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Zhao YL, Yi HY, Baba SS, Guo YX, Yuan XC, Hou XM, Liang LL, Huo FQ. Activation of 5-HT 6 Receptors in the Ventrolateral Orbital Cortex Produces Anti-Anxiodepressive Effects in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04314-1. [PMID: 38963532 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The comorbidity of anxiety and depression frequently occurs in patients with neuropathic pain. The ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) plays a critical role in mediating neuropathic pain and anxiodepression in rodents. Previous studies suggested that 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO are involved in neuropathic pain. Strong evidence supports a close link between 5-HT6 receptors and affective disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO are involved in neuropathic pain-induced anxiodepression. Using a rat neuropathic pain model of spared nerve injury (SNI), we demonstrated that rats exhibited significant anxiodepression-like behaviors and the expression of VLO 5-HT6 receptors obviously decreased four weeks after SNI surgery. Microinjection of the 5-HT6 receptor agonist EMD-386088 into the VLO or overexpression of VLO 5-HT6 receptors alleviated anxiodepression-like behaviors. These effects were blocked by pre-microinjection of a selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist (SB-258585) or inhibitors of AC (SQ-22536), PKA (H89), and MEK1/2 (U0126) respectively. Meanwhile, the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the VLO decreased four weeks after SNI surgery. Furthermore, administration of EMD-386088 upregulated the expression of BDNF, p-ERK, and p-CREB in the VLO of SNI rats, which were reversed by pre-injection of SB-258585. These findings suggest that activating 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO has anti-anxiodepressive effects in rats with neuropathic pain via activating AC-cAMP-PKA-MERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Accordingly, 5-HT6 receptor in the VLO could be a potential target for the treatment of the comorbidity of neuropathic pain and anxiodepression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui-Yuan Yi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sani Sa'idu Baba
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xue-Mei Hou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ling-Li Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Wang W, Yuan M, Xu Y, Yang J, Wang X, Zhou Y, Yu Z, Lu Z, Wang Y, Hu C, Bai Q, Li Z. Prokineticin-2 Participates in Chronic Constriction Injury-Triggered Neuropathic Pain and Anxiety via Regulated by NF-κB in Nucleus Accumbens Shell in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2764-2783. [PMID: 37934398 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03680-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is an intractable pain that results from primary nervous system injury and dysfunction. Herein, we demonstrated in animal models that peripheral nerve injury induced enhanced pain perception and anxiety-like behaviors. According to previous reports, nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell is required for complete expression of neuropathic pain behaviors and mood alternations, we found the elevated mRNA and protein level of Prokineticin-2 (Prok2) in the NAc shell after Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI). Prok2 knockdown in the NAc shell reversed NP and anxiety-like behaviors in rats, indicating that Prok2 might play a fundamental role in NP and anxiety co-morbidity. CCI significantly enhanced Prok2 co-expression with NF-κB P-p65 in comparison with control animals. In addition to reversing the established nociceptive hypersensitivities and anxiety simultaneously, NAc microinjection of NF-κB siRNA or specific inhibitor PDTC reversed Prok2 upregulation. Besides, Prok2 was significantly decreased in vitro when co-transfected with si-NF-κB. Dual-Luciferase assay showed NF-κB directly activated Prok2 gene transcriptional activity. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms behind NP and comorbid anxiety. The NF-κB/Prok2 pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for NP and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yaowei Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingjie Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhixiang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhongyuan Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chenge Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zhisong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.2, Jingba Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Coelho DRA, Gersten M, Jimenez AS, Fregni F, Cassano P, Vieira WF. Treating neuropathic pain and comorbid affective disorders: Preclinical and clinical evidence. Pain Pract 2024. [PMID: 38572653 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuropathic pain (NP) significantly impacts quality of life and often coexists with affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. Addressing both NP and its psychiatric manifestations requires a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic options. This study aimed to review the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for NP and comorbid affective disorders to describe their mechanisms of action and how they are commonly used in clinical practice. METHODS A review was conducted across five electronic databases, focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for NP and its associated affective disorders. The following combination of MeSH and title/abstract keywords were used: "neuropathic pain," "affective disorders," "depression," "anxiety," "treatment," and "therapy." Both animal and human studies were included to discuss the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of these interventions. RESULTS Pharmacological interventions, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, modulate neural synaptic transmission to alleviate NP. Topical agents, such as capsaicin, lidocaine patches, and botulinum toxin A, offer localized relief by desensitizing pain pathways. Some of these drugs, especially antidepressants, also treat comorbid affective disorders. Non-pharmacological techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and photobiomodulation therapy, modulate cortical activity and have shown promise for NP and mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS The interconnection between NP and comorbid affective disorders necessitates holistic therapeutic strategies. Some pharmacological treatments can be used for both conditions, and non-pharmacological interventions have emerged as promising complementary approaches. Future research should explore novel molecular pathways to enhance treatment options for these interrelated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Richer Araujo Coelho
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maia Gersten
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Felipe Fregni
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paolo Cassano
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Yang P, Wang T, He YJ, Su SY. Research Trends of Acupuncture Therapy for Chronic Pain-Related Depression or Anxiety from 2003 to 2023: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res 2023; 16:4301-4315. [PMID: 38116394 PMCID: PMC10729835 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s436434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain (CP) as a long-lasting stressor can often cause mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. The comorbidity of CP and mood disorders poses challenges for treatment and increases healthcare costs. Acupuncture has emerged as a widely utilized approach to alleviate both CP and mood disorders. However, there is a lack of well-established bibliometric analyses in this area of research. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the current hotspots and research trends regarding the use of acupuncture for treating CP-related depression or anxiety. Methods We searched the Web of Science Core Collection spanning from 2003 to 2023 to identify relevant literature about the use of acupuncture for treating CP-related depression or anxiety. Bibliometric and visualization analyses were performed using CiteSpace 5.7.R5 and Vosviewer 1.6.19 software. Results A total of 254 articles published between 2003 and 2023 were included, revealing an upward trajectory with some fluctuations in publication numbers over the past two decades. China and the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine were the most productive country and institution in this field. Fang JQ and Vickers AJ ascended as the most prolific and influential authors, respectively. Trials was the journal with the highest number of publications, while Pain and BMJ-British Medical Journal exhibited the highest citation and centrality, respectively. "Acupuncture", "depression", and "chronic pain" were the top three keywords. The hotspots in this domain encompass types of chronic pain that predispose to negative mood, including fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and neuropathic pain. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), mechanisms, and evidence-based evaluations are the main research directions. Conclusion This study uses bibliometric techniques to analyze the research hotspots and forefronts of acupuncture as a therapeutic approach for CP-related depression or anxiety. Our objective is to provide researchers with valuable references and identify research focal points for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jun He
- Faculty of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Yong Su
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Preventive Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
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Xu Y, Zhu X, Chen Y, Chen Y, Zhu Y, Xiao S, Wu M, Wang Y, Zhang C, Wu Z, He X, Liu B, Shen Z, Shao X, Fang J. Electroacupuncture alleviates mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic neuropathic pain via regulating rostral anterior cingulate cortex-dorsal raphe nucleus neural circuit. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4043-4058. [PMID: 37401033 PMCID: PMC10651964 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Epidemiological studies in patients with neuropathic pain have demonstrated a strong association between neuropathic pain and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety. Preclinical and clinical work has demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) effectively alleviates anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic neuropathic pain. In this study, a potential neural circuitry underlying the therapeutic action of EA was investigated. METHODS The effects of EA stimulation on mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in animal models of spared nerve injury (SNI) were examined. EA plus chemogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic (Glu) neurons projecting from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACCGlu ) to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was used to explore the changes of mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in SNI mice. RESULTS Electroacupuncture significantly alleviated both mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors with increased activities of glutamatergic neurons in the rACC and serotoninergic neurons in the DRN. Chemogenetic activation of the rACCGlu -DRN projections attenuated both mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in mice at day 14 after SNI. Chemogenetic inhibition of the rACCGlu -DRN pathway did not induce mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors under physiological conditions, but inhibiting this pathway produced anxiety-like behaviors in mice at day 7 after SNI; this effect was reversed by EA. EA plus activation of the rACCGlu -DRN circuit did not produce a synergistic effect on mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors. The analgesic and anxiolytic effects of EA could be blocked by inhibiting the rACCGlu -DRN pathway. CONCLUSIONS The role of rACCGlu -DRN circuit may be different during the progression of chronic neuropathic pain and these changes may be related to the serotoninergic neurons in the DRN. These findings describe a novel rACCGlu -DRN pathway through which EA exerts analgesic and anxiolytic effects in SNI mice exhibiting anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Xixiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yuerong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yeqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Siqi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zenmin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaofen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Boyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zui Shen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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Miao C, Li X, Zhang Y. Effect of acupuncture on BDNF signaling pathways in several nervous system diseases. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1248348. [PMID: 37780709 PMCID: PMC10536971 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1248348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the understanding of the mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of neurological disorders has deepened, and considerable progress has been made in basic and clinical research on acupuncture, but the relationship between acupuncture treatment mechanisms and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has not yet been elucidated. A wealth of evidence has shown that acupuncture exhibits a dual regulatory function of activating or inhibiting different BDNF pathways. This review focuses on recent research advances on the effect of acupuncture on BDNF and downstream signaling pathways in several neurological disorders. Firstly, the signaling pathways of BDNF and its function in regulating plasticity are outlined. Furthermore, this review discusses explicitly the regulation of BDNF by acupuncture in several nervous system diseases, including neuropathic pain, Parkinson's disease, cerebral ischemia, depression, spinal cord injury, and other diseases. The underlying mechanisms of BDNF regulation by acupuncture are also discussed. This review aims to improve the theoretical system of the mechanism of acupuncture action through further elucidation of the mechanism of acupuncture modulation of BDNF in the treatment of neurological diseases and to provide evidence to support the wide application of acupuncture in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxin Miao
- Second Clinical Medical School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- Department of Acupuncture, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yishu Zhang
- Second Clinical Medical School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Su N, Cai P, Dou Z, Yin X, Xu H, He J, Li Z, Li C. Brain nuclei and neural circuits in neuropathic pain and brain modulation mechanisms of acupuncture: a review on animal-based experimental research. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1243231. [PMID: 37712096 PMCID: PMC10498311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1243231] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is known to be associated with abnormal changes in specific brain regions, but the complex neural network behind it is vast and complex and lacks a systematic summary. With the help of various animal models of NP, a literature search on NP brain regions and circuits revealed that the related brain nuclei included the periaqueductal gray (PAG), lateral habenula (LHb), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); the related brain circuits included the PAG-LHb and mPFC-ACC. Moreover, acupuncture and injurious information can affect different brain regions and influence brain functions via multiple aspects to play an analgesic role and improve synaptic plasticity by regulating the morphology and structure of brain synapses and the expression of synapse-related proteins; maintain the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons by regulating the secretion of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain tissues; inhibit the overactivation of glial cells and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins to reduce neuroinflammation in brain regions; maintain homeostasis of glucose metabolism and regulate the metabolic connections in the brain; and play a role in analgesia through the mediation of signaling pathways and signal transduction molecules. These factors help to deepen the understanding of NP brain circuits and the brain mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Su
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Pingping Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dou
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yin
- Department of Science and Education, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Laiwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese, Jinan, China
| | - Jing He
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- International Office, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
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Wang Y, Jin Z, Sun L, Fu H, Zhang X, Li M, Fan J. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System -29 Domains Interaction in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain During Acupuncture: A Pilot Study. Med Acupunct 2023; 35:117-126. [PMID: 37351448 PMCID: PMC10282801 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2023.0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This pilot study explored interactions of domains of physical, psychologic, and social factors in the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®)-29 system and their dynamic changes during acupuncture treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Materials and Methods PROMIS-29 profile, version 2.1 was applied among participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain, who received acupuncture treatment for 5 weeks. Data from function-oriented and symptom-oriented domains as well as changes in pain intensity were evaluated at weeks 0, 3, and 5, in 9 patients who completed full sessions. Scores of the domains were analyzed by hierarchical cluster analysis at each timepoint to identify the patterns of interactions of PROMIS domains. Results Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the existence of 2 main clusters: one consisting of pain, fatigue, and emotional domains; the other comprising physical function and social domains. The general pattern was stable but interactions were found throughout the treatment. The score for sleep disturbance did not improve but was correlated with different domains at varying stages of treatment. Conclusions Interaction between 2 clusters of pain with fatigue and emotional domains; and physical function with social domains showed that acupuncture produces holistic reductions in chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the limitation of sample size and bias in this pilot study requires future research on the need to adopt an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to the recovery of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, who have dynamic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Zhenni Jin
- AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Luning Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyang Fu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Fan
- AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Austin, TX, USA
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Exogenous melatonin alleviates neuropathic pain-induced affective disorders by suppressing NF-κB/ NLRP3 pathway and apoptosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2111. [PMID: 36747075 PMCID: PMC9902529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28418-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of melatonin (MLT) on neuropathic pain (NP)-induced anxiety and depression in a rat model. Adult male rats were separated into four groups, i.e., Sham-VEH: healthy animals received a vehicle, Sham-MLT (10 mg/kg), and chronic constrictive injury (CCI)-VEH: nerve ligation received the vehicle, and CCI-MLT. Next, we used behavioral tests to evaluate pain severity, anxiety, and depression. Finally, rats were sacrificed for molecular and histopathological studies. Behavioral tests showed that NP could induce depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. NP activated NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways by upregulating NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, active Caspase-1, also enhancing the concentrations of cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HC). NP upregulated Bax, downregulated Bcl2, and increased cell apoptosis in the HC and PFC. The rats treated with MLT eliminated the effects of NP, as the reduced pain severity, improved anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, ameliorated NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, and modulated levels of cytokines in the HC and PFC. MLT could promote cell survival from apoptosis by modulating Bax and Bcl2. Therefore, it might be inferred that its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties mediate the beneficial effects of MLT in NP-induced affective disorders.
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Effects of NADPH Oxidase Isoform-2 (NOX2) Inhibition on Behavioral Responses and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Neuropathic Pain. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020416. [PMID: 36830952 PMCID: PMC9953009 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
NADPH oxidase isoform-2 (NOX2) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain (NP), mostly through the modulation of neuroinflammation. Since it is also accepted that some neuroimmune mechanisms underlying NP are sex-dependent, we aimed to evaluate the effects of early systemic treatment with the NOX2-selective inhibitor (NOX2i) GSK2795039 on behavioral responses and spinal neuroinflammation in spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced NP in male and female mice. Mechanical sensitivity was evaluated with the von Frey test, while general well-being and anxiety-like behavior were assessed with burrowing and light/dark box tests. Spinal microglial activation and cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, as well as macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were evaluated by immunofluorescence and multiplex immunoassay, respectively. NOX2i treatment reduced SNI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and early SNI-induced microglial activation in both sexes. SNI-females, but not males, showed a transient reduction in burrowing activity. NOX2i treatment did not improve their burrowing activity, but tendentially reduced their anxiety-like behavior. NOX2i marginally decreased IL-6 in females, and increased M-CSF in males. Our findings suggest that NOX2-selective inhibition may be a potential therapeutic strategy for NP in both male and female individuals, with particular interest in females due to its apparent favorable impact in anxiety-like behavior.
