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Chen S, Li J, Yan L, Zhang X, Huang J, Zhou P. Electroacupuncture alleviates the symptom of depression in mice by regulating the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6731-6744. [PMID: 38643466 PMCID: PMC11087112 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205596] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on chronic and unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression in mice and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: Control, CUMS, CUMS+EA-placebo, CUMS+EA, CUMS+ ad-NC, CUMS+ ad-cGAS-shRNA. CUMS was utilized to establish the depression model in mice. The behavioral changes were determined by the forced swimming, open field, and sucrose preference experiments. The pathological changes in the hippocampus tissue were evaluated by HE staining. The release of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, 5-HT, and NE in the hippocampus tissue was determined by ELISA. IBA-1 expression detected by the immunofluorescence was used to represent the activity of microglia. Western blot and RT-PCR were utilized to measure the expression of Bax, bcl-2, cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NLRP3. RESULTS The depression behavior in CUMS mice was significantly alleviated by the treatment of EA and cGAS-shRNA, accompanied by ameliorated hippocampus pathological changes, declined production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, elevated secretion of 5-HT and NE, and inhibition on the activity of microglia. Furthermore, significantly elevated expression level of Bax, cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NLRP3 and declined expression level of bcl-2 were observed in the CUMS+EA and CUMS+ ad-cGAS-shRNA groups. CONCLUSIONS EA significantly mitigated the symptom of depression in mice, which was closely associated with the repressed neuroinflammation, increased monoamine concentration, inactivated microglia, and inhibited cGAS-STING-NLRP3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Chen
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bao’an, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bao’an, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Luda Yan
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bao’an, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xianhao Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bao’an, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiesi Huang
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bao’an, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Bao’an, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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Li Y, Li YJ, Zhu ZQ. To re-examine the intersection of microglial activation and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of pyroptosis. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1284214. [PMID: 38020781 PMCID: PMC10665880 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1284214] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and motor neuron disease, are diseases characterized by neuronal damage and dysfunction. NDs are considered to be a multifactorial disease with diverse etiologies (immune, inflammatory, aging, genetic, etc.) and complex pathophysiological processes. Previous studies have found that neuroinflammation and typical microglial activation are important mechanisms of NDs, leading to neurological dysfunction and disease progression. Pyroptosis is a new mode involved in this process. As a form of programmed cell death, pyroptosis is characterized by the expansion of cells until the cell membrane bursts, resulting in the release of cell contents that activates a strong inflammatory response that promotes NDs by accelerating neuronal dysfunction and abnormal microglial activation. In this case, abnormally activated microglia release various pro-inflammatory factors, leading to the occurrence of neuroinflammation and exacerbating both microglial and neuronal pyroptosis, thus forming a vicious cycle. The recognition of the association between pyroptosis and microglia activation, as well as neuroinflammation, is of significant importance in understanding the pathogenesis of NDs and providing new targets and strategies for their prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Anesthesiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ying-Jie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Mianyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mianyang, China
| | - Zhao-Qiong Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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3
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Hou Z, Yu X, Chen J, Brenner JS, Sun Z, Shang H. Does acupuncture have advantages in the rehabilitation of vascular mild cognitive impairment? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18955. [PMID: 37636433 PMCID: PMC10448477 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vascular mild cognitive impairment (VMCI) is a common impairment caused by vascular factors. VMCI often occurs after stroke, and it is the main clinical manifestation of long-term disability. Many patients are treated with acupuncture in combination with other therapies. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of this treatment regimen is lacking. Aims This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for treating VMCI. Methods This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting and meta-analysis guidelines. The CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase databases were searched from inception to August 20, 2022. After two researchers independently screened the literature, they extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies. Revman 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. Summary of review Thirty-two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The overall effective rate of acupuncture for treating VMCI was 3.06, 95% CI [2.39, 3.91], (P < 0.05). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) scores significantly differed between the treatment and control groups, with weighted mean differences (WMDs) [95% CI] (P value) of 1.97 [1.44, 2.49] (P < 0.05), 2.02 [1.50, 2.54] (P < 0.05), 5.54 [3.81, 7.28] (P < 0.05), and 3.43 [2.53, 4.33] (P < 0.05), respectively. The overall effective rate of electroacupuncture (EA) for treating VMCI was better than that of the control group (RR = 2.25, 95% CI, [1.13, 4.50], P < 0.05). MoCA, MMSE, Barthel index and ADL scores differed significantly between the treatment and control groups, with WMDs [95% CI] (P value) of 1.79 [1.20, 2.38] (P < 0.05), 1.45 [0.87, 2.03] (P < 0.05), 5.78 [2.38, 9.18] (P < 0.05), and 3.15 [2.15, 4.15] (P < 0.05), respectively. Acupuncture alone and combined with drug therapy were thus superior to drug therapy alone for improving cognitive function. EA also has potential advantages. Conclusions Acupuncture combined with another therapy is better than other therapies alone, such as simple drug therapy, for treating VMCI. However, variations in study duration (4-12 weeks) limit us from drawing any definitive conclusions about long-term effects. Therefore, more RCTs with rigorous designs and reasonable treatment and follow-up durations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Hou
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Xiaodi Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150001, China
- Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150036, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China
| | - Jacob S. Brenner
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhongren Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150010, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
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4
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Hou Z, Yang X, Jiang L, Song L, Li Y, Li D, Che Y, Zhang X, Sun Z, Shang H, Chen J. Active components and molecular mechanisms of Sagacious Confucius' Pillow Elixir to treat cognitive impairment based on systems pharmacology. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7278-7307. [PMID: 37517091 PMCID: PMC10415554 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204912] [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: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sagacious Confucius' Pillow Elixir (SCPE) is a common clinical prescription to treat cognitive impairment (CI) in East Asia. OBJECTIVE To predict the active components of SCPE, identify the associated signaling pathway, and explore the molecular mechanism using systems pharmacology and an animal study. METHODS Systems pharmacology and Python programming language-based molecular docking were used to select and analyze the active components and targets. Senescence-accelerated prone 8 mice were used as a CI model. The molecular mechanism was evaluated using the water maze test, neuropathological observation, cerebrospinal fluid microdialysis, and Western blotting. RESULTS Thirty active components were revealed by screening relevant databases and performing topological analysis. Additionally, 376 differentially expressed genes for CI were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular docking indicated that SCPE played a crucial role in modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and 23 SCPE components interacted with it. In the CI model, SCPE improved cognitive function, increased the levels of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and metabolite 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), ameliorated pathological damage and regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. SCPE increased the LC3-II/LC3-I, p-PI3K p85/PI3K p85, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR protein expression ratios and inhibited P62 expression in the hippocampal tissue of the CI model. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that 23 active SCPE components improve CI by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter 5-HT and metabolite 5-HIAA, suppressing pathological injury and regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to improve cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Hou
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Heilongjiang Deshun Chang Chinese Herbal Medicine Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Liying Song
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang Nursing College, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Yanning Che
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
| | - Xiuling Zhang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
| | - Zhongren Sun
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
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Zhang Z, Chen L, Guo Y, Li D, Zhang J, Liu L, Fan W, Guo T, Qin S, Zhao Y, Xu Z, Chen Z. The neuroprotective and neural circuit mechanisms of acupoint stimulation for cognitive impairment. Chin Med 2023; 18:8. [PMID: 36670425 PMCID: PMC9863122 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a prevalent neurological disorder that burdens families and the healthcare system. Current conventional therapies for cognitive impairment, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists, are unable to completely stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Also, these medicines may cause serious problems with the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and sleep. Clinically, stimulation of acupoints has the potential to ameliorate the common symptoms of a variety of cognitive disorders, such as memory deficit, language dysfunction, executive dysfunction, reduced ability to live independently, etc. There are common acupoint stimulation mechanisms for treating various types of cognitive impairment, but few systematic analyses of the underlying mechanisms in this domain have been performed. This study comprehensively reviewed the basic research from the last 20 years and found that acupoint stimulation