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Cai M, Yang EJ. Effect of Combined Electroacupuncture and Selegiline Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease: An Animal Model. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:606480. [PMID: 33362561 PMCID: PMC7758426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.606480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of pathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses significant challenges to the development of corresponding drugs. Symptom-specific pharmacological interventions and alternative treatments provide promising treatment possibilities. Therefore, we considered a combination of selegiline (SEL) and electroacupuncture (EA). We used an animal model with AD to investigate the effect of a combination of these treatments on cognitive function. 5XFAD mice received a week of SEL treatment and 2 weeks of EA. Novel object recognition and Y-maze tests were subsequently performed to assess their cognitive functions. To determine the molecular action of the combination treatment, Western blots, Aβ1-42 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and micro-positron-emission tomography were also performed to assess pathological markers and processes. The results were assessed based on the difference between untreated transgenic, SEL-treated, and SEL- and EA-treated groups of mice. Mice in the combined treatment group demonstrated significantly better cognitive functions, and lesser neuroinflammation than the comparative groups. In addition, mice treated with a combination of SEL and EA did not demonstrate a direct modulation of insoluble Aβ but demonstrated greater glucose metabolism. Our findings demonstrated that SEL combined with EA treatment was associated with better cognitive functioning due to inhibition of neuroinflammation and increased glucose metabolism relative to the comparative groups in a mouse model with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Cai
- Department of Herbal Medicine Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
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2
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Wei TH, Hsieh CL. Effect of Acupuncture on the p38 Signaling Pathway in Several Nervous System Diseases: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4693. [PMID: 32630156 PMCID: PMC7370084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is clinically used to treat various diseases and exerts positive local and systemic effects in several nervous system diseases. Advanced molecular and clinical studies have continually attempted to decipher the mechanisms underlying these effects of acupuncture. While a growing understanding of the pathophysiology underlying several nervous system diseases shows it to be related to inflammation and impair cell regeneration after ischemic events, the relationship between the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture and the p38 MAPK signal pathway has yet to be elucidated. This review discusses the latest advancements in the identification of the effect of acupuncture on the p38 signaling pathway in several nervous system diseases. We electronically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to April 2020, using the following keywords alone or in various combinations: "acupuncture", "p38 MAPK pathway", "signaling", "stress response", "inflammation", "immune", "pain", "analgesic", "cerebral ischemic injury", "epilepsy", "Alzheimer's disease", "Parkinson's disease", "dementia", "degenerative", and "homeostasis". Manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture confer positive therapeutic effects by regulating proinflammatory cytokines, ion channels, scaffold proteins, and transcription factors including TRPV1/4, Nav, BDNF, and NADMR1; consequently, p38 regulates various phenomena including cell communication, remodeling, regeneration, and gene expression. In this review article, we found the most common acupoints for the relief of nervous system disorders including GV20, GV14, ST36, ST37, and LI4. Acupuncture exhibits dual regulatory functions of activating or inhibiting different p38 MAPK pathways, contributing to an overall improvement of clinical symptoms and function in several nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hsuan Wei
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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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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Cai M, Lee JH, Yang EJ. Electroacupuncture attenuates cognition impairment via anti-neuroinflammation in an Alzheimer's disease animal model. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:264. [PMID: 31836020 PMCID: PMC6909515 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1665-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of cognitive abilities and memory leading to dementia. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a complementary alternative medicine approach, applying an electrical current to acupuncture points. In clinical and animal studies, EA causes cognitive improvements in AD and vascular dementia. However, EA-induced changes in cognition and microglia-mediated amyloid β (Aβ) degradation have not been determined yet in AD animals. Therefore, this study investigated the EA-induced molecular mechanisms causing cognitive improvement and anti-inflammatory activity in five familial mutation (5XFAD) mice, an animal model of AD. Methods 5XFAD mice were bilaterally treated with EA at the Taegye (KI3) acupoints three times per week for 2 weeks. To evaluate the effects of EA treatment on cognitive functions, novel object recognition and Y-maze tests were performed with non-Tg, 5XFAD (Tg), and EA-treated 5XFAD (Tg + KI3) mice. To examine the molecular mechanisms underlying EA effects, western blots, immunohistochemistry, and micro-positron emission tomography scans were performed. Furthermore, we studied synapse ultrastructures with transmission electron microscopy and used electrophysiology to investigate EA effects on synaptic plasticity in 5XFAD mice. Results EA treatment significantly improved working memory and synaptic plasticity, alleviated neuroinflammation, and reduced ultrastructural degradation of synapses via upregulation of synaptophysin and postsynaptic density-95 protein in 5XFAD mice. Furthermore, microglia-mediated Aβ deposition was reduced after EA treatment and coincided with a reduction in amyloid precursor protein. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that EA treatment ameliorates cognitive impairment via inhibition of synaptic degeneration and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Cai
- Department of Herbal Medicine Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 305-811, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Zanin M, Tuñas JM, Menasalvas E. Understanding diseases as increased heterogeneity: a complex network computational framework. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2018.0405. [PMID: 30111665 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the complexity of the human body, most diseases present a high interpersonal variability in the way they manifest, i.e. in their phenotype, which has important clinical repercussions-for instance, the difficulty in defining objective diagnostic rules. Here we explore the hypothesis that signs and symptoms used to define a disease should be understood in terms of the dispersion (as opposed to the average) of physical observables. To that end, we propose a computational framework, based on complex networks theory, to map groups of subjects to a network structure, based on their pairwise phenotypical similarity. We demonstrate that the resulting structure can be used to improve the performance of classification algorithms, especially in the case of a limited number of instances, with both synthetic and real datasets. Beyond providing an alternative conceptual understanding of diseases, the proposed framework could be of special relevance in the growing field of personalized, or N-to-1, medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Zanin
