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Bang SK, Chang S, Seo SY, Kang SY, Cho SJ, Choi KH, Juping X, Kim HY, Ryu Y. Attenuation of immobilization stress-induced hypertension by temperature-controllable warm needle acupuncture in rats and the peripheral neural mechanisms. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1168012. [PMID: 37384285 PMCID: PMC10294230 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1168012] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We and others have shown that electrical stimulation of the PC-6 acupoint over the wrist relieves hypertension by stimulating afferent sensory nerve fibers and activating the central endogenous opioid system. Warm needle acupuncture has long been utilized to treat various diseases in clinics. Methods Here, we developed a temperature-controllable warm needle acupuncture instrument (WAI) and investigated the peripheral mechanism underlying the effect of warm needle acupuncture at PC-6 on hypertension in a rat model of immobilization stress-induced hypertension. Results Stimulation with our newly developed WAI and traditional warm needle acupuncture attenuated hypertension development. Such effects were reproduced by capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist) injection into PC-6 or WAI stimulation at 48°C. In contrast, PC-6 pretreatment with the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine blocked the antihypertensive effect of WAI stimulation at PC-6. WAI stimulation at PC-6 increased the number of dorsal root ganglia double-stained with TRPV1 and CGRP. QX-314 and capsaicin perineural injection into the median nerve for chemical ablation of small afferent nerve fibers (C-fibers) prevented the antihypertensive effect of WAI stimulation at PC-6. Additionally, PC-6 pretreatment with RTX ablated the antihypertensive effect of WAI stimulation. Conclusion These findings suggest that warm needle acupuncture at PC-6 activates C-fiber of median nerve and the peripheral TRPV1 receptors to attenuate the development of immobilization stress-induced hypertension in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Kyun Bang
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suchan Chang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yeon Seo
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Yun Kang
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Choi
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Xing Juping
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhee Ryu
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Luo D, Liu L, Zhang HM, Zhou YD, Zhou MF, Li JX, Yu ZM, Chen R, Liang FX. Relationship between acupuncture and transient receptor potential vanilloid: Current and future directions. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:817738. [PMID: 36407763 PMCID: PMC9668865 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.817738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is a common complementary and alternative therapy around the world, but its mechanism remains still unclear. In the past decade, some studies indicated that transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels play a great role in the response of acupuncture stimulation. In this article, we discussed the relationship between acupuncture and TRPV channels. Different from inhibitors and agonists, the regulation of acupuncture on TRPV channels is multi-targeted and biphasic control. Acupuncture stimulation shows significant modulation on TRPV1 and TRPV4 at the autonomic nervous system (ANS) including central and peripheral nervous systems. On the contrary, the abundant expression and functional participation of TRPV1 and TRPV4 were specific to acupuncture stimulation at acupoints. The enhancement or inhibition of TRPV channels at different anatomical levels will affect the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. In conclusion, TRPV channels help to understand the principle of acupuncture stimulation, and acupuncture also provides a potential approach to TRPV-related trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Department of Respiratory, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pathology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Hai-ming Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-dian Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Min-feng Zhou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-xiao Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao-min Yu
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Province Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-xia Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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Gao H, Tong X, Hu W, Wang Y, Lee K, Xu X, Shi J, Pei Z, Lu W, Chen Y, Zhang R, Wang Z, Wang Z, Han C, Wang Y, Feng Y. Three-dimensional visualization of electroacupuncture-induced activation of brown adipose tissue via sympathetic innervation in PCOS rats. Chin Med 2022; 17:48. [PMID: 35436959 PMCID: PMC9016980 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00603-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to ameliorate obesity and reproductive dysfunctions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and further explorations in PCOS-like rats showed that EA could affect white adipose tissue. However, the function and neuromodulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in PCOS and after EA treatment have remained unknown. The present study focused on the role of BAT in PCOS-like rats and its relationship with EA and characterized the three-dimensional (3D) innervation of BAT associated with activation molecules. Methods Female rats (21 days old) were implanted with dihydrotestosterone or fed with a high fat diet to establish PCOS-like and obesity models, respectively, and then EA treatment at “Guilai” (ST 29) and “Sanyinjiao” (SP 6) was carried out for 4 weeks. In the present study, morphological analysis, 3D imaging, molecular biology, and other experimental techniques were used to study the sympathetic nerves and activity of BAT. Results PCOS-like rats showed both obvious weight gain and reproductive dysfunction, similar to what was seen in obese rats except for the absence of reproductive dysfunction. The body weight gain was mainly caused by an increase in white adipose tissue, and there was an abnormal decrease in BAT. Because both the lipid metabolism and reproductive disorders could be improved with bilateral EA at “Guilai” (ST 29) and “Sanyinjiao” (SP 6), especially the restoration of BAT, we further investigated the neuromodulation and inflammation in BAT and identified the sympathetic marker tyrosine hydroxylase as one of the key factors of sympathetic nerves. Modified