Acupuncture increases cell proliferation in dentate gyrus after transient global ischemia in gerbils

Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture Effects of ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-9 (Yinlingquan) on Motor Behavior in Ischemic Gerbils

Objective

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. To find ways to reduce behavioral disabilities, researchers study animal models. By targeting ST-36 (Zusanli) and SP-9 (Yinlingquan), this study investigated the effects of traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) on motor behavior in gerbils following global cerebral ischemia.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six male gerbils were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n = 6 in each): control (C); sham-surgical (S); ischemia (I); acupuncture (Ac); EA (Ea); and sham-EA (SEa). The animals were habituated in an activity cage (AC) 72 hours before surgery. After induction of global ischemia, the Ac, Ea, and SEa groups received bilateral stimulation at ST-36 and SP-9. In the Ea group, an alternating electrical current was used. The animals were tested in the AC 4 days after surgery, and the results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Dunn's posthoc test.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed increased distance traveled and sensors triggered by the I, Ea, and SEa groups, compared to the C, Ac, and S groups. The animals' movement tracks had a similar pattern between the I and Ea groups, with increased exploration along the walls of the AC. Meanwhile, the Ac, S, and SEa groups explored the AC similarly to the C group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that acupuncture may normalize motor behavior in gerbils with ischemia and could be a promising treatment for stroke-induced motor deficits.

Effects of Acupuncture on Oxidative Stress Amelioration via Nrf2/ARE-Related Pathways in Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases

Oxidative stress is responsible for the pathogeneses of various diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and cellular damage followed by oxidative stress contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that has been practiced for >3000 years in Asia. Many studies have demonstrated that acupuncture has notable antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is crucial in regulating the redox equilibrium. Activated Nfr2 translocates into the nucleus, binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE), and initiates antioxidative enzyme transcription. In this review, we demonstrated the effects of acupuncture on oxidative stress amelioration in AD and PD animal models through Nrf2/ARE pathway activation and Nrf2/ARE-related pathway regulation. Thus, acupuncture could be a therapeutic option for AD and PD.

Electroacupuncture Reduces Seizure Activity and Enhances GAD 67 and Glutamate Transporter Expression in Kainic Acid Induced Status Epilepticus in Infant Rats

Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most significant complications in pediatric neurology. Clinical studies have shown positive effects of electroacupuncture (EA) as a therapeutic alternative in the control of partial seizures and secondary generalized clonic seizures. EA promotes the release of neurotransmitters such as GABA and some opioids. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsive and neuromodulatory effects of Shui Gou DM26 (SG_DM26) acupuncture point electrostimulation on the expression of the glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) enzyme and the glutamate transporter EAAC1 in an early SE model. At ten postnatal days (10-PD), male rats weighing 22-26 g were divided into 16 groups, including control and treatment groups: Simple stimulation, electrostimulation, anticonvulsant drug treatment, and combined treatment-electrostimulation and pentobarbital (PB). SE was induced with kainic acid (KA), and the following parameters were measured: Motor behavior, and expression of GAD67 and EAAC1. The results suggest an antiepileptic effect derived from SG DM26 point EA. The possible mechanism is most likely the increased production of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which is observed as an increase in the expression of both GAD67 and EAAC1, as well as the potential synergy between the neuromodulator effects of EA and PB.

Long-Term Changes of Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Behavioural Status after Acupuncture Treatment in Rats with Transient Focal Cerebral Ischaemia

Background

The effect of acupuncture treatment in cerebral ischaemia is controversial. A study was undertaken to assess its effects in rats with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and discuss its mechanisms.

Methods

21 Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 underwent tMCAO and subsequently received acupuncture treatment, Group 2 underwent tMCAO without treatment and Group 3 only underwent sham operation. The evolution of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) features in ischaemic lesions from acute to chronic periods was assessed and the correlations with behavioural tests and histopathological changes were examined.

Results

tMCAO rats displayed side-specific sensorimotor deficits after occlusion. Behavioural scores of rats in group 1 reduced gradually with acupuncture treatment. No significant difference in lesion size on T2-weighted imaging was found between the two tMCAO groups. Relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) and relative fractional anisotropy (rFA) values in the centre and at the edge of the ischaemic lesions reduced at first and then increased to varying degrees. Only changes in the rFA value at the edge of the ischaemic lesions were significantly different between the two tMCAO groups. A more significant increase in growth-associated protein B-50 and synaptophysin protein expression was found in group 1 than in the other groups. No significant correlations were found between behavioural scores, DTI appearances and immunohistochemical results.

Conclusions

The acupuncture points applied were effective, and improving neuronal regeneration may have a role in the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of post-stroke paralysis of the limbs in rats. MRI, particularly the fractional anisotropy value of DTI, is an appropriate parameter to evaluate the recovery status.

