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Yin W, Ma H, Qu Y, Ren J, Sun Y, Guo ZN, Yang Y. Exosomes: the next-generation therapeutic platform for ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1221-1235. [PMID: 39075892 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-02051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Current therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke fall short of the desired objective of neurological functional recovery. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new methods for the treatment of this condition. Exosomes are natural cell-derived vesicles that mediate signal transduction between cells under physiological and pathological conditions. They have low immunogenicity, good stability, high delivery efficiency, and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. These physiological properties of exosomes have the potential to lead to new breakthroughs in the treatment of ischemic stroke. The rapid development of nanotechnology has advanced the application of engineered exosomes, which can effectively improve targeting ability, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and minimize the dosages needed. Advances in technology have also driven clinical translational research on exosomes. In this review, we describe the therapeutic effects of exosomes and their positive roles in current treatment strategies for ischemic stroke, including their anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, autophagy-regulation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and glial scar formation reduction effects. However, it is worth noting that, despite their significant therapeutic potential, there remains a dearth of standardized characterization methods and efficient isolation techniques capable of producing highly purified exosomes. Future optimization strategies should prioritize the exploration of suitable isolation techniques and the establishment of unified workflows to effectively harness exosomes for diagnostic or therapeutic applications in ischemic stroke. Ultimately, our review aims to summarize our understanding of exosome-based treatment prospects in ischemic stroke and foster innovative ideas for the development of exosome-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yin
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hongyin Ma
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yang Qu
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Ren
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yingying Sun
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Li Z, Tang L, Wen D, Wu Y, Guo Z. Electroacupuncture enhances cerebral blood perfusion by inhibiting HIF-1α in rat subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149010. [PMID: 38763503 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral blood perfusion (CBP) reduction is a prevalent complication following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in clinical practice, often associated with long-term cognitive impairment and prognosis. Electroacupuncture (EA), a widely utilized traditional Chinese therapy for central nervous system disorders, has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of EA in restoring CBP in SAH rats and to explore the mechanisms involving HIF-1α in this process. METHODS Rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups, including Sham, SAH, EA, EA + Saline, and EA + dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) groups. EA treatment was administered for 10 min daily, while DMOG were intraperitoneally injected. Behavioral tests, cerebral blood flow monitoring, vascular thickness measurement, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to assess the therapeutic effects of EA on cerebral blood flow. RESULTS SAH resulted in elevated levels of HIF-1α, endothelin (ET), ICAM-1, P-SELECTIN, E-SELECTIN, and decreased level of eNOS in the brain. This led to cerebral vasospasm, decreased CBF, and cognitive deficits in the rat SAH model. EA intervention downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, ET, ICAM-1, P-SELECTIN, and E-SELECTIN, while increasing eNOS expression. This alleviated cerebral vasospasm, restored CBF, and improved cognitive function. However, the administration of the HIF-1α stabilizer (DMOG) counteracted the therapeutic effects of EA. CONCLUSION EA promotes the recovery of cerebral blood flow after SAH injury, attenuates cerebral vasospasm, and accelerates the recovery of cognitive dysfunction, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Emergency Department, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Liuyang Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Qijiang District, 401420, China
| | - Daochen Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanhan County People's Hospital, Dazhou, China.
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Zongduo Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Liu H, Dai H, Qiu F, Chen Y, Liang CL, Yang B, Gong N, Bromberg JS, Dai Z. Electrostimulation suppresses allograft rejection via promoting lymphatic regulatory T cell migration mediated by lymphotoxin - lymphotoxin receptor β signaling. Am J Transplant 2024:S1600-6135(24)00392-7. [PMID: 38992495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.06.019] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Conventional immunosuppressants that suppress allograft rejection cause various side effects. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for allograft survival, the limited efficacy of Treg therapy demands improvement. Thus, it is imperative to seek new approaches to enhancing Treg suppression. Low-intensity electrostimulation (ES) has been shown to exert antiinflammatory effects without causing major adverse reactions. However, it remains unknown whether and how ES regulates alloimmunity. Here, we found that regional ES delayed murine skin allograft rejection and promoted long-term allograft survival induced by an mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. ES also extended islet allograft survival. Mechanistically, ES enhanced the expression of lymphotoxin α (LTα) on Tregs after transplantation. Blockade of lymphotoxin β receptor-mediated nonclassical NFκB signaling suppressed lymphatic Treg migration and largely reversed the effects of ES on allograft survival. Moreover, ES failed to extend allograft survival when recipients lacked LTα/lymph nodes or if transferred Tregs lacked LTα. Therefore, ES promoted the lymphatic migration of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs by upregulating their surface expression of LTα. Finally, ES augmented expression of LTα on murine or human Tregs, but not conventional T cells, while promoting their calcium influx in vitro. This ES-mediated upregulation of LTα relied on calcium influx. Thus, our findings have unveiled novel mechanisms underlying ES-mediated immunoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhen Liu
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Helong Dai
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feifei Qiu
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chun-Ling Liang
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Life Sciences University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nianqiao Gong
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation of Ministry of Education, National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jonathan S Bromberg
- Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Zhenhua Dai
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Xu H, Luo Y, Li Q, Zhu H. Acupuncture influences multiple diseases by regulating gut microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1371543. [PMID: 39040602 PMCID: PMC11260648 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1371543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture, an important green and side effect-free therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely use both domestically and internationally. Acupuncture can interact with the gut microbiota and influence various diseases, including metabolic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, mental disorders, nervous system diseases, and other diseases. This review presents a thorough analysis of these interactions and their impacts and examines the alterations in the gut microbiota and the potential clinical outcomes following acupuncture intervention to establish a basis for the future utilization of acupuncture in clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Xu
- Department of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingzhe Luo
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiaoqi Li
- Department of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhang Z, Zhang D, Lin Q, Cui X. Therapeutically Fine-Tuning Autonomic Nervous System to Treat Sepsis: A New Perspective on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Acupuncture. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:4373-4387. [PMID: 38988505 PMCID: PMC11233988 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s477181] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the immunomodulatory effects of acupuncture on sepsis and proposed novel non-pharmacological or bioelectronic approaches to managing inflammatory illnesses. Establishing rules for selectively activating sympathetic or vagal nerve-mediated anti-inflammatory pathways using acupuncture has valuable clinical applications. Over the years, studies have revealed the segmental modulatory role of acupuncture in regulating visceral function by targeting the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In this review, we aim to summarize recent findings on acupuncture in treating sepsis, focusing on the underlying ANS mechanism, as well as the rules of acupoint specificity, intensity, frequency, and other parameters utilized in these studies. Mechanistically, the immunomodulatory properties of the sympathetic nervous system have been highlighted. Furthermore, we explore the immunotherapeutic benefits of acupuncture in treating sepsis. A better understanding of the immunoregulatory mechanism of sympathetic nervous system may offer novel approaches for the development of therapeutics to treat or prevent a variety of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dingdan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiang Cui
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
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Gao J, Chen B, Ji W, Tao S, Ye Z, Wang X. Auricular point acupressure for managing postoperative pain and reducing anxiety in patients with perianal abscesses. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:103020. [PMID: 38950488 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103020] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of auricular point acupressure in relieving postoperative pain and reducing anxiety among patients with perianal abscesses. METHODS We included 61 patients with perianal abscesses who were admitted to the Nantong First People's Hospital between July 2019 and June 2020 and were scheduled to undergo one-stage radical surgery. We divided them into the treatment group (n = 31), where patients were administered preoperative auricular acupressure targeting the bilateral Shenmen, subcortical, and other points. They were instructed to apply pressure five to six times per day, each time for about 3-5 min. Patients in the control group (n = 30) received routine preoperative preparation. The treatment duration for both groups was one week. We compared the two groups using the pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, the use of additional postoperative analgesics, and scores on the Hamilton anxiety and depression scales pre- and post-surgery at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week after surgery, as well as at the time of the first bowel movement. RESULTS Patients in the treatment group reported lower VAS scores than those of the control group at 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, and at the first defecation post-surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Additional postoperative analgesics were used in seven patients in the treatment group (22.58 %) and in 10 patients in the control group (33.33 %). The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.88, P = 0.35). Postoperative scores for the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that auricular point acupressure was effective in alleviating postoperative pain in patients with perianal abscesses and simultaneously reduced their postoperative psychological stress reactions. This dual effect provided both pain relief and a reduction of anxiety with fewer adverse reactions, making it a safe and effective treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong 226001, PR China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Weipeng Ji
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong 226001, PR China.