adipo-clearing technology and 3D high-resolution imaging showed that crooked or dispersed sympathetic nerves, but not the twisted vasculature, were reconstructed and associated with the activation of BAT and are likely to be the functional target for EA treatment. Conclusion Our study highlights the significant role of BAT and its sympathetic innervations in PCOS and in EA therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00603-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yicong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kuinyu Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiemei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhenle Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenhan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zheyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chengzhi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Lu PH, Chen YY, Tsai FM, Liao YL, Huang HF, Yu WH, Kuo CY. Combined Acupoints for the Treatment of Patients with Obesity: An Association Rule Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:7252213. [PMID: 35341146 PMCID: PMC8947926 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7252213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a prevalent metabolic disease that increases the risk of other diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized sham-controlled trials indicates that acupuncture had adjuvant benefits in improving simple obesity, and previous studies have reported that acupoint combinations were more useful than single-acupoint therapy. The Apriori algorithm, a data mining-based analysis that finds potential correlations in datasets, is broadly applied in medicine and business. This study, based on the Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis, found the association rules of acupoints among 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There were 23 acupoints extracted from 11 RCTs. We used Python to calculate the association between acupoints and disease. We found the top 10 frequency acupoints were Extra12, TF4, LI4, LI11, ST25, ST36, ST44, CO4, CO18, and CO1. We investigated the 1118 association rule and found that {LI4, ST36} ≥ {ST44}, {LI4, ST44} ≥ {ST36}, and {ST36, ST44} ≥ {LI4} were the most associated rules in the data. Acupoints, including LI4, ST36, and ST44, are the core acupoint combinations in the treatment of simple obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Hsun Lu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yang Chen
- Department of Mathematics National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Ming Tsai
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ling Liao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Fen Huang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsuan Yu
- Department of Mathematics National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chan-Yen Kuo
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Azlan A, Sultana S, Huei CS, Razman MR. Antioxidant, Anti-Obesity, Nutritional and Other Beneficial Effects of Different Chili Pepper: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:898. [PMID: 35164163 PMCID: PMC8839052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. They are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, dietary fibre and a host of beneficial non-nutrient substances including plant sterols, flavonoids and other antioxidants. It has been reported that reduced intake of fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Chili pepper, is a common and important spice used to enhance taste and nutrition. Over the years, reports have shown its potential as antioxidant and an anti-obesity agent. Obesity is a serious health concern as it may initiate other common chronic diseases. Due to the side effects of synthetic antioxidants and anti-obesity drugs, scientists are now focusing on natural products which produce similar effects to synthetic chemicals. This up-to-date review addresses this research gap and presents, in an accessible format, the nutritional, antioxidant and anti-obesity properties of different chili peppers. This review article serves as a reference guide for use of chili peppers as anti-obesity agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azrina Azlan
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Research Centre of Excellence for Nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharmin Sultana
- Grain Quality Testing Laboratory, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh;
| | - Chan Suk Huei
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Muhammad Rizal Razman
- Research Centre for Sustainability Science and Governance (SGK), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
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Obesity Animal Models for Acupuncture and Related Therapy Research Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6663397. [PMID: 34630614 PMCID: PMC8497105 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6663397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and related diseases are considered as pandemic representing a worldwide threat for health. Animal models are critical to validate the effects and understand the mechanisms related to classical or innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. It is, therefore, important to identify the best animal models for translational research, using different evaluation criteria such as the face, construct, and predictive validity. Because the pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions currently used for treating obesity often present many undesirable side effects, relatively high relapse probabilities, acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and related therapies have gained more popularity and attention. Many kinds of experimental animal models have been used for obesity research studies, but in the context of acupuncture, most of the studies were performed in rodent obesity models. Though, are these obesity rodent models really the best for acupuncture or related therapies research studies? In this study, we review different obesity animal models that have been used over the past 10 years for acupuncture and EA research studies. We present their respective advantages, disadvantages, and specific constraints. With the development of research on acupuncture and EA and the increasing interest regarding these approaches, proper animal models are critical for preclinical studies aiming at developing future clinical trials in the human. The aim of the present study is to provide researchers with information and guidance related to the preclinical models that are currently available to investigate the outcomes of acupuncture and related therapies.
