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Huang S, Yu C, Hu M, Wen Q, Wen X, Li S, Li K, Ma H. Electroacupuncture ameliorates hepatic defects in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome induced by letrozole and a high-fat diet. Acupunct Med 2024; 42:87-99. [PMID: 38044823 DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207863] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate the effects of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid disturbances in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis. METHODS The PCOS rat model was induced by continuous administration of letrozole (LET) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: control, control + EA, LET + HFD and LET + HFD + EA. EA was administered five or six times a week with a maximum of 20 treatment sessions. Body weight, estrous cyclicity, hormonal status, glucose and insulin tolerance, lipid profiles, liver inflammation factors, liver morphology and changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt (protein kinase B) pathway were evaluated. RESULTS The rat model presented anovulatory cycles, increased body weight, elevated testosterone, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, IR, liver inflammation, hepatic steatosis and dysregulation of the insulin-mediated PI3-K/Akt signaling axis. EA reduced fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, area under the curve for glucose, homeostasis model assessment of IR indices, triglycerides and free fatty acids, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, low-frequency EA downregulated mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, upregulated mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, increased protein expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt (Ser473), p-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β (Ser9) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), increased the ratio of p-GSK3β to GSK3β and downregulated protein expression of GSK3β. CONCLUSION An obese PCOS rat model with IR and hepatic steatosis was successfully established by the combination of LET and HFD. EA improved dysfunctional glucose and lipid metabolism in this PCOS-IR rat model, and the molecular mechanism appeared to involve regulation of the expression of key molecules of the PI3-K/Akt insulin signaling pathway in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Huang
- The Third Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuyi Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qidan Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Wen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuna Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunyin Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Cheng MZSZ, Amin FAZ, Zawawi N, Chan KW, Ismail N, Ishak NA, Esa NM. Stingless Bee ( Heterotrigona Itama) Honey and Its Phenolic-Rich Extract Ameliorate Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance via KEAP1-NRF2 Signalling Pathway. Nutrients 2023; 15:2835. [PMID: 37447162 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132835] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is associated with an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to oxidative stress. This imbalance contributes to the development and progression of diabetic complications. Similarly, renal and liver diseases are characterised by oxidative stress, where an excess of oxidants overwhelms the antioxidant defense mechanisms, causing tissue damage and dysfunction. Restoring the oxidant-antioxidant balance is essential for mitigating oxidative stress-related damage under these conditions. In this current study, the efficacy of stingless bee honey (SBH) and its phenolic-rich extract (PRE) in controlling the oxidant-antioxidant balance in high-fat diet- and streptozotocin/nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats was investigated. The administration of SBH and PRE improved systemic antioxidant defense and oxidative stress-related measures without compromising liver and renal functioning. Analyses of the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissues revealed differences in their capacities to scavenge free radicals and halt lipid peroxidation. Transcriptional alterations hypothesised tissue-specific control of KEAP1-NRF2 signalling by upregulation of Nrf2, Ho1 and Sod1 in a tissue-specific manner. In addition, hepatic translational studies demonstrated the stimulation of downstream antioxidant-related protein with upregulated expression of SOD-1 and HOD-1 protein. Overall, the results indicated that PRE and SBH can be exploited to restore the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance generated by diabetes via regulating the KEAP1-NRF2 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatin Aina Zulkhairi Amin
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norhasnida Zawawi
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kim Wei Chan
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norsharina Ismail
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Akmal Ishak
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Center of Foundation Studies for Agricultural Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norhaizan Mohd Esa
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Cui Y, Hu C, Niu C, He M, Qiu X, Yao Q, Tian W, Xu Q. Electroacupuncture attenuates spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain possibly by promoting the progression of AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy in spinal microglia. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1278. [PMID: 36618785 PMCID: PMC9816825 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is a syndrome that arises from central or peripheral nerve injury, which manifests primarily as hyperalgesia, spontaneous pain, and allodynia. The recent trend has exhibited a shift towards the development of therapies for managing NP. Activation of autophagy is involved in the function of the glial cells, which may be implicated further to attenuate pain. Methods In this study, the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) were evaluated among NP rats developed using spared nerve injury (SNI). Acupuncture treatment or EA was carried out after 7 days of SNI at two acupoints, i.e., the Zusanli (ST36) and Huantiao (GB30). Results The application of EA was found to attenuate mechanical hyperalgesia. The marker protein for microglial cells (CD11b) alone, without either the astrocyte marker or neuronal marker, was co-expressed with the autophagy indicator p62, as illustrated with immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting demonstrated that the expression levels of p62, Beclin-1, and LC3-II/LC3-I were elevated in the spinal cords of rats in the SNI group compared to the control levels. EA treatment resulted in reduced expression of p62, while the expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3-II/LC3-I were increased. The electron microscopy results indicated that EA could induce autophagy progression in the microglia of the spinal dorsal horn in SNI rats. Furthermore, we explored the causal relationship between EA-induced inhibition of NP and increased autophagic levels in microglia using the AMPK inhibitor compound C, and found that the mechanism of EA-induced analgesia may contribute to the promotion of AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy in spinal microglia. Conclusions Our work showed that the analgesic impact of EA is partly related to AMPK/mTOR pathway activation and autophagy induction in microglial cells, providing a potential therapeutic target for NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaomei Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Department of Pain Management, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Niu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Menglin He
- The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xizi Qiu
- The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Yao
- The First Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiqian Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Xu Q, Niu C, Li J, Hu C, He M, Qiu X, Yao Q, Tian W, Zhang M. Electroacupuncture alleviates neuropathic pain caused by spared nerve injury by promoting AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy in dorsal root ganglion macrophage. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1341. [PMID: 36660615 PMCID: PMC9843338 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) plays an important role in mediating the peripheral sensation transduction through the primary afferent neurons in pain research. Neuropathic pain (NP) is a syndrome of hyperalgesia, spontaneous pain and allodynia caused by central or peripheral nerve injury. Recent trends of study are turning towards the development of therapies for the management of NP. Activation of autophagy in glial cells in the spinal cord has been reported to be associated with attenuation of NP, but the autophagic process in DRG is rarely studied. Methods The analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) was evaluated in NP-induced rats developed using spared nerve injury (SNI). Acupuncture or EA was performed after 7 days of SNI at Zusanli (ST36) and Huantiao (GB30) acupoints. Then, the activation status of autophagy process in DRGs of rats treated with SNI and EA were investigated, and the possible mechanism of the analgesic effect of EA were explored. Results Application of EA has been found to reduce mechanical hyperalgesia. Autophagy indicator p62 was colocalized with the marker proteins for macrophages (CD11b), but not with NeuN (marker protein for neurons) or GFAP (marker protein for satellite glial cells), as shown by immunofluorescence. Western blots results indicate that the expression levels of p62, Beclin-1 and LC3-II in the L4-L6 DRG of rats in the SNI group were increased, compared with that in the control group. EA treatment resulted in decreased expression of p62 and increased expression of Beclin-1 and LC3-II/LC3-I. Furthermore, we explored the causal relationship between EA-induced suppression of NP and increased levels of autophagy in DRG using electron microscopy and the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) inhibitor compound C. Conclusions SNI achieved a significant upregulation of autophagy levels in DRG macrophages. Furthermore, EA attenuated NP, which may contribute to the promotion of AMPK/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin)-mediated autophagy in DRG macrophages. Therefore, this strategy provides a new target for therapeutic intervention of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cong Niu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, The Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine in Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Department of Pain Management, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Menglin He
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xizi Qiu
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Yao
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiqian Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Minhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China;,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Obesity Animal Models for Acupuncture and Related Therapy Research Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6663397. [PMID: 34630614 PMCID: PMC8497105 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6663397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and related diseases are considered as pandemic representing a worldwide threat for health. Animal models are critical to validate the effects and understand the mechanisms related to classical or innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. It is, therefore, important to identify the best animal models for translational research, using different evaluation criteria such as the face, construct, and predictive validity. Because the pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions currently used for treating obesity often present many undesirable side effects, relatively high relapse probabilities, acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and related therapies have gained more popularity and attention. Many kinds of experimental animal models have been used for obesity research studies, but in the context of acupuncture, most of the studies were performed in rodent obesity models. Though, are these obesity rodent models really the best for acupuncture or related therapies research studies? In this study, we review different obesity animal models that have been used over the past 10 years for acupuncture and EA research studies. We present their respective advantages, disadvantages, and specific constraints. With the development of research on acupuncture and EA and the increasing interest regarding these approaches, proper animal models are critical for preclinical studies aiming at developing future clinical trials in the human. The aim of the present study is to provide researchers with information and guidance related to the preclinical models that are currently available to investigate the outcomes of acupuncture and related therapies.
