1
|
Li P, Yu A, Han L, Zhao B, Wang Q, Fu Q, Ning S, Yang G, Zhang R, Yang L, Cao A, Liu C, Xu W. Highly sensitive biosensors for real-time monitoring of histamine at acupoint PC6 in rats based on graphene-modified acupuncture needles. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:17393-17403. [PMID: 39229837 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01998a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Acupoints are the local initial response sites of acupuncture therapeutic effects. As a biomarker, histamine is released into the acupoint region and plays its role concurrently as acupuncture needles are inserted into acupoints. Hence, real-time monitoring of histamine at acupoints is important to elucidate the effectiveness of the acupoint-activation process in acupuncture. Therefore, we developed highly sensitive acupuncture/Au particles/graphene biosensors by electrodeposition, brushing, and annealing methods based on bare acupuncture needles. We achieved a histamine detection limit of approximately 4.352 (±3.419) × 10-12 mol L-1 and good sensitivity of approximately 6.296 (±3.873) μA μM-1, with satisfactory specificity, repeatability, and stability in vitro, rendering them more competitive and suitable for real-time monitoring in vivo without causing additional damage. Subsequently, we conducted real-time histamine monitoring at non-acupoint and acupoint PC6 in rats, respectively. Our results showed minimal changes at the non-acupoint, whereas a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease was observed at acupoint PC6. The change in histamine concentration at acupoint PC6 reflected its involvement in the acupoint-activation procedure. Moreover, its peak position at ∼18 min could provide guidance for optimizing needle retaining time for maximum therapeutic effect. This work presents the first real-time in vivo monitoring of histamine at acupoints with high sensitivity and underscores the specificity of histamine release between non-acupoint and acupoint PC6, demonstrating great potential for elucidating the acupoint-activation mechanisms in acupuncture. Additionally, this work expands the application of nanomaterials in the integration of medicine and engineering, which is an important aspect of the future development of materials science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengwei Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Aotian Yu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Lei Han
- School of Physics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, PR China
| | - Bo Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, PR China
| | - Qixuan Fu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Simin Ning
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Guangyi Yang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Liusi Yang
- Department of Physics, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100089, PR China
| | - Anyuan Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, PR China
| | - Cunzhi Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oh JY, Bae SJ, Ji JY, Hwang TY, Ji S, Park JY, Kim SN, Ryu Y, Nam MH, Park HJ. Peripheral mast cells derive the effects of acupuncture in Parkinson's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1376756. [PMID: 38979113 PMCID: PMC11229453 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1376756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This research investigates the peripheral mechanisms of acupuncture in treating Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor impairments. While the central mechanisms of acupuncture have been extensively studied, our focus lies in the peripheral mechanisms at the acupoints, the sites of acupuncture signal initiation. Employing a PD model, we analyzed the local responses to acupuncture stimulation at these points. Our key finding was a significant elevation in both the number and activity of mast cells (MCs) in the peripheral tissues following acupuncture. Intriguingly, pre-treatment with an MC stabilizer diminished the acupuncture's therapeutic effects on PD symptoms. Similarly, local anesthesia with lidocaine at the acupoints attenuated the symptom improvement typically observed with acupuncture. Meanwhile, the augmentation of MC activity induced by acupuncture was significantly impeded by cromolyn, an MC stabilizer, but remained unaffected by lidocaine. This finding suggests that MC activity is a more upstream regulator of acupuncture effects compared to nerve conduction. This study provides groundbreaking insights into the initiation and transmission of acupuncture signals, highlighting the significant role of peripheral MC modulation in PD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Young Oh
- Department of Anatomy and Information Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neuro Medicine, Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Jeong Bae
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeong-Yeon Ji
- Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neuro Medicine, Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Yeon Hwang
- Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neuro Medicine, Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhwan Ji
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeun Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhee Ryu
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of KHU-KIST Convergence Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Department of Anatomy and Information Science, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neuro Medicine, Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of KHU-KIST Convergence Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Han R, Guo C, Lau K, Hu J. Efficacy of knee osteoarthritis by use of laser acupuncture: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38325. [PMID: 38905420 PMCID: PMC11191916 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies need to be aggregated and updated. We aim to assess the efficacy of laser acupuncture (LA) in knee osteoarthritis (OA) through a meta-analysis. METHODS Electronic databases were searched for studies investigating laser acupuncture's efficacy in managing OA. Data were collected from the beginning of each database to 2022 (up to March). The "WOMAC total score," "WOMAC stiffness score," "WOMAC pain score," "WOMAC physical function score," and "VAS score" were the key outcomes of interest. The Der Simonian-Laird method for random effects was used. RESULTS Twenty-five randomized controlled clinical trials met our criteria and were included (2075 patients). Comparisons of interest is the LA versus Sham LA (efficacy), LA versus. A (Acupuncture) (comparative effectiveness), LA combined with A versus A (effectiveness as an adjunct), and any other research used LA in their treatment. Laser irradiation is effective in patients with Knee OA. LA is also effective and has almost the same outcome as laser irradiation. LA can achieve almost the same effect as manual acupuncture, even better than acupuncture in some studies. CONCLUSION Laser acupuncture is more or less effective in patients with OA; better efficacy will be achieved under appropriate laser parameters (810 nm, 785 nm) in the LA versus Sham LA group. Many studies have diverse results, possibly due to unstaged analysis of patients' disease, inappropriate selection of acupoints, lack of remote combined acupoints, and unreasonable laser parameters. Furthermore, a combination of acupoints was found to be more effective, which aligns with the combined-acupoints application of traditional Chinese medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chunxia Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kit Lau