can effectively improve the spatial learning and memory of animals. The common mechanism may be that acupoint stimulation protects hippocampal neurons by preventing apoptosis and scavenging toxic proteins. Additionally, acupoint stimulation has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting neural regeneration, regulating synaptic plasticity, and normalizing neural circuits by restoring brain functional activity and connectivity. Acupoint stimulation also inhibits the production of amyloid β-peptide and the phosphorylation of Tau protein, suggesting that it may protect neurons by promoting correct protein folding and regulating the degradation of toxic proteins via the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. However, the benefits of acupoint stimulation still need to be further explored in more high-quality studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Zhang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liuyi Chen
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.257143.60000 0004 1772 1285First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Liu
- grid.257143.60000 0004 1772 1285First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Fan
- grid.412879.10000 0004 0374 1074Department of Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Course, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka City, 5100293 Japan
| | - Tao Guo
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Siru Qin
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yadan Zhao
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zelin Chen
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
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6
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Zhang W, Zhang L, Yang S, Wen B, Chen J, Chang J. Electroacupuncture ameliorates knee osteoarthritis in rats via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and reducing pyroptosis. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069221147792. [PMID: 36510338 PMCID: PMC9841849 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221147792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA), is the most common joint disease worldwide. The pathogenesis of KOA is complex and electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective therapy for KOA, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of EA on the rat model of KOA induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) and its relationship with NLRP3 inflammasome by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Methods: KOA was induced by intra-articular injection of MIA (3 mg/50 μL) into the right knee joint of rats. Forty-five male rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, KOA group, and KOA + electroacupuncture group (KOA+EA). EA treatment lasted for 2 weeks (6 times a week). Paw withdrawal threshold tests were used to assess mechanical allodynia once a week. Safranin O/Fast Green and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were used to assess the damage to cartilage, synovium, and subpatellar fat pad (IFP). Immunohistochemistry was used to observe NLRP3 inflammasome-associated protein-positive cells in the same field of view and western blot was used to detect the expression of the associated protein in cartilage tissue. Results: The KOA group showed mechanical hyperalgesia, joint inflammation, and significant cartilage tissue destruction. Safranin O/Fast Green and H&E staining revealed that EA alleviated the joint pathological changes caused by KOA and had a protective effect on cartilage, synovium, and IFP destruction. Mechanical allodynia pain and joint swelling were reduced in KOA rats after EA treatment. Immunohistochemistry and western blot showed significant inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated protein. Conclusion: The results indicate that EA can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce pyroptosis, which results in the protection of cartilage tissue and the treatment of KOA. It provides reliable evidence for the development of EA in the treatment of KOA and the clinical application of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lelei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei
| | - Jun Chang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China,Juan Chen, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei. ; The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei 230000, China.
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7
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Hou JY, Xu H, Cao GZ, Tian LL, Wang LH, Zhu NQ, Zhang JJ, Yang HJ. Multi-omics reveals Dengzhan Shengmai formulation ameliorates cognitive impairments in D-galactose-induced aging mouse model by regulating CXCL12/CXCR4 and gut microbiota. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1175970. [PMID: 37101548 PMCID: PMC10123283 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1175970] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengzhan Shengmai (DZSM), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has been administered extensively to elderly individuals with cognitive impairment (CI). However, the underlying mechanisms by which Dengzhan Shengmai improves cognitive impairment remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the effect of Dengzhan Shengmai on aging-associated cognitive impairment via a comprehensive combination of transcriptomics and microbiota assessment. Dengzhan Shengmai was orally administered to a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model, and evaluation with an open field task (OFT), Morris water maze (MWM), and histopathological staining was performed. Transcriptomics and 16S rDNA sequencing were applied to elucidate the mechanism of Dengzhan Shengmai in alleviating cognitive deficits, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunofluorescence were employed to verify the results. The results first confirmed the therapeutic effects of Dengzhan Shengmai against cognitive