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Tsai ST, Wei TH, Yang YW, Lu MK, San S, Tsai CH, Lin YW. Transient receptor potential V1 modulates neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease dementia: Molecular implications for electroacupuncture and rivastigmine. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 24:1336-1345. [PMID: 35096291 PMCID: PMC8769514 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2021.56156.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegeneration disease. Its incidence increases with age and affects about 1% of people over 60. Incidentally, transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) and its relation with neuroinflammation in mouse brain has been widely reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to induce PDD in mice. We then used the Morris water maze and Bio-Plex to test learning and inflammatory mediators in mouse plasma. Western blotting and immunostaining were used to examine TRPV1 pathway in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). RESULTS On acquisition days 3 (Control = 4.40 ± 0.8 sec, PDD = 9.82 ± 1.52 sec, EA = 5.04 ± 0.58 sec, Riva = 4.75 ± 0.87 sec; P=0.001) and 4, reversal learning days 1, 2, 3 (Control = 2.86 ± 0.46 sec, PDD = 9.80 ± 1.83 sec, EA = 4.6 ± 0.82 sec, Riva = 4.6 ± 1.03 sec; P=0.001) and 4, PDD mice showed significantly longer escape latency than the other three groups. Results showed that several cytokines were up-regulated in PDD mice and reversed by EA and rivastigmine. TRPV1 and downstream molecules were up-regulated in PDD mice and further reversed by EA and rivastigmine. Interestingly, α7 nicotinic receptors and parvalbumin levels in both the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex increased in EA-treated mice, but not in rivastigmine-treated mice. CONCLUSION Our results showed that TRPV1 played a role in the modulation of neuroinflammation of PDD, and could potentially be a new target for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Ta Tsai
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Everflourish Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Wei
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wan Yang
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Kuei Lu
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Everflourish Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shao San
- Department of Psychiatry, Taoyuan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chon-Haw Tsai
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Everflourish Neuroscience and Brain Disease Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan,Corresponding author: Yi-Wen Lin. Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Xueshi Road, North District, Taichung 404, Taiwan. Tel: 886-970055508;
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Baskaran P, Nazminia K, Frantz J, O’Neal J, Thyagarajan B. Mice lacking endogenous TRPV1 express reduced levels of thermogenic proteins and are susceptible to diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1768-1781. [PMID: 33977527 PMCID: PMC8277693 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) is a non-selective cation channel protein expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Although TRPV1 is implicated in thermogenesis and diet-induced obesity (DIO), its precise role remains controversial. TRPV1-/- mice are protected from DIO, while TRPV1 activation enhances thermogenesis to prevent obesity. To reconcile this, we fed wild-type and TRPV1-/- mice for 32 weeks with normal chow or a high-fat diet and analyzed the weight gain, metabolic activities, and thermogenic protein expression in white and brown fats. TRPV1-/- mice became obese, exhibited reduced locomotor activity, reduced energy expenditure, enhanced hepatic steatosis, and decreased thermogenic protein expression in adipose tissues. Our data reveal that lack of TRPV1 does not prevent obesity, but rather enhances metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmamalini Baskaran
- Molecular Signaling Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072
| | - Kara Nazminia
- Molecular Signaling Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072
| | - Justine Frantz
- Molecular Signaling Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072
| | - Jessica O’Neal
- Molecular Signaling Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072
| | - Baskaran Thyagarajan
- Molecular Signaling Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82072
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Zhang X, Chen H, Val-Laillet D. Hypothesis paper: electroacupuncture targeting the gut-brain axis to modulate neurocognitive determinants of eating behavior-toward a proof of concept in the obese minipig model. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:61-74. [PMID: 32100220 PMCID: PMC7895779 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture has thousands of years of history and perspective for the treatment of many health problems and disorders. Beneficial effects of acupuncture on obesity have been demonstrated at various levels in animals and clinical trials, with almost no adverse effect, even when combined with local electrical stimulation, i.e., electroacupuncture (EA), a way to potentiate the effects of acupuncture. However, there is still scattered evidence about the impact of EA on brain functions related to the control of eating behavior, and notably on the gut-brain axis mechanisms involved in these putative central modulations. During the past 10 years, we have described a convincing diet-induced obese minipig model, and successfully implemented brain imaging and neurocognitive approaches to challenge mechanistic hypotheses and innovative therapeutic strategies. In the present article, we propose to confront the current literature on the acupuncture and EA effects on the gut-brain axis and obesity with the latest developments in nutrition and neuroscience research using the minipig model. Our aims are to (a) elaborate functional hypotheses on the gut-brain mechanisms underlying EA effects on obesity, and especially on the role of the vagus nerve, and (b) present the rational for testing these hypotheses in the minipig model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwen Zhang
- Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,Guanzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - David Val-Laillet
- INRAE, INSERM, Univ Rennes, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer, NuMeCan, 16 Le Clos, St Gilles, 35590, Rennes, France.
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Abstract
The transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is a non-specific cation channel known for its sensitivity to pungent vanilloid compound (i.e. capsaicin) and noxious stimuli, including heat, low pH or inflammatory mediators. TRPV1 is found in the somatosensory system, particularly primary afferent neurons that respond to damaging or potentially damaging stimuli (nociceptors). Stimulation of TRPV1 evokes a burning sensation, reflecting a central role of the channel in pain. Pharmacological and genetic studies have validated TRPV1 as a therapeutic target in several preclinical models of chronic pain, including cancer, neuropathic, postoperative and musculoskeletal pain. While antagonists of TRPV1 were found to be a valuable addition to the pain therapeutic toolbox, their clinical use has been limited by detrimental side effects, such as hyperthermia. In contrast, capsaicin induces a prolonged defunctionalisation of nociceptors and thus opened the door to the development of a new class of therapeutics with long-lasting pain-relieving effects. Here we review the list of TRPV1 agonists undergoing clinical trials for chronic pain management, and discuss new indications, formulations or combination therapies being explored for capsaicin. While the analgesic pharmacopeia for chronic pain patients is ancient and poorly effective, modern TRPV1-targeted drugs could rapidly become available as the next generation of analgesics for a broad spectrum of pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Iftinca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Inflammation Research Network-Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Manon Defaye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Inflammation Research Network-Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Christophe Altier