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Tuñas
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernestina Menasalvas
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain
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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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7
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Yen CM, Wu TC, Hsieh CL, Huang YW, Lin YW. Distal Electroacupuncture at the LI4 Acupoint Reduces CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain via the Brain TRPV1 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184471. [PMID: 31510092 PMCID: PMC6769885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence supporting electroacupuncture’s (EA) therapeutic effects. In mice, local EA reliably attenuates inflammatory pain and increases the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1). However, the effect of distal acupoint EA on pain control has rarely been studied. We used a mouse model to investigate the analgesic effect of distal EA by measuring TRPV1 expression in the brain. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was injected into mice’s hind paws to induce inflammatory pain. The EA-treated group received EA at the LI4 acupoint on the bilateral forefeet on the second and the third days, whereas the control group underwent sham manipulation. Mechanical and thermal pain behavior tests showed that the EA-treated group experienced inflammatory pain alleviation immediately after EA, which did not occur in the sham group. Additionally, following CFA injection, the expression of TRPV1-associated molecules such as phosphorylated protein kinase A (pPKA), extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (pERK), and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (pCREB) increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hypothalamus but decreased in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) area. These changes were significantly attenuated by EA but not sham EA. Our results show an analgesic effect of distal EA, which is based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory. The mechanism underlying this analgesic effect involves TRPV1 in the PFC, the hypothalamus, and the PAG. These novel findings are relevant for the evaluation and the treatment of clinical inflammatory pain syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ming Yen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung 42743, Taiwan
| | - Tong-Chien Wu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Wei Huang
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
- School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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8
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Signal Transduction Pathways of Acupuncture for Treating Some Nervous System Diseases. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:2909632. [PMID: 31379957 PMCID: PMC6657648 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2909632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we review signal transduction pathways through which acupuncture treats nervous system diseases. We electronically searched the databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, clinical Key, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inception to December 2018 using the following MeSH headings and keywords alone or in varied combination: acupuncture, molecular, signal transduction, genetic, cerebral ischemic injury, cerebral hemorrhagic injury, stroke, epilepsy, seizure, depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, vascular dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Acupuncture treats nervous system diseases by increasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and involves multiple signal pathways, including p38 MAPKs, Raf/MAPK/ERK 1/2, TLR4/ERK, PI3K/AKT, AC/cAMP/PKA, ASK1-JNK/p38, and downstream CREB, JNK, m-TOR, NF-κB, and Bcl-2/Bax balance. Acupuncture affects synaptic plasticity, causes an increase in neurotrophic factors, and results in neuroprotection, cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation, and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier.
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9
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Ko JH, Lee H, Kim SN, Park HJ. Does Acupuncture Protect Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's Disease Rodent Model?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:102. [PMID: 31139074 PMCID: PMC6517785 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acupuncture has been reported to have significant effects, not only in alleviating impaired motor function, but also rescuing dopaminergic neuron deficits in rodent models of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, a systemic analysis of these beneficial effects has yet to be performed. Objective: To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture in animal models of PD. Methods: A literature search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Research Information Service System, and Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion databases was performed to retrieve studies that investigated the effects of acupuncture on PD. The quality of each included study was evaluated using the 10-item checklist modified from the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies. RevMan version 5.3 (Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) was used for meta-analysis. Results: The 42 studies included scored between 2 and 7 points, with a mean score of 4.6. Outcome measures included tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) level and dopamine content. Meta-analysis results revealed statistically significant effects of acupuncture for increasing both TH levels (33.97 [95% CI 33.15-34.79]; p < 0.00001) and dopamine content (4.23 [95% CI 3.53-4.92]; p < 0.00001) compared with that observed in PD control groups. In addition, motor dysfunctions exhibited by model PD animals were also mitigated by acupuncture treatment. Conclusions: Although there were limitations in the number and quality of the included studies, results of this analysis suggest that acupuncture exerts a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons in rodent models of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Heejae Ko
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea.,Graduate School, Dongguk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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10
