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Qiu P, Li D, Xiao C, Xu F, Chen X, Chang Y, Liu L, Zhang L, Zhao Q, Chen Y. The Eph/ephrin system symphony of gut inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106976. [PMID: 38032293 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The extent of gut inflammation depends largely on the gut barrier's integrity and enteric neuroimmune interactions. However, the factors and molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammation-related changes in the enteric nervous system (ENS) remain largely unexplored. Eph/ephrin signaling is critical for inflammatory response, neuronal activation, and synaptic plasticity in the brain, but its presence and function in the ENS have been largely unknown to date. This review discusses the critical role of Eph/ephrin in regulating gut homeostasis, inflammation, neuroimmune interactions, and pain pathways. Targeting the Eph/ephrin system offers innovative treatments for gut inflammation disorders, offering hope for enhanced patient prognosis, pain management, and overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peishan Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Daojiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Cong Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ying Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Yuhua Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Yang Y, Wang J, Zhang C, Guo Y, Zhao M, Zhang M, Li Z, Gao F, Luo Y, Wang Y, Cao J, Du M, Wang Y, Lin X, Xu Z. The efficacy and neural mechanism of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1251470. [PMID: 37732301 PMCID: PMC10507180 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1251470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex functional gastrointestinal disorder primarily characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Chronic abdominal pain caused by visceral Hypersensitivity (VH) is the main reason why patients with IBS seek medication. Significant research effort has been devoted to the efficacy of acupuncture as a non-drug alternative therapy for visceral-hyperalgesia-induced IBS. Herein, we examined the central and peripheral analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in IBS treatment. Acupuncture can improve inflammation and relieve pain by reducing 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-HT3A receptor expression and increasing 5-HT4 receptor expression in peripheral intestinal sensory endings. Moreover, acupuncture can also activate the transient receptor potential vanillin 1 channel, block the activity of intestinal glial cells, and reduce the secretion of local pain-related neurotransmitters, thereby weakening peripheral sensitization. Moreover, by inhibiting the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion channels in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and anterior cingulate cortex or releasing opioids, acupuncture can block excessive stimulation of abnormal pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. It can also stimulate glial cells (through the P2X7 and prokinetic protein pathways) to block VH pain perception and cognition. Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate the emotional components of IBS by targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related hormones and neurotransmitters via relevant brain nuclei, hence improving the IBS-induced VH response. These findings provide a scientific basis for acupuncture as an effective clinical adjuvant therapy for IBS pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhen Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaoyang Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Meidan Zhao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongzheng Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Feifei Gao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Luo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiru Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Cao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingfang Du
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuzhe Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Zhang L, Yu C, Chen B, Chao Y, Zhang H, Zhao Q, Yang K, Zhang Y, Chen S. Modulation of colonic function in irritable bowel syndrome rats by electroacupuncture at ST25 and the neurobiological links between ST25 and the colon. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:930489. [PMID: 36507334 PMCID: PMC9731770 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.930489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by abdominal pain and defecation disorders. Acupuncture therapy positively affects IBS, with ST25 being the main point. However, ST25 has mostly been used in conjunction with other acupoints. This study aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 alone in IBS and the neurobiological mechanism of ST25 associated with the colon. First, we observed the effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 on the visceral pain threshold and slow-wave discharge of the colon in IBS model rats. Second, we explored the neurobiological mechanism of ST25 associated with the colon using a neural tracer technique. The results showed that (1) electroacupuncture at ST25 alone can alleviate visceral hypersensitivity and restore normal slow-wave frequency and rhythm of the colon in IBS rats; (2) there is a close neuroanatomical connection between ST25 and the colon, i.e., in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), ST25 is similar in innervation to the colon, mainly in the T8-L1 segment, while the presence of double-labeled positive neurons is present in a part of the DRG; retrogradely labeled motor neurons associated with ST25 were observed in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, and retrogradely labeled sympathetic postganglionic neurons associated with ST25 were observed in the sympathetic nerve chain. These findings suggested that the DRGs and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord are important targets for electroacupuncture at ST25 to reduce visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats. The sympathetic ganglia may be an important site for ST25 to regulate intestinal motility. The neurobiological mechanism of ST25 action in IBS rats should be further investigated in the future by combining related techniques, such as pseudorabies virus, optogenetics, calcium imaging, and electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Biwei Chen
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuqiao Chao
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qinyu Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kaiwei Yang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yujiao Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,Yujiao Zhang,
| | - Shaozong Chen
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Shaozong Chen,
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Li Y, Duan Z. Updates in interaction of gastroesophageal reflux disease and extragastroesophageal digestive diseases. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:1053-1063. [PMID: 35860994 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2056018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common chronic diseases with prevalence increasing in the last decades. Because of its prevalence and chronicity, GERD affects the quality of life and increases health-care costs. Gastroesophageal diseases leading to GERD have been thoroughly studied, while extragastroesophageal digestive diseases (EGEDDs) may coexist with GERD and affect the occurrence and persistence of GERD symptoms and therapeutic effect. AREAS COVERED In this review, we aim to summarize the EGEDDs correlated with GERD and explore the potential mechanisms of this interaction. EXPERT OPINION Individuals with troublesome GERD symptoms may have some common gastroesophageal etiologies, but EGEDDs may also overlap and impact on the progression of GERD, which are often ignored in clinic. The lesions in the small intestine, colon, and hepatobiliary tract as well as functional bowel disorders had positive or negative associations with GERD through potential mechanisms. These diseases aggravate GERD symptoms, increase the esophageal acid burden, cause esophageal hypersensitivity, and finally affect the response to therapy in GERD patients. Therefore, it is necessary to clear the interaction between GERD and EGEDDs and their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Li