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Inflammation Research Network-Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Inprasit C, Huang YC, Lin YW. Evidence for acupoint catgut embedding treatment and TRPV1 gene deletion increasing weight control in murine model. Int J Mol Med 2020; 45:779-792. [PMID: 31922226 PMCID: PMC7015137 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a global health problem affecting the general population. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) is an alternative treatment that involves the implantation of absorbable catgut suture at acupoints. The transient receptor vanilloid member 1 (TRPV1) is a calcium ion channel that responds to several chemical ligands and is identified in numerous locations throughout the body. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ACE treatment on obesity and its associated complications through various neural mechanisms in a murine model. A C57/BL6 wild type (WT) and TRPV1‑/‑ (KO) mouse model was utilized to exclude any psychological factors associated with obesity. The WT‑HFD‑ACE and WT‑HFD‑SHAM groups received weekly ACE or placebo treatments at the bilateral ST36 acupoint. The mice were fed with a normal mice chow diet (ND) or a high‑fat food diet (HFD; 45 kcal%), and their body weights were recorded once a week. After 8 weeks, the subjects were sacrificed and changes in the levels of a number of biomarkers were investigated using ELISA, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The results indicated a significant decrease in body weight variation for the WT‑HFD‑ACE group compared with the WT‑HFD and WT‑HFD‑SHAM groups, using the WT‑ND group as the body weight baseline. By contrast, KO mice fed with ND or HFD demonstrated notable body weight maintenance throughout the experimental period. Similar patterns were observed in adipose tissue mass, glucose, leptin and insulin plasma levels, and protein molecule density of TRPV1 and its associated molecules in the hypothalamus and nucleus tractus solitarii. In contrast, in the prefrontal cortex, significant decreases in the concentrations of MAPK pathway proteins in the WT‑HFD and WT‑HFD‑SHAM groups were observed. The levels of these proteins were significantly increased in the WT‑HFD‑ACE and KO‑HFD groups. These results suggested that TRPV1 and its associated pathways may be involved in body weight maintenance, and may be controlled through ACE treatment or genetic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanya Inprasit
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University
| | - Yu-Chuen Huang
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University
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12
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Yen LT, Hsieh CL, Hsu HC, Lin YW. Preventing the induction of acid saline-induced fibromyalgia pain in mice by electroacupuncture or APETx2 injection. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:188-193. [PMID: 31986902 PMCID: PMC7278366 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome involving chronic pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties, morning stiffness and muscle cramping lasting longer than 3 months. The epidemiological prevalence is approximately 3-5% in women and increases with age. Antagonism of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) reportedly attenuates acid saline-induced FM pain in mice. AIMS Whether pre-treatment with electroacupuncture (EA) or APETx2 can attenuate mechanical hyperalgesia in this murine model remains unknown. METHODS Accordingly, we examined the analgesic effect of EA in a murine model of FM pain induced by dual injections of acid saline and investigated whether EA or APETx2 can attenuate FM pain via the ASIC3 channel. RESULTS EA significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia in this model. ASIC3 antagonism, induced by injecting APETx2, also significantly reduced mechanical hyperalgesia. The expression of ASIC3 in the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and thalamus was increased after FM model induction. Over-expression of these nociceptive channels was attenuated by pre-treatment with EA or an ASIC3 antagonist. CONCLUSION Our data reveal that both EA and ASIC3 blockade significantly reduce FM pain in mice via the ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 signalling pathways. Moreover, our findings support the potential clinical use of EA for the treatment of FM pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Ta Yen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Cheng Hsu
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Master's Program for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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13
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Hsu HC, Hsieh CL, Lee KT, Lin YW. Electroacupuncture reduces fibromyalgia pain by downregulating the TRPV1-pERK signalling pathway in the mouse brain. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:101-108. [PMID: 31941349 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has been clinically recommended as a method of pain relief by the World Health Organization and is widely used by medical doctors. Fibromyalgia (FM) pain has a complex physiological and psychological origin and can be pharmacologically treated with duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin. However, these drugs produce undesirable side effects, such as headaches, nausea and diarrhoea. Acupuncture may serve as an effective alternative treatment for pain relief with few side effects. AIMS We hypothesised that acupuncture would reduce FM pain by influencing transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and the downstream phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK), which are located in the central thalamus, amygdala and cortex. METHODS A FM mouse model was established by injecting two doses of acid saline into 32 female C57/B6 mice. The mice were then assigned to different subgroups (n=8 each) and treated with electroacupuncture (EA) or EA sham control. TRPV1 and pERK expression levels were measured using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that the expression of TRPV1 and pERK in the thalamus, amygdala and somatosensory cortex was normal in the control mice, but significantly increased in FM mice; these FM-induced changes in expression were attenuated by EA. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that EA can reverse the central sensitisation of the TRPV1-ERK signalling pathway in the mouse brain. Thus, our findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting the potential therapeutic efficacy of EA for treating FM pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Cheng Hsu
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ta Lee
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Master's Program for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Reddick, Florida, USA.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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14
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Hsu HC, Hsieh CL, Wu SY, Lin YW. Toll-like receptor 2 plays an essential role in electroacupuncture analgesia in a mouse model of inflammatory pain. Acupunct Med 2019; 37:356-364. [PMID: 31517506 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory pain occurs when local tissue injury activates macrophages and neutrophils, hence increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) antagonism reportedly suppresses neuropathic and inflammatory pain. AIMS In the present study, we investigated the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on TLR2 and related signalling molecules in a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mouse model of inflammatory pain to determine whether EA can attenuate inflammatory pain via the TLR2 signalling pathway. METHODS EA significantly reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the animal model. A similar effect was produced by TLR2 antagonism induced by CU-CPT22 injection. RESULTS TLR2 expression in the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and thalamus increased following induction of inflammation. Expression levels of downstream molecules such as pPI3K, pAkt and pmTOR also increased, as did those of MAPK subfamily members such as pERK, pp38 and pJNK. Transcription factors (pCREB and pNFκB) and nociceptive ion channels (Nav1.7 and Nav1.8) were also involved. CONCLUSION Increased expression of the above molecules was attenuated by both EA and TLR2 antagonism. Our results show that EA attenuates inflammatory pain via TLR2 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Cheng Hsu