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jinlian Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fu TC, Wang GR, Li YX, Xu ZF, Wang C, Zhang RC, Ma QT, Ma YJ, Guo Y, Dai XY, Guo Y. Mobilizing endogenous neuroprotection: the mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on the brain after stroke. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1181670. [PMID: 38737099 PMCID: PMC11084281 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1181670] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Given its high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates, ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe disease posing a substantial public health threat. Although early thrombolytic therapy is effective in IS treatment, the limited time frame for its administration presents a formidable challenge. Upon occurrence, IS triggers an ischemic cascade response, inducing the brain to generate endogenous protective mechanisms against excitotoxicity and inflammation, among other pathological processes. Stroke patients often experience limited recovery stages. As a result, activating their innate self-protective capacity [endogenous brain protection (EBP)] is essential for neurological function recovery. Acupuncture has exhibited clinical efficacy in cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) treatment by promoting the human body's self-preservation and "Zheng Qi" (a term in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) describing positive capabilities such as self-immunity, self-recovery, and disease prevention). According to research, acupuncture can modulate astrocyte activity, decrease oxidative stress (OS), and protect neurons by inhibiting excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis via activating endogenous protective mechanisms within the brain. Furthermore, acupuncture was found to modulate microglia transformation, thereby reducing inflammation and autoimmune responses, as well as promoting blood flow restoration by regulating the vasculature or the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the precise mechanism underlying these processes remains unclear. Consequently, this review aims to shed light on the potential acupuncture-induced endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms by critically examining experimental evidence on the preventive and therapeutic effects exerted by acupuncture on CIS. This review offers a theoretical foundation for acupuncture-based stroke treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-cong Fu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Guan-ran Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu-xuan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi-fang Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Can Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Run-chen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing-tao Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Ya-jing Ma
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-yu Dai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tan X, Zheng D, Lin Q, Wang L, Zhu Z, Huang Y, Lin J, Zeng Y, Mao M, Yi Z, Liu L, Ma D, Wang J, Li X. Confirmation of pain-related neuromodulation mechanism of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction on knee osteoarthritis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117772. [PMID: 38266947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction (BZD) are an herbal compound commonly used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in China. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to verify the mechanism of Bushen Zhuangjin Decoction in relieving the pain of knee osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology evaluation was used to discover the potential targets of BZD to relieve pain in KOA. The therapeutic effects of BZD treatment on KOA pain using histomorphology, behavioral assessments, suspension chip analysis, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assays. The functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to explore the effects of BZD treatment on brain function associated to KOA. RESULTS Network pharmacological analysis revealed the association between the analgesic effect of BZD on KOA and the pain signaling neurotransmitter 5-HT. Subsequently, we conducted experiments to verify the therapeutic effect of BZD on pain in KOA animal models. Behavioral tests demonstrated that the pain threshold of knee osteoarthritis rats decreased in PWT and PWL, but BZD was able to increase the pain threshold. Histopathological staining indicated thinning of the cartilage layer and sparse trabeculae in the subchondral bone. Suspension chip analysis revealed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory factors of IL-1α, IL-5, IL-12, IL-17A, RANTES, TNF-α and M-CSF in KOA, along with a significant decrease in anti-inflammatory factor of IL-13. However, BZD treatment decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and increased the content of anti-inflammatory factor. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis showed a significant decrease in the serum levels of GABA, E, GSH, Kyn, Met, and VMA in KOA, which were significantly increased by BZD. Conversely, the serum levels of TrpA, TyrA, Spd, and BALa were significantly increased in KOA and significantly decreased by BZD. ELISA and Western blot analysis showed increased expression of subchondral bone pain-related neuropeptides SP, CGRP, TH, NPY, VEGFA, 5-HT3 in KOA, which were decreased in BZD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that BZD exerts its therapeutic effect on KOA by modulating the activity and functional connections of the cortex, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the significant role of pain-related neuromodulation mechanisms in the analgesic therapy of BZD and provides a theoretical foundation for using BZD as a traditional Chinese medical treatment for KOA pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tan
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Danhao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Zaishi Zhu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Yanfeng Huang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jiaqiu Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Yihui Zeng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Min Mao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Zhouping Yi
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Linglong Liu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Dezun Ma
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Diseases, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders (LEAD), Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xihai Li
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Third People's Hospital, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu J, Qing L, He Y, Zhu Q, Xu W, Wu J. The involvement of transient receptor potential channels in mast cell activation by microbubbles. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3628-3636. [PMID: 37680043 PMCID: PMC10660621 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was to explore the activation of mast cells by microbubbles, with the focus on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels mediated degranulation and calcium influx. Bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were primarily obtained from femurs in mice and induced differentiation for 4 weeks. After the purity identification, BMMCs were contacted by homogeneous microbubbles with the diameter of 1 mm for 1 h. β-hexosaminidase and histamine levels in supernatants were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the CD63 expression was tested by flow cytometry. The intracellular calcium binding with Fluo-4 AM dyes in BMMCs was observed under the fluorescence microscope and the mean fluorescence intensity was quantitatively measured by flow cytometry. β-hexosaminidase release, histamine concentration, CD63 expression and calcium influx were significantly increased in BMMCs group upon microbubble stimulation compared to the control groups. After preconditioning with the available inhibitors and microbubble contact, only transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and TRPV4 inhibitors robustly suppressed the microbubble-induced degranulation. Likewise, the elevated fluorescence intensity of cytosolic calcium level was also significantly weaken. The results demonstrated microbubble stimulus effectively promoted BMMCs degranulation, which could be substantially restrained by inhibitors targeted for blocking TRPV1 or TRPV4 channel. The alternation of intracellular calcium level in BMMCs was consistent with the changes of degranulation capacity. It's suggested that the activation of BMMCs by microbubbles may involve specific TRP calcium dependent channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Long Qing
