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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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Yang P, Chen H, Wang T, Su H, Li J, He Y, Su S. Electroacupuncture promotes synaptic plasticity in rats with chronic inflammatory pain-related depression by upregulating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3310. [PMID: 37948105 PMCID: PMC10726860 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammatory pain (CIP) frequently coincides with depression among patients. The onset and development of pain and depression are associated with altered neural synaptic plasticity. Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively relieve CIP and depression. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully illustrated. OBJECTIVE To explore whether EA can relieve CIP and depression by regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and the present study offers foundational evidence for the efficacy of EA in treating CIP-related depression (CIPD). METHODS Rats were divided into four groups: 0.9% normal saline group, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) group, CFA + duloxetine group, and CFA + EA group. Pain hypersensitivity was detected by mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal paw withdrawal latency, and the depression level was gauged using the open field test, the sucrose preference test, and the forced swimming test. The morphology of the hippocampal neurons was observed using Nissl staining. The protein expression levels of synuclein (Syn), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs), tyrosine-protein kinase B (TrKB), p-TrkB, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and p-CREB were measured by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT-PCR). The content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the glutamic acid (Glu) content was determined using the ultraviolet colorimetry method. The hippocampal neuron ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS EA could alleviate CIP and related depressive behaviors as well as protect the hippocampal neuronal structure from damage and regulate 5-HT/GABA/Glu levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, EA could significantly increase the expression of synapse-associated proteins such as PSD-95 and Syn by activating the BDNF/TrKB/CREB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION EA improves pain and depressive behaviors in CIPD rats, and the mechanism may be related to synaptic plasticity mediated by the BDNF/TrKB/CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Yang
- The First School of Clinical MedicineGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of NursingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Tian Wang
- The First School of Clinical MedicineGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Hong Su
- The First School of Clinical MedicineGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Jing Li
- The First School of Clinical MedicineGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Yujun He
- Faculty of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and TuinaGuangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Shengyong Su
- Department of Acupuncture and MoxibustionThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Preventive Medicine of Traditional Chinese MedicineNanningGuangxiChina
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Pérez-Fernández M, Suárez-Rojas I, Bai X, Martínez-Martel I, Ciaffaglione V, Pittalà V, Salerno L, Pol O. Novel Heme Oxygenase-1 Inducers Palliate Inflammatory Pain and Emotional Disorders by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome and Activating the Antioxidant Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1794. [PMID: 37891874 PMCID: PMC10604550 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101794] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain caused by persistent inflammation is current in multiple diseases and has a strong negative impact on society. It is commonly associated with several mental illnesses, which can exert a negative influence on pain perception, and needs to be eradicated. Nevertheless, actual therapies are not sufficiently safe and effective. Recent reports demonstrate that the induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme produces analgesic effects in animals with osteoarthritis pain and reverses the grip strength loss caused by sciatic nerve crush. In this research, we evaluated the potential use of three new HO-1 inducers, 1m, 1a, and 1b, as well as dimethyl fumarate (DMF), for treating persistent inflammatory pain induced by the subplantar injection of complete Freud's adjuvant and the functional deficits and emotional sickness associated. The modulator role of these treatments on the inflammatory and antioxidant pathways were also assessed. Our findings revealed that repeated treatment, for four days, with 1m, 1a, 1b, or DMF inhibited inflammatory pain, reversed grip strength deficits, and reversed the linked anxious- and depressive-like behaviors, with 1m being the most effective. These treatments also suppressed the up-regulation of the inflammasome NLRP3 and activated the expression of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the HO-1 and superoxide dismutase 1 enzymes in the paw and/or amygdala, thus revealing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of these compounds during inflammatory pain. Results suggest the use of 1m, 1a, 1b, and DMF, particularly 1m, as promising therapies for inflammatory pain and the accompanying functional disabilities and emotional diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Pérez-Fernández
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Suárez-Rojas
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xue Bai
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Martínez-Martel