- Second Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhijun Duan
- Second Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Guo J, Lu G, Chen L, Geng H, Wu X, Chen H, Li Y, Yuan M, Sun J, Pei L. Regulation of serum microRNA expression by acupuncture in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Acupunct Med 2021; 40:34-42. [PMID: 34231397 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211027892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To screen for differentially expressed serum microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) compared with healthy participants and explore the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IBS-D based on miRNAs. METHODS IBS-D patients that met the Rome III diagnostic criteria and age- and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled between April 2017 and December 2017. Serum miRNA levels were initially determined using a TaqMan low-density array (TLDA) in pooled samples. Markedly altered miRNAs in IBS-D patients were subsequently validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on individual samples. All IBS-D patients accepted the acupuncture therapy for 6 weeks. The disease severity was assessed using the IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) questionnaire before and after treatment. After acupuncture, the patients' serum was re-analyzed for altered expression of the miRNAs by qRT-PCR. RESULTS TLDA and qRT-PCR analysis revealed six upregulated miRNAs (miR-1305, miR-575, miR-149-5p, miR-190a-5p, miR-135a-5p, and miR-148a-3p; P < 0.05) and two downregulated miRNAs (miR-194-5p, miR-127-5p; P < 0.05) in IBS-D patients compared with healthy controls. Post acupuncture treatment, total IBS-SSS scores, severity of abdominal pain, duration of abdominal pain, severity of abdominal distention, dissatisfaction with bowel habits and disruption in quality of life decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the upregulated miR-148a-3p levels in IBS-D patients also decreased significantly after acupuncture (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The over-expression or reduced expression of several miRNAs may contribute to IBS-D pathogenesis. Acupuncture might downregulate miR-148a-3p through multiple pathways to alleviate or relieve IBS-D symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR-IOR-17010860 (Chinese Clinical Trials Registry).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- School of First Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Gao Lu
- School of Second Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Chen
- School of Second Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengqian Yuan
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhua Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Pei
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Electroacupuncture Improves IBS Visceral Hypersensitivity by Inhibiting the Activation of Astrocytes in the Medial Thalamus and Anterior Cingulate Cortex. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:2562979. [PMID: 32617101 PMCID: PMC7306073 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2562979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore whether the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to the changes of astrocyte activation in the medial thalamus (MT) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Method Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control (NC) group, model control (MC) group, electroacupuncture (EA) group, and fluorocitrate (FCA) group. A model of visceral hypersensitivity was established by neonatal colorectal irritation. In the EA group, needles were inserted into the skin at the Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints, once a day for 7 days. The FCA group received intrathecal injection of FCA on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days. Visceral hypersensitivity was evaluated by the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA and protein levels in the MT and ACC were detected by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blots. Results The AWR score in the MC group was significantly higher than in the NC group, and EA and FCA reduced the AWR score of VH rats. GFAP mRNA and protein levels in the MT and ACC of rats in the MC group were significantly increased compared with the NC group. After either electroacupuncture or fluorocitrate, GFAP mRNA and protein levels in the MT and ACC were both clearly reduced. Conclusion Electroacupuncture alleviates IBS visceral hypersensitivity by inhibiting the activation of astrocytes in the MT and ACC.
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Song YF, Pei LX, Chen L, Geng H, Yuan MQ, Xu WL, Wu J, Zhou JY, Sun JH. Electroacupuncture Relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Regulating IL-18 and Gut Microbial Dysbiosis in a Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid-Induced Post-Inflammatory Animal Model. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 48:77-90. [PMID: 31918565 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x20500044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Post inflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS), a subset of IBS, is characterized by symptoms of visceral pain, bloating, and changed bowel habits that occur post initial episode of intestinal infection. Gut microbial dysbiosis or inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of abdominal hypersensitivity of PI-IBS. Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation results in an alleviated PI-IBS-associated symptom. This study investigated the effect of EA on IL-18 and gut microbial dysbiosis in one visceral hypersensitive rat models with PI-IBS. A trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced visceral hypersensitivity rat model was developed. EA stimulation was applied to the ST25 and ST36 acupoints. Animals were assessed using abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores to determine the development of colonic visceral hypersensitivity. The 16S rRNA was used to correlate microbial diversity. IL-18 expression in colon was quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. We identified that model rats had an increased visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distention at different distention pressures compared with the normal group. Sensitivity to colorectal distention decreased after EA stimulation. The composition of the fecal microbiota was different between groups. Specifically, in the model group Empedobacter, Psychrobacter, Enterococcus, Butyricimonas, Vampirovibrio, Kurthia, Intestinimonas, Neisseria, Falsiporphyromonas, Bilophila, Fusobacterium, Alistipes, Veillonella, Flavonifractor, Clostridium XlVa were more abundant affected genera, whereas Lactobacillus was enriched in normal rats. EA stimulation was correlated with significant decrease in the phyla of Fusobacteria. The mRNA and protein levels of IL-18 were higher in the model group. Meanwhile, EA stimulation attenuated this response. In a word, our findings suggest that PI-IBS is associated with significant increase in IL-18 levels as well as an alteration in microbiome diversity. These changes can be reversed with EA treatment. EA stimulation has a positive effect in alleviating symptoms of visceral hypersensitivity and protecting the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Fang Song
- Department of Acupuncture, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Li-Xia Pei
- Department of Acupuncture, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Acupuncture, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Hao Geng
- Department of Acupuncture, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Qian Yuan
- Department of Acupuncture, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Wan-Li Xu
- Department of the First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Sun
- Department of Acupuncture, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P. R. China
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