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Gao D, Ma L, Xie Y, Xiao B, Xue S, Xiao W, Zhou Y, Cai X, Yang X. Electroacupuncture Promotes Autophagy by Regulating the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2396-2404. [PMID: 35622215 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a complex neurological disease, and its occurrence and development are closely related to the autophagy signaling pathway. However, the mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) affects the regulation of autophagy has not been fully elucidated. TLE gene chip dataset GSE27166 and data from rats without epilepsy (n = 6) and rats with epilepsy (n = 6) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the TLE and control groups were identified with the online tool GEO2R. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were used to analyse the functional and pathway enrichment of genes in the most important modules. A rat model of TLE induced by lithium-pilocarpine treatment was established. EA treatment at DU20 and DU14 in TLE rats was performed for 2 weeks. Neuronal regeneration was determined using immunofluorescence staining. The protein levels of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy markers were detected through western blotting and immunohistochemistry. This study identified 1837 DEGs, including 798 upregulated genes and 1039 downregulated genes. GO enrichment and KEGG analyses were performed on DEGs and revealed functional enrichment mainly in the mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy-animal. Furthermore, the number of mature neurons was significantly increased upon coexpressing BrdU/NeuN in TLE rats treated with EA. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed significantly decreased levels of the phosphorylated-AKT and p-mTOR in the hippocampal CA3 and DG regions of TLE rats with EA treatment. And increased p-ULK1/ULK1, LC3-II/LC3-I and p62 levels in TLE rats with EA stimulation. Therefore, this study suggested that EA promoted autophagy in hippocampal neurons during the onset of epilepsy by regulating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to treat epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gao
- The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, China
| | - Linqing Ma
- The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, China
| | - Yunliang Xie
- The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shouru Xue
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenbiao Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - You Zhou
- The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiuying Cai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, 899 Pinghai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, Suzhou, China. .,Department of Neurology, The People's Hospital of Suzhou New District, 95 Huashan Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Park CR, Lee G, Son CG, Cho JH, Lee NH. Recovery from hepatitis A after Korean medicine-based treatment : a case report. Integr Med Res 2019; 8:257-260. [PMID: 31768311 PMCID: PMC6872770 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies reported that Korean medicine (KM) is effective for treating liver disease, including hepatitis A. However, KM, specifically with herbal medicine (Chungganplus, CGP) has not been reported yet. We aimed to report a patient with hepatitis A who was treated with KM including CGP, acupuncture, and moxibustion for 12 days. METHODS A 39-year-old man with hepatitis A who was hospitalized for 12 days after being admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. We prescribed CGP three times a day, with acupuncture performed twice daily and moxibustion at conception vessel (CV)-12 once a day. Follow-up blood tests have been done 4 times during the admission in order to access the effect of the treatment. RESULTS In 12 days the symptoms had disappeared and the blood test results improved steadily. His AST level have declined from 1,189 IU/L to 44 IU/L, ALT from 2,423 IU/L to 127 IU/L, r-GTP from 1,347 IU/L to 339 IU/L, ALP from 384 IU/L to 205 IU/L, and total bilirubin from 3.6 mg/dL to 0.89 mg/dL. CONLCUSIONS This case suggests that KM-based treatment using CGP may be effective for hepatitis A with no adverse effect. Further research and clinical trial on CGP would be needed to make the basis more valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Ran Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gayoung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyo Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, University