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yih Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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15
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Wang LH, Huang W, Wei D, Ding DG, Liu YR, Wang JJ, Zhou ZY. Mechanisms of Acupuncture Therapy for Simple Obesity: An Evidence-Based Review of Clinical and Animal Studies on Simple Obesity. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:5796381. [PMID: 30854010 PMCID: PMC6378065 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5796381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with rapidly growing morbidity and mortality which imposes an enormous burden on individual and public health. As a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has shown the positive efficacy in the management of simple obesity. In this article, we comprehensively review the clinical and animal studies that demonstrated the potential mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for simple obesity. Clinical studies suggested that acupuncture regulates endocrine system, promotes digestion, attenuates oxidative stress, and modulates relevant molecules of metabolism in patients of simple obesity. Evidence from laboratory indicated that acupuncture regulates lipid metabolism, modulates inflammatory responses, and promotes white adipose tissue browning. Acupuncture also suppresses appetite through regulating appetite regulatory hormones and the downstream signaling pathway. The evidence from clinical and animal studies indicates that acupuncture induces multifaceted regulation through complex mechanisms and moreover a single factor may not be enough to explain the beneficial effects against simple obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine/Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, China
- Department of Acupuncture, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Wei
- Department of Acupuncture, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - De-Guang Ding
- Department of Acupuncture, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Ran Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Jie Wang
- Department of Acupuncture, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhong-Yu Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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16
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Lu SF, Tang YX, Zhang T, Fu SP, Hong H, Cheng Y, Xu HX, Jing XY, Yu ML, Zhu BM. Electroacupuncture Reduces Body Weight by Regulating Fat Browning-Related Proteins of Adipose Tissue in HFD-Induced Obese Mice. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:353. [PMID: 31244685 PMCID: PMC6580183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) and its potential underlying mechanisms on adipose tissue in obese mice. Methods: Three-week-old male C56BL/6 mice were randomly divided to feed or not to feed high-fat diet (HFD), named HFD group and chow diet (CD) group, respectively. After 12 weeks, CD and HFD mice were randomly divided into two groups, respectively, to receive or not receive EA for 4 weeks. Body weight (BW) was monitored. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and metabolic chamber recordings were performed. Blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for the analysis of leptin, triglyceride levels, and fat browning-related proteins. Results: EA significantly reduced food intake, BW, and white adipose tissue (WAT)/BW ratio; decreased the adipocyte size and serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol; and increased oxygen consumption in HFD mice. Compared with the CD mice, the HFD mice had elevated fasting serum glucose level and impaired glucose tolerance; however, these parameters were decreased by EA treatment. Meanwhile, EA promoted the protein and mRNA expressions of UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α in adipose tissue, and activated sympathetic nerves via p-TH, A2AR, and β3AR in white adipose tissue. Conclusions: EA reduced food intake, BW, TG, and cholesterol, and improved glucose tolerance in HFD mice. This ameliorative effect of EA on obesity-related symptoms associated with its promoted adipose tissue plasticity via activating sympathetic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Feng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Xia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Huai'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaian, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Ping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hou-Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Yue Jing
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing-Mei Zhu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Guo Y, Ji X, Wang S. [Effect of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli acupoint on postoperative T cell immune function in rats]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2018; 38:1384-1388. [PMID: 30514690 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2018.11.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of electro- acupuncture at Zusanli acupoint in regulating perioperative cell immune functions in rats. METHODS Forty-two SD rats were divided into blank control group (n=6), model group (n=18), and electroacupuncture group (n=18). The rats in the latter two groups underwent thigh incision and femoral dissection under anesthesia; the rats in electro-acupuncture group received electro-acupuncture at bilateral Zusanli acupoint for 15 min before anesthesia and 1 h after the surgery. The rats in the model group and electro-acupuncture group were sacrificed at 6 h, 24 h, and 72 h after the operation and blood samples were taken from the ventricle for analyzing CD3, CD4, and CD8 T cell subpopulations and calculation of CD4/CD8 using flow cytometry. ELISA was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6. RESULTS The CD3 T cell subpopulation was significantly lower in the model group and electro-acupuncture group than in the blank group at 6 h and 24 h after the operation. At 72 h after the operation, CD3 subpopulation levels still remained low in the model group, but recovered the control level in electro-acupuncture group. At each time point of measurement, CD3 level was significantly lower in the model group than in the electro-acupuncture group. CD4 level in the model group was significantly lowered at 6 h and 24 h after the operation, and recovered the control level at 72 h. In the electro-acupuncture group, CD4 level was significantly lowered at 6 h after the operation, but recovered the control level at 24 h. At 24 h and 72 h, the levels of CD4 were significantly lower in the model group than in the electro-acupuncture group. CD8 level underwent no significant changes after the operation in either the model group or electro-acupuncture group. CD4/CD8 was significantly lowered at 24 h and 72 h after the operation in the model group but showed no significant variation in the electro-acupuncture group. Compared with that in the control group, IL-1 level was significantly lowered in both the model group and electroacupuncture group at 6 h, 24 h, and 72 h after the operation, and was significantly lower in the model group than in the electroacupuncture group at these time points. IL-6 level increased significantly in the model group and the electro- acupuncture group at 6 h and 24 h. at 72 h, IL-6 level was obviously lowered in the electro-acupuncture group but remained elevated in the model group. CONCLUSIONS Electro-acupuncture alleviates postoperative immune suppression and promotes recovery of the immune function in rats, suggesting a protective effect of electro-acupuncture at Zusanli acupoint on cellular immune function after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Science and Education, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuanbo Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xuexia Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