defects; specifically, Dengzhan Shengmai improved learning and impairment, suppressed neuro loss, and increased Nissl body morphology repair. Comprehensive integrated transcriptomics and microbiota analysis indicated that chemokine CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXC chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) were targets for improving cognitive impairments with Dengzhan Shengmai and also indirectly suppressed the intestinal flora composition. Furthermore, in vivo results confirmed that Dengzhan Shengmai suppressed the expression of CXC motif receptor 4, CXC chemokine ligand 12, and inflammatory cytokines. This suggested that Dengzhan Shengmai inhibited CXC chemokine ligand 12/CXC motif receptor 4 expression and modulated intestinal microbiome composition by influencing inflammatory factors. Thus, Dengzhan Shengmai improves aging-related cognitive impairment effects via decreased CXC chemokine ligand 12/CXC motif receptor 4 and inflammatory factor modulation to improve gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yi Hou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and MEGAROBO, Beijing, China
- Postdoctoral Mobile Research Station of China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Zhao Cao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Liang Tian
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Han Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and MEGAROBO, Beijing, China
- Postdoctoral Mobile Research Station of China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nai-Qiang Zhu
- Postdoctoral Mobile Research Station of China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing-Jing Zhang, ; Hong-Jun Yang,
| | - Hong-Jun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Robot Intelligent Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and MEGAROBO, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jing-Jing Zhang, ; Hong-Jun Yang,
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8
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Zhang HM, Luo D, Chen R, Wang SH, Zhao YJ, Li JX, Zhou MF, Yu ZM, Zhang JL, Liang FX. Research progress on acupuncture treatment in central nervous system diseases based on NLRP3 inflammasome in animal models. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1118508. [PMID: 36925735 PMCID: PMC10011106 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1118508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders exhibit complex neurophysiological and pathological mechanisms, which seriously affect the quality of life in patients. Acupuncture, widely accepted as complementary and alternative medicine, has been proven to exert significant therapeutic effects on CNS diseases. As a part of the innate immune system, NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of CNS diseases via regulating neuroinflammation. To further explore the mechanisms of acupuncture regulating NLRP3 inflammasome in CNS diseases, our study focused on the effects of acupuncture on neuroinflammation and the NLRP3 inflammasome in vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, depression, and spinal cord injury. This study confirmed that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome promotes the development of CNS diseases, and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential key target for the treatment of CNS diseases. In addition, it is concluded that acupuncture alleviates neuroinflammation by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, thereby improving the progression of CNS diseases, which provides a theoretical basis for acupuncture to attenuate neuroinflammation and improve CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ming Zhang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Luo
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Department of Respiratory, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Han Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Juan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Xiao Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min-Feng Zhou
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao-Min Yu
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun-Li Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Preventive Treatment by Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan, China
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9
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Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting the HMGB1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121732. [PMID: 36552192 PMCID: PMC9776077 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121732] [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] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy (SAE) is common in sepsis patients, with high mortality rates. It is believed that neuroinflammation is an important mechanism involved in SAE. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), as a late pro-inflammatory factor, is significantly increased during sepsis in different brain regions, including the hippocampus. HMGB1 causes neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment through direct binding to advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) is beneficial for neurological diseases and experimental sepsis. Our study used EA to treat SAE induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The Y maze test was performed to assess working memory. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting (WB) were used to determine neuroinflammation and the HMGB1 signaling pathway. Results showed that EA could improve working memory impairment in rats with SAE. EA alleviated neuroinflammation by downregulating the hippocampus's HMGB1/TLR4 and HMGB1/RAGE signaling, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, and relieving microglial and astrocyte activation. However, EA did not affect the tight junctions' expression of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the hippocampus.