of Daejeon, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Dunsan Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Baeumler PI, Conzen P, Irnich D. High Temporal Summation of Pain Predicts Immediate Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture in Chronic Pain Patients-A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:498. [PMID: 31354400 PMCID: PMC6637793 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This prospective cohort study explored whether two distinguished sensory parameters predicted acupuncture effects in chronic pain patients; namely high temporal summation of pain (TS) indicating spinal synaptic facilitation as well as a low vibration detection threshold (VDT) indicating a loss of Aβ-fiber function. Methods: Pinprick induced TS and VDT were assessed by standardized, validated methods at the most painful body site and a pain free control site in 100 chronic pain patients receiving six acupuncture sessions as part of an interdisciplinary multimodal pain treatment (IMPT). Immediate change in pain intensity after the first acupuncture session (first treatment on the first day of IMPT) was assessed by the verbal rating scale (VRS, 0-100). After 4 weeks of treatment, patients indicated in a questionnaire whether acupuncture had relieved pain immediately and whether it had contributed to overall pain reduction and well-being after IMPT. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed an association between high TS at the control site and a reduction in pain intensity of at least 30% (VRS) after the first acupuncture (OR [95%-CI] 4.3 [1.6-11.8]). Questionnaire ratings of immediate pain relief after acupuncture were associated with high TS at the control site (OR [95%-CI] 3.8 [1.4-10.2] any pain relief, OR [95%-CI] 5.5 [1.7-17.1] over 50% pain reduction) and at the pain site (OR [95%-CI] 3.2 [1.2-8.9] any pain relief). Appraisals of the contribution of acupuncture to overall pain reduction and well-being after IMPT were not associated with TS. The VDT was not associated with any outcome. Conclusion: This explorative study provides first-time evidence that high TS, especially at a pain free control site, but not VDT, might predict immediate analgesic response to acupuncture in chronic pain patients. Thus, highly centrally sensitized chronic pain patients might respond particularly well to acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Iris Baeumler
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Conzen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Irnich
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Alvarado-Sanchez BG, Salgado-Ceballos H, Torres-Castillo S, Rodriguez-Silverio J, Lopez-Hernandez ME, Quiroz-Gonzalez S, Sanchez-Torres S, Mondragón-Lozano R, Fabela-Sanchez O. Electroacupuncture and Curcumin Promote Oxidative Balance and Motor Function Recovery in Rats Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:498-506. [PMID: 30603981 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-02704-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition that puts the patient's life at risk in the acute phase and, during the chronic stage, results in permanent deficits in motor, sensory and autonomic functions. Isolated therapeutic strategies have not shown an effect on this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and curcumin, alone or combined, on the oxidative balance, motor function recovery and amount of preserved tissue following a traumatic SCI. Long-Evans rats were divided into five groups: SHAM, SCI, SCI + EA, SCI + Curcumin, and SCI + EA + Curcumin. Nitric oxide was significantly decreased in the Curcumin group; the EA, Curcumin and SCI + EA + Curcumin groups had significantly decreased hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation levels. Motor function recovery and the amount of preserved spinal cord tissue were significantly greater in the EA, Curcumin and EA + Curcumin groups. The results show that EA and Curcumin treatment alone or in combination decreased oxidative stress, improved functional motor recovery and increased the amount of preserved spinal cord tissue following a traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, C.P. 06720, México City, Mexico
- Proyecto Camina A. C., C.P. 14050, México City, Mexico
| | - Sergio Torres-Castillo
- Universidad Estatal del Valle de Ecatepec, C.P. 55210, Ecatepec de Morelos, Estado De México, Mexico.
- Proyecto Camina A. C., C.P. 14050, México City, Mexico.
