly inhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, with projected ED50 values of 30.3, 6.2 and 1.5 µg (or 176.9, 38.9 and 7.2 nmol) and Emax values of 66%, 61% and 65% MPE respectively for mechanical allodynia. Intrathecal gabapentinoids stimulated spinal mRNA and protein expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin (but not dynorphin A) in neuropathic rats with the time point parallel to their inhibition of allodynia, which was observed in microglia but not astrocytes or neurons in spinal dorsal horns by using double immunofluorescence staining. Intrathecal gabapentin alleviated pain hypersensitivity in male/female neuropathic but not male sham rats, whereas it increased expression of spinal IL-10 and β-endorphin in male/female neuropathic and male sham rats. Treatment with gabapentin, pregabalin and mirogabalin specifically upregulated IL-10 and β-endorphin mRNA and protein expression in primary spinal microglial but not astrocytic or neuronal cells, with EC50 values of 41.3, 11.5 and 2.5 µM and 34.7, 13.3 and 2.8 µM respectively. Pretreatment with intrathecal microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline, IL-10 antibody, β-endorphin antiserum or μ-opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (but not κ- or δ-opioid receptor antagonists) suppressed spinal gabapentinoids-inhibited mechanical allodynia. Immunofluorescence staining exhibited specific α2δ-1 expression in neurons but not microglia or astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horns or cultured primary spinal cells. Thus the results illustrate that gabapentinoids alleviate neuropathic pain through stimulating expression of spinal microglial IL-10 and consequent β-endorphin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Ali Ahmad
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Rana Muhammad Shoaib
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Muhammad Zaeem Ahsan
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Meng-Yan Deng
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Le Ma
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Evhy Apryani
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xin-Yan Li
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
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27
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Khan J, Wang Q, Ren Y, Eliav R, Korczeniewska OA, Benoliel R, Eliav E. Exercise induced hypoalgesia profile in rats is associated with IL-10 and IL-1 β levels and pain severity following nerve injury. Cytokine 2021; 143:155540. [PMID: 33902989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain may undergo modulation in the central nervous system prior to reaching the primary somatosensory cortex and being perceived as pain. Faulty pain modulation mechanisms have been linked to various chronic pain conditions. Cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-1beta, are known to be involved in initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated the association between pain modulation profile, pain intensity and cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1beta) levels in a rat model of neuropathic pain. METHODS Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia (EIH) was assessed by evaluating the percentage of responses to a train of 60g mechanical stimuli before and after 180 seconds of exercise on a rotating rod. The differences in the response rates before and after the exercise were used to divide the rats into low and high EIH responders. Rats from low and high EIH groups underwent constriction injury of the left sciatic nerve. Pain behavior (allodynia and hyperalgesia) were assessed by measuring responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli applied to the plantar surface of the foot. Serum, sciatic nerve and the related Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) levels of IL-10 and IL-1beta were determined by ELISA. The DRG mRNA levels of IL-10 and IL-1beta measured with PCR. A comparison between the low and high EIH rats of all measured parameters was made. RESULTS The low EIH rats developed significantly more severe allodynia and hyperalgesia in the affected paw and allodynia in the contralateral paw compared to the high EIH rats, 7 days following the injury. The low EIH rats had higher IL-1beta protein levels in serum prior to and following injury, higher affected and contralateral sciatic nerve IL-1beta levels following injury and higher IL-1beta levels in the contralateral DRG (protein and mRNA) following injury when compared to high EIH rats. The high EIH rats had higher affected sciatic nerve IL-10 levels following nerve injury and higher IL-10 levels of both protein and mRNA in the affected and contralateral DRG at baseline and following injury. CONCLUSION EIH profile was found to be predictive of pain behavior following nerve injury, low EIH rats developed more severe allodynia and hyperalgesia. IL-1beta may be associated with painful neuropathy developed in rats with low EIH while the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 may have a protective role, inhibiting the development of painful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junad Khan
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Qian Wang
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yanfang Ren
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Eli Eliav
- Eastman Institute for Oral Health, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Wang S, Du J, Xi D, Shao F, Qiu M, Shao X, Liang Y, Liu B, Jin X, Fang J, Fang J. Role of GABAAR in the Transition From Acute to Chronic Pain and the Analgesic Effect of Electroacupuncture on Hyperalgesic Priming Model Rats. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:691455. [PMID: 34220444 PMCID: PMC8248374 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.691455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a costly health problem that impairs health-related quality of life when not effectively treated. Regulating the transition from acute to chronic pain is a new therapeutic strategy for chronic pain that presents a major clinical challenge. The underlying mechanisms of pain transition are not entirely understood, and strategies for preventing this transition are lacking. Here, a hyperalgesic priming model was used to study the potential mechanism by which γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAAR) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to pain transition. Furthermore, electroacupuncture (EA), a modern method of acupuncture, was administered to regulate pain transition, and the mechanism underlying EA’s regulatory effect was investigated. Hyperalgesic priming was induced by intraplanar injection of carrageenan (Car)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) induced