Acupuncture at ST36 exerts neuroprotective effects via inhibition of reactive astrogliosis in infantile rats with hydrocephalus

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture has been associated with improved cerebral circulation, analgesia, neuromodulatory function and neurogenesis. In particular, acupuncture at ST36 has been widely used in several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, its effects on hydrocephalus have not been studied. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture at ST36 on behaviour, motor development and reactive astrogliosis in infantile rats with hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Hydrocephalus was induced in sixteen 7-day-old pup rats by injection of 20% kaolin into the cisterna magna. One day after hydrocephalus induction, acupuncture was applied once daily (for 30 min) for a total of 21 days in eight randomly selected animals (HAc group) while the remaining eight remained untreated (H group). An additional eight healthy animals were included as controls (C group). All animals were weighed daily and, from the fifth day after hydrocephalus induction, underwent MRI to determine the ventricular ratio (VR). Rats were also exposed to modified open-field tests every 3 days until the end of the experiment. After 21 days all the animals were euthanased and their brains removed for histology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Hydrocephalic rats showed an increase in VR when compared with control rats (P<0.01). In addition, these animals exhibited delayed weight gain, which was attenuated with acupuncture treatment. Hydrocephalic animals treated with acupuncture performed better in open field tests (P<0.05), and had a reduction in reactive astrocyte cell density in the corpus callosum and external capsule, as assessed by GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) immunohistochemistry (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that acupuncture at ST36 has a neuroprotective potential mediated, in part, by inhibition of astrogliosis.

Neuronal Regeneration after Electroacupuncture Treatment in Ischemia-Reperfusion-Injured Cerebral Infarction Rats

Adult neuronal cells which can regenerate have been reported. The present study investigated whether acupuncture enhances neuronal regeneration in ischemic stroke rats. We established an ischemic stroke rat model by occluding the cerebral blood flow of the right middle cerebral artery for 15 minutes and then allowing reperfusion in Sprague–Dawley rats. The results indicated that, in these rats, 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) at both Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints reduced the infarction/hemisphere ratio 8 days after reperfusion and reduced the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and increased the rotarod test time 4 and 8 days after reperfusion, respectively. In addition, 2 Hz reduced nestin immunoreactive cells in the penumbra area and the ischemic core area; 2 Hz EA also reduced Ki67 immunoreactive cells and increased glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive cells in the penumbra area. These findings suggest that 2 Hz EA at the ST36 and ST37 acupoints has a neuroprotective role. However, additional studies are needed to further investigate these preliminary results.

Electroacupuncture alleviates nerve injury after cerebra ischemia in rats through inhibiting cell apoptosis and changing the balance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) can exert a neuroprotective role for cerebral ischemia, but their precise mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, the effects of EA stimulation on cerebral ischemia reperfusion and its neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was developed, and EA stimulation (2Hz, 1mA) at Baihui and Siguan acupoints was applied 30min after MCAO and then once daily for 7 consecutive days. The results indicated that EA stimulation significantly reduced the cerebral infarct area and neurological deficit scores, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, up-regulated Bcl-2 protein expression, and down-regulated Bax protein expression. EA stimulation resulted in a significant increase of proliferative cells in the cerebral tissues. Additionally, EA stimulation significantly down-regulated the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) mRNA and protein, and simultaneously up-regulated the expression levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA and protein, which resulted in an imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1expression, although it did not significantly change MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression. These findings indicate that EA stimulation at Baihui and Siguan acupoints exerts a neuroprotective role against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is probably associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and altering the balance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression.

Electroacupuncture stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy side promotes brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the ischemic cerebral cortex of a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by suture occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery. In situ hybridization results showed that the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic rat cerebral cortex increased after cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion injury. Low frequency continuous wave electroacupuncture (frequency 2–6 Hz, current intensity 2 mA) stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side increased the number of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA-positive cells in the ischemic cerebral cortex 14 days after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. At the same time, electroacupuncture stimulation of the healthy brachial plexus truck significantly decreased neurological function scores and alleviated neurological function deficits. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture stimulation of the brachial plexus trunk on the healthy (right) side can greatly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression and improve neurological function.

Hippocampal cAMP/PKA/CREB is required for neuroprotective effect of acupuncture

Acupuncture has beneficial effects in vascular dementia (VaD) patients. The underlying mechanism, however, remains unknown. The present study was designed to investigate whether the cAMP/PKA/CREB cascade is involved in the mechanism of acupuncture in cerebral multi-infarction rats. In this study, cerebral multi-infarction was modeled in adult Wistar rats by homologous blood clot emboli. After a two-week acupuncture treatment at Zusanli (ST36), hippocampal-dependent memory was tested by employing a radial arm maze test. The hippocampus was isolated for analyses of cAMP concentration, phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and CREB/pCREB and ERK/pERK expressions. The Morris water maze (MWM) task and CREB phosphorylation were evaluated in the presence of PKA-selective peptide inhibitor (H89). The radial arm maze test results demonstrated that acupuncture treatment at ST36 reversed hippocampal-dependent memory in impaired animals. Compared to those of the impaired group, cAMP concentration, PKA activity and pCREB and pERK expressions were increased following acupuncture therapy. Finally, the blockade of PKA reversed the increase in CREB phosphorylation and the improvement in recognitive function induced by acupuncture treatment. These results suggest that acupuncture could improve hippocampus function by modulating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, which represents a molecular mechanism of acupuncture for recognitive function in cerebral multi-infarction rats.

Comparison of three different time points of starting treadmill training in spinal cord injured rats

OBJECTIVE

It has been widely acknowledged that early treadmill training plays an important role in rewiring neurons in a functionally meaningful manner in spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. However, it is still unclear how early to start treadmill training to obtain the most efficacious results after SCI. The purpose of this study was to find the earliest time point when treadmill training was most effective in rewiring neurons.

METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into five groups: a sham group, control group, and three treadmill groups based on training start time post-injury: a 24 h group, 48 h group, and 72 h group.

RESULTS

The results revealed that in the 72 h group, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnaham scores increased and apoptotic cells decreased significantly compared to the other groups. There were no statistically differences in neuron counting and 5-bromo-2V-deoxyuridine assays between the groups.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the best start time for treadmill training is 72 h after SCI.

Electroacupuncture enhances hippocampal NSCs proliferation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rats via activation of notch signaling pathway

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which electroacupuncture (EA) enhances hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injured rats. A total of 72 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation control group (SC), the ischemia control group (IC) and the EA group. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to establish the focal cerebral I/R injury model. Proliferation of hippocampal NSCs in cerebral I/R injured rats was determined by the Nestin immunohistochemical staining. Activation of the notch signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. The serum level of neurotrophic factors, e.g., the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that EA at Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints significantly alleviated neurological deficits, reduced infarct volumes and promoted the proliferation of hippocampal NSCs in cerebral I/R injured rats. The crucial signaling molecules in the notch signaling pathway were activated and the secretion of BDNF and GDNF was increased upon EA. The protein and mRNA levels of Cyclin D1, Cdk4 and p-Rb were increased, while p21 and p27 transcripts were suppressed by notch signaling. These results suggest that the up-regulatory effect of EA on the notch signaling pathway and neurotrophic factor secretion may result in the promotion of NSCs proliferation and consequently a therapeutic effect on cerebral ischemia.

Effects of acupuncture on the intrastriatal hemorrhage-induced caspase3 expression and newly cell birth in rats

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage is one of the most devastating types of stroke. Caspases are essential players in apoptotic cell death both as initiators and executioners. The v-Fos FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Fos, c-Fos) is an immediate early gene, and Fos expression is sometimes used as a marker for stimuli-induced changes in the metabolic activity of neurons. The expressions of caspase3 and Fos are enhanced with neuroregeneration and with neuronal cell death, respectively. Cells proliferation the dentate gyrus of adult rodents is enhanced by certain pathologic events as seizures and ischemic insult, and such up-regulation of cell proliferation occurring during pathologic situations is thought to be a compensatory response to lesion-induced cell death in the brain. In the present study, we investigated the effects of acupuncture on the intrastriatal hemorrhage-induced caspase3 expression in the striatum and on the Fos expression and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of rats.

METHODS

For this study, immunohistochemistry for caspase3, Fos and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) was performed.

RESULTS

Caspase3 expression in the striatum was increased by intrastriatal hemorrhage. Fos expression and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage were also increased. Acupunctural treatment, especially at the ST36 acupoint, suppressed the intracerebral hemorrhage-induced caspase3 expression in the stratum, and it also inhibited expression of Fos and cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we have shown that acupuncture treatment has a neuroprotective effect on intrastrstriatal hemorrhage-induced neuronal cell death, and this suggests that acupuncture can aid in the recovery of the central nervous system following stroke.

Amomum villosum induces longitudinal bone growth in adolescent female rats

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Amomum villosum on longitudinal bone growth.

METHODS

Adolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups and treated for 4 days: control (distilled water, p.o.), recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH; 100 microg/kg, s.c.), and A. villosum (500 mg/kg, p.o.) groups. On day 3, tetracycline (20 g/kg, i.p.) was injected for growth plate identification. On days 2, and 4, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) (50 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected to label proliferating cells. On day 5, tibias were dissected and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, dehydrated, and sectionedfor immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry.

RESULTS

The rate of bone growth in the A. villosum and rhGH groups increased to (410 +/- 44) and (389 +/- 46) microm/day (P<0.01), respectively, as compared with the control (330.7 +/- 34.7) microm/day. The thickness of the growth plates also increased to (591 +/- 37) and (598 +/- 32) microm, respectively, as compared with the control (524 +/- 89) microm (P<0.001). The number of BrdU-positive cells in the chondrocytes of the A. villosum and rhGH groups was also significantly higher (126 +/- 24) and (143 +/- 18) cells/mm2, respectively) than in the control (109 +/- 25) mm2 (P<0.05). Insulin-like growth factor-1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the A. villosum and rhGH groups were highly expressed in the growth plate as compared with the control samples, indicating increased bone formation.

CONCLUSIONS

A. villosum could be used to treat growth retardation during adolescence.

Acupuncture therapy for stroke patients

Acupuncture is one of the most important parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for more than 3000 years as prevention and treatment for various diseases in China as well as in adjacent regions, and is widely accepted in western countries in recent years. More and more clinical trials revealed that acupuncture shows positive effect in stroke, not only as a complementary and alternative medicine for poststroke rehabilitation but also as a preventive strategy which could induce cerebral ischemic tolerance, especially when combined with modern electrotherapy. Acupuncture has some unique characteristics, which include acupoint specificity and parameter-dependent effect. It also involves complicated mechanism to exert the beneficial effect on stroke. Series of clinical trials have shown that acupuncture primarily regulates the release of neurochemicals, hemorheology, cerebral microcirculation, metabolism, neuronal activity, and the function of specific brain region. Animal studies showed that the effects of acupuncture therapy on stroke were possibly via inhibition of postischemic inflammatory reaction, stimulation of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and influence on neural plasticity. Mechanisms for its preconditioning effect include activity enhancement of antioxidant, regulation of the endocannabinoid system, and inhibition of apoptosis. Although being controversial, acupuncture is a promising preventive and treatment strategy for stroke, but further high-quality clinical trials would be needed to provide more confirmative evidence.