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18
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Inprasit C, Lin YW, Huang CP, Wu SY, Hsieh CL. Targeting TRPV1 to relieve motion sickness symptoms in mice by electroacupuncture and gene deletion. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10365. [PMID: 29985388 PMCID: PMC6037734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Motion sickness (MS) is an acute disorder that occurs in healthy individuals worldwide regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity. Our study used a mouse model to rule out the effects of any psychological factors related to MS and EA. Subjects were randomly separated into four groups, namely the control group (Con), motion sickness inducing group (MS), mentioning sickness inducing with electroacupuncture treatment group (EA) and motion sickness inducing only in TRPV1 knockout mice group (TRPV1-/-). The consumption of kaolin, a non-nutrient substance, was measured as a behavior observed response of an emetic reflex in a murine model. This behavior is referred to as pica behavior. Our results showed that pica behavior was observed in the MS group. Moreover, kaolin consumption in the EA group decreased to the average baseline of the control group. A similar result was observed in TRPV1 null mice. We also observed an increase of TRPV1 and related molecules in the thalamus, hypothalamic and brain stem after MS stimulation and a significant decrease in the EA and TRPV1 null groups. This is the first study to demonstrate that TRPV1 pathways are possibly associated with mechanisms of MS, and can be attended through EA or TRPV1 genetic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanya Inprasit
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science International Master Program, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ping Huang
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yih Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
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Electroacupuncture at Hua Tuo Jia Ji Acupoints Reduced Neuropathic Pain and Increased GABA A Receptors in Rat Spinal Cord. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:8041820. [PMID: 30069227 PMCID: PMC6057337 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic constriction injury- (CCI-) induced neuropathic pain is the most similar model to hyperalgesia in clinical observation. Neuropathic pain is a neuronal dysfunction in the somatosensory system that may lead to spontaneous pain. In this study, electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at bilateral L4 and L6 of Hua Tuo Jia Ji points (EX-B2) for relieving neuropathic pain in rats. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups: sham, 2-Hz EA, and 15-Hz EA groups. Following von Frey and cold plate tests, both the 2- and the 15-Hz EA groups had significantly lower mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia than the sham group. Western blot analysis results showed that γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA), adenosine A1 receptor (A1R), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), TRPV4, and metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGluR3) were similar in the dorsal root ganglion of all three groups. Furthermore, levels of GABAA receptors were higher in the spinal cord of rats in the 2- and 15-Hz EA groups compared with the sham control group. This was not observed for A1R, TRPV1, TRPV4, or mGluR3 receptors. In addition, all the aforementioned receptors were unchanged in the somatosensory cortex of the study rats, suggesting a central spinal effect. The study results provide evidence to support the clinical use of EA for specifically alleviating neuropathic pain.
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20
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Yen LT, Hsu YC, Lin JG, Hsieh CL, Lin YW. Role of Asic3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 in Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia in a Mouse Model of Fibromyalgia Pain. Acupunct Med 2018; 36:110-116. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background The mechanisms underlying fibromyalgia (FM) pain are not understood. The US Food and Drug Administration has recommended three drugs for treating FM—namely, pregabalin, duloxetine and milnacipran; however, these medications are associated with severe side effects. Objective To create a mouse model of FM pain using dual injections of acidic saline to cause mechanical hyperalgesia and test whether ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 are involved in this process and whether electroacupuncture (EA) can reverse these phenomena. Methods The FM model was established by injecting acidic saline twice into 40 ICR mice. The mice were assigned to subgroups (n=8 each) treated with different EA frequencies (2, 15 and 50 Hz). ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 expression levels were measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results Significant mechanical hyperalgesia was induced on day 8 in FM mice, which was reversed by 2, 15 and 50 Hz EA. ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 protein levels increased significantly in both the dorsal root ganglion and in the spinal cord of FM model mice. These changes were further attenuated by 2, 15 and 50 Hz EA. Conclusion Reduced nociceptive ASIC3, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 proteins are involved in the preventive effects of EA against FM, and this series of molecules may represent targets for FM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Ta Yen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chan Hsu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, USA
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Master's Program for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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21
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Electric Stimulation of Ear Reduces the Effect of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway on Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures in Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5407256. [PMID: 29682548 PMCID: PMC5846353 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5407256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in the temporal lobe, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. Clinical antiepileptic medicines are often ineffective or of little benefit in 30% of epileptic patients and usually cause severe side effects. Emerging evidence indicates the crucial role of inflammatory mediators in epilepsy. The current study investigates the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its underlying mechanisms in kainic acid- (KA-) induced epileptic seizures in rats. Experimental KA injection successfully initiated an epileptic seizure accompanied by increased expression of TLR4 in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. In addition, calcium-sensitive phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKIIα) increased after the initiation of the epileptic seizure. Furthermore, downstream-phosphorylated signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase simultaneously increased in these brain areas. Moreover, the transcriptional factor phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (pNF-κB) increased, suggesting that nucleus transcription was affected. Furthermore, the aforementioned molecules decreased by an electric stimulation (ES) of either 2 Hz or 15 Hz of the ear in the three brain areas. Accordingly, we suggest that ES of the ear can successfully control epileptic seizures by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway and has a therapeutic benefit in reducing epileptic seizures.