| | - Shuo Tao
- Department of Outpatient, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Zi Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong 226001, PR China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong 226001, PR China
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Cui M, Wei Q, Li Y, Liu M, Sun L, Liu X, Chen Z, Fang H, Liu L, Fu J, Li C, Li H, Ma Y, Zhang X, Huang Y, Li L, Lyu S, Zhang J. Effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program implemented using a hybrid online and offline mode on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1369675. [PMID: 38827614 PMCID: PMC11140728 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1369675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in both developed and many developing countries. Exercise training is a fundamental component of cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with CHD. This study aims to investigate the effects of a Tai Chi rehabilitation program, which is provided through a hybrid online and offline mode, on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in patients with CHD. Methods A total of 34 patients with coronary heart disease were randomly assigned to two groups: an experiment group (n = 14, age 62.07 ± 9.076 years) and a control group (n = 20, age 61.90 ± 9.700 years). The experiment group underwent a 12-week Tai Chi cardiac rehabilitation program (TCCRP), while the control group followed a conventional exercise rehabilitation program (CERP) consisting of 1-h sessions, 3 times per week, for a total of 36 sessions. Participants were studied at baseline and post-intervention. The main assessments include the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and Interleukin-10 (IL - 10) in blood samples. Pearson correlation analysis was used, and the differences between the two groups were subsequently tested using two-way repeated ANOVA. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of <0.05. Results The key finding of the study reveals that MDA was significantly reduced by 1.027 nmoL/mL. Additionally, the TCCRP showed significant improvements in SOD and IL-10, with values of 10.110 U/mL and 2.441 pg./mL, respectively. Notably, a significant positive correlation was found between SOD and IL-10 (r = 0.689, p = 0.006), while MDA showed a significant positive correlation with TNF-a (r = 0.542, p = 0.045). In contrast, the ECRP group only showed a significant improvement in SOD. Conclusion The study conducted a 12-week program on TCCRP, which utilized a hybrid online and offline model for individuals with coronary heart disease. The program showed promising results in alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation, possibly by regulating the balance between oxidative and antioxidative factors, as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meize Cui
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyang Wei
- Sports Department, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yameng Li
- Department of Physical Education, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mingyu Liu
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ligang Sun
- University Hospital, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- University Hospital, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zaihao Chen
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Fang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Linli Liu
- China University of Labor Relations, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahao Fu
- Zhejiang Guangsha Vocational and Technical University of Construction, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cuihan Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Haojie Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Ma
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuerong Huang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lujia Li
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shaojun Lyu
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Guo L, Hu H, Jiang N, Yang H, Sun X, Xia H, Ma J, Liu H. Electroacupuncture blocked motor dysfunction and gut barrier damage by modulating intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30819. [PMID: 38774094 PMCID: PMC11107113 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30819] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder commonly accompanied by gut dysfunction. EA has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Here, we aim to explore whether EA can treat Parkinson's disease by restoring the intestinal barrier and modulating NLRP3 inflammasome. We applied 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to establish a PD mouse model and EA at the GV16, LR3, and ST36 for 12 consecutive days. The open-field test results indicated that EA alleviated depression and behavioral defects, upregulated the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and blocked the accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the midbrain. Moreover, EA blocked the damage to intestinal tissues of PD mice, indicative of suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and increased gut barrier integrity. Notably, the antibiotic-treated mouse experiment validated that the gut microbiota was critical in alleviating PD dyskinesia and intestinal inflammation by EA. In conclusion, this study suggested that EA exhibited a protective effect against MPTP-induced PD by alleviating behavioral defects, reversing the block of motor dysfunction, and improving the gut barrier by modulating intestinal NLRP3 inflammasome. Above all, this study could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and therapy of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, China
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Haiming Hu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China
- Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Huabing Yang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Xiongjie Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Hui Xia
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jun Ma
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, China
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Liu L, Tang Z, Zeng Q, Qi W, Zhou Z, Chen D, Cai D, Chen Y, Sun S, Gong S, He B, Yu S, Zhao L. Transcriptomic Insights into Different Stimulation Intensity of Electroacupuncture in Treating COPD in Rat Models. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2873-2887. [PMID: 38741612 PMCID: PMC11090121 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s458580] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Electroacupuncture (EA), with varying stimulation intensities, has demonstrated therapeutic potentials in both animal and clinical studies for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, a comprehensive investigation of the intensity-related effects, particularly 1mA and 3mA of EA, and the underlying mechanisms remains lacking. Methods A COPD rat model was established by prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and intermittent intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. EA treatment was administered at acupoints BL13 (Feishu) and ST36 (Zusanli), 20 minutes daily for 2 weeks, with intensities of 1mA and 3mA. EA effectiveness was evaluated by pulmonary function, histopathological change, serum level of inflammatory cytokines, and level of oxidative stress markers in serum and lung tissues. Transcriptome profiling and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to reveal gene expression patterns and identify hub genes. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. Results EA at both 1mA and 3mA exerted differing therapeutic effects by improving lung function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD rats. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct expression patterns between the two groups, functionally corresponding to shared and intensity-specific (1mA and 3mA) enriched pathways. Eight candidate genes were identified, including Aqp9, Trem1, Mrc1, and Gpnmb that were downregulated by EA and upregulated in COPD. Notably, Msr1 and Slc26a4 exclusively downregulated in EA-1mA, while Pde3a and Bmp6 upregulated solely in EA-3mA. WGCNA constructed 5 key modules and elucidated the module-trait relationship, with the aforementioned 8 genes being highlighted. Additionally, their mRNA and protein levels were validated by RT-qPCR and WB. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that 1mA and 3mA intensities induce distinct gene expression patterns at the transcriptional level, associated with shared and 1mA vs 3mA-specific enriched pathways. Genes Mrc1, Gpnmb, Trem1, and Aqp9 emerge as promising targets, and further studies are needed to elucidate their functional consequences in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zili Tang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenchuan Qi
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyang Zhou
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daohong Chen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dingjun Cai
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiqi Sun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyao Gong
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin He
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuguang Yu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of China
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
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Bissoto JR, Silva Júnior JURD, Alvares GP, Santos FH, Len CA. Acupuncture for pediatric chronic pain: A systematic review. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2024:S0021-7557(24)00055-X. [PMID: 38697213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2024.03.013] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To survey, analyze and discuss the scientific evidence supporting the use of acupuncture and related techniques in the management of chronic pain in the pediatric population. SOURCES A survey of databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and Scielo) was carried out with search strategies, following the PRISMA statement, without limits on publication dates and languages. Clinical studies (clinical trials, single-arm, and case series) were accepted for review if they included participants aged up to 22 years. Study quality was assessed by MMAT, and the randomized clinical trial was analyzed under the STRICTA criteria. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS 2369 articles were retrieved. After excluding repetitions, 1335 underwent the initial selection. Only 16 articles were selected for full reading, of which 5 were included in the review, being two case series, two single-arm studies, and one randomized clinical trial. The articles were considered of good quality by the adopted criteria. CONCLUSION The analyzed studies showed important clinical results such as the reduction of pain intensity, and improvement in school attendance and social life. However, there are many limitations in study design and sample size. Therefore, there is weak evidence to support the use of acupuncture in the context of pediatric chronic pain, but the positive results reinforce the need for further investigation of the topic with the conduct of larger and well-designed studies, to obtain more data and greater scientific conviction of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Roberto Bissoto
- Departamento de Pediatria, Grupo de Reumatologia Pediátrica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Grupo de Acupuntura, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Gabrielle Pignoli Alvares
- Departamento de Psicologia, Campus Bauru, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Flávia H Santos
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claudio Arnaldo Len
- Departamento de Pediatria, Grupo de Reumatologia Pediátrica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Ma H, Liu X, Cai H, Yan Y, Li W, Zhao J. Electroacupuncture reduced airway inflammation by activating somatosensory-sympathetic pathways in allergic asthmatic rats. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024:00029330-990000000-01036. [PMID: 38602180 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment is efficacious in patients with respiratory disorders, although the mechanisms of its action in lung-function protection are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the neuroanatomical mechanisms of EA stimulation at the BL13 acupoint (Feishu, EA-BL13) improvement in asthma. METHODS Allergic asthma was induced by intranasal 2.0% ovalbumin (OVA) instillation combined with intraperitoneal injection of the 10.0% OVA. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-schiff stain were used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion. Cellular oncogene fos induction in neurons after EA stimulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA expression levels of adrenergic receptors were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS EA improved airway inflammation and mucus secretion mainly by activating somatosensory-sympathetic pathways (P <0.001). Briefly, the intermediolateral (IML) nuclei of the spinal cord received signals from somatic EA stimulation and then delivered the information via the sympathetic trunk to the lung. Excited sympathetic nerve endings in lung tissue released large amounts of catecholamines that specifically activated the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on T cells (P <0.01) and further decreased the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 (P <0.001) through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This study provided a new explanation and clinical basis for the use of EA-BL13 as a treatment for allergic asthma in both the attack and remission stages and other respiratory disorders related to airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
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Xia JC, Huang YC, Wu K, Pang J, Shi Y. Efficacy of Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Herbal Medicine on Pain Intensity for Chronic Sciatica Secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1381-1391. [PMID: 38618296 PMCID: PMC11012699 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s448631] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chinese herbal medicine and electroacupuncture (EA) have been used to control pain for many decades in China. We aim to explore the efficacy of intervening patients whose discogenic sciatica symptoms lasting longer than 3 months with these conservative treatments. Patients and Methods This is a single-center, parallel-group, patient-unblinded Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with blinded outcome assessment and statistician. One hundred and twenty-four patients will be assigned randomly into 2 groups including conservative treatment group (Shenxie Zhitong capsule combined with EA treatment) and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, NSAIDs) control group (Celecoxib) in a 1:1 ratio. The trial involves a 4-week treatment along with follow-up for 6 months. The primary outcome is the leg pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes include leg pain intensity at other time points, back pain intensity, leg pain and back pain frequency, functional status, quality of life, return to work status and satisfaction of patients. Adverse events will also be recorded. Strengths and Limitations of This Study Through this study, we want to observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine on pain intensity for chronic sciatica secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation. If the final results are favorable, it is expected to be a safe, economical, and effective treatment for patients. The study design has the following limitations: the setup of control group was less than perfect; patients and doctors could not be blinded in this trial; we skipped the feasibility study. We have tried our best to minimize adverse impacts. Trial Registration ChiCTR2300070884 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registered on 25th April 2023).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Chun Xia
- Shi’s Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Cheng Huang
- Shi’s Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke Wu
- Shi’s Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Pang
- Shi’s Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Shi
- Shi’s Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Liu S, Fu W, Fu J, Chen G, He Y, Zheng T, Ma T. Electroacupuncture alleviates intestinal inflammation via a distinct neuro-immune signal pathway in the treatment of postoperative ileus. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116387. [PMID: 38471276 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The induction of intestinal inflammation as a result of abdominal surgery is an essential factor in postoperative ileus (POI) development. Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 has been demonstrated to relieve intestinal inflammation and restore gastrointestinal dysmotility in POI. This study aims to elucidate the neuroimmune pathway involved in the anti-inflammatory properties of EA in POI. METHODS After intestinal manipulation (IM) was performed to induce POI, intestinal inflammation and motility were assessed 24 h post-IM, by evaluating gastrointestinal transit (GIT), cytokines expression, and leukocyte infiltration. Experimental surgery, pharmacological intervention, and genetic knockout mice were used to elucidate the neuroimmune mechanisms of EA. RESULTS EA at ST36 significantly improved GIT and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte infiltration in the intestinal muscularis following IM in mice. The anti-inflammatory effectiveness of EA treatment was abolished by sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy, whereas splenectomy did not hinder the anti-inflammatory benefits of EA treatment. The hexamethonium chloride (HEX) administration contributes to a notable reduction in the EA capacity to suppress inflammation and enhance motility dysfunction, and EA is ineffective in α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS EA at ST36 prevents intestinal inflammation and dysmotility through a neural circuit that requires vagal innervation but is independent of the spleen. Further findings revealed that the process involves enteric neurons mediating the vagal signal and requires the presence of α7nAChR. These findings suggest that utilizing EA at ST36 may represent a possible therapeutic approach for POI and other immune-related gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jingnan Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Characteristics Medical Center of Chinese People Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Guibing Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical Medical College and The First Affilliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Yuxin He
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Ting Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China.