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Silverio
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, C.P. 11340, México City, Mexico
| | - Monica E Lopez-Hernandez
- Universidad Estatal del Valle de Ecatepec, C.P. 55210, Ecatepec de Morelos, Estado De México, Mexico
| | - Salvador Quiroz-Gonzalez
- Universidad Estatal del Valle de Ecatepec, C.P. 55210, Ecatepec de Morelos, Estado De México, Mexico
| | | | - Rodrigo Mondragón-Lozano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, C.P. 06720, México City, Mexico
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Cha M, Chae Y, Bai SJ, Lee BH. Spatiotemporal changes of optical signals in the somatosensory cortex of neuropathic rats after electroacupuncture stimulation. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:33. [PMID: 28068994 PMCID: PMC5223459 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Peripheral nerve injury causes physiological changes in primary afferent neurons. Neuropathic pain associated with peripheral nerve injuries may reflect changes in the excitability of the nervous system, including the spinothalamic tract. Current alternative medical research indicates that acupuncture stimulation has analgesic effects in various pain symptoms. However, activation changes in the somatosensory cortex of the brain by acupuncture stimulation remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to monitor the changes in cortical excitability, using optical imaging with voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) in neuropathic rats after electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (intact), sham injury, and neuropathic pain rats. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, rats were subjected to nerve injury with tight ligation and incision of the tibial and sural nerves in the left hind paw. For optical imaging, the rats were re-anesthetized with urethane, and followed by craniotomy. The exposed primary somatosensory cortex (S1) was stained with VSD for one hour. Optical signals were recorded from the S1 cortex, before and after EA stimulation on Zusanli (ST36) and Yinlingquan (SP9). Results After peripheral stimulation, control and sham injury rats did not show significant signal changes in the S1 cortex. However, inflamed and amplified neural activities were observed in the S1 cortex of nerve-injured rats. Furthermore, the optical signals and region of activation in the S1 cortex were reduced substantially after EA stimulation, and recovered in a time-dependent manner. The peak fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced until 90 min after EA stimulation (Pre-EA: 0.25 ± 0.04 and Post-EA 0 min: 0.01 ± 0.01), and maximum activated area was also significantly attenuated until 60 min after EA stimulation (Pre-EA: 37.2 ± 1.79 and Post-EA 0 min: 0.01 ± 0.10). Conclusion Our results indicate that EA stimulation has inhibitory effects on excitatory neuronal signaling in the S1 cortex, caused by noxious stimulation in neuropathic pain. These findings suggest that EA stimulation warrants further study as a potential adjuvant modulation of neuropathic pain.
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Shi Y, Quan R, Li C, Zhang L, Du M, Xu J, Yang Z, Yang D. The study of traditional Chinese medical elongated-needle therapy promoting neurological recovery mechanism after spinal cord injury in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 187:28-41. [PMID: 27085942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Acupuncture is a key part of traditional Chinese medicine, shown to induce favorable neuroplasticity for injuries in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent studies report elongated needle therapy (ENT) with BL54 and ST28 may restore acute spinal cord injury (ASCI). However, the precise mechanism for this has not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY In our current study, we investigated the effects of ENT on inflammation and neuronal apoptosis induced by ASCI, and whether PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways are involved in the ENT restoration effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat models of moderate SCI were established in accordance with the modified Allen's method and were treated with ENT continuously for 7 days. Spontaneous activities were evaluated by the Basso Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor scale. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, IL-1β, and nuclear factor kappa-β, were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The proportions of cells with positive Bcl-2 and Bax expression were determined by immunohistochemical assays, whilst the expression profiles of p-AKT and p-ERK in spinal cord tissues were evaluated by western blotting. Furthermore, the expression profiles of Cytochrome-C (Cyt-C) and caspase-3 in vivo were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The potential inhibitory effects downstream of the Akt and ERK signaling pathways were examined by administration of specific inhibitors LY294002 and PD98059 in vivo. RESULTS As indicated by this study, inflammation as well as PI3K/Akt- and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway-mediated neuronal apoptosis were involved in the course of SCI in rats. The neuro-protective effect of ENT was associated with reduced Bax protein-positive neurons and increased Bcl-2 protein-positive neurons. ENT enhanced recovery of rat activities. Activation of p-Akt and p-ERK in the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, inhibited expression of the critical component Cyt-C. Cyt-C is required for the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and cascade of caspase-3, which is involved in activation of neuronal apoptosis through down-regulation of Bax protein and up-regulation of Bcl-2, as determined by TUNEL. The administration of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway specific inhibitors, LY294002 and PD98059, suppressed expression of both p-Akt and p-ERK. CONCLUSION ENT with BL54 and ST28 points can promote the recovery of ASCI. And the neuro-protective effect of ENT during the restoration of SCI may be associated with the suppression of both inflammation and activation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, resulting from down-regulation of Bax protein, up-regulation of Bcl-2, and inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Shi
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 31012, China
| | - Renfu Quan
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 31012, China.
