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Kang X, Zhang H, Li X, Zhang K, Huang Z, Li Y, Ren X, Chai Y. Electroacupuncture Improving Intestinal Barrier Function in Rats with Irritable Bowel Syndrome Through Regulating Aquaporins. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1143-1155. [PMID: 38421507 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08288-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). In order to explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on intestinal mucosal barrier, this study observed the effect of EA on aquaporins (AQPs), tight junctions (TJs), NF-κB pathway and the gut microbiota in IBS-D rats. METHODS The IBS-D model was established by acetic acid enema combined with chronic restraint method. The effects of EA on the treatment of IBS-D were examined by the abdominal withdrawal reflex score, Bristol's fecal character score, fecal water content, small intestine propulsion rate and HE staining. AQPs, TJs and inflammation-related molecular mechanisms were explored. The fecal samples were applied for 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the effect of EA intervention to the intestinal bacterial abundance. RESULTS EA reduced intestinal sensitization, restored intestinal motility and improved inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, EA improved intestinal inflammation and flora environment significantly, inhibited NF-κB signaling and inflammatory factors (IL-1β and TNF-α). It can also increase the gene and protein expression of AQPs (AQP1, AQP3, and AQP8) and the gene levels of TJs (ZO-1 and Occludin). CONCLUSION EA has an inhibitory effect on the NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulates the proteins of AQP1, AQP3, AQP8, and TJs to restore the balance of water metabolism and intestinal permeability in IBS-D, which also restored the function of the intestinal mucosa by regulating the intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Kang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Honglin Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaying Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11 Beisanhuan East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhansheng Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ren
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yemao Chai
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Yang Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Guo Y, Zhao M, Zhang M, Li Z, Gao F, Luo Y, Wang Y, Cao J, Du M, Wang Y, Lin X, Xu Z. The efficacy and neural mechanism of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1251470. [PMID: 37732301 PMCID: PMC10507180 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1251470] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex functional gastrointestinal disorder primarily characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Chronic abdominal pain caused by visceral Hypersensitivity (VH) is the main reason why patients with IBS seek medication. Significant research effort has been devoted to the efficacy of acupuncture as a non-drug alternative therapy for visceral-hyperalgesia-induced IBS. Herein, we examined the central and peripheral analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in IBS treatment. Acupuncture can improve inflammation and relieve pain by reducing 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-HT3A receptor expression and increasing 5-HT4 receptor expression in peripheral intestinal sensory endings. Moreover, acupuncture can also activate the transient receptor potential vanillin 1 channel, block the activity of intestinal glial cells, and reduce the secretion of local pain-related neurotransmitters, thereby weakening peripheral sensitization. Moreover, by inhibiting the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion channels in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and anterior cingulate cortex or releasing opioids, acupuncture can block excessive stimulation of abnormal pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. It can also stimulate glial cells (through the P2X7 and prokinetic protein pathways) to block VH pain perception and cognition. Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate the emotional components of IBS by targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related hormones and neurotransmitters via relevant brain nuclei, hence improving the IBS-induced VH response. These findings provide a scientific basis for acupuncture as an effective clinical adjuvant therapy for IBS pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Meidan Zhao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongzheng Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Feifei Gao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Luo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiru Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Cao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingfang Du
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuzhe Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Exploring the mechanism by which acupuncture and moxibustion reduce colonic mucosal inflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) based on the P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-023-1364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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Spinal cord astrocyte P2X7Rs mediate the inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on visceral hypersensitivity of rat with irritable bowel syndrome. Purinergic Signal 2023; 19:43-53. [PMID: 35389158 PMCID: PMC9984627 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-021-09830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the role of P2X7 receptors in spinal cord astrocytes in the electroacupuncture-induced inhibition of visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Visceral hypersensitivity of IBS was intracolonically induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension (CRD-20,40,60,80 mmHg) and abdominal withdrawal reflex scoring (AWRs) were recorded after electroacupuncture at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on visceral pain in rats with IBS. Fluorocitric acid (FCA), an astrocyte activity inhibitor, was injected intrathecally before electroacupuncture intervention and AWRs were recorded. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to detect the expression of NMDA and P2X7 receptor to observe the regulation effect of electroacupuncture on NMDA receptor in the spinal cord of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Intrathecal injection of P2X7 agonist or antagonist was administered before electroacupuncture treatment. To observe the effect of P2X7 receptor in spinal astrocytes on the inhibition of visceral hyperalgesia by electroacupuncture, the changes of AWR score, NMDA receptor in the spinal cord, and GFAP expression in astrocytes were detected. Inflammation of the colon had basically subsided at day 21 post-TNBS; persistent visceral hypersensitivity could be suppressed by electroacupuncture. This analgesic effect could be inhibited by FCA. The analgesic effect, downregulation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit, and P2X7 protein of electroacupuncture were all reversed by FCA. P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 can cooperate with EA to carry out analgesic effect in rats with visceral pain and downregulate the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP in spinal dorsal horn. However, the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP could partially reverse the analgesic effect of EA, inhibiting the downregulatory effect of EA on the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP. These results indicate that EA may downregulate the expression of the NMDA receptor by inhibiting the P2X7 receptor in the spinal cord, thereby inhibiting spinal cord sensitization in IBS rats with visceral pain, in which astrocytes are an important medium.