- Department of Naval Diving Medicine, Naval Medical CenterNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yufei He
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Qihui Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| | - Weigang Xu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Research, Naval Medical CenterNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai HospitalSecond Military Medical University (The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University)ShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu Q, Wu H, Zhu H, Lu C, Tao J, Zhou Z, Zhang J. Grain-sized moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) promotes hepatic autophagy in rats with hyperlipidemia by regulating the ULK1 and TFEB expression through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15316. [PMID: 37144182 PMCID: PMC10151263 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15316] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Grain-sized moxibustion is an effective treatment for hyperlipidemia, but how it regulates dyslipidemia and liver lipid deposits still needs to be fully understood. This study explored the molecular biological mechanism of grain-sized moxibustion to regulate hepatic autophagy in hyperlipidemic rats by affecting ULK1 and TFEB through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to induce hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemic rats were divided into the HFD group, HFD + Statin group, HFD + CC + Moxi group, and grain-sized moxibustion intervention group (HFD + Moxi group). The control (Blank) group consisted of normal rats without any intervention. Grain-sized moxibustion and drug interventions were initiated eight weeks after high-fat diet induction and continued for ten weeks. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), as well as hepatic triglyceride (TG), were measured after treatment. Hepatic steatosis and the expression of LC3I, LC3II, p62, p-AMPK, AMPK, p-mTOR, mTOR, ULK1, p-ULK1, and TFEB in the liver were analyzed. Results Compared with the HFD group, grain-sized moxibustion improved hyperlipidemia and hepatocyte steatosis, increased the LC3, p-AMPK, p-ULK1, and nuclear TFEB expression in the liver, but decreased the p62 and p-mTOR expression. Conclusion Grain-sized moxibustion at ST36 acupoints could regulate the blood lipid level of SD rats with hyperlipidemia, increase the expression level of ULK1 and TFEB by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in liver tissues, and initiate the transcription of autophagy genes such as LC3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College/the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Huanxi Wu
- Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College/the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Haibin Zhu
- Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College/the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Chengxuan Lu
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jiangjia Tao
- Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College/the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Ziqiu Zhou
- Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College/the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College/the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
- Corresponding author.Jiangsu Second Hospital of Chinese Medicine, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zuo WM, Li YJ, Cui KY, Shen D, Zhang D, Zheng YW, Huang M, Wu Y, Shen XY, Wang LN, Ding GH. The real-time detection of acupuncture-induced extracellular ATP mobilization in acupoints and exploration of its role in acupuncture analgesia. Purinergic Signal 2023; 19:69-85. [PMID: 35113324 PMCID: PMC9984633 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-021-09833-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our and in vitro studies had confirmed that mechanosensitive ATP release and accumulation in acupoints was elicited by acupuncture (AP), which might be a pivotal step for triggering AP analgesia. But to date, the dynamics of extracellular ATP (eATP) in the interstitial space during AP process was poorly known, mainly due to the low temporal resolution of the current detection approach. This study attempted to capture rapid eATP signals in vivo in the process of needling, and further explored the role of this eATP mobilization in initiating AP analgesic effect. Ipsilateral 20-min needling was applied on Zusanli acupoint (ST36) of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced ankle arthritis rats. Pain thresholds were assessed in injured-side hindpaws. eATP in the interstitial space was microdialyzed and real-time quantified by luciferin-luciferase assay at 1-min interval with the aid of the microfluid chip. We revealed in behavioral tests that modulation of eATP levels in ST36 influenced AP analgesic effect on ankle arthritis. A transient eATP accumulation was induced by needling that started to mobilize at 4 min, climbed to the peak of 11.21 nM within 3.25 min and gradually recovered. Such AP-induced eATP mobilization was significantly impacted by ankle inflammation, needling depth, needle manipulation, and the presence of local ecto-nucleotidases. This work reveals that needling elicits a transient eATP mobilization in acupoints, which contributes to initiating AP analgesia. This study will help us better understand the peripheral mechanism of AP analgesia and guide clinicians to optimize the needle manipulations to improve AP efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Min Zuo
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- HuBei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4 Huayuanshan Road, Wuhan, 430060 Hubei China
| | - Yu-Jia Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Kai-Yu Cui
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Dan Shen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Di Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function (14DZ2260500), Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 201433 China
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Ya-Wen Zheng
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Meng Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function (14DZ2260500), Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 201433 China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Xue-Yong Shen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Li-Na Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function (14DZ2260500), Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 201433 China
| | - Guang-Hong Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function (14DZ2260500), Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 201433 China