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Abdul M, Yan HQ, Zhao WN, Lyu XB, Xu Z, Yu XL, Gao YH, Cao JL. VTA-NAc glutaminergic projection involves in the regulation of pain and pain-related anxiety. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1083671. [PMID: 36590915 PMCID: PMC9798784 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1083671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Besides the established role of dopamine neurons and projections in nociceptive stimuli, the involvement of ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamatergic projections to nucleus accumbens (NAc) in pain remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to examine the role of VTA glutamatergic projections to NAc in painful stimuli and its related behavioral changes. Methods Unilateral chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve or intraplantar hind paw injections (i.pl.) of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) were used to develop pathological pain models in wild-type and VGluT2-Cre mice. The involvement of VTA glutamatergic neurons with projections to NAc in CCI-induced pain model was noted by c-Fos labeling and firing rate recordings. Pain response and pain-related behavior changes to the artificial manipulation of the VTA glutamatergic projections to NAc were observed by Hargreaves tests, von Frey tests, open field tests, elevated maze tests, and sucrose preference tests. Results Glutamatergic neurons in VTA had efferent inputs to shell area of the NAc. The CCI pain model significantly increased neuronal activity and firing rate in VTA glutamate neurons with projections to NAc. The photoinhibition of these glutamatergic projections relieved CCI-induced neuropathic pain and CFA-induced acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Moreover, pathological neuropathic pain-induced anxiety and less sucrose preference were also relieved by inhibiting the VTA glutamatergic projections to NAc. Conclusion Together, glutamatergic inputs from VTA to NAc contribute to chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain and pain-related anxiety and depressive behaviors, providing a mechanism for developing novel therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mannan Abdul
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hao-Qi Yan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei-Nan Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Lyu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Yu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Hong Gao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jun-Li Cao,
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12
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Ma C, Zou Y, Ye Y, Cao M, Yan X. Progress in the mechanism of acupuncture intervention on pain emotion and pain cognition mediated by limbic system. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-022-1351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPain is a complex physiological and psychological activity, involving at least three dimensions, including pain sensation, pain emotion, and pain cognition. Acupuncture can clearly relieve the pain sensation of patients and improve pain emotion and pain cognition induced by pain; acupuncture participates in the multi-dimensional regulation of pain through brain regions of the limbic system such as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala (AMY), and hippocampus. By analyzing relevant literature, it has been found that the regulation of acupuncture on pain emotion is mainly related to the activation of pertinent opioid receptors in the ACC, the decrease of the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and the promotion of the expression of glutamic acid (Glu) A1, metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 (mGluR1), and γ-aminobutyric acid aminobutyric acid (GABA) B2 protein in the AMY. The regulation of acupuncture on pain cognition is mainly related to the elevation of the expression of protein kinase A (PKA) and phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-p38 MAPK) and the inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/PKA/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the ACC.
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13
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Liang Y, Zhou J, Du JY, Shao XM, Fang JQ. Prospects for the development of acupuncture analgesia from an international perspective. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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14
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Jia YZ, Li HT, Zhang GM, Wu HY, Zhang SS, Zhi HW, Wang YH, Zhu JW, Wang YF, Xu XQ, Tian CJ, Cui WQ. Electroacupuncture alleviates orofacial allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors by regulating synaptic plasticity of the CA1 hippocampal region in a mouse model of trigeminal neuralgia. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:979483. [PMID: 36277498 PMCID: PMC9582442 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.979483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), one of the most severe and debilitating chronic pain conditions, is often accompanied by mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a characteristic therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine with analgesic and anxiolytic effects. This study aimed to investigate whether EA ameliorates abnormal TN orofacial pain and anxiety-like behavior by altering synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus CA1. Materials and methods A mouse infraorbital nerve transection model (pT-ION) of neuropathic pain was established, and EA or sham EA was used to treat ipsilateral acupuncture points (GV20-Baihui and ST7-Xiaguan). Golgi-Cox staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were administrated to observe the changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus CA1. Results Stable and persistent orofacial allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors induced by pT-ION were related to changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Golgi stainings showed a decrease in the density of dendritic spines, especially mushroom-type dendritic spines, in hippocampal CA1 neurons of pT-ION mice. TEM results showed that the density of synapses, membrane thickness of the postsynaptic density, and length of the synaptic active zone were decreased, whereas the width of the synaptic cleft was increased in pT-ION mice. EA attenuated pT-ION-induced orofacial allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors and effectively reversed the abnormal changes in dendritic spines and synapse of the hippocampal CA1 region. Conclusion EA modulates synaptic plasticity of hippocampal CA1 neurons, thereby reducing abnormal orofacial pain and anxiety-like behavior. This provides evidence for a TN treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhi Jia
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guang-Ming Zhang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Yun Wu
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Shuo Zhang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhi
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Han Wang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhu
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang-Qing Xu
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cai-Jun Tian
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Cui
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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15
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Neurocircuit of chronic pain and pain-induced negative emotions and regulatory mechanisms of electroacupuncture. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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Zhu X, Xu Y, Shen Z, Zhang H, Xiao S, Zhu Y, Wu M, Chen Y, Wu Z, Xu Y, He X, Liu B, Liu J, Du J, Sun J, Fang J, Shao X. Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex–Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Circuit Underlies Electroacupuncture to Alleviate Hyperalgesia but Not Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice With Spared Nerve Injury. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:757628. [PMID: 35095390 PMCID: PMC8789679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.757628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common cause of chronic pain and is often accompanied by negative emotions, making it complex and difficult to treat. However, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying these symptoms remain unclear. Herein, we present a novel pathway associated with comorbid chronic pain and anxiety. Using chemogenetic methods, we found that activation of glutamatergic projections from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACCGlu) to the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) induced both hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors in sham mice. Inhibition of the rACCGlu-vlPAG pathway reduced anxiety-like behaviors and hyperalgesia in the spared nerve injury (SNI) mice model; moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) effectively alleviated these symptoms. Investigation of the related mechanisms revealed that the chemogenetic activation of the rACCGlu-vlPAG circuit effectively blocked the analgesic effect of EA in the SNI mice model but did not affect the chronic pain-induced negative emotions. This study revealed a novel pathway, the rACCGlu-vlPAG pathway, that mediates neuropathic pain and pain-induced anxiety.
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Jiang M, Chen X, Zhang L, Liu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Zheng M. Electroacupuncture suppresses glucose metabolism and GLUT-3 expression in medial prefrontal cortical in rats with neuropathic pain. Biol Res 2021; 54:24. [PMID: 34362470 PMCID: PMC8344173 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-021-00348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation could effectively alleviate neuropathic pain. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a vital part of the cortical representation of pain in the brain, and its glucose metabolism is mostly affected in the progression of pain. However, the central mechanism of EA analgesia remains unclear. Methods Fifty-four male SD rats were equally randomized into sham surgery (Sham) group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group and EA stimulation (EA) group. The CCI model, involving ligature of the right sciatic nerve, was established in all animals except the Sham group. EA stimulation was applied on the right side acupoints of Huantiao (GB30) and Yanglingquan (GB34) in the EA group. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw thermal withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured. The 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) was used to evaluate glucose metabolism changes in the mPFC. The expression of glucose transporter 3 (GLUT-3) in the mPFC was determined by immune histochemistry and ELISA. Results Comparing with CCI groups, EA treatment was obviously reversed CCI-induced mechanical allodynia (P < 0.01), thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0.01) and the increase of glucose metabolism in the left mPFC (P < 0.05). Furthermore, EA treatment significantly decreased the protein expression of GLUT-3 in the left mPFC (P < 0.01). Conclusions Our results indicate that EA analgesia effect may be related to suppressing the glucose metabolism and GLUT-3 expression in the mPFC. This study could provide a potential insight into the central mechanisms involved in the analgesic effect of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghong Jiang
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Liangping Zhang
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Weiting Liu
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangmei Yu
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China
| | - Zhifu Wang
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China. .,Key Laboratory of Orthopedics & Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
| | - Meifeng Zheng
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian, China.