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Head Points on the Function of Cerebral Motor Areas in Stroke Patients: A PET Study

Positron emission tomography (PET) is used to observe the cerebral function widely and is a good method to explore the mechanism of acupuncture treatment on the central nervous system. By using this method, we observed the cerebral function of 6 patients suffering from ischemic stroke after receiving EA treatment at Baihui(GV20) and right Qubin(GB7). The results were: (1) the glucose metabolism changed significantly on primary motor area (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and superior parietal louble (LPs) bilaterally, as well as the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) on the unaffected hemisphere right after the first EA treatment. (2) The glucose metabolism on bilateral M1 and LPs changed significantly after three weeks of daily EA treatments. (3) The glucose metabolism on other areas such as insula, putamen, and cerebellum changed significantly. It demonstrated that EA at Qubin and Baihui couldactivate the cerebral structures related to motor function on the bilateral hemispheres.We concluded that EA was very helpful for the cerebral motor plasticity after the ischemic stroke. Also based on this study we assumed that the brain plasticity should be a network and that acupuncture participated in some sections of this course.

Electroacupuncture enhances motor recovery performance with brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in rats with cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE

Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional medicine in patients with post-stroke rehabilitation. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent growth factor involved in recovery following cerebral injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether EA increases BDNF levels and facilitates functional recovery.

METHODS

Occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was performed in rats (N=12) followed by reperfusion. EA was applied at the GV20 (Baihui) acupoint. Motor and sensory functions were monitored on the Garcia scale for 2 weeks. Expressions of BDNF and receptor tyrosine kinase B (trkB) were determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Improvement of Garcia scores, particularly in motor performance, were noted in the group with EA stimulation (p<0.05). With EA application, BDNF was elevated in the ischaemic hemisphere with increased numbers of BDNF(+) cells. Increased expression of trkB was also detected.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that EA at GV20 improves motor recovery and stimulates BDNF/trkB expression in rats with cerebral ischaemia.

The herbal formula HT042 induces longitudinal bone growth in adolescent female rats

The effect of HT042, a blend of three herbal extracts, on longitudinal bone growth was investigated in short- and long-term rat models. In the short-term model, we divided female Sprague-Dawley rats (3 weeks old) into six groups, according to treatment: vehicle, HT042 (100 mg/kg), Phlomis umbrosa (100 mg/kg), Astragalus membranaceus (100 mg/kg), and Eleutherococcus senticosus (100 mg/kg) were administered twice daily, and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (1 IU) was subcutaneously injected once daily. Treatments were maintained for 4 days in each case. On day 3, tetracycline (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg) to form the fluorescent band on the growth plates. On days 2-4, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to label proliferating cells. On day 5, the tibias were dissected and fixed in 30% sucrose. Dehydrated bone was sectioned at a thickness of 40 μm and observed. The bone growth in groups administered HT042 and rhGH was significantly increased to 433.50 ± 21.61 and 434.49 ± 15.21 μm/day, respectively, from 410.03 ± 17.4 μm/day (control). The height of the growth plates in the HT042 and rhGH groups was also significantly increased to 556.5 ± 21.1 and 544.2 ± 21.1 μm (P < .05), respectively, from 518.1 ± 4.1 μm (normal). The number of BrdU-positive cells in chondrocytes of the HT042 and rhGH groups was increased to 389 ± 36 and 627 ± 39 cells/mm² (P < .001), respectively, from 264 ± 17 cells/mm² (control). Insulin-like growth factor-1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the HT042 group were highly expressed in the growth plate. In the long-term rat model, the body weight, nose-tail length, and nose-anus length were measured by microknemometry for 4 weeks. The body weight of the rhGH group was significantly increased. The nose-anus length of the HT042 and rhGH groups was significantly greater at 18.5 ± 0.3 and 18.7 ± 0.3 cm compared to 18.2 ± 0.2 cm (control).

Vascular BDNF expression and oxidative stress during aging and the development of chronic hypertension

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrK receptors play an important role in vascular development and response to injury. In this study, we investigated the participation of the BDNF/TrK pathway and oxidative stress during the development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In SHR and normotensive rats (WKY) at 6 and 13 weeks of age, we studied (i) plasma antioxidant capacity, (ii) production of superoxide and NAD(P)H oxidase activity in aorta (iii) plasma BDNF and vascular expression of BDNF, TrKB, NAD(P)H oxidase subunits, AT1 receptor, and MCP-1. In 6- and 13-week-old SHR aorta, superoxide level was twice than in WKY aorta. At 13 weeks, when blood pressure in SHR was 60 mmHg higher in SHR than in WKY, an enhancement of NAD(P)H oxidase activity in SHR was associated with an increase in p47phox, AT1, and BDNF expression in vessels. MCP-1 expression increased with blood pressure. Our study demonstrated that in SHR rats, an increase in levels of vascular oxidative stress and in aortic BDNF and TrKB expression occurs prior to the rise in blood pressure, while a reinforcement of vascular and circulating oxidative stress markers is brought about later by hypertension.