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High-fat diet-induced obesity affects alpha 7 nicotine acetylcholine receptor expressions in mouse lung myeloid cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18368. [PMID: 33110180 PMCID: PMC7592050 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75414-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ample evidence indicates that obesity causes dysfunctions in the lung. Previous studies also show that cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways play crucial roles in obesity-induced chronic inflammation via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) signaling. However, it remains unclear whether and how obesity affects the expressions of α7nAChR in myeloid cells in the lung. To address this question, we treated regular chow diet-fed mice or high-fat diet induced obese mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or vehicle via endotracheal injections. By using a multicolor flow cytometry approach to analyze and characterize differential cell subpopulations and α7nAChR expressions, we find no detectable α7nAChR in granulocytes, monocytes and alveolar macrophages, and low expression levels of α7nAChR were detected in interstitial macrophages. Interestingly, we find that a challenge with LPS treatment significantly increased expression levels of α7nAChR in monocytes, alveolar and interstitial macrophages. Meanwhile, we observed that the expression levels of α7nAChR in alveolar and interstitial macrophages in high-fat diet induced obese mice were lower than regular chow diet-fed mice challenged by the LPS. Together, our findings indicate that obesity alters the expressions of α7nAChR in differential lung myeloid cells.
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Zhang X, Chen J, Huang B, Wang J, Shan Z, Liu J, Chen Y, Li S, Fan S, Zhao F. Obesity Mediates Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Metabolic Imbalances via MAPK Pathway Activation in Intervertebral Disk Degeneration. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1284. [PMID: 31649558 PMCID: PMC6796795 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity may promote intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) by non-mechanical means, by influencing levels of free fatty acids which could impair cell metabolism. This study aims to establish metabolic factors in obesity-related IDD independent of mechanical loading. In clinical study, we retrospectively reviewed 128 volunteers (73 males, 55 females, aged 29-88 years) and compared their grades of disk degeneration with obesity-related factors such as body weight, BMI, and serum lipid levels. Clinically, the IDD group showed increased age, BMI and serum triglyceride. Triglyceride was a significant risk factor for IDD even after correction for BMI and age (P = 0.007). In obesity animal model, rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) in order to study its effects on disk metabolism and apoptosis. HFD rats had significantly higher serum levels of lipids, including triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid, and showed significantly decreased markers of anabolism, increased catabolism and apoptosis in disk. Finally, rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were stimulated in vitro with a fatty acid (palmitic acid, PA) to gauge its effects on cell metabolism and apoptosis. Cell culture studies showed that NP cells exposed to PA showed increased apoptosis for activation of caspase 3, 7, 9, and PARP, which was primarily via the MAPK signal pathway, especially ERK pathway. In conclusion, hypertriglyceridemia can lead to IDD, independently of age and BMI. Hypertriglyceridemia appears to mediate disk cell apoptosis and matrix catabolism primarily via the ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bao Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiasheng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Shan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yilei Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengyun Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shunwu Fan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengdong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal System Degeneration and Regeneration Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Acupuncture Regulating Gut Microbiota in Abdominal Obese Rats Induced by High-Fat Diet. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4958294. [PMID: 31275411 PMCID: PMC6582896 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4958294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of acupuncture on metabolic health and gut microbiota dysbiosis in diet-induced abdominal obese model. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into normal chow diet (NCD) group and high-fat diet (HFD) group. After 12 weeks of HFD feeding, an abdominal obese rat model was established. The abdominal obese rats were further assigned to acupuncture group (n=7) and nontreated HFD group (n=7). Acupuncture was applied to bilateral GB 26 of rats for 8 weeks. Subsequently, the body weight, waist circumference (WC), visceral fat mass, and liver weight were measured weekly in all rats. Metabolic parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, and blood glucose were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The serum levels of insulin (INS) were determined using Rat INS ELISA Kit. Analysis of gut microbiota was carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results Acupuncture decreased the body weight, WC, and visceral adipose tissues of HFD-induced abdominal obese rats. In addition, insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism were improved by this treatment. Furthermore, electroacupuncture effectively modified the composition of gut microbiota, mainly via decreasing Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing Prevotella_9 abundance. Conclusions Electroacupuncture can ameliorate abdominal obesity and prevent metabolic disorders in HFD-induced abdominal obese rats, via the modulation of gut microbiota.
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Acupuncture on Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanisms. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:6409389. [PMID: 30013603 PMCID: PMC6022277 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6409389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective Acupuncture, as one of the complementary and alternative medicines, represents an efficient therapeutic option for obesity control. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in obesity and also summarized the available studies on exploring the mechanisms. Design We searched six databases from the inception to April 2017 without language restriction. Eligible studies consisted of acupuncture with comparative controls ((1) sham acupuncture, (2) no treatment, (3) diet and exercise, and (4) conventional medicine). The primary outcomes consisted of BMI, body weight reduction, and incidence of cardiovascular events (CVD). Secondary outcomes included waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass percent, body fat mass (kg), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) reduction, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) increase, and adverse effects. The quality of RCTs was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Subgroup analyses were performed according to types of acupuncture. A random effects model was used to adjust for the heterogeneity of the included studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. Main Results We included 21 studies with 1389 participants. When compared with sham acupuncture, significant reductions in BMI (MD=-1.22, 95%CI=-1.87 to -0.56), weight (MD=-1.54, 95%CI=-2.98 to -0.11), body fat mass (kg) (MD=-1.31, 95%CI=-2.47 to -0.16), and TC (SMD=-0.63, 95%CI=-1.00 to -0.25) were found. When compared with no treatment group, significant reductions of BMI (MD=-1.92, 95%CI=-3.04 to -0.79), WHR (MD=-0.05, 95%CI=-0.09 to -0.02), TC (MD=-0.26, 95%CI=-0.48 to -0.03), and TG (MD=-0.29 95%CI=-0.39 to -0.18) were found. When compared with diet and exercise group, significant reduction in BMI (MD=-1.24, 95%CI=-1.87 to -0.62) and weight (MD=-3.27 95%CI=-5.07 to -1.47) was found. Adverse effects were reported in 5 studies. Conclusions We concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for obesity and inferred that neuroendocrine regulation might be involved.