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tan H, Tumilty S, Chapple C, Liu L, Othman R, Baxter GD. Acupoints sensitization in people with and without chronic low back pain:A matched-sample cross-sectional study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2023; 36:137-146. [PMID: 35871318 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-210297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupoints are considered a dynamic functional area, which can reflect the internal condition of the body. In pathological states, disease-related acupoints are believed to be activated, which is known as acupoint sensitization. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the major manifestations of acupoint sensitization in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) to provide better understanding of acupoint sensitization phenomena in the context of cLBP. METHODS This study was a matched-sample cross-sectional study 16 participants diagnosed with cLBP and 16 healthy controls matched in age, sex, and ethnicity were included. The following aspects of sensitization phenomena of targeted points were compared: pressure pain threshold (PPT), skin temperature, surface electrical conductance, receptive field, and morphological change of skin. RESULTS PPT at points of interest were significantly lower in cLBP participants compared with healthy controls (P< 0.05); in addition, receptive field was found to be larger at left BL 23 in cLBP participants (P< 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in skin temperature, electrical conductance, or morphology between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Reduced PPT at all detected points and enlarged receptive field at left BL 23 were found in cLBP participants. These two features appear key in defining acupoint sensitization in cLBP, and provide evidence for selecting and locating acupuncture points in future clinical studies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang N, Zhao L, Zhang D, Kong F. Research progress on the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture in tumor immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1092402. [PMID: 36865562 PMCID: PMC9971227 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1092402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
With the constantly deeper understanding of individualized precision therapy, immunotherapy is increasingly developed and personalized. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) mainly consists of infiltrating immune cells, neuroendocrine cells, extracellular matrix, lymphatic vessel network, etc. It is the internal environment basis for the survival and development of tumor cells. As a characteristic treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has shown potentially beneficial impacts on TIME. The currently available information demonstrated that acupuncture could regulate the state of immunosuppression through a range of pathways. An effective way to understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture was to analyze the response following treatment of the immune system. This research reviewed the mechanisms of acupuncture regulating tumor immunological status based on innate and adaptive immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Dou Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Fanming Kong
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wan Y, Zhang B. The Impact of Zinc and Zinc Homeostasis on the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier and Intestinal Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070900. [PMID: 35883455 PMCID: PMC9313088 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element for living organisms, and zinc homeostasis is essential for the maintenance of the normal physiological functions of cells and organisms. The intestine is the main location for zinc absorption and excretion, while zinc and zinc homeostasis is also of great significance to the structure and function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Zinc excess or deficiency and zinc homeostatic imbalance are all associated with many intestinal diseases, such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and CRC (colorectal cancer). In this review, we describe the role of zinc and zinc homeostasis in the intestinal mucosal barrier and the relevance of zinc homeostasis to gastrointestinal diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Mast Cells and Acupuncture Analgesia. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050860. [PMID: 35269483 PMCID: PMC8909752 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are widely distributed in various parts of the human body and play a vital role in the progression of many diseases. Recently, the close relationship between mast cells and acupoints was elucidated, and the role of mast cells in acupuncture analgesia has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Using mast cells, acupuncture analgesia and acupoint as key words to search CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science and other databases, combining the representative articles in these databases with the published research papers of our group, we summarized: The enrichment of mast cells and the dense arrangement of collagen fibers, microvessels, and nerves form the basis for acupoints as the reaction sites of acupuncture; acupuncture can cause the deformation of collagen fibers and activate TRPV channels on mast cells membrane, so as to stimulate mast cells to release bioactive substances and activate nerve receptors to generate analgesic effect; system biology models are set up to explain the quantitative process of information initiation and transmission at acupuncture points, and indicate that the acupuncture effect depends on the local mast cells density. In a conclusion, this review will give a scientific explanation of acupuncture analgesia from the material basis of acupoints, the local initiation, and afferent biological mechanism.
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang LN, Wang XZ, Li YJ, Li BR, Huang M, Wang XY, Grygorczyk R, Ding GH, Schwarz W. Activation of Subcutaneous Mast Cells in Acupuncture Points Triggers Analgesia. Cells 2022; 11:809. [PMID: 35269431 PMCID: PMC8909735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes experimental evidence indicating that subcutaneous mast cells are involved in the trigger mechanism of analgesia induced by acupuncture, a traditional oriental therapy, which has gradually become accepted worldwide. The results are essentially based on work from our laboratories. Skin mast cells are present at a high density in acupuncture points where fine needles are inserted and manipulated during acupuncture intervention. Mast cells are sensitive to mechanical stimulation because they express multiple types of mechanosensitive channels, including TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, receptors and chloride channels. Acupuncture manipulation generates force and torque that indirectly activate the mast cells via the collagen network. Subsequently, various mediators, for example, histamine, serotonin, adenosine triphosphate and adenosine, are released from activated mast cells to the interstitial space; they or their downstream products activate the corresponding receptors situated at local nerve terminals of sensory neurons in peripheral ganglia. The analgesic effects are thought to be generated via the reduced electrical activities of the primary sensory neurons. Alternatively, these neurons project such signals to pain-relevant regions in spinal cord and/or higher centers of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.-N.W.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Xue-Zhi Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; (X.-Z.W.); (B.-R.L.)
| | - Yu-Jia Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (L.-N.W.); (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Bing-Rong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; (X.-Z.W.); (B.-R.L.)
| | - Meng Huang
- Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridians, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Virology, Experimental Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Ryszard Grygorczyk
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Guang-Hong Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China; (X.-Z.W.); (B.-R.L.)