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18
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Shao F, Fang J, Qiu M, Wang S, Xi D, Shao X, He X, Fang J, Du J. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Chronic Inflammatory Pain-Related Anxiety by Activating PV Interneurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:691931. [PMID: 34290586 PMCID: PMC8287862 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.691931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain is a common clinical disease that tends to be associated with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in pain and pain-related anxiety, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons play an important role in chronic pain and anxiety. Electroacupuncture (EA) has good analgesic and antianxiety effect, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we established a chronic inflammatory pain model and observed that this model induced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased the numbers of parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SOM) positive cells. Activation of PV but not SOM interneurons by chemogenetic techniques alleviated anxiety-like behaviors and pain sensation. EA treatment improved pain sensation, anxiety-like behaviors and increased the number of PV- positive cells in the ACC, but did not affect on the number of SOM-positive cells in the ACC. Moreover, specific inhibition of PV interneurons by chemogenetic methods reversed the analgesic and antianxiety effects of EA. These results suggest that EA ameliorates chronic inflammatory pain and pain-related anxiety by upregulating PV but not SOM interneurons in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbing Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfan Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danning Xi
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofen He
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junying Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Zhang XH, Feng CC, Pei LJ, Zhang YN, Chen L, Wei XQ, Zhou J, Yong Y, Wang K. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Neuropathic Pain and Comorbid Negative Behavior: The Involvement of the Dopamine System in the Amygdala. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:657507. [PMID: 34025342 PMCID: PMC8137986 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.657507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NeuP) is an important clinical problem accompanying negative mood symptoms. Neuroinflammation in the amygdala is critically involved in NeuP, and the dopamine (DA) system acts as an important endogenous anti-inflammatory pathway. Electroacupuncture (EA) can improve the clinical outcomes in NeuP, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of EA on pain and pain-related depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors and explore the role of the DA system in the effects of EA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the chronic constrictive injury (CCI) model to induce NeuP. EA treatment was carried out for 30 min once every other day for 3 weeks. The results showed that CCI caused mechanical hyperalgesia and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in rats and neuroinflammation in the amygdala, such as an increased protein level of TNFα and IL-1β and activation of astrocytes. EA treatment significantly improved mechanical allodynia and the emotional dysfunction induced by CCI. The effects of EA were accompanied by markedly decreased expression of TNFα, IL-1β, and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) in the amygdala. Moreover, EA treatment reversed CCI-induced down-regulation of DA concentration, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, and DRD1 and DRD2 receptors. These results suggest that EA-ameliorated NeuP may possibly be associated with the DA system to inhibit the neuroinflammation in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hui Zhang
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Chen Feng
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jian Pei
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Chen
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Qiang Wei
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Research Institute for Acupuncture Anesthesia, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Duan G, He Q, Pang Y, Chen W, Liao H, Liu H, Tan L, Liu Y, Tao J, Zhang J, Wei X, Sun P, Liu P, Deng D. Altered amygdala resting-state functional connectivity following acupuncture stimulation at BaiHui (GV20) in first-episode drug-Naïve major depressive disorder. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 14:2269-2280. [PMID: 31432318 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-019-00178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Amygdala is an important locus of dysfunction implicated in major depressive disorder(MDD). Aberrant amygdala networks(AN) had been reported in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study. The safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatment for MDD have been verified in previous clinical studies. This study is aimed to investigate whether acupuncture at GV20 could modulate the abnormal AN of patients with the first-episode, drug-naïve MDD by using rs-fMRI combined with functional connectivity (FC) method. Thirty MDD patient underwent 6-min rs-fMRI scans respectively before and after 20-min electro-acupuncture stimulate(EAS) at GV20. Twenty-nine healthy subjects underwent only a 6-min rs-fMRI scan. Based on the amygdala as the seed region, FC method was adopted to examine abnormal AN in patients by comparing with healthy subjects and to evaluate the influence of EAS on intrinsic connectivity within the AN in patients with MDD. Compared to healthy subjects, MDD patients had aberrant intrinsic AN which mainly showed increased FC between amygdala and hippocampus, precuneus, precentral gyrus and angular gyrus, as well as decreased FC between amygdala and orbital frontal cortex(OFC). Moreover, our results indicated that EAS at GV20 induced increased/decreased FC between amygdala and certain regions in MDD patients. In addition, the intrinsic amygdala FC within other certain brain regions in MDD patients were regulated by EAS at GV20. The abnormal AN of MDD patients could be modulated by EAS at GV20. Our findings may further provide the potential imaging evidence to support the modulatory mechanisms of acupuncture on MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxiong Duan
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Qianchao He
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Yong Pang
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenfu Chen
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Hai Liao
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Huimei Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Lulu Tan
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jien Tao
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaomei Wei
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Peiyi Sun
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, 710071, Shaanxi, China
| | - Demao Deng
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530023, Guangxi, China.
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Han X, Gao Y, Yin X, Zhang Z, Lao L, Chen Q, Xu S. The mechanism of electroacupuncture for depression on basic research: a systematic review. Chin Med 2021; 16:10. [PMID: 33436036 PMCID: PMC7805231 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture (EA) is generally accepted as a safe and harmless treatment option for alleviating depression. However, there are several challenges related to the use of EA. Although EA has been shown to be effective in treating depression, the molecular mechanism is unclear. OBJECTIVE To reveal the therapeutic effect of EA and its possible mechanism in the treatment of depression. SEARCH STRATEGY We performed a systematic search according to PRISMA guidelines. We electronically searched PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Information Site and the VIP information database for animal studies in English published from the inception of these databases to December 31, 2019. INCLUSION CRITERIA Electronic searches of PubMed, WOS, the CNKI, Wanfang and the VIP database were conducted using the following search terms: (depression OR depressive disorder OR antidepressive), (rat OR mouse) AND (acupuncture OR EA). DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS The data were extracted primarily by one author, and a follow-up review was conducted by the other authors. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly used method for inducing depression in animal models was 21 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress. For the depression model, the most commonly selected EA frequency was 2 Hz. Among the 28 selected studies, 11 studies observed depression-related behaviors and used them as indicators of EA efficacy. The other 17 studies focused on mechanisms and assessed the indexes that exhibited abnormalities that were known to result from depression and then returned to a normal range after EA treatment. Treatment of depression by EA involves multiple therapeutic mechanisms, including inhibition of HPA axis hyperactivity and inflammation, regulation of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, modulation of the expression of particular genes, restoration of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, increased expression of BDNF, and regulation of several signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS This review reveals that the mechanisms underlying the effect of acupuncture involve multiple pathways and targets, suggesting that acupuncture is a wholistic treatment for people rather than for diseases. Our findings also explain why acupuncture can treat various disorders in addition to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuke Han
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Yang Gao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Xuan Yin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
| | - Zhangjin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, Virginia 22031 USA
| | - Qiu Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071 China
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22
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Ni W, Zheng X, Hu L, Kong C, Xu Q. Preventing oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain: Using berberine to inhibit the activation of NF-κB and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in dorsal root ganglions in rats. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:135. [PMID: 33376517 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) is a serious, undesirable effect of cancer treatment which is particularly difficult to prevent. Berberine and its derivatives have been reported to display robust antioxidant and analgesic effects in rat models of diabetic neuropathic pain and peripheral nerve injury. However, the analgesic role of berberine on oxaliplatin-induced CIPNP remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the analgesic effect of berberine on CIPNP. Sprague Dawley rats were used to create the CIPNP animal model by oxaliplatin administration. Behavioral tests were performed by von Frey test, acetone drop test, hot plate test, and motor coordination. The protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated p65 in dorsal root ganglions (DGRs) were detected by western blot analysis. Finally, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in DRGs were measured using specific ELISA kits. The results from the behavioral analysis demonstrated that a single injection of berberine ameliorated the mechanical and cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the model rats in a dose-dependent manner. Cumulative administration of berberine prevented the mechanical and cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the development of CIPNP induced by oxaliplatin. This prophylactic effect of berberine was associated with reduced phosphorylation of p65 and with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The present study indicated that berberine may have a role in preventing the development of CIPNP and may serve as a therapeutic compound for the treatment of CIPNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Ni
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434020, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuhan City, Wuhan, Hubei 430050, P.R. China
| | - Ling Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430064, P.R. China
| | - Chao Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434020, P.R. China
| | - Qingbang Xu
- Department of Pain Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430032, P.R. China
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23
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Yang S, Yu Z, Sun W, Jiang C, Ba X, Zhou Q, Xiong D, Xiao L, Deng Q, Hao Y. The antiviral alkaloid berberine ameliorates neuropathic pain in rats with peripheral nerve injury. Acta Neurol Belg 2020; 120:557-564. [PMID: 30168114 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-018-1006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a major public health problem. There is a need to develop safer and more effective analgesia compounds with less side effects. Berberine has been used to treat diarrhea and gastroenteritis due to its anti-microbial, anti-motility and anti-secretory properties. Berberine has also been reported to play an analgesic role in some pathological conditions of pain. However, the analgesic roles of berberine in neuropathic pain are still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the analgesic effects of berberine in neuropathic pain. Partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL) was performed to create neuropathic pain model. Paw withdrawal responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli were measured using a set of electronic von Frey apparatus and hot plate, respectively. The time that rats spent licking, flinching and lifting its paw during 5 min following capsaicin application was recorded. mRNA and protein expression levels were examined by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Berberine administration (i.p.) increased both mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, berberine administration reversed the mRNA and protein expression of TRPV1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons after peripheral nerve injury. In addition, berberine significantly inhibited capsaicin-induced pain behaviors. The amelioration of neuropathic pain by berberine may be associated with the down-regulation of TRPV1 in DRG of neuropathic pain rats. This study highlighted the potential of berberine in the treatment of neuropathic pain originated in the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomin Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Zhijian Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Wuping Sun
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Changyu Jiang
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xiyuan Ba
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Donglin Xiong
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Lizu Xiao
- Department of Pain Medicine and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Pain Medicine, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Qiwen Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Endogenous Infection, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
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24
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Kremer M, Becker LJ, Barrot M, Yalcin I. How to study anxiety and depression in rodent models of chronic pain? Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:236-270. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Kremer
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Léa J. Becker
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Michel Barrot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives Université de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
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25
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Electroacupuncture Alleviates Pain-Related Emotion by Upregulating the Expression of NPS and Its Receptor NPSR in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Hypothalamus. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8630368. [PMID: 32104195 PMCID: PMC7035524 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8630368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective Electroacupuncture (EA) is reported effective in alleviating pain-related emotion; however, the underlying mechanism of its effects still needs to be elucidated. The NPS-NPSR system has been validated for the involvement in the modulation of analgesia and emotional behavior. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of the NPS-NPSR system in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hypothalamus, and central amygdala (CeA) in the use of EA to relieve affective pain modeled by complete Freund's adjuvant- (CFA-) evoked conditioned place aversion (C-CPA). Materials and Methods. CFA injection combined with a CPA paradigm was introduced to establish the C-CPA model, and the elevated O-maze (EOM) was used to test the behavioral changes after model establishment. We further explored the expression of NPS and NPSR at the protein and gene levels in the brain regions of interest by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR. Results We observed that EA stimulation delivered to the bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Kunlun (BL60) acupoints remarkably inhibited sensory pain, pain-evoked place aversion, and anxiety-like behavior. The current study showed that EA significantly enhanced the protein expression of this peptide system in the ACC and hypothalamus, while the elevated expression of NPSR protein alone was just confined to the affected side in the CeA. Moreover, EA remarkably upregulated the mRNA expression of NPS in CeA, ACC, and hypothalamus and NPSR mRNA in the hypothalamus and CeA. Conclusions These data suggest the effectiveness of EA in alleviating affective pain, and these benefits may at least partially be attributable to the upregulation of the NPS-NPSR system in the ACC and hypothalamus.