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Yan-Qiu L, Jun-Peng Y, Xiang-Yun Y, Wen W, Yu-Peng Z, Lu Y, Yu-Jun H, Ying L. Advances in acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis via citespace. Complement Ther Med 2024; 80:103009. [PMID: 38081432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.103009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand research advances and frontiers of acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis. METHODS Publications related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the datasets and generate knowledge maps. RESULTS A total of 445 relevant publications published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of annual publications fluctuated from 2013 to 2016 but increased gradually from 2016 to 2022. China produced the highest number of publications, while the USA established the most extensive cooperation relationships. China Academy of Chinese Medical Science was the most productive institution. Chen Jiande D.Z. was the most prolific author and Rong Peijing holds the most extensive cooperation network. Han Jisheng was the most co-cited author. Relevant research involved mechanism exploration and clinical efficacy research, and "anti-inflammatory effect" was the most active research topic, especially cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The most cited references mainly focused on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders were the most active medical conditions studied in this field. CONCLUSIONS Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function over the past decade. However, the mechanisms of the autonomic effects of acupuncture need further investigation. High-quality clinical studies are required to determine the optimal parameters of acupuncture for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan-Qiu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Jun-Peng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Xiang-Yun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wang Wen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhang Yu-Peng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hou Yu-Jun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Ying
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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15
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Chen Y, Liu H, Yan Y, Chen H, Ye S, Qiu F, Liang CL, Zhang Q, Zheng F, Han L, Lu C, Dai Z. Methotrexate and electrostimulation cooperate to alleviate the relapse of psoriasiform skin inflammation by suppressing memory T cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115979. [PMID: 38081367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is an immunosuppressant used to treat autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. However, like other immunosuppressants, MTX alone does not prevent their recurrence. Electrostimulation (ES) has been utilized to treat some inflammatory disorders without any major side-effect. But it remains unknown if ES alone, or together with MTX, ameliorates autoimmune disease relapse: a sticky medical problem. In particular, the mechanisms underlying ES action remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine an impact of ES and/or MTX on psoriasis relapse and their potential cooperation. We found that regional ES, but not MTX, ameliorated psoriasiform skin inflammation recurrence. Interestingly, treatment with both MTX and ES further prevented psoriasis recurrence compared to ES alone. Moreover, ES downregulated potassium channel Kv1.3 on T-cells and reduced CD4+/CD8+ effector memory (TEM) and CD8+ skin-resident memory T (TRM) cells, while ES plus MTX further decreased CD8+ TEM/TRM cells compared to ES alone. However, ES failed to further attenuate psoriasis recurrence or suppress T cell memory in Kv1.3-deficient mice, whereas lack of Kv1.3 itself ameliorated psoriasis relapse by shrinking T cell memory pool. Importantly, ES moderately inhibited T-cell proliferation in vitro. ES also reduced human CD8+ TRM cells and attenuated human skin lesions in humanized mice grafted with lesional skin from patients with recurrent psoriasis, with an enhanced efficacy in mice treated with both ES and MTX. Thus, ES and MTX cooperated to prevent psoriasis relapse by reducing T-cell memory via targeting potassium channel Kv1.3. Our studies may be implicated for treating human psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Huazhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yuhong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Haiming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shuyan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Feifei Qiu
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Chun-Ling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qunfang Zhang
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Ling Han
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Zhenhua Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Section of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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Bautista-Hernández MA, Argueta-Figueroa L, Gómez-Jiménez DC, Torres-Rosas R. Evidence of the acupuncture points stimulation for the treatment of hypogalactia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENFERMERIA CLINICA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2024; 34:61-73. [PMID: 38185370 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcle.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a literature review aimed to analyze if acupoint stimulation increases lactation quantity. METHOD Studies were collected from five electronic databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. Eligibility criteria were full-text articles in English or Spanish with clinical trial design and observational studies, with no restriction on time of publication, in which the effect of acupoint stimulation on improving the quantity of lactation by conventional acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser, fire needling, manual stimulation, tuina or catgut had been evaluated. Two authors independently extracted data for the characteristics and main outcomes of the studies selected for inclusion. The risk of bias (RoB 2 and Robins-I) and the quality assessments (GRADE) were performed. For the quantitative synthesis, the standardized mean difference was calculated for each individual study selected and then the data were combined using a random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 14 studies were included in the present review. Most of the included studies exhibited some concerns in the risk of bias assessment. The quality of the studies was moderate. The meta-analysis showed that manual acupoint stimulation improves the lactation quantity (SMD 95% CI = 1.63 [1.13-2.13]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The literature suggests that manual stimulation of acupuncture points improves the amount of milk produced during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Alberto Bautista-Hernández
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Liliana Argueta-Figueroa
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT), Mexico
| | | | - Rafael Torres-Rosas
- Laboratorio de Medicina Complementaria, Centro de Estudios en Ciencias de la Salud y la Enfermedad, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO), Oaxaca, Mexico.
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Shi F, Cao J, Zhou D, Wang X, Yang H, Liu T, Chen Z, Zeng J, Du S, Yang L, Jia R, Zhang S, Zhang M, Guo Y, Lin X. Revealing the clinical effect and biological mechanism of acupuncture in COPD: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115926. [PMID: 38035864 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide new ideas for the clinical and mechanism research of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this study systematically reviews clinical research and the progress of basic research of acupuncture in the treatment of COPD. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using acupuncture and COPD as keywords in the last 10 years, and the included literature was determined according to exclusion criteria. FINDINGS Acupuncture can relieve clinical symptoms, improve exercise tolerance, anxiety, and nutritional status, as well as hemorheological changes (blood viscosity), reduce the inflammatory response, and reduce the duration and frequency of COPD in patients with COPD. Mechanistically, acupuncture inhibits M1 macrophage activity, reduces neutrophil infiltration, reduces inflammatory factor production in alveolar type II epithelial cells, inhibits mucus hypersecretion of airway epithelial cells, inhibits the development of chronic inflammation in COPD, and slows tissue structure destruction. Acupuncture may control pulmonary COPD inflammation through the vagal-cholinergic anti-inflammatory, vagal-adrenomedullary-dopamine, vagal-dual-sensory nerve fiber-pulmonary, and CNS-hypothalamus-orexin pathways. Furthermore, acupuncture can increase endogenous cortisol levels by inhibiting the HPA axis, thus improving airway antioxidant capacity and reducing airway inflammation in COPD. In conclusion, the inhibition of the chronic inflammatory response is the key mechanism of acupuncture treatment for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Shi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jiaojiao Cao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jiaming Zeng
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Simin Du
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ruo Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Ministry of Education, and State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Mingxing Zhang
- School of Intergrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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18
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Seicol BJ, Guo Z, Garrity K, Xie R. Potential uses of auditory nerve stimulation to modulate immune responses in the inner ear and auditory brainstem. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1294525. [PMID: 38162822 PMCID: PMC10755874 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1294525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine uses electrical stimulation of the nervous system to improve health outcomes throughout the body primarily by regulating immune responses. This concept, however, has yet to be applied systematically to the auditory system. There is growing interest in how cochlear damage and associated neuroinflammation may contribute to hearing loss. In conjunction with recent findings, we propose here a new perspective, which could be applied alongside advancing technologies, to use auditory nerve (AN) stimulation to modulate immune responses in hearing health disorders and following surgeries for auditory implants. In this article we will: (1) review the mechanisms of inflammation in the auditory system in relation to various forms of hearing loss, (2) explore nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation throughout the body and how similar neural-immune circuits likely exist in the auditory system (3) summarize current methods for stimulating the auditory system, particularly the AN, and (4) propose future directions to use bioelectronic medicine to ameliorate harmful immune responses in the inner ear and auditory brainstem to treat refractory conditions. We will illustrate how current knowledge from bioelectronic medicine can be applied to AN stimulation to resolve inflammation associated with implantation and disease. Further, we suggest the necessary steps to get discoveries in this emerging field from bench to bedside. Our vision is a future for AN stimulation that includes additional protocols as well as advances in devices to target and engage neural-immune circuitry for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Seicol
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Zixu Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Katy Garrity
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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19
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Xu M, Li Y, Zhang C, Ma Y, Zhang L, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Meng T, He J, Wang H, Li S, Kranz GS, Zhao M, Chang J. Efficacy of scalp stimulation for multidomain cognitive impairment in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia: A network meta-analysis and meta-regression of moderators. J Evid Based Med 2023; 16:505-519. [PMID: 38100480 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scalp stimulation has gained more traction for post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID); the interaction between stimulation targets and parameters influences the response to the stimulation. However, the most efficacious treatment for improving different domains of cognitive impairment remains unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy of various scalp stimulation protocols used in PSCID treatment. METHODS Randomized controlled trials of scalp stimulation in patients with PSCID were searched in eight databases over the past 20 years. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) for global and subdomain cognitive scores were pooled in Bayesian NMA. Moderators were examined using meta-regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 90 trials, with 6199 patients, were included. Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the unaffected dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was highly suggested for alleviating global severity (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI (0.64, 1.57)). High-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC was recommended for language use (1.85 (1.18, 2.52)), executive function (0.85 (0.36, 1.33)), orientation deficits (0.59 (0.07, 1.13)), and attention (0.85 (0.27, 1.43)). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the affected DLPFC (2.03 (0.72, 3.34)) was recommended for treating memory impairment. Meta-regression analyses showed significant associations within attention, language and orientation. CONCLUSION Overall, different cognitive domains have different optimal scalp stimulation prescriptions, and activating the affected key brain regions and inhibiting the unaffected area is still the most effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Ma
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Leyi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuai Yang
