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Xu YQ, Gou Y, Yuan JJ, Zhu YX, Ma XM, Chen C, Huang XX, Yang ZX, Zhou YM. Peripheral Blood Inflammatory Cytokine Factors Expressions are Associated with Response to Acupuncture Therapy in Postpartum Depression Patients. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:5189-5203. [PMID: 38026248 PMCID: PMC10655746 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s436907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidences demonstrate that immune dysregulation can result in depression, and it is reported that persistent inflammatory response is related to the unresponsiveness of antidepressant treatment. Purpose This study aimed to explore the reason why some responded but some not responded to acupuncture in treating postpartum depression (PPD), and whether it related to the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Patients and Methods Women diagnosed with PPD were recruited in to accept 8-week acupuncture. All subjects were assessed the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) at baseline, week 1, week 2, week 4 and week 8 during the treatment. A panel of 9 cytokines was measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Results Of the 121 participants, 96 completed the 8-week assessment and 46 completed the blood sample collection. HDRS17 scores of 96 subjects showed significant statistical reduction since the first week (P = 0.002) and reached to 5.31 (P < 0.000) at the end of therapy. And we divided the 46 subjects into responders and non-responders according to the response rate of HDRS17 scores. Responders and non-responders did not differ significantly between-group in changes in the 9 cytokines. In responders, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were statistically lower (P = 0.006; P = 0.033; P = 0.024), while TGF-β1 was statistically higher after 8 weeks treatment (P < 0.000). In non-responders, the levels of IL-5, TNF-α and TGF-β1 were statistically higher (P = 0.018; P < 0.000; P < 0.000), while IFN-γ was statistically lower (P = 0.005). Conclusion Acupuncture could alleviate depressive symptoms of patients with PPD and might through adjusting peripheral inflammatory response by up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines and down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qin Xu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - YanHua Gou
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin-Jun Yuan
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Xian Zhu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Ma
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing-Xian Huang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Xin Yang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Mei Zhou
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China
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Liu S, Zheng J, Wen X, Fang Q, Zhang X. Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture for ankylosing spondylitis: A protocol for a systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31706. [PMID: 36397382 PMCID: PMC9666144 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of autoimmune disease commonly characterized by joint pain and stiffness. This disease progression can exhibit common deformities and other activities with limited symptoms and significantly impacts people's work and life. Electroacupuncture (EA) as a traditional Chinese therapy, showing several advantages (e.g., safety, economy, and less side effects), has been extensively used to treat AS. However, its curative effect is supported by limited evidence. Accordingly, the present study aims to comprehensively assess the reliability of EA in AS treatment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven databases, including the Embase, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data, will be searched using predefined search terms to identify relevant studies. The primary outcomes will be the clinical efficiency, the Bath AS Disease Activity Index, and the Visual Analog Scale. Eligible studies should report at least 1 of these primary outcomes. Eligible studies designed as randomized controlled trials will be included for meta-analysis, while other related clinical studies will be reviewed. The methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed with a previously established checklist. The Cochrane Collaboration's bias risk tool will be used for assessing the bias of included randomized controlled trials. Stata 17.0 software is used for meta-analysis. RESULTS The protocol will be used to assess the efficacy and safety of EA in AS treatment. CONCLUSION This review reliably evidences whether EA is a reliable method for the intervention of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Liu
- Jiujiang First People’s Hospital Rheumatology Department, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- Jiujiang First People’s Hospital Rheumatology Department, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
- * Correspondence: Jiangxia Zheng, Jiujiang First People’s Hospital Rheumatology Department, No. 48, Taling South Road, Jiujiang, 332000, China (e-mail: )
| | - Xiuzhen Wen
- Jiujiang First People’s Hospital Rheumatology Department, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qun Fang
- Jiujiang First People’s Hospital Rheumatology Department, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xifeng Zhang
- Jiujiang First People’s Hospital Rheumatology Department, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