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26
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Du J, Fang J, Xu Z, Xiang X, Wang S, Sun H, Shao X, Jiang Y, Liu B, Fang J. Electroacupuncture suppresses the pain and pain-related anxiety of chronic inflammation in rats by increasing the expression of the NPS/NPSR system in the ACC. Brain Res 2020; 1733:146719. [PMID: 32044336 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide S/Neuropeptide S receptor (NPS/NPSR) system is involved in the regulation of anxiety in rodents. Chronic inflammation can induce anxiety. Our lab has observed that electroacupuncture (EA) has a beneficial effect on chronic inflammatory pain and pain-related anxiety; however, the mechanism should be further clarified. In the present study, we used an inflammatory pain model to investigate the role of the NPS/NPSR system in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the analgesic and antianxiety effects of EA. RESULTS In an inflammatory pain model, the paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were decreased, pain-related anxiety-like behaviors were induced, and the ipsilateral protein expression of NPS and NPSR was decreased in the ACC. EA stimulation increased the PWTs, reduced pain-related anxiety-like behavior, and enhanced the ipsilateral protein expression of NPS and NPSR in the ACC. NPS microinjection increased the PWTs and decreased pain-related anxiety-like behaviors. Furthermore, an NPSR inhibitor combined with EA reversed the effect of EA on the PWTs and pain-related anxiety-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that EA suppresses pain and pain-related anxiety-like behavior of chronic inflammation in rats by increasing the expression of the NPS/NPSR system in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Junfan Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zitong Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xuaner Xiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haiju Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yongliang Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Boyi Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, the Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Shanshan D, Yang T, Qiang S, Lin Z. Molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture treatment on oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in rats. EUR J INFLAMM 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739220929149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) has been widely used in the treatment of various tumors, especially in colorectal cancer. The mechanism of peripheral neurotoxicity induced by L-OHP (OIPN) is unclear and current therapeutic options only serve to alleviate the symptoms rather than prevent OIPN. To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on OIPN in rats, rats were randomly divided into the control group, OIPN model group, and OIPN + EA group. To establish OIPN rat models, a single intraperitoneal injection with 10 mg/kg L-OHP in the OIPN model rats. Rats in the control group received a single intraperitoneal injection with 0.9% lactose. From the third day after establishing OIPN models, the rats were treated with EA. Cold allodynia and heat sensitivity were assessed using the acetone drop and the Hargreaves method, respectively. Pathological changes in nerves were detected using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy. Related mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting from 14 days after establishing OIPN models. Our results showed that L-OHP significantly increased the sensitivity to cold allodynia and nervous injury, which were ameliorated after EA treatment. The expression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GR-α) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was significantly decreased and that of Bax was significantly increased in sciatic nerve of OIPN model rats compared with control rats. However, EA treatment significantly inhibited L-OHP-induced protein expressions in rats. Moreover, compared with the control rats, the nucleus NF-κBp65 levels were significantly increased, while the cytoplasm NF-κBp65 levels were significantly decreased, which were reversed by EA treatment. In conclusion, EA treatment may reduce peripheral neurotoxicity induced by L-OHP through regulating related protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Shanshan
- Department of Acupuncture and Traumatology, Gumei Community Health Service Center of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Acupuncture and Traumatology, Gumei Community Health Service Center of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun Qiang
- Department of General Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Lin
- Department of Acupuncture and Traumatology, Gumei Community Health Service Center of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
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28
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Hippocampal PKR/NLRP1 Inflammasome Pathway Is Required for the Depression-Like Behaviors in Rats with Neuropathic Pain. Neuroscience 2019; 412:16-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Yue N, Li B, Yang L, Han QQ, Huang HJ, Wang YL, Wang J, Yu R, Wu GC, Liu Q, Yu J. Electro-Acupuncture Alleviates Chronic Unpredictable Stress-Induced Depressive- and Anxiety-Like Behavior and Hippocampal Neuroinflammation in Rat Model of Depression. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:149. [PMID: 29946236 PMCID: PMC6007169 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. The effects of clinical depression may be mediated by neuroinflammation such as activation of microglia and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines in certain brain areas. Traditional Chinese medicine techniques such as electro-acupuncture (EA) are used extensively in Asia to treat mental health disorders. However, EA has not been rigorously studied in treatment of depression. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of EA on depressive-like behavior and explore the role of hippocampal neuroinflammation in the potential antidepressant effect of EA. In this study, we used six chronic unpredictable stressors daily in a random sequence for 10 weeks. EA were performed on “Bai-Hui” (Du-20) (+) and “Yang-Ling-Quan” (GB-34, the right side; −) acupoints by an EA apparatus (HANS Electronic Apparatus, LH202H, 2/100 Hz, 0.3 mA) for 30 min once every other day for last 4 weeks. The behavior tests including open field test and forced swimming test, which are widely used to assess depressive and anxiety-like behavior were performed on the Monday and Tuesday of the eleventh week. The results showed that 10 week of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) caused behavioral deficits in rats and neuroinflammation in hippocampus, such as increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components, upregulated mRNA level of IL-1β and the protein level of IL-1β mature form (p17) and activation of microglia. Moreover, 4 weeks of EA treatment significantly attenuated behavioral deficits caused by CUS. EA’s antidepressant effect was accompanied by markedly decreased expression of certain NLRP3 inflammasome components and matured IL-1β. Meanwhile, EA treatment can significantly reverse CUS-induced increases in P2X7 receptor, Iba-1, IL-18, TNFα and IL-6 expression and decreases in GFAP expression. In conclusion, EA exhibited the antidepressant effect and alleviated the hippocampal neuroinflammation. These findings may provide insight into the role of hippocampal neuroinflammation in the antidepressant effect of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yue
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Li
- Center Laboratories, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiu-Qin Han
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Jie Huang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Lin Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gen-Cheng Wu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Wu Z, You Z, Chen P, Chen C, Chen F, Shen J, Xu H. Matrine Exerts Antidepressant-Like Effects on Mice: Role of the Hippocampal PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:764-776. [PMID: 29668939 PMCID: PMC6070064 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current antidepressants in clinical use always take weeks or even months to exert full therapeutic effects, and sometimes have serious side effects. Thus, it is very necessary to develop novel antidepressants with better efficacy and fewer adverse effects. The present study focused on investigating the antidepressant potential of matrine and its possible mechanisms of action. METHODS The forced swim test, tail suspension test, and chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression were used to reveal the antidepressant-like effects of matrine on mice. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and lentivirus were further used together to explore the antidepressant mechanism of matrine. RESULTS It was found that matrine exhibited significant antidepressant actions in the forced swim test and tail suspension test without affecting the locomotor activity of mice. Chronic matrine administration fully reversed the chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive-like symptoms in forced swim test, tail suspension test, and sucrose preference test. After that, western blotting analysis revealed that chronic matrine treatment restored the decreasing effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in hippocampus, but not prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, pharmacological and genetic blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in hippocampus abolished the antidepressant actions of matrine on mice. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, matrine produces antidepressant-like effects on mice via promoting the hippocampal PI3K/Akt/ mammalian target of rapamycin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengchen You