| | - Changming Li
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 31012, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 31012, China
| | - Mengxuan Du
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 31012, China
| | - Jinwei Xu
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Affiliated Jiangnan Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 31012, China
| | - Zongbao Yang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Disheng Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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JuarezBecerril O, SalgadoCeballos H, AnguianoSolis C, AlvaradoSanchez B, Hernandez MEL, DiazRuiz A, TorresCastillo S. Electro-Acupuncture at GV.4 Improves Functional Recovery in paralyzed rats after a Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. ACUPUNCTURE ELECTRO 2016. [DOI: 10.3727/036012916x14533115160688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the oxidative stress, the spinal cord tissue preservation and the recovery of motor function was evaluated after a traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). Long Evans rats were randomized into five groups: 1. Sham; 2. TSCI
without treatment; 3. TSCI + EA (acupoint GV.4); 4. TSCI + EA (acupoint GV.26) and 5. TSCI + EA (GV.4 + GV.26). The EA was performed with an Electro-Acupunctoscope, AWQ-104L Digital, wave dense-dispersed, current intensity 2.5mA and frequency 2-100Hz for 30 minutes. The biochemical results
showed a significant increase in the hydroxyl radical concentration in group 2 (3.1±1.4nmol) compared with groups 1 (1.8±0.5nmol) and 4 (2.4±1.1nmol) (p<0.05), whereas in group 4 (4.8±1.8nmol), there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation when compared
with group 1 (1.7±0.5nmol) (p<0.05). The BBB motor function score in the paralyzed hind limbs (normal BBB=21points) was greater in groups 3 (15.2 points) and 5 (13.5 points) in comparison with groups 2 (11.4 points) and 4 (9.3 points) (p<0.05). The quantity of preserved spinal
cord tissue was greater in group 3 (6582.7±20μm2) than in groups 2 (5262.4±20μm2), 4 (3995.6±26μm2) and 5 (4266.7±22μm2). Although EA in GV.26 decreases hydroxyl radical concentration (50%), it significantly
increases lipid peroxidation (45%), while stimulation of GV.4 decreases oxidative stress (15%), preserves spinal cord tissue (25%) and improves recovery of motor function in the hind limbs of rats with paralysis (18.1%) compared with untreated group. These findings suggest that EA in GV.4
may be a therapeutic alternative on TSCI.
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Li M, Zhang J, Zhang F. Acu-TENS might alleviate the dysfunction following spinal cord injury. J Formos Med Assoc 2015; 114:899-900. [PMID: 24568952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Provincial Orthopedic Biomechanics Key Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Provincial Orthopedic Biomechanics Key Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, People's Republic of China; Hebei Provincial Orthopedic Biomechanics Key Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, People's Republic of China.
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Bee Venom Acupuncture Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Upregulating Regulatory T Cells and Suppressing Th1 and Th17 Responses. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:1419-1445. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-9012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Lee B, Kim SN, Park HJ, Lee H. Research advances in treatment of neurological and psychological diseases by acupuncture at the Acupuncture Meridian Science Research Center. Integr Med Res 2014; 3:41-48. [PMID: 28664077 PMCID: PMC5481699 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is an ancient therapeutic intervention that can be traced back at least 2100 years and is emerging worldwide as one of the most widely used therapies in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. Due to limitations associated with Western medicine's focus on the treatment of diseases rather than on their causes, interests are shifting to complementary and alternative medicines. The Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC) was established in 2005 to elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture for neurological diseases based on multidisciplinary research supported by the Korean Ministry of Science and Technology. In the AMSRC, resultant research articles have shown that acupuncture can improve neurological and psychological problems, including Parkinson's disease, pain, and depression, in animal models. Basic research studies suggest its effectiveness in treating various problems such as depression, drug addiction, epilepsy, ischemia, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and pain. We strongly believe that these effects, evident from the AMSRC research results, can play leading roles in the use of acupuncture for treating neurological diseases, based on collaboration among various academic fields such as neurophysiology, molecular genetics, and traditional Korean medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bombi Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyejung Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- The Graduate School of Basic Science of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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11