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian Meng
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Junyi He
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haifang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuren Li
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg S Kranz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mingjing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingling Chang
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Chen X, Wang Y, Ji J, Li C, Zhuang W, Luo J, Shi Y, Lin Q, Wu J, Li A, Wang J, Meng Y, Zhang S, Lang X, Liu X, Sun B, Li H, Liu Y. Electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint regulates stem cells during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110856. [PMID: 37647680 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110856] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) is given to assist in the treatment of MS, which is an effective therapeutic method. However, the therapy mechanism of EA related to stem cells in the treatment of MS is not yet known. In this study, we used a classic animal model of multiple sclerosis: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EA at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in EAE and shed light on its potential roles in the effects of stem cells in vivo. METHODS The EAE animal models were established. From the first day after immunization, EAE model mice received EA at ST36 acupoint, named the EA group. The weight and clinical score of the three groups were recorded for 28 days. The demyelination, inflammatory cell infiltration, and markers of neural stem cells (NSCs), hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were compared. RESULTS We showed that EAE mice treated with EA at ST36 acupoint, were suppressed in demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration, and thus decreased clinical score and weight loss and mitigated the development of EAE when compared with the EAE group. Moreover, our data revealed that the proportions of NSCs, HSCs, and MSCs increased in the EA group compared with the EAE group. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that EA at ST36 acupoint was an effective nonpharmacological therapeutic protocol that not only reduced the CNS demyelination and inflammatory cell infiltration in EAE disease but also increased the proportions of various stem cells. Further study is necessary to better understand how EA at the ST36 acupoint affects EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiayu Ji
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Changyu Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hainan Cancer Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingyu Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qian Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Junfeng Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanting Meng
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Sifan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiujuan Lang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xijun Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hulun Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yumei Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Ding L, Teng R, Zhu Y, Liu F, Wu L, Qin L, Wu X, Liu T. Electroacupuncture treatment ameliorates metabolic disorders in obese ZDF rats by regulating liver energy metabolism and gut microbiota. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1207574. [PMID: 37441502 PMCID: PMC10335763 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1207574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders represent a major therapeutic challenge to public health worldwide due to their dramatically increasing prevalence. Acupuncture is widely used as adjuvant therapy for multiple metabolic diseases. However, detailed biological interpretation of the acupuncture stimulations is still limited. The gut and the liver are intrinsically connected and related to metabolic function. Microbial metabolites might affect the gut-liver axis through multiple mechanisms. Liver metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were used to explore the specific mechanism of electroacupuncture in treating ZDF rats in this study. Electroacupuncture effectively improved glycolipid metabolism disorders of the ZDF rats. Histopathology confirmed that electroacupuncture improved diffuse hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte vacuolation, and promoted glycogen accumulation in the liver. The treatment significantly improved microbial diversity and richness and upregulated beneficial bacteria that maintain intestinal epithelial homeostasis and decreased bacteria with detrimental metabolic features on host metabolism. Liver metabolomics showed that the main effects of electroacupuncture include reducing the carbon flow and intermediate products in the TCA cycle, regulating the metabolism of various amino acids, and inhibiting hepatic glucose output and de novo lipogenesis. The gut-liver axis correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the liver metabolites and the gut microbiota, especially allantoin and Adlercreutzia. Electroacupuncture treatment can improve abnormal energy metabolism by reducing oxidative stress, ectopic fat deposition, and altering metabolic fluxes. Our results will help us to further understand the specific mechanism of electroacupuncture in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ding
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rufeng Teng
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Zhu
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengming Liu
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Qin
- Department of Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Department of Education, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Cultivation of the Ministry of Education, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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22
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Ni H, Ren J, Wang Q, Li X, Wu Y, Liu D, Wang J. Electroacupuncture at ST 36 ameliorates cognitive impairment and beta-amyloid pathology by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in an Alzheimer's disease animal model. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16755. [PMID: 37292305 PMCID: PMC10245255 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16755] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder leading to cognitive impairment in the elderly, and no effective treatment exists. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that physical therapy and electroacupuncture (EA) effectively improve spatial learning and memory abilities. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying the effects of EA on AD pathology is largely unexplored. Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) has previously been shown to improve cognitive impairment in AD, but the mechanism is unclear. According to recent studies, EA drives the vagal-adrenal axis from the hindlimb ST 36 acupoint but not from the abdominal Tianshu (ST 25) to curb severe inflammation in mice. This study examined whether ST 36 acupuncture improves cognitive dysfunction in AD model mice by improving neuroinflammation and its underlying mechanism. Methods Male 5xFAD mice (aged 3, 6, and 9 months) were used as the AD animal model and were randomly divided into three groups: the AD model group (AD group), the electroacupuncture at ST 36 acupoint group (EA-ST 36 group), and the electroacupuncture at ST 25 acupoint group (EA-ST 25 group). Age-matched wild-type mice were used as the normal control (WT) group. EA (10 Hz, 0.5 mA) was applied to the acupoints on both sides for 15 min, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Motor ability and cognitive ability were assessed by the open field test, the novel object recognition task, and the Morris water maze test. Thioflavin S staining and immunofluorescence were used to mark Aβ plaques and microglia. The levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in the hippocampus were assayed by Western blotting or qRT-PCR. Results EA at ST 36, but not ST 25, significantly improved motor function and cognitive ability and reduced both Aβ deposition and microglia and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in 5×FAD mice. Conclusion EA stimulation at ST 36 effectively improved memory impairment in 5×FAD mice by a mechanism that regulated microglia activation and alleviated neuroinflammation by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammatory response in the hippocampus. This study shows that ST 36 may be a specific acupoint to improve the condition of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ni
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaoqi Ren
- Department of Geriatrics, Huashan Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
| | - Qimeng Wang
- Department of Acupuncture, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Xing Li
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Dezhi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Endocrinology department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
- Department of Peripheral Vascular Surgery, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
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23
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Park J, Oh JY, Park HJ. Potential role of acupuncture in the treatment of Parkinson's disease: A narrative review. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100954. [PMID: 37275921 PMCID: PMC10238843 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2023.100954] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has grown rapidly compared to that of other neurological disorders. Acupuncture has been used to address the complex symptoms of PD. Recently, similarities in the mechanisms of action between acupuncture and neuromodulation have received considerable attention. This review aims to summarize the evidence regarding these similarities to suggest potential role of acupuncture in the treatment of PD. Methods The literature from two electronic databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, was searched using the search terms 'Acupuncture', 'Parkinson's disease', 'Vagus nerve stimulation', and 'Brain functional connectivity'. We then explored the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in PD and evaluated the evidence for similarities in the mechanisms of action between acupuncture and neuromodulation. Results Data suggests that acupuncture treatment is effective for PD symptoms by modulating inflammation and brain functional connectivity (BFC). These acupuncture effects have been shown to be similar to neuromodulation in controlling inflammation and BFC. Based on the shared mechanisms of action, potential acupuncture mechanisms that may ameliorate a wide range of PD symptoms include but are not limited to (1) vagal activation of the anti-inflammatory pathway and (2) BFC enhancement. Conclusion The development of acupuncture strategies based on shared mechanisms with neuromodulation will provide new treatment options for patients with PD as personalized neuromodulating therapies. Further studies are needed to gather scientific evidence for optimizing parameters in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Young Oh
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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24
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Zhang J, Wu W, Ren Y, Yuan Y, Jia L. Electroacupuncture for the treatment of cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1186506. [PMID: 37255718 PMCID: PMC10225685 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1186506] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This paper aims to review the current evidence on electroacupuncture as an effective and safe therapy for cancer pain management. Methods Five databases were searched from their inception through November 11, 2022. Only the randomized controlled trials that meet the eligibility criteria were finally included in the study. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, and RevMan 5.3 used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 17 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. We used 8 indicators to estimate the meta-analysis results, most of which proved statistically significant, including VAS scores, NRS scores, and KPS scores. To be specific, VAS scores (MD = -1.41, 95% CI: -2.42 to -0.41, P = 0.006) and NRS scores (MD = -1.19, 95% CI: -1.72 to -0.66, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group. The treatment group's KPS scores (MD = 5.48, 95% CI: 3.27 to 7.69, P < 0.00001) were higher than those of the control group. Also, in the treatment group, the number of burst pain (MD = -2.66, 95% CI: -3.32 to -1.99, P < 0.00001) and side effect rates (RR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.67, P < 0.00001) greatly reduced, while the response rate (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.26, P < 0.0001) significantly increased compared to the control group. Conclusion This study demonstrates the advantages of electroacupuncture in the treatment of cancer pain. Meanwhile, rigorous RCTs should be designed and conducted in the future to further demonstrate the exact efficacy of electroacupuncture. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022376148.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junning Zhang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Oncology of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weizhen Wu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuehan Ren
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jia
- Department of Oncology of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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25