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Tamtaji OR, Naderi Taheri M, Notghi F, Alipoor R, Bouzari R, Asemi Z. The effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on Parkinson's disease: Current status and future perspectives for molecular mechanisms. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:12156-12166. [PMID: 30938859 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Among the progressive neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common. Different factors have critical role in pathophysiology of PD such as apoptosis pathways, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters and its receptors abnormalities. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture were considered as nondrug therapies for PD. Although numerous studies has been conducted for assessing the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture and acupuncture, various principal aspects of these treatment procedures remain not well-known. There have also been few investigations on the molecular mechanism of acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy effects in PD. This review evaluates the effects of electroacupuncture and acupuncture on the molecular mechanism in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mojtaba Naderi Taheri
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.,Deptartment of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Fahimeh Notghi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Reza Alipoor
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Reihanesadat Bouzari
- Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
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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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Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Cognitive Deficit and Improves Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Adult Rat with Neonatal Maternal Separation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:2468105. [PMID: 29785188 PMCID: PMC5896274 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2468105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse early-life events is thought to be the risk factors for the development of psychiatric and altered cognitive function in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) treatment in young adult rat would improve impaired cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in adult rat with neonatal maternal separation (MS). Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, MS group, MS with EA treatment (MS + EA) group, and MS with Sham-EA treatment (MS + Sham-EA) group. We evaluated the cognitive function by using Morris water maze and fear conditioning tests. Electrophysiology experiment used in vivo long-term potentiation (LTP) at Schaffer Collateral-CA1 synapses was detected to assess extent of synaptic plasticity. Repeated EA stimulation at Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) during postnatal 9 to 11 weeks was identified to significantly ameliorate poor performance in behavior tests and improve the impaired LTP induction detected at Schaffer Collateral-CA1 synapse in hippocampus. Collectively, the findings suggested that early-life stress due to MS may induce adult cognitive deficit associated with hippocampus, and EA in young adult demonstrated that its therapeutic efficacy may be via ameliorating deficit of hippocampal synaptic plasticity.
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13
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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 TY, Jang EY, Ryu Y, Lee GW, Lee EB, Chang S, Lee JH, Koo JS, Yang CH, Kim HY. Effect of acupuncture on Lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavioral changes: involvement of serotonin system in dorsal Raphe nucleus. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:528. [PMID: 29228944 PMCID: PMC5725650 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Acupuncture has been used as a common therapeutic tool in many disorders including anxiety and depression. Serotonin transporter (SERT) plays an important role in the pathology of anxiety and other mood disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety-like behaviors and SERT in the dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN). Methods Rats were given acupuncture at ST41 (Jiexi), LI11 (Quchi) or SI3 (Houxi) acupoint in LPS-treated rats. Anxiety-like behaviors of elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) were measured and expressions of SERT and/or c-Fos were also examined in the DRN using immunohistochemistry. Results The results showed that 1) acupuncture at ST41 acupoint, but neither LI11 nor SI3, significantly attenuated LPS-induced anxiety-like behaviors in EPM and OFT, 2) acupuncture at ST41 decreased SERT expression increased by LPS in the DRN. Conclusions Our results suggest that acupuncture can ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors, possibly through regulation of SERT in the DRN.
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Xiao LY, Wang XR, Yang Y, Yang JW, Cao Y, Ma SM, Li TR, Liu CZ. Applications of Acupuncture Therapy in Modulating Plasticity of Central Nervous System. Neuromodulation 2017; 21:762-776. [PMID: 29111577 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acupuncture is widely applied for treatment of various neurological disorders. This manuscript will review the preclinical evidence of acupuncture in mediating neural plasticity, the mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched acupuncture, plasticity, and other potential related words at the following sites: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP information data base. The following keywords were used: acupuncture, electroacupuncture, plasticity, neural plasticity, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, neuroblast, stem cell, progenitor cell, BrdU, synapse, synapse structure, synaptogenesis, axon, axon regeneration, synaptic plasticity, LTP, LTD, neurotrophin, neurotrophic factor, BDNF, GDNF, VEGF, bFGF, EGF, NT-3, NT-4, NT-5, p75NTR, neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, noradrenaline, dopamine, monamine. We assessed the effects of acupuncture on plasticity under pathological conditions in this review. RESULTS Relevant references were reviewed and presented to reflect the effects of acupuncture on neural plasticity. The acquired literatures mainly focused on neurogenesis, alterations of synapses, neurotrophins (NTs), and neurotranimitters. Acupuncture methods mentioned in this article include manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture. CONCLUSIONS The cumulative evidences demonstrated that acupuncture could induce neural plasticity in rodents exposed to cerebral ischemia. Neural plasticity mediated by acupuncture in other neural disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression, were also investigated and there is evidence of positive role of acupuncture induced plasticity in these disorders as well. Mediation of neural plasticity by acupuncture is likely associated with its modulation on NTs and neurotransmitters. The exact mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on neural plasticity remain to be elucidated. Neural plasticity may be the potential bridge between acupuncture and the treatment of various neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yong Xiao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Wen Yang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Ming Ma
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Ran Li
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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