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10
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Yuan M, Wang D, Yang J, Lan H. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome in the mechanism of electroacupuncture: Current status and future perspectives. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:913881. [PMID: 36337711 PMCID: PMC9626972 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.913881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture, which is the most widely used alternative medicine treatment, has been gradually recognized for its effectiveness; however, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a thoroughly studied inflammasome that is closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other diseases and plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of human immune system diseases. In recent years, some scholars have found that the NLRP3 inflammasome is a part of the mechanism of action of electroacupuncture, which has attracted further attention. In the current review, using “electroacupuncture” and “NLRP3 inflammasome” as keywords and based on the existing randomized controlled trials or clinical trials, we summarize the mechanisms of electroacupuncture targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in the treatment of different diseases and discuss how to optimize the electroacupuncture protocol to obtain thorough mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome in electroacupuncture and improve the level of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaen Yang
- Department of TCM Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Foshan Gaoming Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Hai Lan
- School of Automation Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Hai Lan,
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11
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Zhou R, Xiao L, Xiao W, Yi Y, Wen H, Wang H. Bibliometric review of 1992–2022 publications on acupuncture for cognitive impairment. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1006830. [PMID: 36226080 PMCID: PMC9549373 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1006830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the development context, research hotspots, and frontiers of acupuncture therapy for cognitive impairment (CI) from 1992 to 2022 by visualization analysis. Methods Articles about acupuncture therapy for cognitive impairment were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) until 1 March 2022. Basic information was collected by Excel 2007, and VOSviewer 1.6.17 was used to analyze the co-occurrence of countries, institutes, and authors. Co-citation maps of authors and references were analyzed by CiteSpace V.5.8.R3. In addition, CiteSpace was used to analyze keyword clusters and forecast research frontiers. Results A total of 279 articles were retrieved, including articles from 19 countries, 334 research institutes, and 101 academic journals. The most published country and institutes were the People's Republic of China (217) and the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (40). Ronald C Petersen owned the highest co-citations (56). Keywords and co-cited references cluster showed the main research directions in this area, including “ischemic stroke,” “cerebral ischemia/reperfusion,” “mild cognitive impairment,” “Alzheimer's disease,” “vascular dementia,” “vascular cognitive impairment with no dementia,” “multi-infarct dementia,” “synaptic injury,” “functional MRI,” “glucose metabolism,” “NMDA,” “nuclear factor-kappa b pathway,” “neurotrophic factor,” “matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2),” “tumor necrosis factor-alpha,” “Bax,” “Caspase-3,” and “Noxa”. Trending keywords may indicate frontier topics, such as “randomized controlled trial,” “rat model,” and “meta-analysis.” Conclusion This research provides valuable information for the study of acupuncture. Diseases focus on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD). Tauopathies with hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein as the main lesions also need to be paid attention to. The development of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will better explain the therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment. The effect of acupuncture on a single point is more convincing, and acupuncture on Baihui (GV20) may be needed in the future. Finally, the implementation of high-quality multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) requires increased collaboration among experts from multiple fields and countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runjin Zhou
- Medical College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Ganzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lu Xiao
| | - Wei Xiao
- Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Yi
- Ganzhou Cancer Hospital, Ganzhou, China
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12
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Xin YY, Wang JX, Xu AJ. Electroacupuncture ameliorates neuroinflammation in animal models. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:474-483. [PMID: 35229660 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221076515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation refers to a wide range of immune responses occurring in the brain or spinal cord. It is closely related to a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, for which it potentially represents a new direction for treatment. Electroacupuncture (EA) is one method of acupuncture treatment, which can be used as an adjuvant therapy for many diseases. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms of EA in the reduction of neuroinflammation, summarizes relevant basic research and outlines future directions for investigation. Findings: A growing body of basic research has shown that EA can ameliorate neuroinflammation centrally (in animal models of ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia) and peripherally (e.g. after a surgical insult or injection of lipopolysaccharide) and that its effects involve different molecular mechanisms, including activation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling pathway and P2 type purinergic receptors, inhibition of nuclear factor κB, and mitigation of damage secondary to oxidative stress and NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: EA is capable of regulating multiple cell signal transduction pathways to alleviate neuroinflammation in animal models. Although the findings of animal studies are encouraging, further prospective clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy of EA for the treatment of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-yang Xin
- Anesthesiology Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-xu Wang
- Anesthesiology Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ai-jun Xu
- Anesthesiology Institute, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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13