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Taizhou People’s Hospital, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhong Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu, China,Correspondence: Hui Xu, MD, Department of Neurosurgery, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong, No. 500 Yonghe Road, Nantong 226011, Jiangsu, China ()
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Evidence that CA3 is Underling the Comorbidity Between Pain and Depression and the Co-curation by Wu-Tou decoction in Neuropathic Pain. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11935. [PMID: 28931876 PMCID: PMC5607326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In neuropathic pain (NP), the atrophy of hippocampus contributes to the comorbidity between pain, depression and the cognitive deficits. However, the exact mechanism underling the comorbidity, the effective control of the degenerations in hippocampus and the remission of the accompanied depressive symptoms are still lacking. Wu-Tou decoction (WTD) has been prescribed for inflammatory pain for thousands of years. In this study, we manifested the effects of WTD on the pain, depression and anxiety co-curative symptoms of NP. Moreover, we reported that WTD rescued the mal-regulated BDNF and TNF-α in hippocampal CA3 alone, which is proven contributing to the pain and induced psychiatric symptoms. Finally, analysis of biochemistry, morphology and electrophysiology exhibited the potential mechanism of WTD in CA3. We found that, in the late stage of SNL condition, WTD mediated the rescue of the down-regulated glutamate as well as its pre-synaptic vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLuT1) and the post-synaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors in CA3. In sum, the targeted mediation of glutamatergic system in CA3 suggest that WTD may be responsible for the remission of the hypo-functioned CA3 glutamatergic neurons and further contribute to the co-curative effects of WTD.
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The Effect of Electroacupuncture on PKMzeta in the ACC in Regulating Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rats Experiencing Chronic Inflammatory Pain. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:3728752. [PMID: 29075535 PMCID: PMC5624165 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3728752] [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: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain can induce emotional diseases. Electroacupuncture (EA) has effects on chronic pain and pain-related anxiety. Protein kinase Mzeta (PKMzeta) has been proposed to be essential for the maintenance of pain and may interact with GluR1 to maintain CNS plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We hypothesized that the PKMzeta-GluR1 pathway in the ACC may be involved in anxiety-like behaviors of chronic inflammatory pain and that the mechanism of EA regulation of pain emotion may involve the PKMzeta pathway in the ACC. Our results showed that chronic inflammatory pain model decreased the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and increased anxiety-like behaviors. The protein expression of PKCzeta, p-PKCzeta (T560), PKMzeta, p-PKMzeta (T560), and GluR1 in the ACC of the model group were remarkably enhanced. EA increased PWT and alleviated anxiety-like behaviors. EA significantly inhibited the protein expression of p-PKMzeta (T560) in the ACC, and only a downward trend effect for other substances. Further, the microinjection of ZIP remarkably reversed PWT and anxiety-like behaviors. The present study provides direct evidence that the PKCzeta/PKMzeta-GluR1 pathway is related to pain and pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. EA treatment both increases pain-related somatosensory behavior and decreases pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors by suppressing PKMzeta activity in the ACC.
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Bassetto RM, Wscieklica T, Pouza KCP, Ortolani D, Viana MB, Cespedes IC, Spadari RC. Effects of electroacupuncture on stress and anxiety-related responses in rats. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2017; 89:1003-1012. [PMID: 28538815 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate if eletroacupuncture at PC6 would modulate the stress-induced anxiety-like behavior and the level of activation of several brain areas. Rats were distributed in groups: control; submitted to immobilization; submitted to immobilization and eletroacupuncture at PC6 or at the tail. Immobilization increased grooming and decreased stretched attend postures and the time spent in the open arms of the ele-vated plus-maze. Eletroacupuncture at PC6 or tail canceled the effect of immobilization on grooming and attenuated the stretched attend posture. Immobilization increased Fos-immunoreactivity in the prefrontal cortex, medial and central amygdala, paraventricular and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus, lateral hypothalamus, dentate gyrus, CA1, CA2 and CA3 hippocampal areas. The activation of paraventricular, dorsomedial nuclei and prefrontal cortex by immobilization was canceled by electroacupuncture at PC6 and attenuated by electroacupuncture in the tail. The activation of the other areas was canceled by electroacupuncture in PC6 or the tail. It is concluded that immobilization induced anxiety-like behavior that was moderately attenuated by eletroacupuncture with difference between the stimulation in PC6 or the rat tail. Eletroacupuncture showed specificity concerning to the attenuation of the effects of immobilization in the CNS areas related to the stress response, anxiety and cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M Bassetto
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Wscieklica
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Kathlein C P Pouza
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Ortolani
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Milena B Viana
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabel C Cespedes
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Regina C Spadari
- Departamento de Biociências, Instituto Saúde e Sociedade, Campus Baixada Santista, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Silva Jardim, 136, 11015-020 Santos, SP, Brazil
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The regulatory effect of electro-acupuncture on the expression of NMDA receptors in a SCI rat model. Life Sci 2017; 177:8-14. [PMID: 28392262 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In early spinal cord injury (SCI), glutamate receptors, including N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs), are over-stimulated by excessively released glutamate. The enhanced activity of NMDARs may cause cell death by overloading calcium (Ca2+) into cells based on their high permeability to Ca2+. Studies in SCI animals have shown that treatment with electro-acupuncture (EA) is able to reduce cell death and to improve functional recovery. One possible mechanism of this neuroprotective effect is that EA has regulatory effect on NMDARs. AIMS To test whether EA could protect the spinal cord after SCI by decreasing the expression levels of NR1 and NR2A. MAIN METHODS We conducted EA treatment on a rat SCI model produced with a New York University (NYU) Impactor and measured hindlimb locomotor function by Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale (BBB Scale). The expression of NR1 and NR2, the subunits of NMDARs, in the injured spinal cord was measured by Immunofluorescence stainings, western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). KEY FINDING Our results showed that two days after the SCI the expression of NR1 and NR2 were dramatically enhanced at both protein and mNRA levels, which were significantly reduced by EA treatment at two specific acupoints, Dazhui (DU14) and Mingmen (DU4). SIGNIFICANCE EA is a potential therapeutic method for treating early SCI in human.