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Ciaffaglione
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Yang P, Chen H, Wang T, Li L, Su H, Li J, He Y, Su S. Electroacupuncture attenuates chronic inflammatory pain and depression comorbidity by inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Neurosci Lett 2023; 812:137411. [PMID: 37516346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
In chronic inflammatory pain (CIP) and depression, neuroapoptosis has been identified as a contributing factor. Electroacupuncture (EA) shows promise as an alternative therapy for this comorbidity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in rats with CIP and depression. Rats received plantar injections of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) on days 0 and 14. They were then divided into groups: sham operation, model, EA, and duloxetine. EA was administered at Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR3) from days 15 to 28, while the duloxetine group received duloxetine and distilled water daily (0.1 mg/ml). Pain behavior was assessed using the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) tests. Depression-like behavior was evaluated through the sucrose preference test (SPT), open-field test (OFT), and forced swim test (FST). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to assess pathological changes in the hippocampus. Nerve cell apoptosis was determined using TUNEL fluorescence staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt. EA demonstrated significant pain intensity reduction and alleviation of pain-related depressive symptoms. Our findings from the HE staining confirmed that CIP induced by CFA led to morphological changes in the hippocampus, while EA effectively reversed these pathological alterations. Moreover, EA intervention remarkably reduced neuronal apoptosis and exhibited an upregulation of Bcl-2 protein expression accompanied by a decrease in Bax expression. Additionally, EA activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Overall, our study suggests that EA holds the potential to improve pain and depressive behaviors in rats with CIP and depression comorbidity, potentially mediated through the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, leading to a reduction in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Preventive Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Tian Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ling Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Su
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jing Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yujun He
- Faculty of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shengyong Su
- Department of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Chen B, Liu D, Li T, Zheng L, Lan L, Yang N, Huang Y. Research Hotspots and Trends on Acupuncture for Anti-Inflammation: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2011 to 2021. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1197-1217. [PMID: 37056280 PMCID: PMC10089150 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s398393] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We here explored the research status, research hotspots, and development trend of acupuncture against inflammation from both quantitative and qualitative aspects through bibliometrics. Methods We used CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze the literature about acupuncture against inflammation from 2011 to 2021 in the Web of Science Core Collection database by using a visual knowledge map. Results In total, 1479 articles were included, and the number of articles published each year exhibited an upward trend. The largest number of articles were published in China (661), followed by the United States (287) and South Korea (164). The most productive institution is Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (72), while the most influential institution is the Capital Medical University (0.28). Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (131) is the journal that published most articles on the topic. Lin Yiwen is the most prolific author, and Borovikova L is the most influential co-cited author. The keywords that have burst in the last 2 years are inflammation and activation. The keywords with the highest frequency of use are electroacupuncture (EA), inflammation, and expression. Conclusion The number of publications on acupuncture for anti-inflammation research is rapidly increasing. China is a productive country, but the influence of centrality is poor. Research institutions are concentrated in universities, and the whole collaborative network needs to be strengthened. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture is the main focus of research in this field. Regulation of immune cell balance by acupuncture may be a hot topic in mechanism research. At present, immune cells, vagus nerve, signal pathway, inflammatory corpuscles, cytokines and neurotransmitters are popular research topics. In the future, the basic research of acupuncture for anti-inflammation transformed into clinical practice may be a trend. EA and bee venom acupuncture may be promising research directions for acupuncture treatment for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Chen
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics and Traumatology Department, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijiang Zheng
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Lan
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Niu Yang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinlan Huang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yinlan Huang, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18209506917, Email