Acupuncture and auricular acupressure in relieving menopausal hot flashes of bilaterally ovariectomized chinese women: a randomized controlled trial

The objective of this study is to explore the effects of acupuncture and auricular acupressure in relieving menopausal hot flashes of bilaterally ovariectomized Chinese women. Between May 2006 and March 2008, 46 bilaterally ovariectomized Chinese women were randomized into an acupuncture and auricular acupressure group (n = 21) and a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) group (Tibolone, n = 25). Each patient was given a standard daily log and was required to record the frequency and severity of hot flashes and side effects of the treatment felt daily, from 1 week before the treatment started to the fourth week after the treatment ended. The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), LH and E₂ were detected before and after the treatment. After the treatment and the follow-up, both the severity and frequency of hot flashes in the two groups were relieved significantly when compared with pre-treatment (P <  .05). There was no significant difference in the severity of hot flashes between them after treatment (P >  .05), while after the follow-up, the severity of hot flashes in the HRT group was alleviated more. After the treatment and the follow-up, the frequency of menopausal hot flashes in the HRT group was reduced more (P <  .05). After treatment, the levels of FSH decreased significantly and the levels of E₂ increased significantly in both groups (P <  .05), and they changed more in the HRT group (P <  .05). Acupuncture and auricular acupressure can be used as alternative treatments to relieve menopausal hot flashes for those bilaterally ovariectomized women who are unable or unwilling to receive HRT.

Electroacupuncture to ST36 ameliorates behavioral and biochemical responses to restraint stress in rats

OBJECTIVES

Acupuncture has been used for the treatment and prevention of stress-related disorders. In the present study, the effect of electroacupuncture on the behavioral and biochemical responses to restraint stress was evaluated in rats.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley male rats underwent immobilization stress for 21 days (6 hours/day). Electroacupuncture (2 Hz, 2 mA and 10 minutes) was applied either to the acupuncture point ST36 (Joksamni) or the non-acupuncture point in the tail for the last 7 days. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: the normal group (n=10, without the restraint stress), the stress group (n=10, with restraint stress), the ST36 group (n=10, with restraint stress and electroacupuncture to ST36) and the non-acupuncture group (n=10, with restraint stress and electroacupuncture to the non-acupuncture point). The anxiety-related behavior was tested using the elevated plus maze and the Vogel test on day 22. The serum concentration of corticosterone was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the locus coeruleus was measured by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Restraint stress increased the response of the anxiety-related behavior. The serum level of corticosterone and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cells were also increased. The ST36 group showed a significant decrease of anxiety-related behavioral response, compared with the stress group. The serum corticosterone level and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive expression were also decreased in the ST36 group.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that electroacupuncture to ST36 might play a role in reducing the stress-related responses, which may be helpful for the treatment of stress-related disorders.

Acupuncture stimulation improves balance function in stroke patients: a single-blinded controlled, randomized study

The disturbance of balance function is one of main etiology resulting in falling down in stroke patients. A number of studies report that acupuncture may improve the motor function of stroke patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture on balance function. We designed a single-blinded, controlled, randomized study. A total of 30 stroke patients were randomized into experimental and control groups. Experimental groups received acupuncture treatment accompanied by the manual twisting of needles and obtaining of qi (the subjects experienced sensations of soreness, numbness, swelling and heaviness, while the acupuncturist experienced a sensation of needle resistance), whereas the control group did not receive manual twisting of needles and without obtaining of qi. All of the subjects were first-time stroke patients; infarction location was limited to either the left or right hemisphere, and all subjects were able to walk for at least 6 meters. Acupuncture stimulation (AS) was applied to Baihui (GV 20) acupoint as well as to 4 spirit acupoints (1.5 cun anterior, posterior, left and right laterals from Baihui acupoint, respectively) for 20 min. Balance function outcome measures were: (1) the displacement area of the patient's center of gravity; (2) the time taken for a patient to stand vertically from a seated position; (3) the time taken for a patient to walk a distance of 6 meters; (4) muscle strength of both lower extremities. Results indicated that the displacement area from the center of gravity decreased in the experimental group, but not in the control group. There was greater reduction in the displacement area in the experimental group than in the control group. Following AS, the time taken to reach a standing position from a seated position, as well as the time taken to walk 6 meters was decreased equally in both the experimental and control groups. The muscle strength of the hip flexor and knee extensor were increased in the paralyzed and non-paralyzed sides of patients in the experimental group, but not in the control group. The results of the present study suggest that acupuncture stimulation may induce an immediate effect that improves balance function in stroke patients.

Acupuncture protected cerebral multi-infarction rats from memory impairment by regulating the expression of apoptosis related genes Bcl-2 and Bax in hippocampus

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia in the world today. In this paper, we observed the effect of acupuncture on memory impairment, apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in hippocampus of cerebral multi-infarction rats. The results indicated that acupuncture significantly improved memory impairment induced by cerebral multi-infarction, as evaluated by shortened escape latency and increased swimming time in the target quadrant. Meanwhile, based on the observation in hippocampal CA1 region through methods of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick end labeling (TUNEL), immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, acupuncture decreased the number of apoptotic cells and expression of the proapoptotic Bax gene, on the contrary, it increased expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2. The result of the research suggested that acupuncture can exert antiapoptotic effect through counter-regulating Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression.

