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Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Liu Q, Cong S, Dou B, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Acupuncture modulates the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease: current evidence, challenges, and future opportunities. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1334735. [PMID: 38495110 PMCID: PMC10940355 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1334735] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, one of the most severe and common neurodegenerative diseases, has no effective cure. Therefore it is crucial to explore novel and effective therapeutic targets. The gut microbiota - brain axis has been found to play a role in Alzheimer's disease by regulating the neuro-immune and endocrine systems. At the same time, acupuncture can modulate the gut microbiota and may impact the course of Alzheimer's disease. In this Review, we discuss recent studies on the role of acupuncture on the gut microbiota as well current challenges and future opportunities of acupuncture as potential treatment for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qidi Liu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Chen Z, Wang X, Du S, Liu Q, Xu Z, Guo Y, Lin X. A review on traditional Chinese medicine natural products and acupuncture intervention for Alzheimer's disease based on the neuroinflammatory. Chin Med 2024; 19:35. [PMID: 38419106 PMCID: PMC10900670 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00900-6] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with insidious onset and progressive development. It is clinically characterized by cognitive impairment, memory impairment and behavioral change. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are important components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and are commonly used in clinical treatment of AD. This paper systematically summarizes the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine natural products and acupuncture treatment of AD, which combined with existing clinical and preclinical evidence, based on a comprehensive review of neuroinflammation, and discusses the efficacy and potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine natural products and acupuncture treatment of AD. Resveratrol, curcumin, kaempferol and other Chinese herbal medicine components can significantly inhibit the neuroinflammation of AD in vivo and in vitro, and are candidates for the treatment of AD. Acupuncture can alleviate the memory and cognitive impairment of AD by improving neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, nerve cell apoptosis and reducing the production and aggregation of amyloid β protein (Aβ) in the brain. It has the characteristics of early, safe, effective and benign bidirectional adjustment. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basis for improving the clinical strategies of TCM for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Chen
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Simin Du
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Liu
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.
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Hu XM, Song LZX, Zhang ZZ, Ruan X, Li HC, Yu Z, Huang L. Electroacupuncture at ST25 corrected gut microbial dysbiosis and SNpc lipid peroxidation in Parkinson's disease rats. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1358525. [PMID: 38450172 PMCID: PMC10915097 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1358525] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parkinson's disease (PD) remains one kind of a complex, progressive neurodegenerative disease. Levodopa and dopamine agonists as widely utilized PD therapeutics have not shown significant positive long-term outcomes. Emerging evidences indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) have potential effects on the therapy of nervous system disorders, particularly PD, but its specific underlying mechanism(s) remains poorly understood, leading to the great challenge of clinical application and management. Previous study has shown that acupuncture ameliorates PD motor symptoms and dopaminergic neuron damage by modulating intestinal dysbiosis, but its intermediate pathway has not been sufficiently investigated. Methods A rat model of PD was induced using rotenone. The therapeutic effect of EA on PD was assessed using the pole and rotarod tests and immunohistostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra (SN) of brain. The role of gut microbiota was explored using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabonomic analysis. PICRUSt2 analysis, lipidomic analysis, LPS and inflammatory factor assays were used for subsequent exploration and validation. Correlation analysis was used to identify the key bacteria that EA regulates lipid metabolism to improve PD. Results The present study firstly reappeared the effects of EA on protecting motor function and dopaminergic neurons and modulation of gut microbial dysbiosis in rotenone-induced PD rat model. EA improved motor dysfunction (via the pole and rotarod tests) and protected TH+ neurons in PD rats. EA increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Dubosiella and Bifidobacterium and decreased the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Morganella belonging to Pseudomonadota, suggesting that the modulation of gut microbiota by EA improving the symptoms of PD motility via alleviating LPS-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which was also validated by various aspects such as microbial gene functional analysis, fecal metabolomics analysis, LPS and inflammatory factor assays and SNpc lipidomics analysis. Moreover, correlation analyses also verified strong correlations of Escherichia-Shigella and Morganella with motor symptoms and SNpc lipid peroxidation, explicating targets and intermediate pathways through which EA improve PD exercise symptom. Conclusion Our results indicate that the improvement of motor function in PD model by EA may be mediated in part by restoring the gut microbiota, which intermediate processes involve circulating endotoxins and inflammatory mediators, SNpc oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The gut-microbiome - brain axis may be a potential mechanism of EA treatment for the PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-ming Hu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-zhe-xiong Song