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Salgado HC, Brognara F, Ribeiro AB, Lataro RM, Castania JA, Ulloa L, Kanashiro A. Autonomic Regulation of Inflammation in Conscious Animals. Neuroimmunomodulation 2023; 30:102-112. [PMID: 37232031 DOI: 10.1159/000530908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine is a novel field in modern medicine based on the specific neuronal stimulation to control organ function, cardiovascular, and immune homeostasis. However, most studies addressing neuromodulation of the immune system have been conducted on anesthetized animals, which can affect the nervous system and neuromodulation. Here, we review recent studies involving conscious experimental rodents (rats and mice) to better understand the functional organization of neural control of immune homeostasis. We highlight typical experimental models of cardiovascular regulation, such as electrical activation of the aortic depressor nerve or the carotid sinus nerve, bilateral carotid occlusion, the Bezold-Jarisch reflex, and intravenous administration of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. These models have been used to investigate the relationship between neuromodulation of the cardiovascular and immune systems in conscious rodents (rats and mice). These studies provide critical information about the neuromodulation of the immune system, particularly the role of the autonomic nervous system, i.e., the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches acting both centrally (hypothalamus, nucleus ambiguus, nucleus tractus solitarius, caudal ventrolateral medulla, and rostral ventrolateral medulla), and peripherally (particularly spleen and adrenal medulla). Overall, the studies in conscious experimental models have certainly highlighted to the reader how the methodological approaches used to investigate cardiovascular reflexes in conscious rodents (rats and mice) can also be valuable for investigating the neural mechanisms involved in inflammatory responses. The reviewed studies have clinical implications for future therapeutic approaches of bioelectronic modulation of the nervous system to control organ function and physiological homeostasis in conscious physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helio Cesar Salgado
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Brognara
- Department of Nursing, General and Specialized, Nursing School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Maria Lataro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Jaci Airton Castania
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandre Kanashiro
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin Medical Sciences Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Ziesel D, Nowakowska M, Scheruebel S, Kornmueller K, Schäfer U, Schindl R, Baumgartner C, Üçal M, Rienmüller T. Electrical stimulation methods and protocols for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: a critical review of preclinical research. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:51. [PMID: 37098582 PMCID: PMC10131365 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01159-y] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disabilities resulting from cognitive and neurological deficits, as well as psychological disorders. Only recently, preclinical research on electrical stimulation methods as a potential treatment of TBI sequelae has gained more traction. However, the underlying mechanisms of the anticipated improvements induced by these methods are still not fully understood. It remains unclear in which stage after TBI they are best applied to optimize the therapeutic outcome, preferably with persisting effects. Studies with animal models address these questions and investigate beneficial long- and short-term changes mediated by these novel modalities. METHODS In this review, we present the state-of-the-art in preclinical research on electrical stimulation methods used to treat TBI sequelae. We analyze publications on the most commonly used electrical stimulation methods, namely transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), that aim to treat disabilities caused by TBI. We discuss applied stimulation parameters, such as the amplitude, frequency, and length of stimulation, as well as stimulation time frames, specifically the onset of stimulation, how often stimulation sessions were repeated and the total length of the treatment. These parameters are then analyzed in the context of injury severity, the disability under investigation and the stimulated location, and the resulting therapeutic effects are compared. We provide a comprehensive and critical review and discuss directions for future research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We find that the parameters used in studies on each of these stimulation methods vary widely, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons between stimulation protocols and therapeutic outcome. Persisting beneficial effects and adverse consequences of electrical simulation are rarely investigated, leaving many questions about their suitability for clinical applications. Nevertheless, we conclude that the stimulation methods discussed here show promising results that could be further supported by additional research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ziesel
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - M Nowakowska
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - S Scheruebel
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - K Kornmueller
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - U Schäfer
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - R Schindl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - C Baumgartner
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Üçal
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - T Rienmüller
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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27
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Wang Y, Yang X, Cao Y, Li X, Xu R, Yan J, Guo Z, Sun S, Sun X, Wu Y. Electroacupuncture promotes remyelination and alleviates cognitive deficit via promoting OPC differentiation in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:687-698. [PMID: 36383326 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01102-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating cerebral vascular disease which causes neurological deficits including long-term cognitive deficit. Demyelination of white matter is correlated with cognitive deficit in SAH. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional Chinese medical treatment which protects against cognitive deficit in varies of neurological diseases. However, whether EA exerts protective effect on cognitive function in SAH has not been investigated. The underlying mechanism of remyelination regulated by EA remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of EA on cognitive deficit in a rat model of SAH. SAH was induced in SD rats (n = 72) by endovascular perforation. Rats in EA group received EA treatment (10 min per day) under isoflurane anesthesia after SAH. Rats in SAH and sham groups received the same isoflurane anesthesia with no treatment. The mortality rate, neurological score, cognitive function, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and remyelination in sham, SAH and EA groups were assessed at 21 d after SAH.EA treatment alleviated cognitive deficits and myelin injury of rats compared with that in SAH group. Moreover, EA treatment enhanced remyelination in white matter and promoted the differentiation of OPCs after SAH. EA treatment inhibited the expression of Id2 and promoted the expression of SOX10 in oligodendrocyte cells. Additionally, the cerebral blood flow (CBF) of rats was increased by EA compared with that in SAH group. EA treatment exerts protective effect against cognitive deficit in the late phase of SAH. The underlying mechanisms involve promoting oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation and remyelination in white matter via regulating the expression of Id2 and SOX10. The improvement of CBF may also account for the protective effect of EA on cognitive function. EA treatment is a potential therapy for the treatment of cognitive deficit after SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwen Wang
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomin Yang
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunchuan Cao
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoguo Li
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Zongduo Guo
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanquan Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaochuan Sun
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yue Wu
- Departement of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, NO.1 of Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
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Bioelectronic neuro-immunology: Neuronal networks for sympathetic-splenic and vagal-adrenal control. Neuron 2023; 111:10-14. [PMID: 36202096 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal stimulation is an emerging field in modern medicine to control immune and organ function. New techniques of stimulation and neuronal biomarkers are providing critical information about the clinical potential of these mechanisms and the functional organization of the nervous system. This article discusses the fundamental somatotopic signals controlling immunity and the two autonomic networks controlling inflammation: the sympathetic-splenic and vagal-adrenal control.
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Chen B, Liu D, Li T, Zheng L, Lan L, Yang N, Huang Y. Research Hotspots and Trends on Acupuncture for Anti-Inflammation: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2011 to 2021. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1197-1217. [PMID: 37056280 PMCID: PMC10089150 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s398393] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We here explored the research status, research hotspots, and development trend of acupuncture against inflammation from both quantitative and qualitative aspects through bibliometrics. Methods We used CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze the literature about acupuncture against inflammation from 2011 to 2021 in the Web of Science Core Collection database by using a visual knowledge map. Results In total, 1479 articles were included, and the number of articles published each year exhibited an upward trend. The largest number of articles were published in China (661), followed by the United States (287) and South Korea (164). The most productive institution is Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (72), while the most influential institution is the Capital Medical University (0.28). Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (131) is the journal that published most articles on the topic. Lin Yiwen is the most prolific author, and Borovikova L is the most influential co-cited author. The keywords that have burst in the last 2 years are inflammation and activation. The keywords with the highest frequency of use are electroacupuncture (EA), inflammation, and expression. Conclusion The number of publications on acupuncture for anti-inflammation research is rapidly increasing. China is a productive country, but the influence of centrality is poor. Research institutions are concentrated in universities, and the whole collaborative network needs to be strengthened. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture is the main focus of research in this field. Regulation of immune cell balance by acupuncture may be a hot topic in mechanism research. At present, immune cells, vagus nerve, signal pathway, inflammatory corpuscles, cytokines and neurotransmitters are popular research topics. In the future, the basic research of acupuncture for anti-inflammation transformed into clinical practice may be a trend. EA and bee venom acupuncture may be promising research directions for acupuncture treatment for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Chen
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijiang Zheng
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Lan
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Niu Yang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinlan Huang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yinlan Huang, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18209506917, Email
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Chen W, Zhang XN, Su YS, Wang XY, Li HC, Liu YH, Wan HY, Qu ZY, Jing XH, He W. Electroacupuncture activated local sympathetic noradrenergic signaling to relieve synovitis and referred pain behaviors in knee osteoarthritis rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1069965. [PMID: 36959872 PMCID: PMC10028095 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1069965] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent research has focused on the local control of articular inflammation through neuronal stimulation to avoid the systemic side effects of conventional pharmacological therapies. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been proven to be useful for inflammation suppressing and pain reduction in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients, yet its mechanism remains unclear. Methods In the present study, the KOA model was established using the intra-articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) (1 mg/50 μL) into the knee cavity. EA was delivered at the ipsilateral ST36-GB34 acupoints. Hind paw weight-bearing and withdrawl thresholds were measured. On day 9, the histology, dep enrichment proteins, cytokines contents, immune cell population of the synovial membrane of the affected limbs were measured using HE staining, Masson staining, DIA quantitative proteomic analysis, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and Western Blot. The ultrastructure of the saphenous nerve of the affected limb was observed using transmission electron microscopy on the 14th day after modeling. Results The result demonstrated that EA intervention during the midterm phase of the articular inflammation alleviated inflammatory pain behaviors and cartilage damage, but not during the early phase. Mid-term EA suppressed the levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the synovium on day 9 after MIA by elevating the level of sympathetic neurotransmitters Norepinephrine (NE) in the synovium but not systemic NE or systemic adrenaline. Selective blocking of the sympathetic function (6-OHDA) and β2-adrenergic receptor (ICI 118,551) prevented the anti-inflammatory effects of EA. EA-induced increment of the NE in the synovium inhibited the CXCL1-CXCR2 dependent overexpression of IL-6 in the synovial macrophages in a β2-adrenergic receptor (AR)-mediated manner. Discussion These results revealed that EA activated sympathetic noradrenergic signaling to control local inflammation in KOA rats and contributed to the development of novel therapeutic neurostimulation strategies for inflammatory diseases.