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Wojno O, Czarzasta K, Puchalska L, Kowalczyk M, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A. Central interaction between the apelinergic and vasopressinergic systems in the regulation of the haemodynamic parameters in rats maintained on a high-fat diet. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1902-1911. [PMID: 32687615 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A high-fat diet can affect the central activity of the apelinergic and vasopressinergic systems, which can have a significant impact on cardiovascular regulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the central interaction between apelin and vasopressin in the regulation of the cardiovascular system in Sprague Dawley rats maintained on a normal-fat diet (NFD) or on a high-fat diet (HFD). The animals were instrumented with a cannula implanted into the left cerebral ventricle for intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of saline (0.9% NaCl), apelin-13 (APLN-13), V1a receptor antagonist (V1aRANT) APJ receptor antagonist (F13A), vasopressin (AVP); and with a catheter placed within the femoral artery for mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. Blood, the hypothalamus and the medulla oblongata were collected for biochemical analysis. The hypertensive effect of APLN-13 was blocked by a prior ICV infusion of V1aRANT, only in the NFD rats. However, the hypertensive effect of AVP was blocked by the prior ICV infusion of F13A in both the NFD and HFD rats. A HFD caused an increase in the protein level of APJ and V1a receptors, both in the hypothalamus and the medulla oblongata. This study confirms the presence of an interaction between both peptides in the central regulation of the cardiovascular system in rats on a NFD or a HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena Wojno
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Czarzasta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Liana Puchalska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kowalczyk
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Wang L, Yang JW, Lin LT, Huang J, Wang XR, Su XT, Cao Y, Fisher M, Liu CZ. Acupuncture Attenuates Inflammation in Microglia of Vascular Dementia Rats by Inhibiting miR-93-Mediated TLR4/MyD88/NF- κB Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:8253904. [PMID: 32850002 PMCID: PMC7441436 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8253904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely accepted that inflammation may contribute to cognitive impairment in patients with vascular dementia (VD). Our prior clinical researches have reported that acupuncture can alleviate cognitive function in VD, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this research was to explore whether acupuncture alleviates cognitive impairment by suppressing the microRNA-93- (miR-93-) mediated Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, which triggers inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. METHODS VD was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in male Wistar rats. Three days after operation, the rats began daily treatment with acupuncture for two weeks. The levels of miR-93, Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4), intracellular signaling molecules (myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)), and inflammatory cytokines were subsequently detected. TLR4 colocalized with neurons, microglia, and astrocytes in the hippocampus was evaluated. Neuroinflammation and cognitive function were determined after intracerebroventricular injection of TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 or agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with or without acupuncture. RESULTS We found that acupuncture notably repressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and plasma of VD rats. The expression of TLR4, but not TLR2, was markedly downregulated by acupuncture, accompanied by a decrease in miR-93 and MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. The overexpression of TLR4 in microglia, but not in astrocytes and neurons, was reversed by acupuncture. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of TAK-242 had similar effects to acupuncture on inflammation and cognitive function, while LPS injection abolished the beneficial effects of acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings provide evidence that acupuncture attenuates cognitive impairment associated with inflammation through inhibition of the miR-93-mediated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in experimental VD. Acupuncture serves as a promising alternative therapy and may be an underlying TLR4 inhibitor for the treatment of VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Acupuncture Research Center, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing-Wen Yang
- Acupuncture Research Center, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Li-Ting Lin
- Acupuncture Research Center, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Xin-Tong Su
- Acupuncture Research Center, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Acupuncture Research Center, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Marc Fisher
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02115 MA, USA
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Acupuncture Research Center, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