The effect of electroacupuncture on spontaneous recurrent seizure and expression of GAD(67) mRNA in dentate gyrus in a rat model of epilepsy

Concerns regarding the side effects of pharmacological approaches have recently increased interest in the use of acupuncture for treatment of epilepsy. Although clinical evidence for the acupunctural anti-epileptic effect has been demonstrated, the precise mechanism still remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on spontaneous recurrent seizure (SRS) and expression of GAD(67) mRNA in dentate gyrus (DG) in epileptic rats. EA at bilateral acupoints of Zusanli (St36) was administered. Two sham EA controls were set: sham EA at bilateral nearby nonacupoints in the hamstring muscles, and sham EA at bilateral St36 without electrical stimulation. Lithium-pilocarpine injection was performed to establish the rat model of epilepsy at the 1st day. Three time points were set according to the day when the rats were killed (30th, 45th, 60th day). The results showed that EA at St36 significantly reduced the times of spontaneous recurrent seizure, neither of the two sham EA controls displayed significant effect on spontaneous recurrent seizure. Moreover, EA at St36 significantly elevated the expression of GAD(67) mRNA in DG granule cell layer (GCL), but not in the hilus; neither of the two sham controls showed significant effect on the expression of GAD(67) mRNA in granule cell layer or hilus. The findings suggest that EA at St36 possess some curative effect on epileptic rats, related with change of GAD(67) mRNA level in DG region.

Electroacupuncture attenuates the decrease of hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation in the adult rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress

The present study was designed to investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) was beneficial to extenuate the behavioral deficit in a rat model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and to observe the effect of EA on progenitor cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus. EA was performed on acupoints "Bai-Hui" (Du 20) and unilateral "An-Mian" (EX 17) once daily for 3 consecutive weeks, 2 weeks post CUS procedure. Open field test and forced swimming test were employed to evaluate the behavioral activity during a stress period or EA treatment. The results revealed that exposure to CUS resulted in a decrease of behavioral activity, whilst a daily session of EA treatment significantly reversed the behavioral deficit of these depression model rats. Moreover, as shown by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling immunohistochemistry, hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation was decreased in the DG of depression model rats. Intriguingly, EA treatment effectively blocked this decrease. The study demonstrated a potential antidepressant-like effect of EA treatment on CUS induced depression model rats, which might be mediated by up-regulating the hippocampal progenitor cell proliferation.

Acupuncture decreases ischemia-induced apoptosis and cell proliferation in dentate gyrus of gerbils

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture has been used for the enhancement of functional recovery from various disorders. In the present study, the effect of acupuncture on the apoptosis and new cell proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of gerbils (n = 25) following transient global ischemia was investigated.

METHODS

To determine the level of apoptosis and cell proliferation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemistry for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) were employed respectively.

RESULTS

In the dentate gyrus of ischemic gerbils, the number of both TUNEL- and BrdU-positive cells (66.01 +/- 2.45/mm(2) and 514.38 +/- 44.90/mm(2)) was significantly increased compared to that of the sham-operated gerbils (11.25 +/- 1.85/mm(2) and 111.47 +/- 10.95/mm(2)). Among the acupuncture (ST36, LI4 or non-acupoint) treated groups, ST36 acupoint treated group showed the most potent apoptosis (20.52 +/- 2.40/mm(2)) and proliferation (159.38 +/- 24.05/mm(2)) suppressive effects ( approximately 70% decreases in both apoptosis and cell proliferation).

CONCLUSION

These results may suggest that acupuncture treatment alleviates ischemia-induced apoptosis and presents possible therapeutic potentials in the recovery from ischemic cerebral injury.

Analgesic effects by electroacupuncture were decreased in inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout mice

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced analgesia.

METHODS

Two and 100 Hz EA stimulation were applied at acupoint ST 36 (Zusanli) in iNOS knockout mice (n = 28). Needles were inserted 5 mm in depth in ST36. After insertion, the needles were fixed in situ with adhesive tape. EA was applied after the basal threshold determination. The EA parameters were set as follows: constant square wave current output (pulse width: 0.6 ms at 2 Hz and 0.2 ms at 100 Hz) and 2 mA intensities. EA was performed for 30 minutes and tail-flick latencies (TFLs) were evaluated every 15 minutes for 1 hour.

RESULTS

In 2 Hz EA stimulation, the tail-flick response (TFR) of wild-type mice for durations of 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes were 2.70 +/- 0.26, 4.19 +/- 0.37, 4.17 +/- 0.34, 3.57 +/- 0.27 and 3.39 +/- 0.32 seconds of TFLs. Meanwhile, iNOS -/- mice showed 4.10 +/- 0.33, 4.77 +/- 0.24, 5.26 +/- 0.30, 4.48 +/- 0.33 and 5.00 +/- 0.41 seconds of TFLs. In 100 Hz EA stimulation, the TFR of wild-type mice were 3.01 +/- 0.24, 4.67 +/- 0.31, 4.76 +/- 0.25, 4.04 +/- 0.45 and 4.26 +/- 0.30 seconds of TFLs. The iNOS -/- mice were 4.33 +/- 0.16, 5.29 +/- 0.28, 5.06 +/- 0.35, 4.52 +/- 0.17 and 4.80 +/- 0.28 seconds of TFLs. Wild-type mice exhibited 63.9% increase in TFL compared to the baseline after 2 Hz EA, whereas the iNOS knockout mice exhibited 32.9% increase in TFL. The TFL after 100 Hz EA showed similar trends: 66.5% increase in TFL in wildtype mice and 18.3% increase in the iNOS knockout mice.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggested that iNOS may play a crucial role in both low- and high-frequency EA-induced analgesic effects.