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Tuina of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-zi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Tuina of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai-chang Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Zhao H, Sun M, Zhang Y, Kong W, Fan L, Wang K, Xu Q, Chen B, Dong J, Shi Y, Wang Z, Wang S, Zhuang X, Li Q, Lin F, Yao X, Zhang W, Kong C, Zhang R, Feng D, Zhao X. Connecting the Dots: The Cerebral Lymphatic System as a Bridge Between the Central Nervous System and Peripheral System in Health and Disease. Aging Dis 2024; 15:115-152. [PMID: 37307828 PMCID: PMC10796102 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0516] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As a recently discovered waste removal system in the brain, cerebral lymphatic system is thought to play an important role in regulating the homeostasis of the central nervous system. Currently, more and more attention is being focused on the cerebral lymphatic system. Further understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system is essential to better understand the pathogenesis of diseases and to explore therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the structural components and functional characteristics of cerebral lymphatic system. More importantly, it is closely associated with peripheral system diseases in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidney. However, there is still a gap in the study of the cerebral lymphatic system. However, we believe that it is a critical mediator of the interactions between the central nervous system and the peripheral system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Zhao
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Wenwen Kong
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Lulu Fan
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Kaifang Wang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Baiyan Chen
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Jianxin Dong
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Yanan Shi
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Zhengyan Wang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - ShiQi Wang
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Xiaoli Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Feihong Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xinyu Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - WenBo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Chang Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Dayun Feng
- Department of neurosurgery, Tangdu hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Zhao
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
- Shandong Provincial Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Anesthesia, School of Anesthesiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
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Bao Q, Liu Y, Zhang X, Li Y, Wang Z, Ye F, He X, Xia M, Chen Z, Yao J, Zhong W, Wu K, Wang Z, Sun M, Chen J, Hong X, Zhao L, Yin Z, Liang F. Clinical observation and mechanism of acupuncture on amnestic mild cognitive impairment based on the gut-brain axis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1198579. [PMID: 37415772 PMCID: PMC10321407 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1198579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a pre-dementia condition associated with declined cognitive function dominated by memory impairment. The occurrence of aMCI is associated with the gut-brain axis. Previous studies have shown cognitive improvements in MCI after acupuncture treatment. This study evaluates whether acupuncture can produce a therapeutic effect in patients with aMCI by modulating the gut-brain axis. Methods and design This is a prospective, parallel, multicenter randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 patients with aMCI will be randomly assigned to an acupuncture group (AG) or a waiting-list group (WG), participants in both groups will receive health education on improving cognitive function at each visit, and acupuncture will be conducted twice a week for 12 weeks in the AG. Another 20 matched healthy volunteers will be enrolled as normal control. The primary outcome will be the change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive scale score before and after treatment. Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging data, faeces, and blood will be collected from each participant to characterize the brain function, gut microbiota, and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. The differences between patients with aMCI and healthy participants, and the changes in the AG and WG groups before and after treatment will be observed. Ultimately, the correlation among brain function, gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and clinical efficacy evaluation in patients with aMCI will be analyzed. Discussion This study will identify the efficacy and provide preliminary data on the possible mechanism of acupuncture in treating aMCI. Furthermore, it will also identify biomarkers of the gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and brain function correlated with therapeutic effects. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200062084.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongnan Bao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- The West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaqin Li
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Ye
- The Sichuan Province People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia He
- The Rehabilitation Hospital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Manze Xia
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenghong Chen
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Yao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanqi Zhong
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Kexin Wu
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziwen Wang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingsheng Sun
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hong
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Zihan Yin
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanrong Liang
- School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Acupuncture Clinical Medicine Research Center, Chengdu, China
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Wu L, Dong Y, Zhu C, Chen Y. Effect and mechanism of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease: A review. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1035376. [PMID: 36936498 PMCID: PMC10020224 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1035376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development trend of an aging society, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become an urgent problem in the field of medicine worldwide. Cognitive impairment in AD patients leads to a decline in the ability to perform daily living and abnormalities in behavior and personality, causing abnormal psychiatric symptoms, which seriously affect the daily life of patients. Currently, mainly drug therapy is used for AD patients in the clinic, but a large proportion of patients will experience drug efficacy not working, and even some drugs bring severe sleep disorders. Acupuncture, with its unique concept and treatment method, has been validated through a large number of experiments and proved its reliability of acupuncture in the treatment of AD. Many advances have been made in the study of the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of AD, further demonstrating the good efficacy and unique advantages of acupuncture in the treatment of AD. This review first summarizes the pathogenesis of AD and then illustrates the research progress of acupuncture in the treatment of AD, which includes the effect of acupuncture on the changes of biochemical indicators in AD in vivo and the specific mechanism of action to exert the therapeutic effect. Changes in relevant indicators of AD similarly further validate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. The clinical and mechanistic studies of acupuncture in the treatment of AD are intensified to fit the need for social development. It is believed that acupuncture will achieve new achievements in the treatment of AD as research progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Wu