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Hsu HC, Hsieh CL, Wu SY, Lin YW. Toll-like receptor 2 plays an essential role in electroacupuncture analgesia in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. Acupunct Med 2019; 37:356-364. [PMID: 31517506 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory pain occurs when local tissue injury activates macrophages and neutrophils, hence increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) antagonism reportedly suppresses neuropathic and inflammatory pain. AIMS In the present study, we investigated the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on TLR2 and related signalling molecules in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mouse model of inflammatory pain to determine whether EA can attenuate inflammatory pain via the TLR2 signalling pathway. METHODS EA significantly reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the animal model. A similar effect was produced by TLR2 antagonism induced by CU-CPT22 injection. RESULTS TLR2 expression in the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and thalamus increased following induction of inflammation. Expression levels of downstream molecules such as pPI3K, pAkt and pmTOR also increased, as did those of MAPK subfamily members such as pERK, pp38 and pJNK. Transcription factors (pCREB and pNFκB) and nociceptive ion channels (Nav1.7 and Nav1.8) were also involved. CONCLUSION Increased expression of the above molecules was attenuated by both EA and TLR2 antagonism. Our results show that EA attenuates inflammatory pain via TLR2 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Cheng Hsu
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yih Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Chen Y, Sun JX, Chen WK, Wu GC, Wang YQ, Zhu KY, Wang J. miR-124/VAMP3 is a novel therapeutic target for mitigation of surgical trauma-induced microglial activation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:27. [PMID: 31637007 PMCID: PMC6799846 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of microglia and the subsequently elevated inflammatory cytokine release in the brain during surgery predispose individuals to cognitive dysfunction, also known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). miR-124 is one of the most abundant microRNAs in the brain that regulates microglial function. Elucidating the role of miR-124 in microglial activation in the context of surgery may therefore promote understanding of as well as therapeutic development for post-surgical disorders involving microglial activation. The downstream targets of miR-124 were investigated using bioinformatic screening and dual-luciferase reporter assay validation, and vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3) was identified as a potential target. The kinetics of miR-124/VAMP3 expression was first examined in vitro in microglial cells (primary microglia and BV2 microglial cells) following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. LPS induced a time-dependent decrease of miR-124 and upregulated the expression of VAMP3. Manipulating miR-124/VAMP3 expression by using miR-124 mimics or VAMP3-specific siRNA in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells inhibited BV2 microglial activation-associated inflammatory cytokine release. To further examine the role of miR-124/VAMP3 in a surgical setting, we employed a rat surgical trauma model. Significant microglial activation and altered miR-124/VAMP3 expression were observed following surgical trauma. We also altered miR-124/VAMP3 expression in the rat surgical trauma model by administration of exogenous miR-124 and by using electroacupuncture, which is a clinically applicable treatment that modulates microglial function and minimizes postoperative disorders. We determined that electroacupuncture treatment specifically increases the expression of miR-124 in the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Increased miR-124 expression with a concomitant decrease in VAMP3 expression resulted in decreased inflammatory cytokine release related to microglial activation post-surgery. Our study indicates that miR-124/VAMP3 is involved in surgery-induced microglial activation and that targeting miR-124/VAMP3 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for postoperative disorders involving microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-xian Sun
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-kun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Gen-cheng Wu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-ying Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
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Huang Z, Hu Z, Ouyang J, Huang C. Electroacupuncture regulates the DREAM/NF-κB signalling pathway and ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice. Acupunct Med 2019; 37:292-300. [PMID: 31192694 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune responses inhibit invasion by pathogens and antigens. Thus, it is important to promote the immune response in immunosuppressed patients. OBJECTIVE To examine whether electroacupuncture (EA) promotes the immune response by regulating the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator / nuclear factor kappa B (DREAM/NF-κB) signalling pathway in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression, and determine the most effective frequency. METHODS Twenty-four Kunming mice were intraperitoneally injected with CP to establish an immunosuppression model and six mice were injected with the same volume of normal saline as a control. The 24 mice were randomly divided into four groups: manual acupuncture, 2 Hz EA treatment, 100 Hz EA treatment and alternating 2/100 Hz EA treatment. After EA treatment for 3 days, immune response, natural killer (NK) cell toxicity and the expression of cytokines and DREAM/NF-κB were assessed. RESULTS EA treatment, especially at alternating 2/100 Hz frequency, improved spleen and thymus indices, increased lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase levels, promoted concanavalin A- and lipopolysaccharide-induced splenocyte proliferation, increased NK cell toxicity and ameliorated CP-induced immunosuppression in mice. Additionally, 2/100 Hz EA treatment increased interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ levels and decreased IL-10 levels in CP-induced immunosuppressed mice. Finally, it was found that 2/100 Hz EA treatment increased p-IκBα and NF-κB expression and decreased DREAM and IκBα expression, suggesting that this treatment activates the NF-κB signalling pathway. CONCLUSION 2/100 Hz EA treatment might be an effective way to enhance immune responses in CP-induced immunosuppressed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Huang