by PGE2 returned to baseline 4 h after injection in NS + PGE2 group, and still persisted 24 h after injection in Car + PGE2 group. Lower expression of GABAAR in the lumbar DRG was observed in the model rats. Furthermore, activating or blocking GABAAR could reversed the long-lasting hyperalgesia induced by Car/PGE2 injection or produced a persistent hyperalgesia. In addition, GABAAR may be involved in Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCε) activation in the DRG, a mark molecular of pain transition. EA considerably increased the mechanical pain thresholds of hyperalgesic priming model mammals in both the acute and chronic phases. Furthermore, EA upregulated the expression of GABAAR and inhibited the activation of PKCε in the DRG. In addition, peripheral administration of picrotoxin blocked the analgesic effect of EA on the model rats and abolished the regulatory effect of EA on PKCε activation. These findings suggested that GABAAR plays a key role in both the transition from acute to chronic pain and the analgesic effect of EA on hyperalgesic priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junying Du
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danning Xi
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangbing Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Liang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Ma L, Peng S, Wei J, Zhao M, Ahmad KA, Chen J, Wang YX. Spinal microglial β-endorphin signaling mediates IL-10 and exenatide-induced inhibition of synaptic plasticity in neuropathic pain. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:1157-1172. [PMID: 34111331 PMCID: PMC8446220 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the regulation of pain hypersensitivity induced by the spinal synaptic transmission mechanisms underlying interleukin (IL)-10 and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist exenatide-induced pain anti-hypersensitivity in neuropathic rats through spinal nerve ligations. METHODS Neuropathic pain model was established by spinal nerve ligation of L5/L6 and verified by electrophysiological recording and immunofluorescence staining. Microglial expression of β-endorphin through autocrine IL-10- and exenatide-induced inhibition of glutamatergic transmission were performed by behavioral tests coupled with whole-cell recording of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) through application of endogenous and exogenous IL-10 and β-endorphin. RESULTS Intrathecal injections of IL-10, exenatide, and the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists β-endorphin and DAMGO inhibited thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats. Whole-cell recordings of bath application of exenatide, IL-10, and β-endorphin showed similarly suppressed enhanced frequency and amplitude of the mEPSCs in the spinal dorsal horn neurons of laminae II, but did not reduce the frequency and amplitude of mIPSCs in neuropathic rats. The inhibitory effects of IL-10 and exenatide on pain hypersensitive behaviors and spinal synaptic plasticity were totally blocked by pretreatment of IL-10 antibody, β-endorphin antiserum, and MOR antagonist CTAP. In addition, the microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline blocked the inhibitory effects of IL-10 and exenatide but not β-endorphin on spinal synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION This suggests that spinal microglial expression of β-endorphin mediates IL-10- and exenatide-induced inhibition of glutamatergic transmission and pain hypersensitivity via presynaptic and postsynaptic MORs in spinal dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Ma
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyu Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinbao Wei
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjing Zhao
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Khalil Ali Ahmad
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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30
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Wang XY, Ma HJ, Xue M, Sun YL, Ren A, Li MQ, Huang ZH, Huang C. Anti-nociceptive effects of Sedum Lineare Thunb. on spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling in the spinal cord in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 135:111215. [PMID: 33418303 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is still a critical public health problem worldwide. Thereby, the search for novel and more effective strategies against neuropathic pain is urgently considered. It is known that neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. SedumLineare Thunb. (SLT), a kind of Chinese herb originated from the whole grass of Crassulaceae plant, was reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity. However, whether SLT has anti-nociceptive effect on neuropathic pain and its possible underlying mechanisms remains poorly elucidated. In this study, a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI)was applied. SLT (p.o.) was administered to SNI rats once every day lasting for 14 days. Pain-related behaviors were assessed by using paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and CatWalk gait parameters. Expression levels of inflammatory mediators and pain-related signaling molecules in the spinal cord were detected using western blotting assay. The results revealed that SLT (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment for SNI rats ameliorated mechanical hypersensitivity in a dose-dependent manner. Application of SLT at the most effective dose of 100 mg/kg to SNI rats not only significantly blocked microglial activation, but also markedly reduced the protein levels of spinal HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, along with an enhancement in gait parameters. Furthermore, SLT treatment dramatically inhibited the phosphorylation levels of both IKK and NF-κB p65 but obviously improved both IκB and IL-10 protein expression in the spinal cord of SNI rats. Altogether, these data suggested that SLT could suppress spinal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in SNI rats, which might at least partly contribute to its anti-nociceptive action, indicating that SLT may serveas a potential therapeutic agent for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ying Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Hai-Juan Ma
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Meng Xue
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Ya-Lan Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - An Ren
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Meng-Qi Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Zhi-Hua Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China; Pain Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China.