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Yoon CS, Lee GW, Kim MH, Kang SM, Youn CK, Yang JH, Kim EJ, Son HS, Pak SC, Kim SJ, Na CS. Analgesic effects and metabolome analyses of laser- and electro-acupuncture combined therapies in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain model. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1153903. [PMID: 37143500 PMCID: PMC10151682 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1153903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Allodynia, which can be induced by paclitaxel administration, is the presence of pain as a result of a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain. Many studies have investigated the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture, including laser acupuncture (LA) and electroacupuncture (EA). Although pain-related diseases are relatively common, few studies have analyzed the analgesic effects and mechanisms of LA combined with EA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of manual acupuncture (MA), EA, LA, and combined therapy (LA + EA) in a paclitaxel-induced allodynia rat model. Methods A total of 56 rats were classified into eight groups: a normal (Nor, n = 7), a control (Con, n = 7), an MA (n = 7), an EA (n = 7), a 650-nm LA (650LA, n = 7), an 830-nm LA (830LA, n = 7), a 650-nm LA combined with EA (650LA + EA, n = 7), and an 830-nm LA combined with EA group (830LA + EA, n = 7). Allodynia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel every other day for a total of four times except the Nor group. Acupuncture treatments were conducted at the points of Jungwan (CV12) and Joksamni (ST36) once every other day for 6 min, for a total of nine times. Withdrawal response reaction times and force intensity of the foot were measured before the start of the experiment, after the 4th paclitaxel administration (day 8), and after the 9th and last treatment (day 15). On the 16th day, mRNA and protein expression in the spinal nerves was assessed, and a metabolome analysis of the animals' feces was performed. Results and discussion Our analyses show that 650LA + EA treatment resulted in an upregulation of protein expression related to pain relief and nerve regeneration, whereas 830LA + EA treatment led to significant changes in metabolomes. This study demonstrates that a combination treatment of EA and LA can suppress allodynia and promote upregulation of protein expression related to nerve regeneration and is effective in changing the intestinal microbiome. Further large-scale research is required to assess the exact mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of this combination treatment in pain-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Suk Yoon
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Won Lee
- Department of Companion Animal Industry, College of Health and Welfare, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong-Hun Kim
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Kang
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Cha-Kyung Youn
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Yang
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Seok Son
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Seon-Jong Kim
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Seon-Jong Kim,
| | - Chang-Su Na
- School of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
- Chang-Su Na, ;
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Zhang L, Yu C, Chen B, Chao Y, Zhang H, Zhao Q, Yang K, Zhang Y, Chen S. Modulation of colonic function in irritable bowel syndrome rats by electroacupuncture at ST25 and the neurobiological links between ST25 and the colon. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:930489. [PMID: 36507334 PMCID: PMC9731770 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.930489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by abdominal pain and defecation disorders. Acupuncture therapy positively affects IBS, with ST25 being the main point. However, ST25 has mostly been used in conjunction with other acupoints. This study aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 alone in IBS and the neurobiological mechanism of ST25 associated with the colon. First, we observed the effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 on the visceral pain threshold and slow-wave discharge of the colon in IBS model rats. Second, we explored the neurobiological mechanism of ST25 associated with the colon using a neural tracer technique. The results showed that (1) electroacupuncture at ST25 alone can alleviate visceral hypersensitivity and restore normal slow-wave frequency and rhythm of the colon in IBS rats; (2) there is a close neuroanatomical connection between ST25 and the colon, i.e., in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), ST25 is similar in innervation to the colon, mainly in the T8-L1 segment, while the presence of double-labeled positive neurons is present in a part of the DRG; retrogradely labeled motor neurons associated with ST25 were observed in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, and retrogradely labeled sympathetic postganglionic neurons associated with ST25 were observed in the sympathetic nerve chain. These findings suggested that the DRGs and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord are important targets for electroacupuncture at ST25 to reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats. The sympathetic ganglia may be an important site for ST25 to regulate intestinal motility. The neurobiological mechanism of ST25 action in IBS rats should be further investigated in the future by combining related techniques, such as pseudorabies virus, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Biwei Chen
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuqiao Chao
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kaiwei Yang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,Yujiao Zhang,