- Institute for Medical Sciences of Pain, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Hu
- Institute for Medical Sciences of Pain, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Juan Ouyang
- Institute for Medical Sciences of Pain, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Institute for Medical Sciences of Pain, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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de Almeida MDS, Guerra FDR, de Oliveira LP, Vieira CP, Pimentel ER. A Hypothesis for the Anti-Inflammatory and Mechanotransduction Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Acupuncture Tendon Healing. Acupunct Med 2018; 32:178-82. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A previous study demonstrated that acupuncture increases the synthesis and reorganisation of collagen molecules in rat tendons after injury. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture improves pain and functional activity in patients with tendinopathy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can modulate both anti-inflammatory (AI) and mechanotransduction (MT) molecular pathways. Moreover, the modulation of these pathways can increase type I collagen synthesis, which is the main factor that influences tendon biomechanical properties. Our hypothesis is that acupuncture increases synthesis and subsequent reorganisation of type I collagen during tendon healing by concomitant modulation of the Toll-like receptor-nuclear factor-κB AI pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway and the Rho/Rac-F-actin MT pathway. Increased collagen synthesis and reorganisation requires that at least one acupoint is anatomically connected with the site of the injury because of the local tenoblast MT mechanism. Confirmation of this hypothesis will increase the knowledge of acupuncture modulation of the previously mentioned molecular pathways, and such confirmation may also help to establish the relationships between the different types of acupuncture needle stimulation and the influence of acupuncture stimuli on pathway activity levels. In addition, the downstream therapeutic effects of acupuncture therapy may be established. This hypothesis can be verified in a rat tendon healing model, and subsequent clinical protocols for tendon healing can be developed and evaluated as standalone therapies or as a component of a combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos dos Santos de Almeida
- Department of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia Da Ré Guerra
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, Federal University of Alfenas—UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia Prado de Oliveira
- Department of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Pedrozo Vieira
- Department of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Rosa Pimentel
- Department of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lin SJ, Cao LX, Cheng SB, Dai QF, Lin JH, Pu L, Chen WH, Zhang YJ, Chen SL, Zhang YM. Effect of acupuncture on the TLR2/4-NF-κB signalling pathway in a rat model of traumatic brain injury. Acupunct Med 2018; 36:247-253. [PMID: 29550760 PMCID: PMC6089201 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective To study the effect of acupuncture on the TLR2/4-NF-κB signalling pathway in the cortex of Sprague-Dawley rats following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and investigate the possible mechanism underlying the effects of acupuncture on scar repair. Methods TBI was established using Feeney’s free-falling epidural percussion model. In total, 108 rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=18), untreated TBI model group (TBI group, n=36) and manual acupuncture-treated TBI group (TBI+MA, n=36). Each group of rats was subdivided into three time groups: 3-day (3d), 7-day (7d) and 14-day (14d). No treatment was given to rats in the normal and TBI groups. The TBI+MA group received manual acupuncture at GV20, GV26, GV16 through GV15, and bilateral LI4. mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB and protein in the rat cortices was quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Results The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) scores of the TBI+MA group were improved compared with baseline scores 12 hours after modelling, and improved at 7d and 14d compared with the TBI group (P<0.05), while the score of the TBI group did not improve until 14d compared to baseline. mRNA and protein expression of TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB in the TBI group were higher than the normal group at 3d (P<0.05), reached a peak at 7d, then began to decrease at 14d. mRNA and protein expression of TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB were higher in the TBI+MA group compared with the TBI group at 3d (P<0.05), were significantly down-regulated at 7d (P<0.01), and decreased to normal levels at 14d. Conclusions Acupuncture has a bidirectional regulatory effect on the TLR2/4-NF-κB signalling pathway-related genes TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB in the TBI rat cortex, promoting their expression in the early stage and inhibiting it in the later stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Jun Lin
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu-Xi Cao
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shao-Bing Cheng
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiu-Fu Dai
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Huan Lin
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu Pu