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Yang J, Hsieh CL, Lin YW. Role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in Electroacupuncture Analgesia on Chronic Inflammatory Pain in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5068347. [PMID: 29379798 PMCID: PMC5742878 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5068347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain may result from peripheral tissue injury or inflammation, increasing the release of protons, histamines, adenosine triphosphate, and several proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is known to be involved in acute to subacute neuropathic and inflammatory pain; however, its exact mechanisms in chronic inflammatory pain are not elucidated. Our results showed that EA significantly reduced chronic mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the chronic inflammatory pain model. Chronic mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were also abolished in TRPV1-/- mice. TRPV1 increased in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) at 3 weeks after CFA injection. The expression levels of downstream molecules such as pPKA, pPI3K, and pPKC increased, as did those of pERK, pp38, and pJNK. Transcription factors (pCREB and pNFκB) and nociceptive ion channels (Nav1.7 and Nav1.8) were involved in this process. Inflammatory mediators such as GFAP, S100B, and RAGE were also involved. The expression levels of these molecules were reduced in EA and TRPV1-/- mice but not in the sham EA group. Our data provided evidence to support the clinical use of EA for treating chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Acupuncture, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Fu SP, Hong H, Lu SF, Hu CJ, Xu HX, Li Q, Yu ML, Ou C, Meng JZ, Wang TL, Hennighausen L, Zhu BM. Genome-wide regulation of electro-acupuncture on the neural Stat5-loss-induced obese mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181948. [PMID: 28806763 PMCID: PMC5555711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is reported to be effective in treating obesity related illnesses, but its mechanism is still unclear. To investigate this mechanism we applied electro-acupuncture (EA) in a mouse model of obesity and used RNA-seq to identify molecular consequences. Deletion of the transcription factor STAT5 from neurons (Stat5NKO) led to obesity. Acupuncture, in turn, reduced body weight and the ratio of epididymal white adipose tissue (Epi-WAT) to body weight, and it also decreased plasma concentrations of glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol. In addition, EA increased cold endurance of Stat5NKO obese mice. EA reversed altered gene expressions in the hypothalamus and Epi-WAT, especially in the hypothalamus in Stat5NKO obese mice. This study provides, for the first time, insight into genomic networks of obesity and their modulation by electro-acupuncture, which in turn reveals potential mechanisms that explain acupuncture-induced weight-loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng-Feng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen-Jun Hu
- School of Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hou-Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Ou
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Meng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian-Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lothar Hennighausen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Bing-Mei Zhu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- * E-mail:
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Targeting ASIC3 for Relieving Mice Fibromyalgia Pain: Roles of Electroacupuncture, Opioid, and Adenosine. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46663. [PMID: 28440280 PMCID: PMC5404229 DOI: 10.1038/srep46663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Many scientists are seeking better therapies for treating fibromyalgia (FM) pain. We used a mouse model of FM to determine if ASIC3 and its relevant signaling pathway participated in FM pain. We demonstrated that FM-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was attenuated by electroacupuncture (EA). The decrease in fatigue-induced lower motor function in FM mice was also reversed by EA. These EA-based effects were abolished by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist rolofylline. Administration of opioid receptor agonist endomorphin (EM) or adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) has similar results to EA. Similar results were also observed in ASIC3−/− or ASIC3 antagonist (APETx2) injected mice. Using western blotting, we determined that pPKA, pPI3K, and pERK were increased during a dual acidic injection priming period. Nociceptive receptors, such as ASIC3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8, were upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) of FM mice. Furthermore, pPKA, pPI3K, and pERK were increased in the central thalamus. These aforementioned mechanisms were completely abolished in ASIC3 knockout mice. Electrophysiological results also indicated that acid potentiated Nav currents through ASIC3 and ERK pathway. Our results highlight the crucial role of ASIC3-mediated mechanisms in the treatment of FM-induced mechanical hyperalgesia.