| | - Wolfgang Schwarz
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Physics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue St. 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Intriago V, Reina MA, Boezaart AP, Tubbs RS, Montaña AV, Pérez-Rodríguez FJ, Junquera MS. Microscopy of Structures Surrounding Typical Acupoints Used in Clinical Practice and Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Acupuncture Needles. Clin Anat 2022; 35:392-403. [PMID: 35112392 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives Although the general functionality and structures of acupoints have been studied, there has been little insight into their underlying morphology and physical characteristics. We describe the microanatomical structures surrounding acupoints, the electron microscopic appearance of the needles, and the physical effects of acupuncture needling on the fascia. We injected heparinized blood solution through thin needles at seven known and commonly used "sweat acupoints" in eight fresh, unembalmed, cryopreserved human cadavers to mark the needle positions, and later, during histological examination, to identify them. After the solution was injected, samples were dissected and prepared for histological examination. We examined 350 cross-sections of five different paraffin wax sections from each acupoint microscopically. Acupuncture needles were photographed and superimposed on the cross-sectioned tissues at similar magnifications. Needles were also examined under a scanning electron microscope to judge the roughness or smoothness of their surfaces. A greater conglomeration of nerve endings surrounded the acupoints than in tissues more than 1-3 cm distant from them. Nerve endings and blood vessels were in close contact with a complex network of membranes formed by interlacing collagen fibers, and were always enclosed within those collagen membranes. Nerve endings were found within hypodermis, muscles, or both. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the three-dimensional shapes and sizes of the needles, and the degree of roughness or smoothness of their polished external surfaces. We demonstrate a delicate arrangement of nerve endings and blood vessels enclosed within complex collagen membrane networks at acupoints within the hypodermis and muscle. This arrangement could explain why needling is an essential step in the acupuncture process that provides favorable outcomes in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A Reina
- CEU-San-Pablo University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Anesthesiology, Madrid-Montepríncipe University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.,Acute and Perioperative Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Facultad de CC de la Salud Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - André P Boezaart
- Acute and Perioperative Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Lumina Health Pain Medicine Collaborative, Surrey, UK
| | - Richard Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies.,Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ana V Montaña
- Facultad de CC de la Salud Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Margarita Sanroman Junquera
- Department of Signal Theory and Communications, Telematics, and Computing Systems, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Preventive Value of Acupoint Sensitization for Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Positive-Controlled, Multicentre Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:7228033. [PMID: 34765004 PMCID: PMC8577890 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7228033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Acupoint sensitization is considered an important factor in the efficacy of acupoint therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure in the prevention of stable angina pectoris using acupoints with different pressure-pain sensitivities. Methods A total of 202 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to a high-sensitivity group (HSG) (n = 109) in which patients received acupressure at the five acupoints with the highest sensitivity to pain and a low-sensitivity group (LSG) (n = 93) in which patients received acupressure at the five acupoints with the lowest sensitivity to pain. The duration of acupressure treatment was 4 weeks, and the patients were evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The primary outcome was a change in the frequency of angina attacks from baseline. The secondary outcomes included nitroglycerin consumption, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification, and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire score. Adverse events such as bleeding and subcutaneous haemorrhage were recorded in both groups. Results The effect of acupressure compared with baseline on the prevention of angina pectoris in HSG was better than that in LSG at week 4 (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.691 and 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.569, 0.839]) and week 8 (IRR: 0.692 and 95% CI: [0.569, 0.839]). No significant difference between groups was found in the frequency of nitroglycerin consumption at week 4 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.863 and 95% CI: [0.147, 5.077]) or week 8 (OR = 1.426 and 95% CI: [0.211, 9.661]). Two themes in the questionnaire showed significantly different changes from baseline between the two groups. Scores on the angina frequency (AF) subscale had changed more from the baseline in the HSG at week 8 than in the LSG (mean difference (MD) = 3.807 and 95% CI: [0.673, 6.942]). Scores on the treatment satisfaction (TS) subscale had also changed more in the HSG than in the LSG at week 4 (MD = 3.651 and 95% CI: [0.327, 7.327]) and week 8 (MD = 4.220 and 95% CI: [0.347, 7.346]). One patient in the LSG reported bruising at the acupoint. No unexpected safety problems arose. Conclusions This study showed that acupressure at acupoints with high sensitivity to pain may effectively reduce the frequency of stable angina pectoris episodes. This trial is registered with NCT03975140.
Collapse
|
16
|
Inflammation and tumor progression: signaling pathways and targeted intervention. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:263. [PMID: 34248142 PMCID: PMC8273155 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 804] [Impact Index Per Article: 268.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development and its response to therapy are regulated by inflammation, which either promotes or suppresses tumor progression, potentially displaying opposing effects on therapeutic outcomes. Chronic inflammation facilitates tumor progression and treatment resistance, whereas induction of acute inflammatory reactions often stimulates the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and antigen presentation, leading to anti-tumor immune responses. In addition, multiple signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways, cGAS/STING, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); inflammatory factors, including cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL), interferon (IFN), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α), chemokines (e.g., C-C motif chemokine ligands (CCLs) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands (CXCLs)), growth factors (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β), and inflammasome; as well as inflammatory metabolites including prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxane, and specialized proresolving mediators (SPM), have been identified as pivotal regulators of the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Nowadays, local irradiation, recombinant cytokines, neutralizing antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, DC vaccines, oncolytic viruses, TLR agonists, and SPM have been developed to specifically modulate inflammation in cancer therapy, with some of these factors already undergoing clinical trials. Herein, we discuss the initiation and resolution of inflammation, the crosstalk between tumor development and inflammatory processes. We also highlight potential targets for harnessing inflammation in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
|
17
|
Natarajan S, Govender K, Shobo A, Baijnath S, Arvidsson PI, Govender T, Lin J, Maguire GE, Naicker T, Kruger HG. Potential of brain mast cells for therapeutic application in the immune response to bacterial and viral infections. Brain Res 2021; 1767:147524. [PMID: 34015358 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of microorganisms can infect the central nervous system (CNS). The immune response of the CNS provides limited protection against microbes penetrating the blood-brain barrier. This results in a neurological deficit and sometimes leads to high morbidity and mortality rates despite advanced therapies. For the last two decades, different studies have expanded our understanding of the molecular basis of human neuroinfectious diseases, especially concerning the contributions of mast cell interactions with other central nervous system compartments. Brain mast cells are multifunctional cells derived from the bone marrow and reside in the brain. Their proximity to blood vessels, their role as "first responders" their unique receptors systems and their ability to rapidly release pathogen responsive mediators enable them to exert a crucial defensive role in the host-defense system. This review describes key biological and physiological functions of mast cells, concerning their ability to recognize pathogens via various receptor systems, followed by a coordinated and selective mediator release upon specific interactions with pathogenic stimulating factors. The goal of this review is to direct attention to the possibilities for therapeutic applications of mast cells against bacterial and viral related infections. We also focus on opportunities for future research activating mast cells via adjuvants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satheesh Natarajan
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kamini Govender
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adeola Shobo
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sooraj Baijnath
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa
| | - Per I Arvidsson
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa; Science for Life Laboratory, Drug Discovery and Development, Platform and Division of Translational Medicine and Chemical Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Thavendran Govender
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zululand, Private Bag X1001, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
| | - Johnson Lin
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Glenn Em Maguire
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tricia Naicker
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G Kruger
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, E-Block, 6th Floor, Room E1-06-016, Durban, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Regulatory Role of Orexin in the Antistress Effect of "Press Tack Needle" Acupuncture Treatment. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9050503. [PMID: 33925438 PMCID: PMC8146164 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9050503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to investigate the antistress effect of press tack needle (PTN) acupuncture treatment using rats with social isolation stress (SIS). Rats were divided into non-stress group (Grouped+sham), stress group (SIS+sham), and PTN-treated SIS group (SIS+PTN). Rats in the SIS+PTN and SIS+sham groups were housed alone for eight days. For the SIS+PTN group, a PTN (length, 0.3 or 1.2 mm) was fixed on the GV20 acupoint on day 7. We measured stress behavior based on the time the rats showed aggressive behavior and the levels of plasma corticosterone and orexin A on day 8. In addition, the orexin-1 receptor or orexin-2 receptor antagonist was administered to rats that were exposed to SIS. The duration of aggressive behavior was significantly prolonged in the SIS+sham group, and the prolonged duration was inhibited in the SIS+PTN (1.2 mm) group. The levels of plasma corticosterone and orexin A were significantly increased in the SIS+sham group; however, these increases were inhibited in the SIS+PTN group. The aggressive behavior was significantly reduced after the orexin-2 receptor antagonist was administered. These findings suggest that PTN treatment at GV20 may have an antistress effect, and the control of orexin is a mechanism underlying this phenomenon.