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei-Hao Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shu-Lian Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Min Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Ulloa L, Quiroz-Gonzalez S, Torres-Rosas R. Nerve Stimulation: Immunomodulation and Control of Inflammation. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:1103-1120. [PMID: 29162418 PMCID: PMC5724790 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal stimulation is an emerging field in modern medicine to control organ function and re-establish physiological homeostasis during illness. Transdermal nerve stimulation with electroacupuncture is currently endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and is used by millions of people to control pain and inflammation. Recent advances in electroacupuncture may permit activation of specific neuronal networks to prevent organ damage in inflammatory and infectious disorders. Experimental studies of nerve stimulation are also providing new information on the functional organization of the nervous system to control inflammation and its clinical implications in infectious and inflammatory disorders. These studies may allow the design of novel non-invasive techniques for nerve stimulation to help to control immune and organ functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Ulloa
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07101, USA; International Laboratory of Neuro-Immunomodulation, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Salvador Quiroz-Gonzalez
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | - Rafael Torres-Rosas
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Surgery, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07101, USA; Universidad Autónoma 'Benito Juárez' de Oaxaca, 68120 Mexico
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11
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Zhu J, Chen Z, Meng Z, Ju M, Zhang M, Wu G, Guo H, Tian Z. Electroacupuncture Alleviates Surgical Trauma-Induced Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal Axis Hyperactivity Via microRNA-142. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:308. [PMID: 29021740 PMCID: PMC5623716 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) could improve the hyperactivity of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis induced by hepatectomy. However, its underlying mechanism still remains largely unclear. Here, we found that hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) modulates the function of the HPA axis, while hepatectomy induced an HPA axis disorder and EA application could regulate the hypothalamic CRH. We first demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) target on CRH via bioinformatics analysis and screened them in the primary hypothalamic neurons. MicroR-142 (miR-142) and miR-376c were identified to inhibit CRH at the mRNA and protein levels, and a dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed their binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of CRH. Further analyses revealed a decrease in hypothalamic miR-142 expression in the hepatectomy rats and an increase in miR-142 and miR-376c after EA intervention. Importantly, the improvement effect of EA on the HPA axis regulatory function in hepatectomy rats was blocked by miR-142 antagomir. Our findings illustrated that EA could up-regulate hypothalamic miR-142 expression and decrease the CRH level to alleviate the hyperactivity of the HPA axis induced by hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhejun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Molecular Cell Laboratory for Kidney Disease, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zehui Meng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minda Ju
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mizhen Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gencheng Wu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haidong Guo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanzhuang Tian
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, The Institutes of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Electroacupuncture Improved Hippocampal Neurogenesis following Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice through Inhibition of TLR4 Signaling Pathway. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:5841814. [PMID: 28848607 PMCID: PMC5564094 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5841814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The protective role of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in diverse neurological diseases such as ischemic stroke is well acknowledged. However, whether and how EA act on hippocampal neurogenesis following traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of EA on hippocampal neurogenesis and neurological functions, as well as its underlying association with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in TBI mice. BrdU/NeuN immunofluorescence was performed to label newborn neurons in the hippocampus after EA treatment. Water maze test and neurological severity score were used to evaluate neurological function posttrauma. The hippocampal level of TLR4 and downstream molecules and inflammatory cytokines were, respectively, detected by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. EA enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and inhibited TLR4 expression at 21, 28, and 35 days after TBI, but the beneficial effects of EA on posttraumatic neurogenesis and neurological functions were attenuated by lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 activation. In addition, EA exerted an inhibitory effect on both TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB and TLR4/TRIF/NF-κB pathways, as well as the inflammatory cytokine expression in the hippocampus following TBI. In conclusion, EA promoted hippocampal neurogenesis and neurological recovery through inhibition of TLR4 signaling pathway posttrauma, which may be a potential approach to improve the outcome of TBI.