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China; Pain Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China.
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31
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Han QQ, Yin M, Wang ZY, Liu H, Ao JP, Wang YX. Cynandione A Alleviates Neuropathic Pain Through α7-nAChR-Dependent IL-10/β-Endorphin Signaling Complexes. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:614450. [PMID: 33584292 PMCID: PMC7873367 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.614450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cynandione A, an acetophenone isolated from Cynanchum Wilfordii Radix, exhibits antineuropathic pain effect. This study further explored the target molecule and signaling mechanisms underlying cynandione-A-induced antineuropathic pain. Intrathecal injection of cynandione A significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats and substantially increased spinal expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin but not dynorphin A. Cynandione A treatment also enhanced expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin but not α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in cultured microglia. The IL-10 antibody attenuated cynandione-A-induced spinal or microglial gene expression of β-endorphin and mechanical allodynia, whereas the β-endorphin antiserum blocked cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia but not spinal or microglial IL-10 gene expression. The α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine significantly reduced cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia and spinal or microglial expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin. Furthermore, cynandione A stimulated microglial phosphorylation of PKA, p38, and CREB in an α7-nAChR-dependent manner, and treatment with their inhibitors attenuated cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia and spinal or microglial expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin. In addition, cynandione A stimulated spinal phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT3, which was inhibited by methyllycaconitine, the PKA activation inhibitor or IL-10 antibody. The STAT3 inhibitor NSC74859 also abolished cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia and spinal expression of β-endorphin. These findings suggest that cynandione A suppresses neuropathic pain through α7-nAChR-dependent IL-10/β-endorphin signaling pathway in spinal microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Qiao Han
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plants Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Liu
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Ping Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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Lyu Z, Guo Y, Gong Y, Fan W, Dou B, Li N, Wang S, Xu Y, Liu Y, Chen B, Guo Y, Xu Z, Lin X. The Role of Neuroglial Crosstalk and Synaptic Plasticity-Mediated Central Sensitization in Acupuncture Analgesia. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:8881557. [PMID: 33531894 PMCID: PMC7834789 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8881557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pain is regarded as a global public health priority, analgesic therapy remains a significant challenge. Pain is a hypersensitivity state caused by peripheral and central sensitization, with the latter considered the culprit for chronic pain. This study summarizes the pathogenesis of central sensitization from the perspective of neuroglial crosstalk and synaptic plasticity and underlines the related analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture. Central sensitization is modulated by the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in the ascending excitatory pathway and the descending pain modulatory system. Acupuncture analgesia is associated with downregulating glutamate in the ascending excitatory pathway and upregulating opioids, 𝛾-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the descending pain modulatory system. Furthermore, it is increasingly appreciated that neurotransmitters, cytokines, and chemokines are implicated in neuroglial crosstalk and associated plasticity, thus contributing to central sensitization. Acupuncture produces its analgesic action by inhibiting cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and upregulating interleukin-10, as well as modulating chemokines and their receptors such as CX3CL1/CX3CR1, CXCL12/CXCR4, CCL2/CCR2, and CXCL1/CXCR2. These factors are regulated by acupuncture through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (e.g., the p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase pathways), which contribute to the activation of nociceptive neurons. However, the responses of chemokines to acupuncture vary among the types of pain models, acupuncture methods, and stimulation parameters. Thus, the exact mechanisms require future clarification. Taken together, inhibition of central sensitization modulated by neuroglial plasticity is central in acupuncture analgesia, providing a novel insight for the clinical application of acupuncture analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxi Lyu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yongming Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Fan
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 5100293, Japan