| | - Shaozong Chen
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Shaozong Chen,
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Li X, Ren K, Hong X, Guo S, Yu S, Yang S. Ameliorating effects of electroacupuncture on the low-grade intestinal inflammation in rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1963-1974. [PMID: 35959628 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM We aim to investigate the effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST25 and ST37 on the intestinal low-grade inflammation (LGI) in rat model of Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). METHODS IBS-D model rats were established by acetic acid enema combined with restraint and tail clamping. Before EA intervention, they were divided into three groups: blank 1 group, blank 2 group, and IBS-D model group. Diarrhea symptoms and visceral pain sensitivity were evaluated. After constructed the model successfully, the remaining IBS-D model group rats were randomly divided into model group and EA group. Local intestinal inflammation (HE staining), changes of intestinal mucosa (occludin protein and microvascular diameter) were evaluated. Differences between two groups were compared using t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Differences among more than two groups were compared using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS After modeling, the results of HE staining in intestinal tract of IBS-D model rats showed LGI. Compared with the model group, 4 h fecal moisture content (diarrhea index) and the AWR score were decreased in the EA group. The results of HE in EA group showed that the infiltration of intestinal inflammatory cells were alleviated. Additionally, EA significantly upregulated the expression of occludin protein and partially dilated the intestinal microvascular diameter. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the symptoms of IBS-D rats were correlated with the changes of intestinal mucosa. CONCLUSION EA may treat intestinal LGI in IBS-D rats by upregulating the expression of occludin protein and dilating the intestinal microvascular diameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuiyu Ren
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hong
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Sha Guo
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuguang Yu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Sha Yang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
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Guo J, Chen L, Wang YH, Song YF, Zhao ZH, Zhao TT, Lin ZY, Gu DM, Liu YQ, Peng YJ, Pei LX, Sun JH. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Post-Inflammatory IBS-Associated Visceral and Somatic Hypersensitivity and Correlates With the Regulatory Mechanism of Epac1-Piezo2 Axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:918652. [PMID: 35865309 PMCID: PMC9294163 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.918652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is considered to have a therapeutic effect in the relief of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-associated visceral hypersensitivity via the reduction of the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-HT3 receptors (5-HT3R). However, whether Epac1/Piezo2, as the upstream of 5-HT, is involved in this process remains unclear. We investigated whether EA at the ST36 and ST37 acupoints alleviated visceral and somatic hypersensitivity in a post-inflammatory IBS (PI-IBS) model mice via the Epac1-Piezo2 axis. In this study, we used 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced PI-IBS as a mouse model. Visceral sensitivity was assessed by the abdominal withdrawal reflex test. Somatic sensitivity was evaluated by the hind paw withdrawal threshold. Quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and Western blotting were performed to examine the expressions of Epac1, Piezo2, 5-HT, and 5-HT3R from the mouse distal colon/L5-S2 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Our results showed that EA improved the increased visceral sensation and peripheral mechanical hyperalgesia in PI-IBS model mice, and the effects of EA were superior to the sham EA. EA significantly decreased the protein and mRNA levels of Epac1 and Piezo2, and reduced 5-HT and 5-HT3R expressions in the distal colon. Knockdown of colonic Piezo2 eliminated the effect of EA on somatic hypersensitivity. Combined knockdown of colonic Epac1 and Piezo2 synergized with EA in relieving visceral hypersensitivity and blocked the effect of EA on somatic hypersensitivity. Additionally, protein levels of Epac1 and Piezo2 were also found to be decreased in the L5-S2 DRGs after EA treatment. Taken together, our study suggested that EA at ST36 and ST37 can alleviate visceral and somatic hypersensitivity in PI-IBS model mice, which is closely related to the regulation of the Epac1-Piezo2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-hang Wang
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya-fang Song
- Acupuncture and Massage College, Health and Rehabilitation College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhan-hao Zhao
- Department of Massage, Danyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Danyang, China
| | - Ting-ting Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-ying Lin
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong-mei Gu
- Department of Acupuncture, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Yun-qi Liu
- Nanjing Foreign Language School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-jun Peng
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong-jun Peng, ; Li-xia Pei, ; Jian-hua Sun,
| | - Li-xia Pei
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong-jun Peng, ; Li-xia Pei, ; Jian-hua Sun,