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Wang X, Huang Y, Yuan S, Tamadon A, Ma S, Feng Y. The Role of Hippocampal Estradiol Receptor- α in a Perimenopausal Affective Disorders-Like Rat Model and Attenuating of Anxiety by Electroacupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2016; 2016:4958312. [PMID: 28044085 PMCID: PMC5156811 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4958312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hormone replacement therapy is the principal treatment for perimenopausal affective disorders which can cause severe side effects. The present study compared the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and estradiol treatment on perimenopausal affective disorders at the behavioral and cellular levels. In this randomized experimental in vivo study, adult female rats were divided into intact, ovariectomy, chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), and ovariectomy and CUS combination groups. After week 6, all groups were subdivided to three subgroups of control, EA, and estradiol treatment. The behavioral parameters in the open field and the elevated plus maze tests were assessed before and after treatments. Alterations of serum steroid hormones and changes of estradiol receptor-α (ER-α) immunofluorescence neurons in the hippocampus sections were evaluated. EA treatment caused more antianxiety effects than estradiol treatment in CUS group (P < 0.05). Notably, estradiol and EA treatments had better significant behavioral effects when the models were not estrogen-deficient. Importantly, within each group, compared to the control group, the numbers of ER-α-positive neurons were significantly larger in EA subgroups. Therefore, EA had antianxiety effects on perimenopausal affective disorders caused by CUS but not by estrogen deficiency and upregulation of hippocampus ER-α neurons may contribute to its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- 2008 Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongheng Huang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- 2008 Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shiwen Yuan
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- 2008 Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Amin Tamadon
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shulan Ma
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Institute of Acupuncture Research (WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine), Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Pons A, Canfrán S, Benito J, Cediel-Algovia R, Gómez de Segura IA. Effects of dexmedetomidine administered at acupuncture point GV20 compared to intramuscular route in dogs. J Small Anim Pract 2016; 58:23-28. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Pons
- Centro Veterinario los Delfines; Madrid 28822 Spain
| | - S. Canfrán
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid 28040 Spain
| | - J. Benito
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Montréal; Saint-Hyacinthe QC J2S 2M2 Canada
| | - R. Cediel-Algovia
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid 28040 Spain
| | - I. A. Gómez de Segura
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Faculty; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid 28040 Spain
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Deng D, Duan G, Liao H, Liu Y, Wang G, Liu H, Tang L, Pang Y, Tao J, He X, Yuan W, Liu P. Changes in Regional Brain Homogeneity Induced by Electro-Acupuncture Stimulation at the Baihui Acupoint in Healthy Subjects: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:794-799. [PMID: 27438091 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory of acupuncture, Baihui (GV20) is applied to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the relationships between neural responses and GV20 remain unknown. Thus, the main aim of this study was to examine the brain responses induced by electro-acupuncture stimulation (EAS) at GV20. MATERIALS AND METHODS Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in 33 healthy subjects. Based on the non-repeated event-related (NRER) paradigm, group differences were examined between GV20 and a sham acupoint using the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method. RESULTS Compared with the sham acupoint, EAS at GV20 induced increased ReHo in regions including the orbital frontal cortex (OFC), middle cingulate cortex (MCC), precentral cortex, and precuneus (preCUN). Decreased ReHo was found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), supplementary motor area (SMA), thalamus, putamen, and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS The current findings provide preliminary neuroimaging evidence to indicate that EAS at GV20 could induce a specific pattern of neural responses by analysis of ReHo of brain activity. These findings might improve the understanding of mechanisms of acupuncture stimulation at GV20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demao Deng
- 1 Department of Radiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Gaoxiong Duan
- 1 Department of Radiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Hai Liao
- 1 Department of Radiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- 2 Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University , Xi'an, China
| | - Geliang Wang
- 2 Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University , Xi'an, China
| | - Huimei Liu
- 3 Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Lijun Tang
- 3 Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Yong Pang
- 3 Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Jien Tao
- 3 Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Xin He
- 1 Department of Radiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Wenzhao Yuan
- 1 Department of Radiology, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning, China
| | - Peng Liu
- 2 Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University , Xi'an, China
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Deng D, Liao H, Duan G, Liu Y, He Q, Liu H, Tang L, Pang Y, Tao J. Modulation of the Default Mode Network in First-Episode, Drug-Naïve Major Depressive Disorder via Acupuncture at Baihui (GV20) Acupoint. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:230. [PMID: 27242492 PMCID: PMC4869560 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous neuroimaging studies have revealed that acupuncture modulates the default mode network (DMN) in healthy subjects and patients with certain disorder. However, few studies have been performed to investigate whether or not acupuncture might modulate the DMN in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Thereby, the aim of the present study was to assess alterations of the DMN induced by acupuncture stimulation in patients with first-episode, drug-naïve MDD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty nine patients with first-episode, drug-naïve MDD and 29 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. All the healthy subjects underwent 6-min resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI) scan. While patients underwent acupuncture stimulation for 20-min electro-acupuncture stimulation (EAS) at Baihui acupoint (GV20) and two 6-min R-fMRI scans before and after EAS. Based on the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (PC/PCC) as the seed region, functional connectivity (FC) method was adopted to examine abnormal DMN in patients by comparing with healthy subjects and to evaluate the influence of EAS on intrinsic connectivity within the DMN in patients with MDD. RESULTS Compared to healthy subjects, MDD patients had abnormal DMN. Moreover, results showed that EAS at GV20 induced increased FC between the PC/PCC and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and decreased FC between the PC/PCC and left middle prefrontal cortex, left angualr gyrus and bilateral hippocampus/parahippocampus (HIPP/paraHIPP) in patients with MDD, which were the main brain regions showing significant differences between the patients and healthy subjects. CONCLUSION Our findings provide imaging evidence to support that GV20-related acupuncture stimulation may modulate the DMN in patients with first-episode, drug-naïve MDD. This study may partly interpret the neural mechanisms of acupuncture at GV20 which is used to treat patients with MDD in clinical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demao Deng
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Hai Liao
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Gaoxiong Duan
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University Xi'an, China
| | - Qianchao He
- Department of Internal Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Huimei Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Lijun Tang
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Yong Pang
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
| | - Jien Tao
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning, China
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Chen J, Barrett DW, He Y, Gonzalez-Lima F. Anxiolytic-like behavioural effects of head electroacupuncture in rats susceptible to stress. Acupunct Med 2016; 34:235-40. [PMID: 27126102 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the behavioural effects of head electroacupuncture (EA) using the Holtzman rat model, a genetic strain showing susceptibility to stress-evoked helplessness. METHODS Putative anxiolytic and antidepressant behavioural effects of head EA were investigated using the light-dark and forced swim tests, respectively. The open field test was used to investigate motor activity. A total of 28 rats were used in two experiments, each with two groups (n=7 rats each). Rats were restrained and randomised to handling only (control) or 2Hz EA on the midline head anteriorly (at Yintang) and posteriorly (at GV20) for 3 days (experiment 1) or 4 days (experiment 2). RESULTS One day of EA did not modify behaviour in any of the tests (p>0.1); however, 2 days of 2 Hz EA treatment to the head had anxiolytic-like effects, as indicated by an improvement in ambulatory time and average velocity in the light-dark test (experiment 2). Relative to the control group, the EA group demonstrated greater ambulatory time (37.0±3.7 vs 25.2±3.6 s, p<0.05) and lower average velocity (2.73±0.06 vs 3.08±0.13 cm/s, p<0.05). However, EA treatment had no significant effects on the open field and forced swim tests in either experiment. CONCLUSIONS Two days of EA treatment using 2 Hz pulsating electrical current at midline anterior and posterior acupuncture points on the head induces behavioural effects suggestive of anxiolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Douglas W Barrett
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Yuxin He
- AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - F Gonzalez-Lima