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Gao YH, Wang JY, Qiao LN, Chen SP, Tan LH, Xu QL, Liu JL. NK cells mediate the cumulative analgesic effect of electroacupuncture in a rat model of neuropathic pain. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:316. [PMID: 25158599 PMCID: PMC4152576 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Cumulating evidence has revealed the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in relieving pain via immunoregulation. However, its underlying mechanism remains unknown. The present study was designed to determine the changes of immunogenic responses at different time-points of electroacupuncture (EA) interventions in neuropathic pain rats. Methods The neuropathic pain model was established by ligature of the left sciatic nerve to induce chronic constriction injury (CCI). EA was applied at Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) for the EA groups. The thermal pain threshold was detected with an algesia-detector. The subgroups of plasma and splenic lymphocytes were determined via fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Specific inflammatory cytokines were assayed using an ELISA-based bead multiplex assay. The activities of splenic natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric method. For confirming the involvement of NK cell in EA-analgesia, anti-asialo-ganglio-N-tetraosylceramide (anti-asialo-GM1) antibody was given to CCI rats before EA. Results Following CCI, the thermal pain threshold of the affected hind footpad was significantly decreased, and increased from the 3rd day to the 12th day after EA interventions, presenting a time-dependent tendency from the 5th day on. From day 3 to 5 of EA interventions, the percentages and activity of splenic NK cells, concentrations of splenic interleukin-2 (IL-2) and beta-endorphin (β-EP) were significantly increased. Meanwhile, the concentrations of plasma IL-2, IL-1β and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) were significantly decreased and returned to the normal level on day 12 following EA. Plasma transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) levels were considerably upregulated on day 5 and 12 following EA. The CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio was markedly downregulated compared with the control and CCI groups on day 5 and returned to the normal level on day 12 following EA. After depleting NK cells by anti-asialo-GM1 antibody, the increased thermal pain threshold following EA intervention was obviously reduced. Conclusions Repeated EA interventions have a time-dependent cumulative analgesic effect in neuropathic pain rats, which is closely associated with its regulatory effects on NK cells, splenic IL-2, β-EP, and plasma IL-2, IL-1β, IFN-γ and TGF-β levels.
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Liu TT, Guo QQ, An K, Zhang Y, Tian XB, Li RC, Xiang HB, Wang P. The optimal acupoint for acupuncture stimulation as a complementary therapy in pediatric epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 31:387-9. [PMID: 24230989 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qing-Qing Guo
- Department of Pain Management, Wuhan Pu'ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, PR China
| | - Ke An
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Xue-Bi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Rong-Chun Li
- Department of Pain Management, Wuhan Pu'ai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430034, PR China
| | - Hong-Bing Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China.
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China.
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Mechanisms of electroacupuncture-induced analgesia on neuropathic pain in animal model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:436913. [PMID: 23983779 PMCID: PMC3747484 DOI: 10.1155/2013/436913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain remains as one of the most difficult clinical pain syndromes to treat. Electroacupuncture (EA), involving endogenous opioids and neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), is reported to be clinically efficacious in various fields of pain. Although multiple experimental articles were conducted to assess the effect of EA-induced analgesia, no review has been published to assess the efficacy and clarify the mechanism of EA on neuropathic pain. To this aim, this study was firstly designed to evaluate the EA-induced analgesic effect on neuropathic pain and secondly to guide and help future efforts to advance the neuropathic pain treatment. For this purpose, articles referring to the analgesic effect of acupuncture on neuropathic pain and particularly the work performed in our own laboratory were analyzed. Based on the articles reviewed, the role of spinal opioidergic, adrenergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic receptors in the mechanism of EA-induced analgesia was studied. The results of this research demonstrate that μ and δ opioid receptors, α2-adrenoreceptors, 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 serotonergic receptors, M1 muscarinic receptors, and GABAA and GABAB GABAergic receptors are involved in the mechanisms of EA-induced analgesia on neuropathic pain.