- Department of Tuina, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Dong
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhu
- Department of Galactophore, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Emergency, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zhang Y, Ding N, Hao X, Zhao J, Zhao Y, Li Y, Li Z. Manual acupuncture benignly regulates blood-brain barrier disruption and reduces lipopolysaccharide loading and systemic inflammation, possibly by adjusting the gut microbiota. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1018371. [PMID: 36313024 PMCID: PMC9607933 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1018371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and gut microbiota dysbiosis play crucial roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation triggered by gut microbial dysbiosis is an important factor in BBB disruption and systemic inflammation, but the mechanism of acupuncture regulation of BBB disruption via the gut microbiota in AD is not clear. OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated the effect of manual acupuncture (MA) on BBB dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice and examined the mechanism of gut microbiota by acupuncture in AD. METHODS Acupoints were applied to Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV29), and Zusanli (ST36) in the MA group. Mice in the manual acupuncture plus antibiotics (MAa) group received antibiotics and acupuncture, while mice in the probiotics (P) group received probiotics. Alterations in spatial learning and memory, the gut microbiota, tightly connected structure and permeability of BBB, and the expression of LPS and inflammatory factors in each group were assessed. RESULTS Compared to the normal (N) group, cognitive ability was significantly impaired, the gut microbiota composition was markedly altered, the BBB was significantly disrupted, and the expression of LPS in serum and brain, serum TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly increased in the AD group (p < 0.01). These changes were inhibited in the MA and P groups (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), and antibiotics reversed the benign regulatory effects of MA (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Manual acupuncture benignly modulated the gut microbiota and BBB dysfunction, reduced LPS, TNF-α, and IL-1β. These effects were comparable to probiotics. The decrease in LPS load and systemic inflammation may play important roles in the regulation of BBB dysfunction by acupuncture, and the gut microbiota may be a potential target for the benign regulation of BBB disruption by acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Acupuncture, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Hao
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Zhao
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Li
- School of International, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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8
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Acupuncture Interventions for Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Cognitive Disorders: A Review of Mechanisms. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6080282. [PMID: 36211826 PMCID: PMC9534683 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6080282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI) related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular cognitive disorders (VCDs) has become a key problem worldwide. Importantly, CI is a neuropsychiatric abnormality mainly characterized by learning and memory impairments. The hippocampus is an important brain region controlling learning and memory. Recent studies have highlighted the effects of acupuncture on memory deficits in AD and VCDs. By reviewing the literature published on this topic in the past five years, the present study intends to summarize the effects of acupuncture on memory impairment in AD and VCDs. Focusing on hippocampal synaptic plasticity, we reviewed the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture on memory impairments through regulation of synaptic proteins, AD characteristic proteins, intestinal microbiota, neuroinflammation, microRNA expression, orexin system, energy metabolism, etc., suggesting that hippocampal synaptic plasticity may be the common as well as the core link underlying the above mechanisms. We also discussed the potential strategies to improve the effect of acupuncture. Additionally, the effects of acupuncture on synaptic plasticity through the regulation of vascular–glia–neuron unit were further discussed.
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Deng C, Chen H, Meng Z, Meng S. Roles of traditional chinese medicine regulating neuroendocrinology on AD treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:955618. [PMID: 36213283 PMCID: PMC9533021 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.955618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in recent years. Studies have shown that in addition to some genetic abnormalities, the majority of AD patients has a history of long-term exposure to risk factors. Neuroendocrine related risk factors have been proved to be strongly associated with AD. Long-term hormone disorder can have a direct detrimental effect on the brain by producing an AD-like pathology and result in cognitive decline by impairing neuronal metabolism, plasticity and survival. Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) may regulate the complex process of endocrine disorders, and improve metabolic abnormalities, as well as the resulting neuroinflammation and oxidative damage through a variety of pathways. TCM has unique therapeutic advantages in treating early intervention of AD-related neuroendocrine disorders and preventing cognitive decline. This paper reviewed the relationship between neuroendocrine and AD as well as the related TCM treatment and its mechanism. The advantages of TCM intervention on endocrine disorders and some pending problems was also discussed, and new insights for TCM treatment of dementia in the future was provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chujun Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huize Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Meng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shengxi Meng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shengxi Meng,
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