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Electroacupuncture Reduces Weight in Diet-Induced Obese Rats via Hypothalamic Tsc1 Promoter Demethylation and Inhibition of the Activity of mTORC1 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3039783. [PMID: 29853949 PMCID: PMC5944273 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3039783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Subject The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncture reducing weight via tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) promoter methylation, inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into chow-fed group (chow group) or high-fat diet group (HF group) for 14 weeks. The obesity rats in HF group were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group (EA group) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) group, which received EA stimulation on bilateral ST25, RN12, SP6, and ST36 for 4 weeks or no further treatment, respectively. Methylation of the Tsc1 gene promoter and expression of agouti-related protein (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and proopiomelanocortin (PoMC) were detected at the 18th week. Results At week 18, weight, body fat, and the body fat rate in DIO group were significantly higher than those of the chow and EA group. Compared with the chow group, the DIO group had increased methylation of the Tsc1 gene promoter and expression of mTORC1, AgRP, and NPY gene and decreased PoMC in the hypothalamus; after EA, methylation of the Tsc1 gene promoter, mRNA, and protein of the mTORC1 and expression of AgRP and NPY gene decreased and PoMC increased significantly. Conclusions Our study could shed light on the potential pathway where EA exerts effects on the mechanism of EA treatment for obesity through the hypothalamic Tsc1 promoter demethylation and inhibition of the activity of mTORC1 signaling pathway.
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Polyphenol-rich ethyl acetate fraction isolated from Molineria latifolia ameliorates insulin resistance in experimental diabetic rats via IRS1/AKT activation. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 98:125-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Fang JF, Du JY, Shao XM, Fang JQ, Liu Z. Effect of Electroacupuncture on the NTS is modulated primarily by acupuncture point selection and stimulation frequency in normal rats. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:182. [PMID: 28359336 PMCID: PMC5374564 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background The effect of electroacupuncture (EA) is affected by both the acupuncture point selection and the frequency of stimulation. However, little is known regarding acupuncture point and simulation frequency selection. Neuronal activation of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is one of the important targets of EA for modulating gastrointestinal function. This study investigated the effects of various combinations of EA frequencies and acupuncture points on NTS neurons. Methods Rats were randomly divided into normal, 2 Hz EA, 100 Hz EA and the alternate 2/100 Hz EA groups. Then rats in each group were randomly divided into the following two subgroups according to the acupuncture point: ST 36 group and ST 25 group. All the rats underwent electrode implantation surgery. Rats in all EA groups received one treatment with EA (a constant square wave at, 2 Hz,100 Hz or 2/100 Hz frequencies with intensities ranging from 1 to 2 mA), and NTS neuronal activation was recorded before and after EA treatment. Finally, to confirm the effect of EA on the NTS, minimal acupuncture was administered and its effect on NTS was detected. Results ST 36 stimulated with 2 Hz EA significantly increased the population of excited NTS neurons and spike frequency. However, ST 36 stimulated with 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz EA produced only a transient effect on the activity of NTS neurons and did not induce any effect on the spike frequency. Furthermore, the excitatory effect of 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz EA on NTS neurons in the ST 36 group was lower than 2 Hz EA at the same point. When applied to ST 25, 2 Hz EA had no significant excitatory effect on NTS neurons or spike frequency. However, 100 Hz EA or 2/100 Hz EA at ST 25 decreased both NTS neuronal excitability and spike frequency. By comparing the effects of different EA combinations, it was shown 2 Hz EA applied to ST 36 had the strongest excitatory effect on NTS neurons, while 100 Hz EA applied to ST 25 had the greatest inhibitory effect. Minimal acupuncture stimulation produced no effect on NTS neurons. Conclusion EA’s effects on NTS were mainly affected by the acupuncture point selection, but the frequency of EA also played a role. Different combinations of acupuncture points and frequency selection may lead to different EA effects on NTS neuronal excitability.
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Han YH, Kee JY, Kim DS, Park J, Jeong MY, Mun JG, Park SJ, Lee JH, Um JY, Hong SH. Anti-obesity effects of Arctii Fructus (Arctium lappa) in white/brown adipocytes and high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Food Funct 2016; 7:5025-5033. [DOI: 10.1039/c6fo01170e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Arctii Fructus prevents the development of obesity through the regulation of white/brown adipocytes.