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16
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de Almeida MDS, de Aro AA, Guerra FDR, Vieira CP, de Campos Vidal B, Rosa Pimentel E. Electroacupuncture increases the concentration and organization of collagen in a tendon healing model in rats. Connect Tissue Res 2012; 53:542-7. [PMID: 22891942 DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2012.710671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix of the rat Achilles tendon after a partial transection during the proliferative phase of healing. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: rats that were not tenotomized (G1), tenotomized rats (G2), and rats that were tenotomized and submitted to EA (G3). EA was applied 15 days after injury at the ST36 and BL57 acupoints for 20 min, three times per week on alternate days for a total of six sessions. Biochemical analyses were performed using non-collagenous proteins, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyproline quantifications. An analysis of metalloproteinase-2 was carried out by zymography. The general organization of the extracellular matrix and the metachromasy of the tendons were analyzed under light microscopy. The organization of the bundles of collagen fibers was analyzed by birefringence analysis. The results showed that EA did not alter the concentration of non-collagenous proteins or glycosaminoglycans or the enzymatic activity of metalloproteinase-2 in the transected tendons. However, the concentration of hydroxyproline was significantly increased when these tendons were treated by EA. The analysis of birefringence showed a higher organization of collagen fibers in the group treated by EA. These results indicate, for the first time, that EA may offer therapeutic benefits for the treatment of tendon injuries by increasing the concentration of collagen and by inducing a better molecular organization of the collagen fibers, which may improve the mechanical strength of the tendon after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos dos Santos de Almeida
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Fang RY, Shao XM. Effects of moxibustion on the paw swelling and pain threshold in rats with experimental arthritis. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-012-0603-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Mao-Ying QL, Wang XW, Yang CJ, Li X, Mi WL, Wu GC, Wang YQ. Robust spinal neuroinflammation mediates mechanical allodynia in Walker 256 induced bone cancer rats. Mol Brain 2012; 5:16. [PMID: 22607655 PMCID: PMC3443428 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-5-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that remarkable and sustained activation of astrocytes and/or microglia occurs in cancer induced pain (CIP), which is different from neuropathic and inflammatory pain. The present study was designed to investigate the role of spinal Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) induced glial neuroinflammation in cancer induced pain using a modified rat model of bone cancer. The rat model of CIP consisted of unilateral intra-tibial injection with Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma. Nine days after Walker 256 inoculation, a robust activation of both astrocytes and microglia in bilateral spinal dorsal horn was observed together with significant bilateral mechanical allodynia. This neuroinflammation was characterized by enhanced immunostaining of both glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker) and OX-42 (microglia marker), and an elevated level of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA. I.t. administration of fluorocitrate (an inhibitor of glial metabolism, 1 nmol) or minocycline (an inhibitor of microglia, 100 μg) has significant anti-allodynic effects on day 12 after Walker 256 inoculation. Naloxone (a nonstereoselective TLR4 signaling blocker, 60 μg, i.t.) also significantly alleviated mechanical allodynia and simultaneously blocked the increased inflammatory cytokine mRNA. The results suggested that spinal TLR4 might play an important role in the sustained glial activation that critically contributed to the robust and sustained spinal neuroinflammation in CIP. This result could potentially help clinicians and researchers to better understand the mechanism of complicated cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Liang Mao-Ying
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Neural acupuncture unit: a new concept for interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:429412. [PMID: 22474503 PMCID: PMC3310280 DOI: 10.1155/2012/429412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a designated point on the body and
mechanical or electrical stimulation is delivered, various neural and neuroactive
components are activated. The collection of the activated neural and neuroactive
components distributed in the skin, muscle, and connective tissues surrounding the
inserted needle is defined as a neural acupuncture unit (NAU). The traditionally defined
acupoints represent an anatomical landmark system that indicates local sites where NAUs
may contain relatively dense and concentrated neural and neuroactive components, upon
which acupuncture stimulation would elicit a more efficient therapeutic response. The
NAU-based local mechanisms of biochemical and biophysical reactions play an important
role in acupuncture-induced analgesia. Different properties of NAUs are associated with
different components of needling sensation. There exist several central pathways to
convey NAU-induced acupuncture signals, Electroacupuncture (EA) frequency-specific
neurochemical effects are related to different peripheral and central pathways transmitting
afferent signals from different frequency of NAU stimulation. More widespread and intense
neuroimaging responses of brain regions to acupuncture may be a consequence of more
efficient NAU stimulation modes. The introduction of the conception of NAU provides a
new theoretical approach to interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in
modern biomedical knowledge framework.