| | - Jian-hua Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong-jun Peng, ; Li-xia Pei, ; Jian-hua Sun,
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Dunford J, Lee AT, Morgan MM. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Adolescent and Adult Female Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:1040-1047. [PMID: 33727159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a life-long disorder that often begins between the ages of 15 and 30. Anecdotal reports suggest cannabinoids may be an effective treatment. This study sought to determine whether home cage wheel running is an effective method to assess IBD, and whether Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, can restore wheel running depressed by IBD. Adolescent and adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were individually housed in a cage with a running wheel. Rats were injected with trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) into the rectum to induce IBD-like symptoms. One day later, both vehicle and TNBS treated rats were injected with a low dose of THC (0.32 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle. Administration of TNBS depressed wheel running in adolescent and adult rats. No antinociceptive effect of THC was evident when administered 1 day after TNBS. In fact, administration of THC prolonged TNBS-induced depression of wheel running for over 5 days in adolescent and adult rats. These results show that home cage wheel running is depressed by TNBS-induced IBD, making it a useful tool to evaluate the behavioral consequences of IBD, and that administration of THC, instead of producing antinociception, exacerbates TNBS-induced IBD. PERSPECTIVE: This article advances research on inflammatory bowel disease in two important ways: 1) Home cage wheel running is a new and sensitive tool to assess the behavioral consequences of IBD in adolescent and adult rats; and 2) Administration of the cannabinoid THC exacerbates the negative behavioral effects of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Dunford
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA
| | - Andrea T Lee
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA
| | - Michael M Morgan
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA.
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10
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Guo J, Lu G, Chen L, Geng H, Wu X, Chen H, Li Y, Yuan M, Sun J, Pei L. Regulation of serum microRNA expression by acupuncture in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Acupunct Med 2021; 40:34-42. [PMID: 34231397 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211027892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To screen for differentially expressed serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) compared with healthy participants and explore the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS-D based on miRNAs. METHODS IBS-D patients that met the Rome III diagnostic criteria and age- and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled between April 2017 and December 2017. Serum miRNA levels were initially determined using a TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) in pooled samples. Markedly altered miRNAs in IBS-D patients were subsequently validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on individual samples. All IBS-D patients accepted the acupuncture therapy for 6 weeks. The disease severity was assessed using the IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) questionnaire before and after treatment. After acupuncture, the patients' serum was re-analyzed for altered expression of the miRNAs by qRT-PCR. RESULTS TLDA and qRT-PCR analysis revealed six upregulated miRNAs (miR-1305, miR-575, miR-149-5p, miR-190a-5p, miR-135a-5p, and miR-148a-3p; P < 0.05) and two downregulated miRNAs (miR-194-5p, miR-127-5p; P < 0.05) in IBS-D patients compared with healthy controls. Post acupuncture treatment, total IBS-SSS scores, severity of abdominal pain, duration of abdominal pain, severity of abdominal distention, dissatisfaction with bowel habits and disruption in quality of life decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the upregulated miR-148a-3p levels in IBS-D patients also decreased significantly after acupuncture (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The over-expression or reduced expression of several miRNAs may contribute to IBS-D pathogenesis. Acupuncture might downregulate miR-148a-3p through multiple pathways to alleviate or relieve IBS-D symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR-IOR-17010860 (Chinese Clinical Trials Registry).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- School of First Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Gao Lu
- School of Second Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Second Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengqian Yuan
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhua Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Pei
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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11