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Clemente-Suárez VJ, Bustamante-Sanchez Á, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Ruisoto P, Mielgo-Ayuso J. Inflammation in COVID-19 and the Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions during the Pandemic: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415584. [PMID: 36555231 PMCID: PMC9779440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that hit the health systems worldwide hard, causing a collapse of healthcare systems. One of the main problems of this new virus is the high inflammatory response it provokes, which is the cause of much of the symptoms. Different pharmacological approaches tried to stop the advance of the pandemic, but it seems that only vaccines are the solution. In this line, different nonpharmacological approaches have been made in order to improve symptomatology, contagion, and spread of COVID-19, the principal factors being the physical activity, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, and life patterns. The SARS-CoV-2 virus produces a disproportionate inflammatory response in the organism of the guest and causes complications in this that can end the life of the patient. It has been possible to see how different nonpharmacological interventions based on physical activity, nutritional, psychological, and physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can be functional tools to treat this inflammation. Thus, in the present review, we aim to provide an overview of the role of inflammation in COVID-19 and the nonpharmacological interventions related to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- Research Center in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- Research Center in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Pablo Ruisoto
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
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Li YW, Li W, Wang ST, Gong YN, Dou BM, Lyu ZX, Ulloa L, Wang SJ, Xu ZF, Guo Y. The autonomic nervous system: A potential link to the efficacy of acupuncture. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1038945. [PMID: 36570846 PMCID: PMC9772996 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1038945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a diffuse network that regulates physiological systems to maintain body homeostasis by integrating inputs from the internal and external environment, including the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems (ENS). Recent evidence suggests that ANS is one of the key neural pathways for acupuncture signal transduction, which has attracted worldwide attention in the acupuncture field. Here, we reviewed the basic and clinical research published in PubMed over the past 20 years on the effects of acupuncture on ANS regulation and homeostasis maintenance. It was found that acupuncture effectively alleviates ANS dysfunction-associated symptoms in its indications, such as migraine, depression, insomnia, functional dyspepsia, functional constipation. Acupuncture stimulation on some specific acupoints activates sensory nerve fibers, the spinal cord, and the brain. Using information integration and efferents from a complex network of autonomic nuclei of the brain, such as the insular cortex (IC), prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala (AMG), hypothalamus, periaqueductal gray (PAG), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), ventrolateral medulla (VLM), nucleus ambiguus (AMB), acupuncture alleviates visceral dysfunction, inflammation via efferent autonomic nerves, and relieves pain and pain affect. The modulating pattern of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves is associated with acupuncture stimulation on specific acupoints, intervention parameters, and disease models, and the relationships among them require further exploration. In conclusion, ANS is one of the therapeutic targets for acupuncture and mediates acupuncture's actions, which restores homeostasis. A systemic study is needed to determine the rules and mechanisms underlying the effects of acupoint stimulation on corresponding organs mediated by specific central nervous networks and the efferent ANS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Wei Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Song-Tao Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi-Nan Gong
- 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, Tianjin, China
| | - Bao-Min Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhong-Xi Lyu
- 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, Tianjin, China
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Perioperative Organ Protection, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shen-Jun 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,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China,Shen-Jun Wang,
| | - Zhi-Fang Xu
- 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, Tianjin, China,Zhi-Fang Xu,
| | - Yi 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,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Yi Guo,
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Lu L, He W, Guan D, Jiang Y, Hu G, Ma F, Chen L. Acupuncture in treating cardiovascular disease complicated with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1051324. [PMID: 36532179 PMCID: PMC9752033 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1051324] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is a serious risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Improving depression can alleviate cardiac symptoms and improve quality of life. Studies have shown that acupuncture has a positive effect on depression and CVD. This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of depression complicated with CVD. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature databases. Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture vs. standard care or sham acupuncture or antidepressants were included. The retrieval time is from database construction to 07 April 2022. We used the "risk of bias" tool of Cochrane Collaboration, and the Review Manager (RevMan.) Version 5.4.1 for statistics analysis. Primary outcomes included Hamilton scale for depression (HAMD), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the effective rate of depression. Secondary outcomes included frequency of angina pectoris and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for angina pain. Results A total of 2,366 studies were screened based on the search strategy. Twelve eligible studies with a total of 1,203 participants have been identified. The result showed that acupuncture reduced the HAMD score [weighted mean difference (WMD): -3.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.38 to -1.09; P = 0.003] and the SDS score (WMD: -1.85; 95% CI: -2.14 to -1.56; P < 0.00001) in patients with depression complicated with CVD. Acupuncture also improved the effective rate of depression (risk ratio: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.29; P = 0.01). The result also showed that acupuncture reduced the attack frequency of angina pectoris (WMD: -4.54; 95% CI: -5.96 to -3.11; P < 0.00001) and the VAS score for angina pain (WMD: -0.72; 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.38; P < 0.0001). This article reviewed the significant advantages of acupuncture for depression and the superiority of acupuncture over no-intervention therapy, antidepressant therapy, and psychotherapy in reducing angina frequency and pain intensity in patients with CVD. Conclusion This systematic review suggested that acupuncture was a good complementary and alternative therapy for CVD complicated with depression. Considering the limitations of the included research literature, it is still necessary to perform multi-center, large-sample, and double-blind high-quality studies to provide higher-level evidence in the later stage. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022304957].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Liyang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiming He
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dandan Guan
- The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Feixiang Ma
- Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Chen
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Zhang B, Guo X. Electroacupuncture promotes nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with spinal cord contusion through the coordinate interaction of CD4 and BDNF. IBRAIN 2022; 8:285-301. [PMID: 37786738 PMCID: PMC10529162 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on spinal cord injury (SCI) involving immune-related factors and regeneration-related factors in rats. The model of spinal cord contusion was established by PCI 3000 instrument. Two types of acupuncture points were selected for electroacupuncture treatment on rats. The rats were tested once a week, and the fiber remodeling was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on spinal scar samples. Using Python to write code, statistical analysis and bioinformatics analysis of the correlation between transcriptome sequencing data and fiber reconstruction results are carried out. Lastly, the expression of CD4 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in spinal cord scar was verified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Electroacupuncture exhibited a positive effect on the recovery of motor function in rats after SCI. Bioinformatics analysis found a direct interaction between CD4 and BDNF. Transcriptome sequencing and PCR results verified that electroacupuncture significantly reduced the expression of CD4, and increased significantly the expression of BDNF, simultaneously corresponding to nerve regeneration in rats with SCI. Our results showed that electroacupuncture intervention in SCI rats improves neural behavior via inhibiting the expression of CD4 and increasing the expression of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao‐Lei Zhang
- Department of AnatomyJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
- Department of Experimental ZoologyKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Xi‐Liang Guo
- Department of Experimental ZoologyKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
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Akoolo L, Djokic V, Rocha SC, Ulloa L, Parveen N. Sciatic-Vagal Nerve Stimulation by Electroacupuncture Alleviates Inflammatory Arthritis in Lyme Disease-Susceptible C3H Mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930287. [PMID: 35924250 PMCID: PMC9342905 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, and the pathogenesis of the disease is complex with both bacterial and host factors contributing to inflammatory responses. Lyme disease affects different organs including joints and results in arthritis. Immune responses stimulated by B. burgdorferi through toll-like receptors cause infiltration of leukocytes, which produce inflammatory cytokines and facilitate spirochete clearance. However, arthritic manifestations and chronic fatigue syndrome-like symptoms persist long after completion of antibiotic treatment regimens in a significant number of patients. To counter the effects of inflammation, treatment by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hydroxychloroquine, or synovectomy to eradicate inflammatory arthritis in the involved joint could be employed; however, they often have long-term consequences. Acupuncture has been used for a long time in Asian medicine to diminish pain during various ailments, but the effects and its mechanism are just beginning to be explored. Control of inflammation by neuronal stimulation has been exploited as a systemic therapeutic intervention to arrest inflammatory processes. Our objective was to determine whether activation of the sciatic-vagal network by electroacupuncture on ST36 acupoint, which is used to control systemic inflammation in experimental models of infectious disorders such as endotoxemia, can also alleviate Lyme arthritis symptoms in mice. This aim was further strengthened by the reports that sciatic-vagal neuronal network stimulation can lead to dopamine production in the adrenal medulla and moderate the production of inflammatory factors. We first assessed whether electroacupuncture affects spirochete colonization to attenuate Lyme arthritis. Interestingly, bioluminescent B. burgdorferi burden detected by live imaging and qPCR were similar in electroacupuncture- and mock-treated mice, while electroacupuncture induced a lasting anti-inflammatory effect on mice. Despite the discontinuation of treatment at 2 weeks, the simultaneous decrease in neutrophils in the joints and inflammatory cytokine levels throughout the body at 4 weeks suggests a systemic and persistent effect of electroacupuncture that attenuates Lyme arthritis. Our results suggest that electroacupuncture-mediated anti-inflammatory responses could offer promising healthcare benefits in patients suffering from long-term Lyme disease manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavoisier Akoolo
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Vitomir Djokic
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sandra C. Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Center of Perioperative Organ Protection, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nikhat Parveen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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Ma Q. Somatotopic organization of autonomic reflexes by acupuncture. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 76:102602. [PMID: 35780689 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2000 years in China and now all over the world. One core idea behind this medical practice is that stimulation at specific body regions (acupoints) can distantly modulate organ physiology, but the underlying scientific basis has been long debated. Here, I summarize evidence supporting that long-distant acupuncture effects operate partly through somato-autonomic reflexes, leading to activation of sympathetic and/or parasympathetic pathways. I then discuss how the patterning of the somatosensory system along the rostro-caudal axis and the cutaneous-deep tissue axis might explain acupoint specificity and selectivity in driving specific autonomic pathways, particularly those modulating gastrointestinal motility and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiufu Ma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Nowakowska M, Üçal M, Charalambous M, Bhatti SFM, Denison T, Meller S, Worrell GA, Potschka H, Volk HA. Neurostimulation as a Method of Treatment and a Preventive Measure in Canine Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Current State and Future Prospects. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:889561. [PMID: 35782557 PMCID: PMC9244381 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.889561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of neuronal activity for seizure control using various methods of neurostimulation is a rapidly developing field in epileptology, especially in treatment of refractory epilepsy. Promising results in human clinical practice, such as diminished seizure burden, reduced incidence of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, and improved quality of life has brought neurostimulation into the focus of veterinary medicine as a therapeutic option. This article provides a comprehensive review of available neurostimulation methods for seizure management in drug-resistant epilepsy in canine patients. Recent progress in non-invasive modalities, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is highlighted. We further discuss potential future advances and their plausible application as means for preventing epileptogenesis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Nowakowska