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Rao Y, Liu H, Gao L, Yu H, Ou TM, Tan JH, Huang SL, Wang HG, Li D, Gu LQ, Ye JM, Huang ZS. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Bouchardatine Derivatives as Potential Adipogenesis/Lipogenesis Inhibitors for Antiobesity Treatment. J Med Chem 2015; 58:9395-413. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Rao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi-Liang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Gen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lian-Quan Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-Ming Ye
- Molecular Pharmacology
for Diabetes Group, Health Innovations Research Institute and School
of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China
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Liu X, He JF, Qu YT, Liu ZJ, Pu QY, Guo ST, Du J, Jiang PF. Electroacupuncture Improves Insulin Resistance by Reducing Neuroprotein Y/Agouti-Related Protein Levels and Inhibiting Expression of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Diet-induced Obese Rats. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2015; 9:58-64. [PMID: 27079226 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to exert beneficial effects on obesity, but the mechanism is unclear. This study investigated the effects of EA on diet-induced obese (DIO) rats. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into low-fat diet (LFD, 10 rats) and high-fat diet (HFD, 40 rats) groups. After the DIO models had been established, successful model rats were randomly divided into HFD, EA, and orlistat (OLST) groups. The EA group received EA at Zusanli (ST36) and Quchi (LI11) for 20 minutes once per day for 28 days. The OLST group was treated with orlistat by gavage. The body weight, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, adipocyte diameters, and neuroprotein Y/agouti-related protein and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B levels were significantly lower in the EA group than in the HFD group. The rats of the OLST group showed watery stools and yellow hairs whereas those of the EA group had regular stools and sleek coats. The effect of EA on weight loss may be related to improved insulin resistance caused by changes in the adipocyte size and by reductions in the expressions of neuroprotein Y/agouti-related protein and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B. This study indicates that EA may be a better method of alternative therapy for treating obesity and other metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Liu
- Institute of TCM Diagnostic, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jun-Feng He
- Institute of TCM Diagnostic, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China; Liuyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Liuyang, China.
| | - Ya-Ting Qu
- Xiangxing College of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Liu
- Institute of TCM Diagnostic, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qing-Yang Pu
- Xiangxing College of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Sheng-Tong Guo
- Institute of TCM Diagnostic, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Du
- Institute of TCM Diagnostic, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Peng-Fei Jiang
- Institute of TCM Diagnostic, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Zhu J, Chen Z, Zhu L, Meng Z, Wu G, Tian Z. Arginine Vasopressin and Arginine Vasopressin Receptor 1b Involved in Electroacupuncture-Attenuated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Hyperactivity in Hepatectomy Rats. Neuromodulation 2015; 19:498-506. [PMID: 26573696 PMCID: PMC5063097 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective The study aims to know the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in maintenance of the homeostasis of the neuroendocrine system in hepatectomy rats and the involvement of arginine vasopressin (AVP) signaling in hypothalamus after EA was observed. Materials and Methods Rats were randomly assigned to four groups, including the intact group, model group, sham‐EA group, and EA group. EA was given during the perioperative period at the Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) points after hepatectomy. The serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels were detected via radioimmunoassay. The expression of AVP, arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a), arginine vasopressin receptor 1b (AVPR1b), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was detected by Western blot after surgery. Results Compared with the intact group, the ACTH and CORT levels in the serum of model group were increased, whereas the ACTH and CORT levels were decreased in the EA group compared with the model group. Moreover, AVP and AVPR1b protein levels in the pituitary gland were increased in the model group and decreased in the EA group. Further, a distinct increase in the AVP and AVPR1a protein levels was observed in the model group, whereas they were significantly decreased in the EA group. Blockade of AVPR1b by nelivaptan reduced the increase of ACTH and CORT. D [Leu4, Lys8] vasopressin can inhibit the effect of EA in rectification of the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Conclusions EA application at ST36 and SP6 can ameliorate the hyperactivity of the HPA axis via AVP signaling during the perioperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhejun Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - LiTing Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - ZeHui Meng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - GenCheng Wu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - ZhanZhuang Tian
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Institute of Acupuncture Research, WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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