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Zhang Q, Zhou M, Huo M, Si Y, Zhang Y, Fang Y, Zhang D. Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on inflammatory pain. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231202882. [PMID: 37678839 PMCID: PMC10515556 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231202882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture, as a traditional treatment, has been extensively used in China for thousands of years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is recommended for the treatment of 77 diseases. And 16 of these diseases are related to inflammatory pain. As a combination of traditional acupuncture and modern electrotherapy, electroacupuncture (EA) has satisfactory analgesic effects on various acute and chronic pain. Because of its good analgesic effects and no side effects, acupuncture has been widely accepted all over the world. Despite the increase in the number of studies, the mechanisms via which acupuncture exerts its analgesic effects have not been conclusively established. A literature review of related research is of great significance to elaborate on its mechanisms and to inform on further research directions. We elucidated on its mechanisms of action on inflammatory pain from two levels: peripheral and central. It includes the mechanisms of acupuncture in the periphery (immune cells and neurons, purinergic pathway, nociceptive ion channel, cannabinoid receptor and endogenous opioid peptide system) and central nervous system (TPRV1, glutamate and its receptors, glial cells, GABAergic interneurons and signaling molecules). In this review, we collected relevant recent studies to systematically explain the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating inflammatory pain, with a view to providing direction for future applications of acupuncture in inflammatory pain and promoting clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiang Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingzhu Huo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxin Si
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Youlin Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, College of Acumox and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Coral-Pérez S, Martínez-Martel I, Martínez-Serrat M, Batallé G, Bai X, Leite-Panissi CRA, Pol O. Treatment with Hydrogen-Rich Water Improves the Nociceptive and Anxio-Depressive-like Behaviors Associated with Chronic Inflammatory Pain in Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2153. [PMID: 36358525 PMCID: PMC9686765 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain is manifested in many diseases. The potential use of molecular hydrogen (H2) as a new therapy for neurological disorders has been demonstrated. Recent studies prove its analgesic properties in animals with neuropathic pain, but the possible antinociceptive, antidepressant, and/or anxiolytic actions of H2 during persistent inflammatory pain have not been investigated. Therefore, using male mice with chronic inflammatory pain incited by the subplantar injection of complete Freud's adjuvant (CFA), we assessed the actions of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) systemically administered on: (1) the nociceptive responses and affective disorders associated and (2) the oxidative (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal; 4-HNE), inflammatory (phosphorylated-NF-kB inhibitor alpha; p-IKBα), and apoptotic (Bcl-2-like protein 4; BAX) changes provoked by CFA in the paws and amygdala. The role of the antioxidant system in the analgesia induced by HRW systemically and locally administered was also determined. Our results revealed that the intraperitoneal administration of HRW, besides reducing inflammatory pain, also inhibited the depressive- and anxiolytic-like behaviors associated and the over expression of 4-HNE, p-IKBα, and BAX in paws and amygdala. The contribution of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 pathway in the analgesic activities of HRW, systemically or locally administered, was also shown. These data revealed the analgesic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic actions of HRW. The protective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities of this treatment during inflammatory pain were also demonstrated. Therefore, this study proposes the usage of HRW as a potential therapy for chronic inflammatory pain and linked comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Coral-Pérez
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Martínez-Martel
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Martínez-Serrat
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Batallé
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xue Bai
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christie R. A. Leite-Panissi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy Science and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77-79, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Wang S, Su ML, Zhang Y, Wu HM, Zou ZH, Zhang W, Deng F, Zhao Y. Role of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in anxiety disorder with thyroid lesions. J Psychosom Res 2022; 161:110998. [PMID: 35964359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110998] [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] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with anxiety disorder (AD) often have structural and functional abnormalities of the thyroid gland, but their specific causes remain unclear. N-methyl- d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play an important role in many psychosomatic diseases and tumorigenesis, but there are few reports on the role of NMDARs in AD with thyroid lesions, especially thyroid nodules (TNs). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients admitted to the hospital with AD (n = 71) as the main diagnosis from April to October 2021. Meanwhile, patients with TNs with no AD (NAD-TN group, n = 20) and healthy subjects (HS group, n = 37) with matched age, sex, and education were randomly collected as controls. Patients with AD were sub-grouped into the AD with TNs (AD-TN group, n = 41) and the AD with no TNs (AD-NTN group, n = 30). The thyroid ultrasound reports, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores, and the expression of NMDARs and their subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis-related hormones were analyzed in all subjects. Some patients with TNs underwent surgery and postoperative pathological examination. RESULTS Patients with AD showed a lower level of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and higher levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and NMDARs and their subunits compared to the healthy controls. The expression of the NR2A subunit was higher in the AD-TN group than that in other three groups (AD-NTN, NAD-TN, and HS groups, F = 13.650, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that the level of NMDARs was positively correlated with the HAMA scores (B = 1.622, p = 0.029) and the maximum diameter of TNs (B = 3.836, p = 0.005). Immunohistochemical results showed that the NR2A subunit was widely expressed in multinodular goiter (MNG) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues, while the expression of the NR2B subunit was lower in PTC adjacent and MNG tissues and almost absent in PTC tissues. CONCLUSION In a sample of mostly women hospitalized with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic disorder, abnormal expression of NMDARs is closely related to AD with thyroid lesions, NMDAR subunits may have various activities and exert diverse effects in TNs, and the NR2A subunit may be an important regulator in AD with TNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei-Lan Su
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Mei Wu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhong-Hui Zou
- Department of Stomach/Thyroid/Vascular Surgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Stomach/Thyroid/Vascular Surgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Deng
- Department of Stomach/Thyroid/Vascular Surgery, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Liao HY, Lin MC, Lin YW. Acupuncture points injection mitigates chronic pain through transient receptor potential V1 in mice. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:451-459. [PMID: 35656078 PMCID: PMC9150811 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.60121.13327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tissue injury in peripheral sites can result in long-term potentiation in nociceptive neurons and surrounding glial cells, potentially resulting in the development of chronic inflammatory pain (CIP). Acupoint injection (AI) is similar to Western phototherapy, which injects solutions at specific sites to mitigate chronic pain. AI has shown greater benefits compared with acupuncture. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effect and explored the underlying mechanisms of AI in mice CIP model. MATERIALS AND METHODS We injected thrice complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the mouse's hind paw to induce CIP. RESULTS We found that, after two weeks, CFA injection significantly induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia which were attenuated by AI treatment. Transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) channels and associated molecules were all increased in CIP in mice dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord (SC), thalamus, and somatosensory cortex (SSC). The aforementioned molecules were mitigated in AI and Trpv1 knockout mice. Furthermore, Iba1-positive cells (microglial marker) were also potentiated and shared a similar tendency with TRPV1. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that AI can alleviate chronic pain by reducing TRPV1 overexpression in both neuronal and microglial cells. Our results suggest new potential therapeutic targets for AI in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Yin Liao
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chia Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, E-DA Hospital, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,Corresponding author: Yi-Wen Lin. Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, North District, Taichung 404, Taiwan. Tel: 886-970055508;
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Electroacupuncture Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain by Attenuating the HMGB1, S100B, and TRPV1 Signalling Pathways in the Mouse Brain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2242074. [PMID: 35341159 PMCID: PMC8941543 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2242074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and persistent widespread pain and generalized muscle tenderness, and it is refractory to treatment. The central nervous system (CNS) plays an important role, pain signalling, in fibromyalgia subjects. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been practiced for thousand years to treat many diseases that involve pain. We established fibromyalgia-like pain in mice using intermittent cold stress and investigated therapeutic effects and modes of action with EA. EA of 2 Hz and 1 mA was performed for 20 min at the ST36 acupoint in mice from Day 3 to Day 5. Our results showed that mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were induced by intermittent cold stress (Day 5: mechanical: 1.43 ± 0.34 g; thermal: 3.98 ± 0.73 s) and were subsequently reversed by EA (Day 5: mechanical: 4.62 ± 0.48 g; thermal: 7.68 ± 0.68 s) or Trpv1−/− (Day 5: mechanical: 4.38 ± 0.51 g; thermal: 7.48 ± 0.98 s). Activity in the HMGB1, S100B, and TRPV1 pathways was increased in the mouse prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, thalamus, and amygdala with the stress treatment. This increase was attenuated by EA or Trpv1−/−. These results suggest potential targets for the treatment of TRPV1-dependant fibromyalgia pain.