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Groppetti D, Pecile A, Sacerdote P, Bronzo V, Ravasio G. Effectiveness of electroacupuncture analgesia compared with opioid administration in a dog model: a pilot study. Br J Anaesth 2011; 107:612-8. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aer199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Electroacupuncture attenuates mechanical and warm allodynia through suppression of spinal glial activation in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Brain Res Bull 2011; 86:403-11. [PMID: 21958939 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain remains one of the most difficult clinical pain syndromes to treat. It is traditionally viewed as being mediated solely by neurons; however, glial cells have recently been implicated as powerful modulators of pain. It is known that the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) are mediated by descending pain inhibitory systems, which mainly involve spinal opioid, adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic receptors. However, studies investigating the suppressive effects of EA on spinal glial activation are rare. In the present study, we assessed the cumulative analgesic effects of EA on mechanical and warm allodynia in a rat model of neuropathic pain. We investigated the clinical efficacy of EA as long-term therapy and examined its effects on spinal glia, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/MMP-2, proinflammatory cytokines and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration. Rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: the operation group (OP), operation with EA-non acupoint (EA-NA), operation with EA-ST36 acupoint (EA-ST36), and sham operation (shamOP). Following neuropathic or sham surgery, repeated EA was performed every other day after the behavioral test. On day 53 after the behavioral test, rats were perfused for immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis to observe quantitative changes in spinal glial markers such as OX-42, astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), MMP-9/MMP-2, and proinflammatory cytokines. Allodynia and OX-42/GFAP/MMP-9/MMP-2/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interleukin (IL)-1β activity in the EA-ST36 group was significantly reduced, compared to the OP and EA-NA groups, and IgG in EA-ST36 rats significantly increased. Our results suggest that the analgesic effect of EA may be partly mediated via inhibition of inflammation and glial activation and repeated EA stimulation may be useful for treating chronic pain clinically.
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Acupuncture in the inpatient acute care setting: a pragmatic, randomized control trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2012:309762. [PMID: 21754946 PMCID: PMC3132464 DOI: 10.1155/2012/309762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. To evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness of acupuncture in a hospital setting. Methods. This 18-month pragmatic randomized controlled trial used a two-tiered consent process for all patients admitted to the acute care unit by study physician groups. The primary study comparison was between those randomized (using biased-coin randomization after initial consent) to be offered acupuncture or not. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS). Other measures include costs, self-reported anxiety, depression, health status, and patient satisfaction. Results. Of the 383 patients consented to the study, 253 were randomized to be offered acupuncture, and 130 were not offered acupuncture. Of those offered acupuncture, 173 (69%) accepted and received daily acupuncture. On average, patients offered acupuncture had longer LOSs (4.9 versus 4.1 days) than those not offered acupuncture (P = .047). Adjustment for diagnosis and severity mix reduced this difference and its significance (P = .108). No other significant differences in outcomes were found. Patients who were more anxious (P = .000) or depressed (P = .017) at admission tended to more often accept acupuncture when offered. Conclusion. Acupuncture is accepted by a majority of hospitalized acute care patients. However, it did not reduce LOS in this already short-stay population.
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Kim KW, Kim HW, Li J, Kwon YB. Effect of bee venom acupuncture on methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity, hyperthermia and Fos expression in mice. Brain Res Bull 2010; 84:61-8. [PMID: 20950675 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been used to treat drug addiction by nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and morphine. This study was designed to investigate the effect of bee venom (BV) acupuncture on hyperactivity and hyperthermia induced by acute exposure to methamphetamine (METH, 1mg/kg, s.c.) in mice. Diluted BV (20μl of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10mg/ml in saline, s.c.) was administered bilaterally into the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) or control points (SP9 or GB39 or tail base). BV injection into ST36 dose dependently reduced METH-induced hyperactivity and hyperthermia, while BV injection (1mg/ml) into control points did not produce these suppressive effects. METH injection significantly increased Fos expression in several brain regions including nucleus accumbens (NA), caudate putamen (CPU), ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN) and locus coeruleus (LC). Interestingly, BV (1mg/ml) injection into ST36 further increased METH-induced Fos expression in NA (core and shell), SN and LC. When we performed sciatic denervation or combination treatment of BV and lidocaine (BV diluted in 5% lidocaine solution), the enhancement of Fos elevation by BV was completely blocked in the NA, SN and LC in METH-injected mice, indicating that BV-induced peripheral nerve stimulation played an important role in the BV effect. Furthermore, the effects of BV were completely blocked by the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (3mg/kg, i.p.), but not by β-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (10mg/kg, i.p.). Taken together, these findings suggest that BV acupuncture into ST36 may modulate METH-induced hyperactivity, hyperthermia and Fos expression through activation of the peripheral nerve and the central α₂-adrenergic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Won Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Dukjin-gu, Jeonju, South Korea
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Kim SK, Bae H. Acupuncture and immune modulation. Auton Neurosci 2010; 157:38-41. [PMID: 20399151 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Kwang Kim
- Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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