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Shao L, Dong C, Geng D, He Q, Shi Y. Ginkgolide B inactivates the NLRP3 inflammasome by promoting autophagic degradation to improve learning and memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:329-341. [PMID: 35050445 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome drives the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ginkgolide B (GB) is a potential anti-inflammatory compound that controls neuro-inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GB on the NLRP3 inflammasome in AD. The effect of GB on the conversion between the M1 and M2 microglial phenotype was examined using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. Western blotting assays and ELISA were used to detect changes in neuro-inflammation following GB treatment, including the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and autophagy. In order to evaluate the cognitive function of male senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice, behavioral tests, including the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests, were performed. GB significantly decreased the intracellular pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in lipopolysaccharide-treated BV2 cells and improved cognitive behavior in SAMP8 mice. Moreover, GB deactivated the NLRP3 inflammasome, and this effect was dependent on autophagy. Ubiquitination was associated with GB-induced autophagic NLRP3 degradation. These results were further validated in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice. Thus, GB exerted a neuroprotective effect on the cognitive function of SAMP8 mice by suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome via autophagic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People's Republic of China
- Department of Neurology, The Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Dong
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Deqin Geng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qing He
- Department of Neurology, The Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221116, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221005, People's Republic of China
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14
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Chai X, Li X, Zhang W, Tan X, Wang H, Yang Z. Legumain knockout improved cognitive impairment via reducing neuroinflammation in right unilateral common carotid artery occlusion mice. Life Sci 2021; 285:119944. [PMID: 34509465 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a state of chronic cerebral blood flow reduction, and it is the main cause of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. The abnormal upregulation of legumain, a lysosomal cysteine protease, trigger synaptic plasticity impairment and neuroinflammation, which are involved in the underlying pathophysiology of CCH. At present, few studies have reported the role of legumain in cognitive impairment caused by CCH. In our study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of legumain knockout in cognitive function and neuroinflammation in a CCH mouse model. MAIN METHODS In this study, right unilateral common carotid artery occlusion (rUCCAO) was used to simulate the pathological state of cerebral ischemic injury. Various behavioural tests were executed to assess cognitive performance. In vivo electrophysiological recordings were used to measure synaptic functions. Western blotting, Golgi staining, haematoxylin/eosin staining, and immunofluorescence assays were conducted to examine pathological changes and molecular mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS The data showed that the level of legumain was significantly increased in the hippocampus of mice subjected to rUCCAO. Legumain knockout significantly improved cognitive function and synaptic plasticity induced by rUCCAO, suggesting that legumain knockout-regulation effectively protected against CCH-induced behavioural dysfunctions. Moreover, legumain knockout suppressed rUCCAO-induced microglial activation, reduced the abnormal expression of inflammatory cytokines and the inflammasome complex, and impeded the activation of P65 and pyroptosis. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that legumain is an effective regulator of CCH, and may be an ideal target for the development of cerebral ischemia treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Chai
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaoyue Tan
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Haiyun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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15
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Electroacupuncture Improves Clearance of Amyloid- β through the Glymphatic System in the SAMP8 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:9960304. [PMID: 34484327 PMCID: PMC8416373 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9960304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Memory loss and cognitive impairment characterize the neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid-β (Aβ) is the key factor that triggers the course of AD, and reducing the deposition of Aβ in the brain has been considered as a potential target for the treatment of AD. In clinical and animal studies, electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be an effective treatment for AD. In recent years, substantial evidence has accumulated suggesting the important role of the glymphatic system in Aβ clearance. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore whether EA modifies the accumulation of Aβ through the glymphatic system and may thus be applied to alleviate cognitive impairments. Methods Seven-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomized into a control group (Pc) and an electroacupuncture group (Pe). Age-matched SAMR1 mice were used as normal controls (Rc). Mice in the Pe group were stimulated on Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) for 10 min and then pricked at Shuigou (GV26) for ten times. EA treatment lasted for 8 weeks. In each week, EA would be applied once a day for the first five consecutive days and ceased at the remaining two days. After EA treatment, Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to evaluate the cognitive function; HE and Nissl staining was performed to observe the brain histomorphology; ELISA, contrast-enhanced MRI, and immunofluorescence were applied to explore the mechanisms underlying EA effects from Aβ accumulation, glymphatic system function, reactivity of astrocytes, and AQP4 polarization, respectively. Results This EA regime could improve cognition and alleviate neuropathological damage to brain tissue. And EA treatment might reduce Aβ accumulation, enhance paravascular influx in the glymphatic system, inhibit the reactivity of astrocytes, and improve AQP4 polarity. Conclusion EA treatment might reduce Aβ accumulation from the brain via improving clearance performance of the glymphatic system and thereby alleviating cognitive impairment.
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