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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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TRPV1 Responses in the Cerebellum Lobules VI, VII, VIII Using Electroacupuncture Treatment for Chronic Pain and Depression Comorbidity in a Murine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22095028. [PMID: 34068557 PMCID: PMC8126051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a prominent complex psychiatric disorder, usually complicated through expression of comorbid conditions, with chronic pain being among the most prevalent. This comorbidity is consistently associated with a poor prognosis and has been shown to negatively impact patient outcomes. With a global rise in this condition presenting itself, the importance of discovering long-term, effective, and affordable treatments is crucial. Electroacupuncture has demonstrated renowned success in its use for the treatment of pain and is a widely recognized therapy in clinical practice for the treatment of various psychosomatic disorders, most notably depression. Our study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Acid-Saline (AS) inducing states of chronic pain and depression comorbidity in the cerebellum, using the ST36 acupoint as the therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, the role of TRPV1 was relatedly explored through the use of TRPV1−/− mice (KO). The results indicated significant differences in the four behavioral tests used to characterize pain and depression states in mice. The AS and AS + SHAM group showed significant differences when compared to the Control and AS + EA groups in the von Frey and Hargreaves’s tests, as well as the Open-Field and Forced Swimming tests. This evidence was further substantiated in the protein levels observed in immunoblotting, with significant differences between the AS and AS + SHAM groups when compared to the AS + EA and AS + KO groups being identified. In addition, immunofluorescence visibly served to corroborate the quantitative outcomes. Conclusively these findings suggest that AS-induced chronic pain and depression comorbidity elicits changes in the cerebellum lobules VI, VII, VIII, which are ameliorated through the use of EA at ST36 via its action on TRPV1 and related molecular pathways. The action of TRPV1 is not singular in CPDC, which would suggest other potential targets such as acid-sensing ion channel subtype 3 (ASIC3) or voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) that could be explored in future studies.
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Li S, Zhang H, Gao X, Huang H, He W, Zhang H, Sun H. Prenatal stress induced depressive-like behavior and region dependently high CRP level in offspring rats. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02046. [PMID: 33599398 PMCID: PMC8035444 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To explore the changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) level in different regions of one old offspring rats exposed to prenatal stress (PS). METHODS The rat model was constructed with prenatal restraint stress on pregnant dams on days 14-20 of gestation. Offspring rats were randomly divided into PS susceptibility (PS-S) group and control (CON) group. Behavioral experiments including sucrose preference test (SPT), open-field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST) were used to measure depressive-like behaviors. Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were applied to detect the changes in CRP level. RESULTS The results showed that PS could cause depressive-like behaviors in all SPT, OFT, and FST. Concomitantly, CRP mRNA and protein expression significantly increased in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus in the PS-S group when compared that in the CON group, while no significantly changes in liver, heart, olfactory bulb, striatum, and cerebellum in the PS-S group when compared that in the CON group. CONCLUSION Increasing of CRP expression in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus may play a critical role in the mechanism under depressive-like behavior in offspring rats exposed to PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoning Li
- Department of Emergency, Xi'an Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Huifang Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Xi'an Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Xueyun Gao
- School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Huimei Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Wei He
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
| | - Hongli Sun
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, P.R. China
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Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Res Manag 2021; 2021:6617075. [PMID: PMID: 33680223 PMCID: PMC7925064 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6617075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain-related depression (CPRD). Methods We searched seven online databases to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for CPRD published before September 2020. We included studies that used acupuncture as the intervention group, with or without a control group, and the control group was treated with conventional drugs. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. For outcomes, assessments were performed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and adverse events. Results Eight studies involving 636 participants were identified and included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that single acupuncture treatment and drug treatment have the same effect in improving the HAMD score (MD = -0.14, 95% CI = [-0.88, 0.59], P = 0.71) and alleviating the VAS score (MD = -0.42, 95% CI = [-1.10, -0.27], P = 0.23), but acupuncture treatment is safer (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = [0.01, 0.21], P = 0.0003). In addition, acupuncture combined with drugs (control group) is more beneficial than single-drug treatment in improving the HAMD score (MD = -2.95, 95% CI = [-3.55, -2.36], P < 0.00001) and alleviating the VAS score (MD = -1.06, 95% CI = [-1.65, -0.47], P = 0.0004). Conclusion Acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for CPRD, and acupuncture combined with drug therapy is more effective than single-drug therapy. Nevertheless, the conclusions were limited due to the low quality and a small number of included studies.
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