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Muammer Üçal
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Marios Charalambous
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sofie F. M. Bhatti
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Timothy Denison
- Department of Engineering Science, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | | | - Heidrun Potschka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Sciatic nerve stimulation alleviates acute neuropathic pain via modulation of neuroinflammation and descending pain inhibition in a rodent model. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:153. [PMID: 35706025 PMCID: PMC9199305 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02513-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized by abnormal activation of pain conducting pathways and manifests as mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity. Peripheral nerve stimulation is used for treatment of medically refractory chronic NP and has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation. However, whether sciatic nerve stimulation (SNS) is of therapeutic benefit to NP remains unclear. Moreover, the optimal frequency for SNS is unknown. To address this research gap, we investigated the effect of SNS in an acute NP rodent model. Methods Rats with right L5 nerve root ligation (NRL) or Sham surgery were used. Ipsilateral SNS was performed at 2 Hz, 20 Hz, and 60 Hz frequencies. Behavioral tests were performed to assess pain and thermal hypersensitivity before and after NRL and SNS. Expression of inflammatory proteins in the L5 spinal cord and the immunohistochemical alterations of spinal cord astrocytes and microglia were examined on post-injury day 7 (PID7) following NRL and SNS. The involvement of the descending pain modulatory pathway was also investigated. Results Following NRL, the rats showed a decreased pain threshold and latency on the von Frey and Hargreaves tests. The immunofluorescence results indicated hyperactivation of superficial spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) neurons. Both 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS alleviated pain behavior and hyperactivation of SCDH neurons. On PID7, NRL resulted in elevated expression of spinal cord inflammatory proteins including NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which was mitigated by 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS. Furthermore, 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS suppressed the activation of spinal cord astrocytes and microglia following NRL on PID7. Activity of the descending serotoninergic pain modulation pathway showed an increase early on PID1 following 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS. Conclusions Our results support that both 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS can alleviate NP behaviors and hyperactivation of pain conducting pathways. We showed that SNS regulates neuroinflammation and reduces inflammatory protein expression, astrocytic gliosis, and microglia activation. During the early post-injury period, SNS also facilitates the descending pain modulatory pathway. Taken together, these findings support the therapeutic potential of SNS for acute NP. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02513-y.
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Zhou X, Xu H, Chen J, Wu H, Zhang Y, Tian F, Tang X, Zhang H, Ge L, Li K, Jiang W, Liu Z, Jiang Q. Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture on Symptomatic Improvement in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:878218. [PMID: 35602489 PMCID: PMC9121854 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.878218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim We sought to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating the main symptoms of primary Sjögren's syndrome, specifically dryness, pain, and fatigue. Methods A total of 120 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome were randomized in a parallel-group, controlled trial. Participants received acupuncture or sham acupuncture for the first 8 weeks, then were followed for 16 weeks thereafter. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with a ≥ 30% reduction in ≥ 2 of 3 numeric analog scale scores for dryness, pain, and fatigue. The secondary outcomes included the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Patient-reported Index (ESSPRI); the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index; the Schirmer test score; unstimulated saliva flow; serum immunoglobulin G, A, and M concentrations; the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 score; salivary gland ultrasound imaging; and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score. Results The proportions of patients meeting the primary endpoint were 28.33% (17/60) in the acupuncture group and 31.66% (19/60) in the sham group, without a statistically significant difference (P = 0.705). The IgG concentration at week 16 and the homogeneity in ultrasonography of the salivary glands at week 8 showed significant differences between the 2 groups (P = 0.0490 and P = 0.0334, respectively). No other differences were observed between the 2 groups. ESSPRI and unstimulated saliva flow were improved in both groups compared to baseline, albeit with a significant difference between them. Conclusion In patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, acupuncture did not satisfactorily improve symptoms compared to placebo. However, interesting discoveries and possible underlying reasons were demonstrated and discussed, which may be useful to studies in the future. Clinical Trial Registration [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02691377].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haodong Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Postgraduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinzhou Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Intensive Care Unit, Meishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, China
| | - Hengbo Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Postgraduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Beijing CreateMed Medicine Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopo Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huadong Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Ge
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kesong Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishun Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quan Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Lv ZY, Shi YL, Bassi GS, Chen YJ, Yin LM, Wang Y, Ulloa L, Yang YQ, Xu YD. Electroacupuncture at ST36 ( Zusanli) Prevents T-Cell Lymphopenia and Improves Survival in Septic Mice. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2819-2833. [PMID: 35535053 PMCID: PMC9078867 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s361466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sepsis is the main cause of death in intensive care unit. Maladaptive cytokine storm and T-cell lymphopenia are critical prognosis predictors of sepsis. Electroacupuncture (EA) is expected to be an effective intervention to prevent sepsis. This study aims to determine the potential of EA at ST36 (Zusanli) to prevent experimental septic mice. Methods Mice were randomly assigned into PBS, LPS, or EA+LPS group. EA (0.1 mA, continuous wave, 10 Hz) was performed stimulating the ST36 for 30 min, once a day for 3 days. After the third day, all mice were challenged with PBS or LPS (4 mg/kg) simultaneously. Mice were evaluated for survival, ear temperature, and other clinical symptoms. Lung and small intestine tissue injuries were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Bio-Plex cytokine assay was used to analyze the concentration of cytokines. T lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry and Western blot assays. The role of T cells in preventing sepsis by EA was analyzed by using nude mice lacking T lymphocytes. Results EA at ST36 improved survival, symptom scores, and ear temperature of endotoxemic mice. EA also improved dramatically pulmonary and intestinal injury by over 50% as compared to untreated mice. EA blunted the inflammatory cytokine storm by inducing a lasting inhibition of the production of major inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, eotaxin, IFN-γ, MIP-1β and KC). Flow cytometry and Western blot analyses showed EA significantly reduced T-lymphocyte apoptosis and pyroptosis. Furthermore, T lymphocytes were critical for the effects of EA at ST36 stimulation blunted serum TNF-α levels in wild-type but not in nude mice. Conclusion EA halted systemic inflammation and improved survival in endotoxemic mice. These effects are associated with the protective effect of EA on T lymphocytes, and T cells are required in the anti-inflammatory effects of EA in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ying Lv
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang-Lin Shi
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gabriel Shimizu Bassi
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jiao Chen
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei-Miao Yin
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yong-Qing Yang
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Dong Xu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Fundamental Neurocircuit of Anti-inflammatory Effect by Electroacupuncture Stimulation Identified. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:837-839. [PMID: 35437620 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00849-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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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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Carnevale D. Neuroimmune axis of cardiovascular control: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 19:379-394. [PMID: 35301456 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00678-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) make a substantial contribution to the global burden of disease. Prevention strategies have succeeded in reducing the effect of acute CVD events and deaths, but the long-term consequences of cardiovascular risk factors still represent the major cause of disability and chronic illness, suggesting that some pathophysiological mechanisms might not be adequately targeted by current therapies. Many of the underlying causes of CVD have now been recognized to have immune and inflammatory components. However, inflammation and immune activation were mostly regarded as a consequence of target-organ damage. Only more recent findings have indicated that immune dysregulation can be pathogenic for CVD, identifying a need for novel immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies. The nervous system, through an array of afferent and efferent arms of the autonomic nervous system, profoundly affects cardiovascular function. Interestingly, the autonomic nervous system also innervates immune organs, and neuroimmune interactions that are biologically relevant to CVD have been discovered, providing the foundation to target neural reflexes as an immunomodulatory therapeutic strategy. This Review summarizes how the neural regulation of immunity and inflammation participates in the onset and progression of CVD and explores promising opportunities for future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carnevale
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. .,Research Unit of Neuro and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
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Argueta-Figueroa L, Flores-Mejía LA, Ávila-Curiel BX, Flores-Ferreyra BI, Torres-Rosas R. Nonpharmacological Interventions for Pain in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Systematic Review. Eur J Dent 2022; 16:500-513. [PMID: 35259762 PMCID: PMC9507562 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of nonpharmacological therapies for painful temporomandibular joint disorders. The protocol was registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42020171364). The search was performed on the electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials, and Web of Science. The eligibility criteria were randomized controlled trials in patients diagnosed with painful temporomandibular joint disorders comparing the pain relief between conventional treatment and nonpharmacological therapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, low-level laser, and massage. Fourteen articles were included in this review. At the overall bias of the studies included, 71.42% exhibited some concerns and 28.57% had high risk. The efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions was found to be moderate in the short term and variable in the long term for pain reduction in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. The evidence pointed out that acupuncture, laser therapy, and physiotherapy are potentially useful interventions for pain relief in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. However, there is a lack of consistency and short-term follow-up in the studies to determine the lasting of such effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Argueta-Figueroa
- CONACyT - Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, México
| | | | - Beatriz Xóchitl Ávila-Curiel
- Laboratorio de Medicina Complementaria, Centro de Estudios en Ciencias de la Salud y la Enfermedad, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca Oaxaca, México
| | | | - Rafael Torres-Rosas
- Laboratorio de Medicina Complementaria, Centro de Estudios en Ciencias de la Salud y la Enfermedad, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca Oaxaca, México
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Ultrasound does not activate but can inhibit in vivo mammalian nerves across a wide range of parameters. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2182. [PMID: 35140238 PMCID: PMC8828880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound (US) has been shown to stimulate brain circuits, however, the ability to excite peripheral nerves with US remains controversial. To the best of our knowledge, there is still no in vivo neural recording study that has applied US stimulation to a nerve isolated from surrounding tissue to confirm direct activation effects. Here, we show that US cannot excite an isolated mammalian sciatic nerve in an in vivo preparation, even at high pressures (relative to levels recommended in the FDA guidance for diagnostic ultrasound) and for a wide range of parameters, including different pulse patterns and center frequencies. US can, however, reliably inhibit nerve activity whereby greater suppression is correlated with increases in nerve temperature. By prohibiting the nerve temperature from increasing during US application, we did not observe suppressive effects. Overall, these findings demonstrate that US can reliably inhibit nerve activity through a thermal mechanism that has potential for various health disorders, though future studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety of therapeutic ultrasound applications.