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Wang X, Li Q, Han X, Gong M, Yu Z, Xu B. Electroacupuncture Alleviates Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy by Regulating Glycolipid-Related GLO/AGEs/RAGE Axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:655591. [PMID: 34295304 PMCID: PMC8290521 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.655591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and affects over one-third of all patients. Neuropathic pain and nerve dysfunction induced by DM is related to the increase of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) produced by reactive dicarbonyl compounds in a hyperglycemia environment. AGEs induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines via the main receptor (RAGE), which has been documented to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to have a positive effect on paralgesia caused by various diseases, but the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we used high-fat-fed low-dose streptozotocin-induced rats as a model of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Persistent metabolic disorder led to mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, as well as intraepidermal nerve fiber density reduction and nerve demyelination. EA improved neurological hyperalgesia, decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced the generation of AGEs and RAGE, and regulated the glyoxalase system in the EA group. Taken together, our study suggested that EA plays a role in the treatment of T2DM-induced DPN, and is probably related to the regulation of metabolism and the secondary influence on the GLO/AGE/RAGE axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhi Yu
- *Correspondence: Zhi Yu, ; Bin Xu,
| | - Bin Xu
- *Correspondence: Zhi Yu, ; Bin Xu,
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12
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Abboud C, Duveau A, Bouali-Benazzouz R, Massé K, Mattar J, Brochoire L, Fossat P, Boué-Grabot E, Hleihel W, Landry M. Animal models of pain: Diversity and benefits. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:108997. [PMID: 33188801 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a maladaptive neurological disease that remains a major health problem. A deepening of our knowledge on mechanisms that cause pain is a prerequisite to developing novel treatments. A large variety of animal models of pain has been developed that recapitulate the diverse symptoms of different pain pathologies. These models reproduce different pain phenotypes and remain necessary to examine the multidimensional aspects of pain and understand the cellular and molecular basis underlying pain conditions. In this review, we propose an overview of animal models, from simple organisms to rodents and non-human primates and the specific traits of pain pathologies they model. We present the main behavioral tests for assessing pain and investing the underpinning mechanisms of chronic pathological pain. The validity of animal models is analysed based on their ability to mimic human clinical diseases and to predict treatment outcomes. Refine characterization of pathological phenotypes also requires to consider pain globally using specific procedures dedicated to study emotional comorbidities of pain. We discuss the limitations of pain models when research findings fail to be translated from animal models to human clinics. But we also point to some recent successes in analgesic drug development that highlight strategies for improving the predictive validity of animal models of pain. Finally, we emphasize the importance of using assortments of preclinical pain models to identify pain subtype mechanisms, and to foster the development of better analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Abboud
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon
| | - Alexia Duveau
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Rabia Bouali-Benazzouz
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Karine Massé
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Joseph Mattar
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon
| | - Louison Brochoire
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pascal Fossat
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Eric Boué-Grabot
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Walid Hleihel
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon
| | - Marc Landry
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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13
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Baek JY, Trinh TA, Huh W, Song JH, Kim HY, Lim J, Kim J, Choi HJ, Kim TH, Kang KS. Electro-Acupuncture Alleviates Cisplatin-Induced Anorexia in Rats by Modulating Ghrelin and Monoamine Neurotransmitters. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100624. [PMID: 31635295 PMCID: PMC6843597 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia is common in patients with cancer, mostly as a side effect of chemotherapy. The effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on ameliorating cancer-related symptoms have been studied in animal models and in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to determine optimal conditions for the application of EA to alleviate anorexia, followed by the study of molecular mechanisms affecting its therapeutics. Anorexia was induced in male Wistar rats by injecting cisplatin, which was then followed by EA treatment at CV12, the acupuncture point located in the center of the abdominal midline. Body weight and food intake were measured daily throughout the duration of the study. The levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the plasma were quantitatively analyzed by HPLC-ECD. Gastrointestinal hormone concentrations were elucidated with ELISA kits. RT-qPCR was performed to evaluate the mRNA expression of ghrelin (GHRL), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and pro-opiomelanocortin. The expression of c-Fos in the nucleus tractus solitarii was detected using western blotting analysis. The optimal conditions of EA to alleviate anorexia in rats was determined to be 1 unit for intensity and 10 Hz for frequency. EA treatment at CV12 reduced the levels of plasma monoamine neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine, and norepinephrine; as well as stimulated the expression of GHRL and NPY to alleviate cisplatin-induced anorexia in rats. EA stimulation at CV12 could be used to treat cisplatin-induced anorexia in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yun Baek
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology, Jinju 52725, Korea.