Collapse
|
19
|
Park JY, Cho SJ, Lee SH, Ryu Y, Jang JH, Kim SN, Park HJ. Peripheral ERK modulates acupuncture-induced brain neural activity and its functional connectivity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5128. [PMID: 33664320 PMCID: PMC7933175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84273-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture has been widely used as a therapeutic intervention, and the brain network plays a crucial role in its neural mechanism. This study aimed to investigate the acupuncture mechanism from peripheral to central by identifying how the peripheral molecular signals induced by acupuncture affect the brain neural responses and its functional connectivity. We confirmed that peripheral ERK activation by acupuncture plays a role in initiating acupuncture-induced peripheral proteomic changes in mice. The brain neural activities in the neocortex, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, periaqueductal grey, and nucleus of the solitary tract (Sol) were significantly changed after acupuncture, and these were altered by peripheral MEK/MAPK inhibition. The arcuate nucleus and lateral hypothalamus were the most affected by acupuncture and peripheral MEK/MAPK inhibition. The hypothalamic area was the most contributing brain region in contrast task PLS analysis. Acupuncture provoked extensive changes in brain functional connectivity, and the posterior hypothalamus showed the highest betweenness centrality after acupuncture. After brain hub identification, the Sol and cingulate cortex were selected as hub regions that reflect both degree and betweenness centrality after acupuncture. These results suggest that acupuncture activates brain functional connectivity and that peripheral ERK induced by acupuncture plays a role in initiating brain neural activation and its functional connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yeun Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Cho
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Ho Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhee Ryu
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hwan Jang
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, 32 Dongguk-Ro, Goyang, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Res Manag 2020; 2020:5712187. [PMID: 33414859 PMCID: PMC7752303 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5712187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease of bone and joint characterized by the damage of articular cartilage and hypertonia, which often occurs in the middle-aged and elderly. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, including acupuncture (ACU), oral administration, and external use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), can significantly improve the therapeutic effect on OA and reduce the occurrence of side effects. We provide a latest meta-analysis on the treatment of OA with TCM. Materials and Methods In the electronic database, appropriate articles without language restrictions on keywords were selected until August 1, 2019. All trajectories are screened according to certain criteria. The quality of qualified research was also assessed. We have made a detailed record of the results of the measurement. Meta-analysis was carried out with Revman 5.3 software. Results Forty-four articles involving 4014 patients (2012 cases in the experimental group and 2002 cases in the control group) with OA were selected. This article focuses on the study of the treatment of OA by using the general mode of TCM. The quality evaluation included in the study was evaluated independently according to the Cochrane intervention system evaluation manual. In this meta-analysis, 68.18% of the literature correctly described the conditions for the generation of random assignment sequences, only 6.82% of the literature correctly mentioned the hidden details of allocation, and all studies mentioned randomly assigned participants. Compared with Western medicine, the total effective rate (TER) of OA treatment in TCM was significantly increased and the recurrence rate (RR) was significantly decreased (P < 0.00001). In addition, the experimental group was also superior to the control group in terms of the indicators of joint activity function, inflammatory factor content, and various indicators affecting bone metabolism. It can be showed by the network analysis diagram that Aconiti Radix, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, and other TCMs can inhibit inflammatory stimulation and relieve the pain symptoms of patients with OA. ACU at Yinlingquan, Xiyan, and other acupoints can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with OA. Conclusion TCM therapy in treatment of patients with OA could effectively restore joint function, enhance the TER, and reduce RR. However, the results of this study should be handled with care due to the limitations existing. Some rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm these findings.