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Neuron-derived neuropeptide Y fine-tunes the splenic immune responses. Neuron 2022; 110:1327-1339.e6. [PMID: 35139365 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are closely entwined to maintain the immune balance in health and disease. Here, we showed that LPS can activate suprarenal and celiac ganglia (SrG-CG) neurons and upregulate NPY expression in rats. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that knockdown of the NPY gene in SrG-CG altered the proliferation and activation of splenic lymphocytes. In a neuron and splenocyte coculture system and in vivo experiments, neuronal NPY in SrG-CG attenuated the splenic immune response. Notably, we demonstrated that neuronal NPF in Drosophila exerted a conservative immunomodulatory effect. Moreover, numerous SNPs in NPY and its receptors were significantly associated with human autoimmune diseases, which was further supported by the autoimmune disease patients and mouse model experiments. Together, we demonstrated that NPY is an ancient language for nervous-immune system crosstalk and might be utilized to alleviate inflammatory storms during infection and to modulate immune balance in autoimmune diseases.
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Yang NN, Tan CX, Lin LL, Su XT, Li YJ, Qi LY, Wang Y, Yang JW, Liu CZ. Potential Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia Based on Pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:781215. [PMID: 35145373 PMCID: PMC8822151 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.781215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional dyspepsia (FD), a common disorder of gastrointestinal function, originated from the gastroduodenum. Although the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been investigated by various high-quality randomized controlled trials, the potential mechanisms showed obvious heterogeneity. This review summarized the potential mechanisms of acupuncture on FD in order to guide for future laboratory and clinical studies. Here, we argued that the primary cause of FD was gastroduodenal low-grade inflammation and acid exposure, which impaired mucosal integrity, caused brain-gut axis dysfunction, and impaired brain network connectivity, all of which generated various symptom patterns. Overall the clinical studies indicated that acupuncture was a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms in FD patients, whose efficacy was influenced by acupoints and individual variance. Mechanistically, studies with animal models of FD and patients have shown that acupuncture, a non-invasive strategy for nerve stimulation, may have the potential to control intestinal inflammation and suppress acid-secretion via different somatic autonomic reflex pathways, regulate the brain-gut axis through intestinal microbiota, and has the potential to ameliorate FD-symptoms. The cumulative evidence demonstrated that acupuncture is a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms of FD patients.
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Wang Z, Hou Y, Huang Y, Ju F, Liang Z, Li S. Clinical efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture combined with beraprost sodium and α-lipoic acid for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:612-622. [PMID: 35173879 PMCID: PMC8829597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenic triggers of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) mainly include ischemia and hypoxic factors. The combined use of Chinese and Western medicine may be a new perspective for the treatment of DPN. Accordingly, this study explores the clinical efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture (EA) combined with beraprost sodium (BPS) and α-lipoic acid (α-LA) in the treatment of patients with DPN. METHODS A total of 184 patients with DPN meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled and divided into electric-acupuncture group (n=54), medication group (n=62) and combination group (n=68), which were treated by EA, BPS+α-LA, and EA+BPS+α-LA, respectively. The three groups were compared with respect to the following factors: clinical efficacy; motor conduction velocities (MCVs) of nervus medianus, nervus peroneus communis and tibial nerve and sensory conduction velocities (SCVs) of nervus medianus, sural nerve and ulnar nerve before and after treatment; the Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS), total symptom score (TSS) and Michigan Diabetes Neuropathy Score (MDNS) before and after treatment; changes of serum homocysteine and cysteine (Cys) levels, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors; incidence of adverse reactions. RESULTS The overall response rate of the combination group was higher than that of the electric acupuncture group or the medication group. After treatment, the SCV of nervus medianus, sural nerve and ulnar nerve and the MCV of nervus medianus, nervus peroneus communis and tibial nerve were the highest in the combination group among the three groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of TCSS, TSS and MDNS in the combination group was notably lower than those in the medication group and the electric acupuncture group (P<0.05). The amelioration of inflammatory factors in the combination group were the best among the three groups (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the combination group compared with the electric acupuncture group and the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA combined with BPS and α-LA is effective in the treatment of DPN, which can effectively reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors in patients, with a lower complication rate and higher safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhai Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yixiang Hou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yalian Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Feng Ju
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Zunxiao Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Songting Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
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Adiponectin regulates electroacupuncture-produced analgesic effects in association with a crosstalk between the peripheral circulation and the spinal cord. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:43-52. [PMID: 34562596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter-mediated acupuncture analgesia has been widely studied in nervous systems. It remains largely unclear if peripheral substances are involved the acupuncture analgesia. Adiponectin (APN), a circulating adipokine, shows analgesic effects. The study aimed to examine whether APN regulates analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mouse model. APN wild type (WT) and knockout (KO) mouse were employed in the study. We found that EA attenuates the CFA-induced pain as demonstrated by the Hargreaves thermal test and the von Frey filament test. The deletion of APN significantly reduced the acupuncture analgesia in the CFA-treated APN KO mice while the intrathecal administration of APN mimicked the analgesic effects of EA. We further revealed that EA produced analgesic effects mainly via APN/AdipoR2-mediated AMPK pathway by the siRNA inhibitions of APN receptors (adipoR1/2) in the spinal cord. The immunofluorescence staining analysis showed that EA increased the APN accumulation in spinal cord through the blood circulation. In conclusion, the study indicates a novel mechanism that acupuncture produces analgesic effects at least partially via APN/AdipoR2-AMPK pathway in the spinal cord.
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Zhang XN, He W, Wan HY, Su YS, Yu QQ, Wang Y, Jing XH, Zhu B. Electroacupuncture and moxibustion-like stimulation activate the cutaneous and systemic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes in the rat. Acupunct Med 2021; 40:232-240. [PMID: 34886711 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211055745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) or moxibustion-like stimulation (MLS) can affect the cutaneous and/or systemic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes. METHODS Rats were divided into Control, EA, 37°C MLS and 43.5°C MLS groups. EA and MLS were performed at bilateral ST36 or LI4. The expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was detected in local cutaneous tissues at the site of ST36 and LI4 by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, levels of CRF, ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) in cutaneous tissue and plasma were determined. RESULTS Cutaneous expression of CRF, ACTH and GR significantly increased after EA at ST36, while only GR increased after 43.5°C MLS at ST36. The results of EA and MLS at LI4 were in parallel with those at ST36. In plasma, compared with the control group, the level of CORT increased after EA at ST36, while both ACTH and CORT were markedly increased after 43.5°C MLS. For LI4, plasma CRF and CORT increased after EA, while the levels of all three hormones increased following 43.5°C MLS. Notably, compared with the effect of EA, 43.5°C MLS at ST36 produced a more substantial increase in plasma CORT, and 43.5°C MLS at LI4 induced a more dramatic increase in plasma CRF and CORT. CONCLUSION Both EA and 43.5°C MLS can activate the cutaneous and systemic HPA axes of the rat. EA tended to activate the local cutaneous HPA, while 43.5°C MLS was more likely to activate the systemic HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ning Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Ye Wan
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Shuai Su
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Quan Yu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Jing
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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