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Enhancement of immune cytokines and splenic CD4+ T cells by electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint of SD rats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175568. [PMID: 28406959 PMCID: PMC5391063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture at the ST36 acupoint can enhance the body’s immune function. However, the mechanism for this enhancement has not been fully described. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on the immune function of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a non-acupoint group (abdominal muscle acupuntured) and a ST36 acupoint group. Our results showed that successive electroacupuncture at the ST36 acupoint for 3 d significantly enhanced the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) level in the serum of SD rats. The results also showed that the serum and extracts from spleen cells of the ST36 acupoint group contained higher levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-17 compared to those of the other two groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that electroacupuncture applied to the ST36 acupoint enhanced the expression level of CD4 in spleen cells. Furthermore, it was observed that CD4 co-localized with transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels at the membrane of splenic CD4+ T cells and the expression level of CD4 was related to TRPV channels in the electroacupuncture treatment. These observations indicated that electroacupuncture stimulation at the ST36 acupoint enhanced the level of immune cytokines and splenic CD4+ T cells through TRPV channels in this system.
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Lu KW, Yang J, Hsieh CL, Hsu YC, Lin YW. Electroacupuncture restores spatial learning and downregulates phosphorylated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Acupunct Med 2016; 35:133-141. [PMID: 27531695 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-011041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. PD can be classified as idiopathic, acquired or hereditary and may be caused by various factors such as oxidative stress, loss of mitochondrial function, neuronal excitotoxicity or calcium imbalance. METHODS We hypothesised that electroacupuncture (EA) at KI3 would reduce neuronal excitotoxicity by regulating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function and may represent a novel therapeutic approach for PD. RESULTS Our results showed that deficits in spatial learning (reflected by the escape latency time in the Morris water maze task) and long-term potentiation (LTP) caused by systemic 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) administration (that damages dopaminergic neurons) could be rescued by EA on day 3. In PD mice, phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B were elevated (134.03±10.17% and 123.46±3.47% of baseline levels, respectively) but total NR1 and NR2B was unaffected (101.37±3.87% and 102.61±4.22% of baseline, respectively). Elevated levels of pNR1 and pNR2B, and phosphorylated forms of protein kinase A, protein kinase C, α Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein were also reduced following EA. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings suggest that EA can rescue learning and LTP deficits in a rodent model of PD. The results point to a possible role for EA-based approaches in the clinical treatment of learning deficits associated with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Wen Lu
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrative Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chan Hsu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Lu KW, Hsieh CL, Yang J, Lin YW. Effects of electroacupuncture in a mouse model of fibromyalgia: role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and related mechanisms. Acupunct Med 2016; 35:59-68. [PMID: 27381504 PMCID: PMC5466914 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation and downstream transduction pathways are crucial for pain signalling. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common pain syndrome of unclear aetiology that is often drug-refractory but may benefit from treatment with electroacupuncture (EA). We examined the contributions of NMDAR signalling to FM pain and EA responses in a mouse model. Methods A model of FM was established by acid saline injection in 32 mice and subgroups (n=8 each) were treated with EA (2 Hz, 15 min daily for 4 days) or minimal acupuncture (MA). Expression of NMDAR subunits, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), cyclic AMP response element binding protein (pCREB) and their corresponding phospho-activated forms were measured by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results Acid saline injection induced significant mechanical hyperalgesia (paw withdrawal threshold 2.18±0.27 g, p<0.05 vs controls), which was reversed by EA (4.23±0.33 g, p<0.05 vs FM group) but not by MA (2.37±0.14 g, p<0.05 vs EA group). Expression levels of phosphorylated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (pNR)1 and pNR2B were significantly increased in the dorsal root ganglion of FM model mice (132.21±14.4% and 116.69±3.22% of control values), whereas NR1 and NR2B levels were unchanged (97.31±3.79% and 97.07%±2.27%, respectively). Expression levels of pCaMKIIα and pCREB were also higher in the FM group, and these changes were reversed by EA but not by MA. Similar changes in expression were observed in spinal cord neurons. Conclusions Reduced NMDAR−CaMKIIα−pCREB signalling is implicated in the positive effects of EA in FM. NMDAR signalling components may represent promising therapeutic targets for FM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Wen Lu
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrative Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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28
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Probing the Effects and Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture at Ipsilateral or Contralateral ST36-ST37 Acupoints on CFA-induced Inflammatory Pain. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22123. [PMID: 26906464 PMCID: PMC4764889 DOI: 10.1038/srep22123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and associated signaling pathways have been reported to be increased in inflammatory pain signaling. There are accumulating evidences surrounding the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA). EA can reliably attenuate the increase of TRPV1 in mouse inflammatory pain models with unclear signaling mechanisms. Moreover, the difference in the clinical therapeutic effects between using the contralateral and ipsilateral acupoints has been rarely studied. We found that inflammatory pain, which was induced by injecting the complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), (2.14 ± 0.1, p < 0.05, n = 8) can be alleviated after EA treatment at either ipsilateral (3.91 ± 0.21, p < 0.05, n = 8) or contralateral acupoints (3.79 ± 0.25, p < 0.05, n = 8). EA may also reduce nociceptive Nav sodium currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The expression of TRPV1 and associated signaling pathways notably increased after the CFA injection; this expression can be further attenuated significantly in EA treatment. TRPV1 and associated signaling pathways can be prevented in TRPV1 knockout mice, suggesting that TRPV1 knockout mice are resistant to inflammatory pain. Through this study, we have increased the understanding of the mechanism that both ipsilateral and contralateral EA might alter TRPV1 and associated signaling pathways to reduce inflammatory pain.
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