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Chang KH, Bai SJ, Lee H, Lee BH. Effects of acupuncture stimulation at different acupoints on formalin-induced pain in rats. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 18:121-7. [PMID: 24757373 PMCID: PMC3994298 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2014.18.2.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is the process of stimulating skin regions called meridians or acupoints and has been used to treat pain-related symptoms. However, the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture may be different depending on acupoints. In the present study, the effects of acupuncture on behavioral responses and c-Fos expression were evaluated using a formalin test in male Sprague-Dawley rats in order to clarify the analgesic effects of three different acupoints. Each rat received manual acupuncture at the ST36 (Zusanli), SP9 (Yinlingquan) or BL60 (Kunlun) acupoint before formalin injection. Flinching and licking behaviors were counted by two blinded investigators. Fos-like immunoreactivity was examined by immunohistochemistry in the rat spinal cord. Manual acupuncture treatment at BL60 acupoint showed significant inhibition in flinching behavior but not in licking. Manual acupuncture at ST36 or SP9 tended to inhibit flinching and licking behaviors but the effects were not statistically significant. The acupuncture at ST36, SP9, or BL60 reduced c-Fos expression as compared with the control group. These results suggest that acupuncture especially at the BL60 acupoint is more effective in relieving inflammatory pain than other acupoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Ha Chang
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Sun Joon Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and Anesthesia and Pain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
| | - Hyejung Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752, Korea
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Electroacupuncture reduces hyperalgesia after injections of acidic saline in rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:485043. [PMID: 24772181 PMCID: PMC3977512 DOI: 10.1155/2014/485043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Injections of acidic saline into the gastrocnemius muscle in rats produce a bilateral long-lasting hyperalgesia similar to fibromyalgia in humans. No previous study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on this acidic saline model. This study aimed to identify the effects of EA in the hyperalgesia produced by repeated intramuscular injections of acidic saline. Methods. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 6, each group): control, acupuncture, EA 15 Hz, and 100 Hz. Left gastrocnemius muscle was injected with 100 μL of pH 4.0 sterile saline twice five days apart. EA, acupuncture, or control therapy was daily administered (20 min) for 5 consecutive days under anesthesia. Needles were placed in the St36 and Sp6 acupoints. The assessment of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, and motor performance was performed before injections and before and after the treatment performed on each day. The paw withdrawal threshold was tested using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and differences within the group Wilcoxon Matched Pairs. The latency and motor performance were tested for ANOVA parametric test for independent measures, and for differences in the group, we used t-test for paired samples. Post hoc Tukey test was used for multiple corrections. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. Indicate that there was a significant reduction of mechanical withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency 24 hours following the second injection. Moreover, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly reversed by EA 15, 100 Hz, and acupuncture. Conclusions. The results suggest that EA high and low frequency as well as acupuncture are effective in reducing hyperalgesia in chronic muscle pain model.
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Abstract
In the last decade, preclinical investigations of electroacupuncture mechanisms on persistent tissue injury (inflammatory), nerve injury (neuropathic), cancer, and visceral pain have increased. These studies show that electroacupuncture activates the nervous system differently in health than in pain conditions, alleviates both sensory and affective inflammatory pain, and inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain more effectively at 2 to 10 Hz than at 100 Hz. Electroacupuncture blocks pain by activating a variety of bioactive chemicals through peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms. These include opioids, which desensitize peripheral nociceptors and reduce proinflammatory cytokines peripherally and in the spinal cord, and serotonin and norepinephrine, which decrease spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN1 phosphorylation. Additional studies suggest that electroacupuncture, when combined with low dosages of conventional analgesics, provides effective pain management which can forestall the side effects of often-debilitating pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Zhang
- Assistant Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lixing Lao
- Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ke Ren
- Professor, Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brian M. Berman
- Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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Zhang L, Li C, Quan R, Xie S. The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Neuronal Apoptosis and Related Functions in Rats with Acute Spinal Cord Injury. Chin Med 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/cm.2014.54024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Luo H, Cheng X, Tang Y, Ling Z, Zhou L. Electroacupuncture treatment contributes to the downregulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and motoneuron death in injured spinal cords following root avulsion of the brachial plexus. Biomed Rep 2013; 2:207-212. [PMID: 24649097 DOI: 10.3892/br.2013.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed in order to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on motoneurons and the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) following brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA). A total of 40 female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent BPRA (5th cervical-1st thoracic) and were randomly divided into the avulsion plus EA stimulation (AV+EA) and AV groups. The AV+EA group received a continuous 20-Hz asymmetric bidirectional disperse-dense wave at the acupuncture points (acupoints) of Dazhui (DU4) and Shousanli (LI10) for 15 min on alternate days until the animals were sacrificed, at 1, 2, 3 and 6 weeks. The AV group received no treatment. The cryostat sections of the 7th cervical segments were prepared and stained with neuronal nitric oxide synthase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) and histochemically stained and counterstained with neutral red (NR). The number of nNOS-positive motoneurons on the lesion side and survived motoneurons on both sides of the 7th cervical segments were blindly counted and compared between the two groups. The results demonstrated that the number of nNOS-positive motoneurons was significantly lower in the AV+EA group compared with that in the AV group and the percentage of survived motoneurons was significantly higher compared with that of the AV group at 2 and 3 weeks. However, the number of nNOS-positive motoneurons and the percentage of survived motoneurons were not significantly different between the two groups at 1 and 6 weeks. These results indicated that, during the early period after BPRA, EA stimulation at the acupoints of Dazhui (DU4) and Shousanli (LI10) may significantly reduce the number of nNOS-positive motoneurons and protect against motoneuron death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Luo
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- Encephalopathy Center, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Zemin Ling
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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Changes in cytokine expression after electroacupuncture in neuropathic rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:792765. [PMID: 22454684 PMCID: PMC3291119 DOI: 10.1155/2012/792765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The production of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a key role in chronic pain such as neuropathic pain. We investigated changes in cytokine expression in injured peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following electroacupuncture (EA) treatment. Neuropathic pain was induced by peripheral nerve injury to the left hind limb of Sprague-Dawley rats under pentobarbital anesthesia. Two weeks later, the nerve-injured rats were treated by EA for 10 minutes. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in peripheral nerves and DRG of neuropathic rats were significantly increased in nerve-injured rats. However, after EA, the cytokine expression levels were noticeably decreased in peripheral nerves and DRG. These results suggest that EA stimulation can reduce the levels of proinflamtory cytokines elevated after nerve injury.
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Kim KW, Kim HW, Li J, Kwon YB. Effect of bee venom acupuncture on methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity, hyperthermia and Fos expression in mice. Brain Res Bull 2010; 84:61-8. [PMID: 20950675 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been used to treat drug addiction by nicotine, alcohol, cocaine and morphine. This study was designed to investigate the effect of bee venom (BV) acupuncture on hyperactivity and hyperthermia induced by acute exposure to methamphetamine (METH, 1mg/kg, s.c.) in mice. Diluted BV (20μl of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10mg/ml in saline, s.c.) was administered bilaterally into the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) or control points (SP9 or GB39 or tail base). BV injection into ST36 dose dependently reduced METH-induced hyperactivity and hyperthermia, while BV injection (1mg/ml) into control points did not produce these suppressive effects. METH injection significantly increased Fos expression in several brain regions including nucleus accumbens (NA), caudate putamen (CPU), ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN) and locus coeruleus (LC). Interestingly, BV (1mg/ml) injection into ST36 further increased METH-induced Fos expression in NA (core and shell), SN and LC. When we performed sciatic denervation or combination treatment of BV and lidocaine (BV diluted in 5% lidocaine solution), the enhancement of Fos elevation by BV was completely blocked in the NA, SN and LC in METH-injected mice, indicating that BV-induced peripheral nerve stimulation played an important role in the BV effect. Furthermore, the effects of BV were completely blocked by the α₂-adrenoceptor antagonist, idazoxan (3mg/kg, i.p.), but not by β-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (10mg/kg, i.p.). Taken together, these findings suggest that BV acupuncture into ST36 may modulate METH-induced hyperactivity, hyperthermia and Fos expression through activation of the peripheral nerve and the central α₂-adrenergic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Won Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Medical Science, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Dukjin-gu, Jeonju, South Korea
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