Collapse
|
21
|
Butts R, Dunning J, Serafino C. Dry needling strategies for musculoskeletal conditions: Do the number of needles and needle retention time matter? A narrative literature review. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020; 26:353-363. [PMID: 33992269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture and dry needling are both minimally invasive procedures that use thin, filiform needles without injectate for the management of a variety of neuromusculoskeletal pain conditions. While the theoretical constructs underlying the use of acupuncture and dry needling are unique, both appear to have the ability to elicit biochemical, biomechanical, endocrinological and neurovascular changes associated with reductions in pain and disability. However, optimal treatment dosage has yet to be determined, and there is a lack of consistency in the literature on the number of needles that should be inserted and the needle retention time. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to further explore the importance of these two variables. While trigger point dry needling advocates single needle insertions via repetitive, quick in-and-out pistoning, most acupuncture and dry needling clinical trials have incorporated multiple needles for five to 40 min. Notably and to date, using a single needle to repeatedly prick trigger points one at a time with fast-in and fast-out pistoning maneuvers has not yet been shown to produce significant and clinically meaningful long term improvements in pain and disability in a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Insertion of multiple needles for typically 20-30 min durations has been shown to produce larger treatment effect sizes and longer-lasting outcomes than brief, single-needle strategies. Moreover, the number of needles and needle retention time are two variables associated with treatment dosage and must be carefully matched with specific musculoskeletal conditions and the patient's goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Butts
- Physical Therapist, Research Physical Therapy Specialists, Columbia, SC, USA; Coordinator, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, USA.
| | - James Dunning
- Physical Therapist, Montgomery Osteopractic Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Clinic, Montgomery, AL, USA; Director, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, USA
| | - Clint Serafino
- Physical Therapist, U.S. Armed Forces Europe, Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany; Senior Instructor, American Academy of Manipulative Therapy Fellowship in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lee MS, Nielsen A, Kim TH, Ha IH, Harbin S, Wieland LS. Acupuncture for chronic neck pain. Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Myeong Soo Lee
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine; Clinical Medicine Division; 461-24 Jeonmin-dong, Yuseong-gu Daejeon Korea, South 34054
| | - Arya Nielsen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health; 1923 Glasco Tnpk Woodstock New York USA 12498
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University; Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center; #23 Kyungheedae-ro Dongdaemun-gu Seoul Korea, South 130-872
| | - In-Hyuk Ha
- Jaseng Medical Foundation; Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute; 858 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu Seoul Korea, South
| | - Shireen Harbin
- Institute for Work & Health; Cochrane Back and Neck Review Group; 481 University Avenue Suite 800 Toronto ON Canada M5G 2E9
| | - L Susan Wieland
- University of Maryland School of Medicine; Center for Integrative Medicine; 520 W. Lombard Street Baltimore Maryland USA 21201
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Understanding Acupoint Sensitization: A Narrative Review on Phenomena, Potential Mechanism, and Clinical Application. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6064358. [PMID: 31485246 PMCID: PMC6710800 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6064358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
As part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupoints are considered a dynamic functional area, which can reflect the internal condition of the body. When the body is suffering from disease or injury, corresponding acupoints are believed to be activated and manifest in several sensitized forms, including expansion of the receptive field, pain sensitization, and heat sensitization. Such phenomena are believed to gradually disappear concomitantly with recovery from the disease. Acupoint states are therefore changeable according to health status, a phenomenon known as acupoint sensitization. This review aims to provide an overview of acupoint sensitization based on existing research results and determine priorities for future research. Systematic literature retrieval was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and AMED from inception to 18 July 2018. Current evidence from research findings to date indicate that acupoint sensitization is based on neurogenic inflammation and that stimulation of sensitized acupoints presents a potential trend of generating a better clinical effect when compared with stimulation of unsensitized points.
Collapse
|
24
|
Aller MA, Blanco-Rivero J, Arias N, Santamaria L, Arias J. The Lymphatic Headmaster of the Mast Cell-Related Splanchnic Inflammation in Portal Hypertension. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070658. [PMID: 31261968 PMCID: PMC6678304 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a common complication of liver disease, either acute or chronic. Consequently, in chronic liver disease, such as the hypertensive mesenteric venous pathology, the coexisting inflammatory response is classically characterized by the splanchnic blood circulation. However, a vascular lymphatic pathology is produced simultaneously with the splanchnic arterio-venous impairments. The pathological increase of the mesenteric venous pressure, by mechanotransduction of the venous endothelium hyperpressure, causes an inflammatory response involving the subendothelial mast cells and the lymphatic endothelium of the intestinal villi lacteal. In portal hypertension, the intestinal lymphatic inflammatory response through the development of mesenteric-systemic lymphatic collateral vessels favors the systemic diffusion of substances with a molecular pattern associated with damage and pathogens of intestinal origin. When the chronic hepatic insufficiency worsens the portal hypertensive inflammatory response, the splanchnic lymphatic system transports the hyperplasied intestinal mast cells to the mesenteric lymphatic complex. Then, an acquired immune response regulating a new hepato-intestinal metabolic scenario is activated. Therefore, reduction of the hepatic metabolism would reduce its key centralized functions, such as the metabolic, detoxifying and antioxidant functions which would try to be substituted by their peroxisome activity, among other functions of the mast cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Aller
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Blanco-Rivero
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica La Paz (IdIPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (Ciber) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Arias
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
- INEUROPA (Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias), 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Santamaria
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Autonoma University of Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Arias
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ding N, Liu X, Chen N, Jiang J, Zhao H, Li Z, Zhang J, Liu C. Lack of association between acupoint sensitization and microcirculatory structural changes in a mouse model of knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2019; 12:e201800458. [PMID: 30740905 PMCID: PMC7065615 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