Effect of acupuncture treatment on vascular dementia

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have suggested that acupuncture can ameliorate some symptoms commonly associated with vascular dementia (VaD). The study was carried out to observe the clinical therapeutic effects for VaD of 'yi qi tiao xue, fu ben pei yuan' acupuncture method (supplementing vital force-matter and regulating blood, supporting the root and fostering the source).

METHODS

Sixty inpatients with VaD were randomly assigned to the treat group (TG) or control group (CG). Both the TG and the CG received routine treatment as other inpatients with VaD, including medication and traditional acupuncture treatment. After that, the TG was given the treatment of 'yi qi tiao xue, fu ben pei yuan' acupuncture, which included five body acupoints, namely, tanzhong (CV17), zhongwan (CV12), qihai (CV6), zusanli (ST36) and xuehai (SP10). The Treatment was performed once daily for 6 weeks. The mini-mental status examination (MMSE), the revised Hasegawa's dementia scale (HDS-R) and activities of daily living (ADL) exam were carried out before and after the experiment, to evaluate therapeutic effects of the acupuncture method.

RESULTS

The MMSE, HDS-R and ADL scores were significantly improved in the TG and CG (p<0.001). But the overall scores of MMSE and HDS-R for the subjects in the TG were notably higher than those in the CG (p<0.05). Patients in the TG showed remarkable improvement in memory, orientation, calculation and self-managing ability in daily living after treatment. The total effective rate was 80.0% in the TG versus 46.7% in the CG, where significant difference between the two groups exhibited (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that 'yi qi tiao xue, fu ben pei yuan' acupuncture method had significant therapeutic effects and well tolerated in ameliorate the key clinical symptoms of VaD.

Electroacupuncture regulates NMDA receptor NR1 subunit expression via PI3-K pathway in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion

Cell survival is regulated by the balance between death and survival signals. Previous studies have shown that the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are responsible for the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the postischemic brain. Meanwhile, nerve growth factor (NGF) is critically involved in cell survival and neuroprotective effects via the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway or the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) pathway mediated by the high affinity NGF receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase A (TrkA). Clinically, electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to produce beneficial effects on stroke patients. However, the detailed mechanisms mediating the beneficial effects of EA on stroke are still unknown. In the present study, we found that EA treatment reversed the high expression of NR1 subunit and up-regulated the level of TrkA in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. Using protein kinase inhibitors of specific intracellular signaling pathways, we found that the neuroprotective effects of EA appear to be mediated by stimulation of the PI3-K pathway, but not ERK pathway. These findings may provide important experimental evidence for the clinical application of EA treatment for stroke patients.

Liuweidihuang-tang improves spatial memory function and increases neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus in rats

The aqueous extract of Liuweidihuang-tang given to rats at doses of 100 mg/kg/day for 10 days induced a reduction in the frequency of error and increased neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Our data suggest that Liuweidihuang-tang improves spatial learning ability by increasing neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.

Electroacupuncture prevents cognitive deficits in pilocarpine-epileptic rats

Here we investigated the effects of electroacupuncture over the cognitive deficits in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy in rats. Acupuncture stimulation was provided at acupoints located in either the midline of the back and of the head [HD]: Gv-20 (Baihui), Gv-14 (Dazhui), Gv-2 (Yaoshu) and M-HN-3 (Yin Tang); or acupoints located in the limbs [LB]: St-36 (Zusanli) and Sp-6 (Sanyinjiao). In the elevated T-maze test, electroacupuncture at HD and LB acupoints produced an improvement in the acquisition and retention parameters. Retention in the inhibitory avoidance test was seen only in short-term retention and only for animals stimulated at HD. At histology it was found that electroacupuncture at HD acupoints abolished tissue shrinkage in dorsal hippocampus, basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, substantia nigra and perirhinal cortex, whereas stimulation of LB acupoints prevented tissue shrinkage in all of the above structures except dorsal hippocampus. Administration of p-chlorophenylalanine, a serotonergic releaser, abolished both behavioral and part of the histological changes in these animals. We conclude that electroacupuncture at HD and LB acupoints prevents atrophy of some limbic structures and improves cognitive deficits in pilocarpine-epileptic rats and that this effect is dependent on the serotonergic system.