| | - Tuy An Trinh
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
| | - Wonsang Huh
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
| | - Ji Hoon Song
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
| | - Hyun Young Kim
- Department of Food Science, Gyeongnam National University of Science and Technology, Jinju 52725, Korea.
| | - Juhee Lim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea.
| | - Jinhee Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea.
| | - Hyun Jin Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea.
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine Hospital, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea.
| | - Ki Sung Kang
- College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Korea.
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14
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Bae SJ, Lim J, Lee S, Choi H, Jang JH, Kim YK, Oh JY, Park JH, Jung HS, Chae Y, In SI, Park HJ. Augmented Mechanical Forces of the Surface-Modified Nanoporous Acupuncture Needles Elicit Enhanced Analgesic Effects. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:652. [PMID: 31281240 PMCID: PMC6596406 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, clinical studies have shown significant analgesic effects of acupuncture. The efficacy of acupuncture treatment has improved with the recent development of nanoporous needles (PN), which are produced by modifying the needle surface using nanotechnology. Herein, we showed that PN at acupoint ST36 produces prolonged analgesic effects in an inflammatory pain model; the analgesic effects of PN acupuncture were sustained over 2 h, while those using a conventional needle (CN) lasted only 30 min. In addition, the PN showed greater therapeutic effects than CN after 10 acupuncture treatments once per day for 10 days. We explored how the porous surface of the PN contributes to changes in local tissue, which may in turn result in enhanced analgesic effects. We showed that the PN has greater rotational torque and pulling force than the CN, particularly at acupoints ST36 and LI11, situated on thick muscle layers. Additionally, in ex vivo experiments, the PN showed greater winding of subcutaneous connective tissues and muscle layers. Our results suggest that local mechanical forces are augmented by the PN and its nanoporous surface, contributing to the enhanced and prolonged analgesic effects of PN acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Jeong Bae
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junsik Lim
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Semyung University, Jecheon, South Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, South Korea
| | - Hansaem Choi
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jang
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu-Kang Kim
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ju-Young Oh
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hun Park
- Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyuk-Sang Jung
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Younbyung Chae
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Il In
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.,Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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15
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Electroacupuncture Relieves Visceral Hypersensitivity by Inactivating Protease-Activated Receptor 2 in a Rat Model of Postinfectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:7048584. [PMID: 30420896 PMCID: PMC6211213 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7048584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The role of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) has yet to be elucidated. Aim In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the analgesic effect of EA in a rat model of PI-IBS. Methods Visceral hypersensitivity was evaluated by the abdominal withdrawal reflex test before and after administration of the PAR2 agonist, PAR2-AP, and/or EA. The protein expression and mRNA levels of PAR2, CGRP, SP, and TPSP in colon tissues were measured by immunofluorescence, western blot, and RT-PCR. Results We found that EA could alleviate VH and significantly decrease protein and mRNA levels of PAR2, TPSP, CGRP, and SP in PI-IBS rats. The analgesic effect of EA on VH was slightly reduced in the presence of PAR2-AP. Conclusions These results suggest that EA alleviates VH symptoms through downregulation of the levels of the TPSP/PAR2/SP/CGRP signaling axis in colon tissues in PI-IBS rats. Together, our data suggests that PAR2 plays a critical role in the analgesic effect of EA on VH in PI-IBS.
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