As a stimulating point in acupuncture, acupoint has unique microcirculatory features, and its dynamics vary greatly depending on health status. Acupoint sensitization is defined as the transformation of an acupoint from a "silenced status" (healthy) to an "activated status" (disease). Our previous study demonstrated that acupoint sensitization is associated with an increase in the level of local blood perfusion. However, the structural changes in microcirculation during acupoint sensitization have yet to be elucidated because the high-resolution microcirculation imaging of acupoints has been difficult to obtain. In this study, the structural changes in microcirculation at the Zusanli (ST36), Yanglingquan (GB34) and nonacupoint sites on days 0, 7 and 21 were dynamically observed during acupoint sensitization in an experimental knee osteoarthritis mouse model by using optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy. The results showed that no significant differences in microvessel density, the distribution of vessel diameters or vascular tortuosity were observed at the GB34, ST36 or nonacupoint sites among days 0, 7 and 21. We proposed that acupoint sensitization may not be associated with the structural changes in microcirculation and that the microcirculatory changes during acupoint sensitization are more likely to be functional. The functional characteristics of the sensitized acupoints warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and TuinaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxiao Liu
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and TuinaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ningbo Chen
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular ImagingShenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
- School of Mechanical and Electrical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Jiang
- School of NursingBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Huangxuan Zhao
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular ImagingShenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
- School of Biomedical EngineeringCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhigang Li
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and TuinaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jianhui Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chengbo Liu
- Research Laboratory for Biomedical Optics and Molecular ImagingShenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pan TC, Tsai YH, Chen WC, Hsieh YL. The effects of laser acupuncture on the modulation of cartilage extracellular matrix macromolecules in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211341. [PMID: 30883553 PMCID: PMC6422251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Articular cartilage damage related to irreversible physical disability affects most patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Strategies targeting the preservation of cartilage function are needed. Laser acupuncture (LA) can be an emerging alternative therapy for RA; however, its molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effect on cartilage has not been elucidated. This study aimed to examine the potential chondroprotective effects of LA on extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules and proinflammatory cytokines in the articular cartilage of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats and explore its related mechanisms. Design Monoarthritis was induced in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g) via intraarticular injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the tibiotarsal joint. Animals were treated with LA at BL60 and KI3 acupoints three days after CFA administration with a 780 nm GaAlAs laser at 15 J/cm2 daily for ten days. The main outcome measures including paw circumference, paw withdrawal threshold, histopathology and immunoassays of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), collagen type II (CoII), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) were analyzed. Results LA significantly reduced ankle edema and inflammation-induced hyperalgesia in AIA rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, the TNF-α levels were significantly decreased while CoII, COMP and proteoglycans proteins were significantly enhanced following LA stimulation of the AIA cartilage compared to those treated with sham-LA (P < 0.05). Conclusions LA attenuates cartilage degradation in AIA rat by suppressing TNF-α activation and up-regulating ECM macromolecules, suggesting LA might be of potential clinical interest in RA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Chien Pan
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Departments of Urology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bai F, Ma Y, Guo H, Li Y, Xu F, Zhang M, Dong H, Deng J, Xiong L. Spinal Cord Glycine Transporter 2 Mediates Bilateral ST35 Acupoints Sensitization in Rats with Knee Osteoarthritis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:7493286. [PMID: 30881475 PMCID: PMC6383421 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7493286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The concept of "acupoint sensitization" refers to the functional status of acupoint switches from silent to active under pathological conditions. In clinic, acupoint sensitization provides important guidance for acupoints selection in different diseases. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. We generated a model of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the left knee of rats. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and the total number of mast cells as well as mast cell degranulation rate (MCDR) of acupoint tissue were used to test whether the acupoints were sensitized. The results showed that KOA resulted in a reduced mechanical threshold and elevated total number of mast cell as well as mast cell degranulation rate at bilateral ST35 (Dubi) but not GB37 (Guangming) or nonacupoint area. The acupoint sensitization was accompanied by upregulation of glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) and reduction of extracellular glycine levels in the bilateral dorsal horns of the spinal cord at L3-5. Selective inhibition of GlyT2 or intrathecal administration of glycine attenuated ST35 acupoint sensitization. The sensitization of bilateral ST35 was blocked after intraspinal GlyT2 short hairpin (sh) RNA (GlyT2-shRNA) microinjection to specifically downregulate GlyT2 expression in the left side (ipsilateral) L3-5 spinal cord dorsal horn before MIA injection. Moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at ST35 ameliorated articular pathological lesions and improved KOA-related pain behaviors. GlyT2-shRNA injection reversed EA-induced pain relief but not EA-induced reduction of joint lesions. Overall, this study demonstrated that spinal GlyT2, especially elevated GlyT2 expression in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of the spinal cord, is a crucial mediator of ST35 acupoint sensitization in KOA rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuhai Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongyuan Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haiyun Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feifei Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hailong Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiao Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Laser Speckle Imaging of Sensitized Acupoints. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:7308767. [PMID: 30105061 PMCID: PMC6076938 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7308767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Acupoints microcirculatory dynamics vary depending on the body's health status. However, the functional changes observed during acupoint sensitization, that is, the disease-induced change from a "silenced" to an "activated" status, remain elusive. In this study, the microcirculatory changes at acupoints during sensitization were characterized. Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (N), sham osteoarthritis group (S), light osteoarthritis group (A), mild osteoarthritis group (B), and heavy osteoarthritis group (C). The obtained results showed that the blood perfusion levels at the acupoints Yanglingquan (GB34), Zusanli (ST36), and Heding (EX-LE2) in groups A, B, and C were higher than those in groups N and S on days 14, 21, and 28 (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). A significant difference in the blood perfusion was also observed at the acupoint Weizhong (BL40) in groups B and C on days 21 and 28 (p < 0.01). In addition, remarkable differences in the level of blood perfusion at the GB34, ST36, and EX-LE2 acupoints were observed on day 28 (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) among groups A, B, and C. No marked differences in blood perfusion levels were observed at the nonacupoint site among all groups. In conclusion, acupoint sensitization is associated with an increase in the level of local blood perfusion at specific acupoints, and this increase is positively correlated with the severity of the disease. The functional changes in microcirculation at acupoints during sensitization reflect the different physiological and pathological conditions imposed by the disease.
Collapse
|