Circulating estradiol and hypothalamic corticotrophin releasing hormone enhances along with time after ovariectomy in rats: effects of electroacupuncture

Repeated electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is known to enhance the circulating level of estrogen in the ovariectomized rats by stimulating the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. To explore the mechanism of EA in promoting the homeostasis in ovariectomized rats, the hypothalamic CRH content and its mRNA expression as well as the circulating estradiol in the rats along with time after ovariectomy were detected. Female rats were divided into fourteen groups: 1 month after ovariectomy (OVX1M), OVX2M, OVX3M, OVX4M, OVX5M, OVX6M; intact 1 month (INT1M), INT2M, INT3M, INT4M, INT5M, INT6M; OVX1M with EA (OVX1M+EA) and intact 1 month with EA (INT1M+EA). The blood concentrations of estradiol (E2) and total contents of hypothalamic CRH were measured by radioimmunoassay. The expressions of CRHmRNA were semiquantified by RT-PCR. The results showed that the blood E(2) concentrations increased gradually along with time after ovariectomy in the rats. The level was higher in OVX1M+EA than those in OVX1M, 2M, 3M (p < 0.05), which was near to the level in OVX6M. The total content (ng/g tissue) of hypothalamic CRH and the CRHmRNA expressions in the OVX6M rats were higher than other groups (p < 0.05). The CRH content or mRNA expression in the OVX1M+EA increased significantly compared with that in OVX1M (p < 0.05), and it was close to the level in the OVX4M and OVX5M. The results suggested that the circulating E2 and hypothalamic CRH enhances along with time after ovariectomy in rats, and the EA stimulation might speedup the process.

Effect of acupuncture on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced nigrostratal dopaminergic neuronal cell death in rats

In this study, we investigated the effect of acupuncture at the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal cell death in the rats with Parkinson's disease. Two weeks after unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the striatum, an apomorphine-induced rotational behavior test showed significant rotational asymmetry in the rats with Parkinson's disease. Immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase demonstrated a dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and dopaminergic fiber loss in the striatum. Acupuncture at the ST36 for 14 days significantly inhibited rotational asymmetry in the rats with Parkinson's disease, and also protected against 6-OHDA-induced nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal loss. These effects of acupuncture were not observed for the non-acupoint (hip) acupuncture. The present study shows that acupuncture at the ST36 acupoint can be used as a useful strategy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Electroacupuncture stimulates hypothalamic aromatization

We have previously reported that the repeated electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation significantly increased the concentrations of circulating estradiol and restored the depressed function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis (HPOA) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. We hypothesize that extragonadal aromatization in specific brain areas might be responsible for these changes. Thus, various assays, including radiometric assay, Western blot, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), were employed to determine the aromatization in the hypothalamus of rats that received both OVX and electroacupuncture (OVX + EA). The results showed that EA significantly increased the aromatase activity as well as the expressions of its mRNA and protein (P < 0.05) in the OVX rats. These results suggest that EA enhances brain aromatization, which might contribute to influence the function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and promote the hypofunction of the HPOA in the ovariectomized rats.

Electro-acupuncture potentiates the disulphide-reducing activities of thioredoxin system by increasing thioredoxin expression in ischemia-reperfused rat brains

Reactive oxygen species can directly affect the conformation and activity of sulfhydryl-containing proteins by oxidation of their thiol moiety. During the process of ischemia-reperfusion, the thioredoxin (Trx) system (consisting of thioredoxin reductase (TR), Trx and NADPH) prevents susceptible proteins from this oxidative modification. Oxidative damage is one of the most damaging stress in ischemia. If oxidative stress could be minimized, the damage occurred will be minimized accordingly. We therefore investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) treatment at Fengchi (GB20) or Zusanli (ST36) acupoints in post-ischemic rats could increase TR-related activities and Trx expression which would translate into maintaining the intact thiol moiety of susceptible proteins in the surrounding. Our results indicated that EA treatment at either acupoint increased the Trx expression in ischemic-reperfused brain tissues. Induced Trx expressed levels gradually increased from post-ischemia day 1 to day 4. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no observable difference in the effect of EA treatment at GB20 and ST36. Sham EA treatment did not induce any Trx expression. EA at either acupoint did not alter TR activities in both non-ischemic and ischemic-reperfused rat brains. Taken overall, our finding suggests that EA treatment at GB20 or ST36 could increase Trx expression which could minimize oxidative modifications of thiol groups of surrounding proteins.

Effectiveness of multiple pre-ischemia electro-acupuncture on attenuating lipid peroxidation induced by cerebral ischemia in adult rats

Free radicals induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury can trigger lipid peroxidation, leading to the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (4-HNE). Post-ischemia electroacupuncture (EA) therapy was able to reduce extent of lipid peroxidation. However, the effect of pre-ischemic EA therapy has not been reported. In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of pre-ischemic EA therapy on lipid peroxidation in the rat ischemic injury model. Four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were designed: Placebo group (without EA therapy), NA group (EA therapy on non-acupoint), GB20 group (EA therapy on Fengchi), and ST36 group (EA therapy on Zusanli). Half of each group (n = 6) received 30-minute EA therapy for 3 times and the other half group for 18 times before the occlusion of right middle cerebral artery. Right brains were taken for determination of concentration of MDA and the total of MDA plus 4-HNE. We found that multiple pre-ischemia EA therapy at either GB20 or ST36 can effectively reduce the amount of MDA produced after MCA occlusion. However, this reduction was not observed in the total amount of MDA and 4-HNE. In conclusion, pre-ischemia EA can partly regulate the lipid peroxidation in cerebral ischemia, where both GB20 and ST36 have a similar beneficial effectiveness.