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Zhao J, Luo D, Liang Z, Lao L, Rong J. Plant Natural Product Puerarin Ameliorates Depressive Behaviors and Chronic Pain in Mice with Spared Nerve Injury (SNI). Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:2801-2812. [PMID: 27013468 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9870-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous relief of the pain from body and brain remains an ongoing challenge. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether plant-derived isoflavone puerarin could ameliorate comorbid depression and pain. We investigated the effects of puerarin on depressive-like behaviors and neuropathic pain in C57BL/6 N mice with spared nerve injury (SNI). After SNI surgery, mice were allowed to recover spontaneously for 7 days and subsequently treated with puerarin, anti-depressant citalopram, and analgesic ibuprofen, alone or in combination, for 8 or 14 days. Forced swim test and tail suspension test were used to assess depressive-like behaviors, whereas von Frey filament test was used to estimate the sensitivity to the mechanical stimulation. Our results suggested that puerarin effectively ameliorated depression and pain in SNI mice although citalopram exhibited anti-depressant activity. In contrast, ibuprofen showed lesser activities against SNI-induced depression and pain. Further mechanistic studies revealed the uniqueness of puerarin as follows: (1) puerarin did not recover SNI-induced depletion of reduced glutathione and loss of superoxide dismutase (SOD), whereas citalopram and ibuprofen showed somewhat antioxidant activities; (2) puerarin markedly promoted the activation of CREB pathway although puerarin and citalopram activated ERK pathway to the same extent; (3) puerarin rapidly and persistently induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression whereas citalopram only induced BDNF expression after a prolonged stimulation. Collectively, these results suggest that puerarin may ameliorate the SNI-induced depression and pain via activating ERK, CREB, and BDNF pathways. Puerarin may serve as new lead compound for the development of novel therapeutics for depression and pain comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Dan Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Zhaohui Liang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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Shao XM, Shen Z, Sun J, Fang F, Fang JF, Wu YY, Fang JQ. Strong Manual Acupuncture Stimulation of "Huantiao" (GB 30) Reduces Pain-Induced Anxiety and p-ERK in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:235491. [PMID: 26770252 PMCID: PMC4681793 DOI: 10.1155/2015/235491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Persistent neuropathic pain is associated with anxiety. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in pain-induced anxiety. Acupuncture is widely used for pain and anxiety. However, little is known about which acupuncture technique is optimal on pain-induced anxiety and the relationship between acupuncture effect and p-ERK. The rat model was induced by L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Male adult SD rats were randomly divided into control, SNL, strong manual acupuncture (sMA), mild manual acupuncture (mMA), and electroacupuncture (EA) group. Bilateral "Huantiao" (GB 30) were stimulated by sMA, mMA, and EA, respectively. The pain withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) and anxiety behavior were measured, and p-ERK protein expression and immunoreactivity cells in ACC were detected. PWTs increased significantly in both sMA and EA groups. Meanwhile, anxiety-like behavior was improved significantly in the sMA and mMA groups. Furthermore, the overexpression of p-ERK induced by SNL was downregulated by strong and mild manual acupuncture. Therefore, strong manual acupuncture on bilateral "Huantiao" (GB 30) could be a proper therapy relieving both pain and pain-induced anxiety. The effect of different acupuncture techniques on pain-induced anxiety may arise from the regulation of p-ERK in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-mei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zui Shen
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jun-fan Fang
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Wu
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jian-qiao Fang
- Department of Neurobiology & Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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She Y, Xu J, Duan Y, Su N, Sun Y, Cao X, Lao L, Zhang R, Xu S. Possible antidepressant effects and mechanism of electroacupuncture in behaviors and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in a depression rat model. Brain Res 2015; 1629:291-7. [PMID: 26505920 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidences show that hippocampal synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression. The objective of this study was to determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) in the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat model of depression would exert antidepressant effects and whether this effect would be associated with changes in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Male WKY rats were randomly divided into three groups (EA, sham EA, and blank control); Wister rats were used as normal control group. Treatment with EA was performed at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (EX-HN3) once daily for 3 weeks. Forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), and Morris water maze (MWM) were evaluated after 21-day intervention. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was evoked at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in hippocampal slices in vitro. EA treatment significantly reduced immobility time in FST. MWM test showed a significant downward trend in escape latency time from the second to fifth days of experiment, and a higher frequency of crossing the missing quadrant platform in normal control and EA vs other groups. Impaired LTP was detected in Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in blank control and sham EA groups. In the western blot, the expression of GluN2B showed significant increase in EA vs sham EA and blank control groups. EA was able to improve depression-like behaviors and reverse the impairment of LTP, which were likely mediated by GluN2B in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling She
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200071, China; Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangdong No.2 Provincial People׳s hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Yanhong Duan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ning Su
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Yanan Sun
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200071, China
| | - Xiaohua Cao
- Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Ruixin Zhang
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shanghai, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 200071, China.
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Chan YY, Lo WY, Yang SN, Chen YH, Lin JG. The benefit of combined acupuncture and antidepressant medication for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2015; 176:106-17. [PMID: 25704563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture, one of the most popular complementary therapies, is best known for its ability to provide pain relief. Accumulating evidence suggests that acupuncture may also be beneficial in depression, although its effectiveness remains uncertain in this condition. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials in which the effects of acupuncture combined with antidepressant medications were compared with those of antidepressant medications alone in adults with a diagnosed depressive disorder. Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 1046 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Our results confirmed that the pooled standardized mean difference of the 'endpoint scores of the 17-item Hamilton rating scale for depression' was -3.74 (95% CI, -4.77 to -2.70, p<0.001) in week 1 and -2.52 (95% CI, -4.12 to -0.92; p<0.01) in week 6, indicating a significant difference in favor of acupuncture combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Moreover, therapeutic response rates were statistically significantly different between the two groups (risk ratio [RR], 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.39; p<0.001; I(2)=68%) in favor of the combined treatment group. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that acupuncture combined with antidepressant medication is effective, has an early onset of action, safe and well-tolerated over the first 6-week treatment period. Moreover, this treatment combination appears to result in greater therapeutic efficacy than SSRI therapy alone. More high-quality randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the clinical benefit and long-term effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yu Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Taoyuan Armed Forces Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Lo
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Life Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Nian Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taoyuan Armed Forces Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Austin PJ, Bembrick AL, Denyer GS, Keay KA. Injury-Dependent and Disability-Specific Lumbar Spinal Gene Regulation following Sciatic Nerve Injury in the Rat. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124755. [PMID: 25905723 PMCID: PMC4408097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allodynia, hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain are cardinal sensory signs of neuropathic pain. Clinically, many neuropathic pain patients experience affective-motivational state changes, including reduced familial and social interactions, decreased motivation, anhedonia and depression which are severely debilitating. In earlier studies we have shown that sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) disrupts social interactions, sleep-wake-cycle and endocrine function in one third of rats, a subgroup reliably identified six days after injury. CCI consistently produces allodynia and hyperalgesia, the intensity of which was unrelated either to the altered social interactions, sleep-wake-cycle or endocrine changes. This decoupling of the sensory consequences of nerve injury from the affective-motivational changes is reported in both animal experiments and human clinical data. The sensory changes triggered by CCI are mediated primarily by functional changes in the lumbar dorsal horn, however, whether lumbar spinal changes may drive different affective-motivational states has never been considered. In these studies, we used microarrays to identify the unique transcriptomes of rats with altered social behaviours following sciatic CCI to determine whether specific patterns of lumbar spinal adaptations characterised this subgroup. Rats underwent CCI and on the basis of reductions in dominance behaviour in resident-intruder social interactions were categorised as having Pain & Disability, Pain & Transient Disability or Pain alone. We examined the lumbar spinal transcriptomes two and six days after CCI. Fifty-four ‘disability-specific’ genes were identified. Sixty-five percent were unique to Pain & Disability rats, two-thirds of which were associated with neurotransmission, inflammation and/or cellular stress. In contrast, 40% of genes differentially regulated in rats without disabilities were involved with more general homeostatic processes (cellular structure, transcription or translation). We suggest that these patterns of gene expression lead to either the expression of disability, or to resilience and recovery, by modifying local spinal circuitry at the origin of ascending supraspinal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Austin
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy & Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison L. Bembrick
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy & Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gareth S. Denyer
- School of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kevin A. Keay
- School of Medical Sciences (Anatomy & Histology), The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Zhang MM, Liu SB, Chen T, Koga K, Zhang T, Li YQ, Zhuo M. Effects of NB001 and gabapentin on irritable bowel syndrome-induced behavioral anxiety and spontaneous pain. Mol Brain 2014; 7:47. [PMID: 24935250 PMCID: PMC4071154 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort, spontaneous pain, colorectal hypersensitivity and bowel dysfunction. Patients with IBS also suffer from emotional anxiety and depression. However, few animal studies have investigated IBS-induced spontaneous pain and behavioral anxiety. In this study, we assessed spontaneous pain and anxiety behaviors in an adult mouse model of IBS induced by zymosan administration. By using Fos protein as a marker, we found that sensory and emotion related brain regions were activated at day 7 after the treatment with zymosan; these regions include the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insular cortex and amygdala. Behaviorally, zymosan administration triggered spontaneous pain (decreased spontaneous activities in the open field test) and increased anxiety-like behaviors in three different tests (the open field, elevated plus maze and light/dark box tests). Intraperitoneal injection of NB001, an adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1) inhibitor, reduced spontaneous pain but had no significant effect on behavioral anxiety. In contrast, gabapentin reduced both spontaneous pain and behavioral anxiety. These results indicate that NB001 and gabapentin may inhibit spontaneous pain and anxiety-like behaviors through different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Embryology & K, K, Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, Shanxi 710032, China.
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