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ningcen Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin 300381, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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Upregulating miR-130a-5p relieves astrocyte over activation-induced neuropathic pain through targeting C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 12/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 axis. Neuroreport 2021; 32:135-143. [PMID: 33395188 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study intends to explore the role and specific mechanism of miR-130a-5p in neuropathic pain through regulating the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 12 (CXCL12)-C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) pathway. METHODS First, mouse neuropathic pain model was constructed by spinal nerve ligation. MiR-130a-5p mimics were used to upregulate miR-130a-5p in vivo. The behaviour and pain scores of the spinal cord injury (SCI) mice were assessed. In addition, astrocytic activation as well as inflammatory response in the spinal lesions was determined. RESULTS The results manifested miR-130a-5p was notably downregulated in neuropathic pain model and reached the lowest point at 3 days after injury. Besides, tail vein injection of miR-130a-5p mimics inhibited the activation and inflammatory response of astrocytes, thus alleviating chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain. Moreover, miR-130a-5p inactivated CXCR4 and its downstream Rac1, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular regulated protein kinases signalling pathways by attenuating CXCL12. CONCLUSION MiR-130a-5p inactivated astrocytes by targeting CXCL12/CXCR4, thus alleviating SCI-induced neuropathic pain.
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Wu Q, Yue J, Lin L, Yu X, Zhou Y, Ying X, Chen X, Tu W, Lou X, Yang G, Zhou K, Jiang S. Electroacupuncture may alleviate neuropathic pain via suppressing P2X7R expression. Mol Pain 2021; 17:1744806921997654. [PMID: 33626989 PMCID: PMC7934063 DOI: 10.1177/1744806921997654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a severe problem that is difficult to treat clinically. Reducing abnormal remodeling of dendritic spines/synapses and increasing the anti-inflammatory effects in the spinal cord dorsal horn are potential methods to treat this disease. Previous studies have reported that electroacupuncture (EA) could increase the pain threshold after peripheral nerve injury. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) mediate the activation of microglia and participate in the occurrence and development of neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that the effects of EA on relieving pain may be related to the downregulation of the P2X7R. Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rats were used as a model in this experiment, and 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl ATP (BzATP) was used as a P2X7R agonist. We found that EA treatment decreased dendritic spine density, inhibited synaptic reconstruction and reduced inflammatory response, which is consistent with the decrease in P2X7R expression as well as the improved neurobehavioral performance. In contrast to the beneficial effects of EA, BzATP enhanced abnormal remodeling of dendritic spines/synapses and inflammation. Furthermore, the EA-mediated positive effects were reversed by BzATP, which is consistent with the increased P2X7R expression. These findings indicated that EA improves neuropathic pain by reducing abnormal dendritic spine/synaptic reconstruction and inflammation via suppressing P2X7R expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoyun Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinwang Ying
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinfa Lou
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Integrative & Optimized Medicine Research Center, China-USA Institute for Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Wang C, Chen P, Lin D, Chen Y, Wu Z, Lin X. [Effects of different materials for partial sciatic nerve ligation on glial cell activation in rat models of chronic constriction injury]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:1207-1212. [PMID: 32895191 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.08.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of different materials for partial sciatic nerve ligation on glial cell activation in the spinal cord in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group (n=15), silk suture CCI group (n=15) and chromic catgut CCI group (n=14). The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of the rats were detected at 3, 7, 11 and 15 days after the operation. The changes in the sciatic nerve, the activation of spinal cord glial cells and the expression of inflammatory factors were observed using Western blotting and RT-PCR. RESULTS At 3 to 15 days after the surgery, MWT and TWL of the rats were significantly lower in silk suture group and chromic catgut group than in the control group (P < 0.05), and was significantly lower in chromic catgut group than in the silk suture group (P < 0.05) at 3 days after the surgery. The results of sciatic nerve myelin staining showed that the sciatic nerve was damaged and demyelinated in both the ligation groups. The expressions of CD11b, GFAP, IL-1β and TNF-α in the two ligation groups were similar and all significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). IL-6 mRNA level was significantly higher in chromic catgut group than in the silk suture group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The CCI models established by partial sciatic nerve ligation with silk suture and chromic catgut all show glial activation, and the inflammatory response is stronger in chromic catgut group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Dongsheng Lin
- First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi Chen
- First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhibing Wu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Xingdong Lin
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510240, China
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