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Meng L, Wu B, OuYang L, Peng R, Chen Y, Tang Z, Zhang M, Xu T, Wang Y, Lu S, Jing X, Fu S. Electroacupuncture regulates histone acetylation of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 genes to improve ischemic stroke injury. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27045. [PMID: 38500994 PMCID: PMC10945129 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27045] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Imbalances between Bcl-2 and caspase-3 are significant evidence of apoptosis, which is considered an influential factor in rapidly occurring neuronal cell death and the decline of neurological function after stroke. Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce poststroke brain cell damage via either an increase in Bcl-2 or a reduction in caspase-3 exposure. The current study aimed to investigate whether acupuncture could modulate Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expression through histone acetylation modifications, which could potentially serve as a neuroprotective mechanism. Methods This study used TTC staining, Nissl staining, Clark neurological system score, and Evans Blue (EB) extravasation to evaluate neurological damage following stroke. The expression of Bcl-2/caspase-3 mRNA was detected by real-time fluorescence quantification of PCR (real-time PCR), whereas the protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 were assessed using western blotting. TUNEL staining of the ischemic cortical neurons determined apoptosis in the ischemic cortex. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities, along with the protein performance of AceH3, H3K9ace, and H3K27ace, were detected to evaluate the degree of histone acetylation. The acetylation enrichment levels of H3K9 and K3K27 in the Bcl-2/caspase-3 gene were assessed using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Results Our data demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) exerts a significant neuroprotective effect in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats, as evidenced by a reduction in infarct volume, neuronal damage, Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) disruption, and decreased apoptosis of ischemic cortical neurons. EA treatment can promote the mRNA and protein expression of the Bcl-2 gene in the ischemic brain while reducing the mRNA and protein expression levels of caspase-3 and effectively decreasing the protein expression levels of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. More importantly, EA treatment enhanced the level of histone acetylation, including Ace-H3, H3K9ace, and H3K27ace, significantly enhanced the occupancy of H3K9ace/H3K27ace at the Bcl-2 promoter, and reduced the enrichment of H3K9ace and H3K27ace at the caspase-3 promoter. However, the Histone Acetyltransferase inhibitor (HATi) treatment reversed these effects. Conclusions Our data demonstrated that EA mediated the expression levels of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in MCAO rats by regulating the occupancy of acetylated H3K9/H3K27 at the promoters of these two genes, thus exerting a cerebral protective effect in ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ling OuYang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rou Peng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yonglin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhijuan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tanqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shengfeng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xinyue Jing
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shuping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
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Cheng Y, Wu B, Huang J, Chen Y. Research Progress on the Mechanisms of Central Post-Stroke Pain: A Review. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3083-3098. [PMID: 37166685 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Central Post-Stroke Pain (CPSP) is a primary sequelae of stroke that can develop in the body part corresponding to the cerebrovascular lesion after stroke, most typically after ischemic stroke but also after hemorrhagic stroke. The pathogenesis of CPSP is currently unknown, and research into its mechanism is ongoing. To summarize current research on the CPSP mechanism and provide guidance for future studies. Use "central post-stroke pain," "stroke AND thalamic pain," "stroke AND neuropathic pain," "post-stroke thalamic pain" as the search term. The search was conducted in the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, summarizing and classifying the retrieved mechanism studies. The mechanistic studies on CPSP are extensive, and we categorized the included mechanistic studies and summarized them in terms of relevant pathway studies, relevant signals and receptors, relevant neural tissues, and described endoplasmic reticulum stress and other relevant studies, as well as summarized the mechanisms of acupuncture treatment. Studies have shown that the pathogenesis of CPSP involves the entire spinal-thalamo-cortical pathway and that multiple substances in the nervous system are involved in the formation and development of CPSP. Among them, the relevant receptors and signals are the hotspot of research, and the discovery and exploration of different receptors and signals have provided a wide range of therapeutic ideas for CPSP. As a very effective treatment, acupuncture is less studied regarding the analgesic mechanism of CPSP, and further experimental studies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupei Cheng
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Bangqi Wu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 300381, China.
| | - Jingjie Huang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yameng Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 300381, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 88 Changling Road, Tianjin, 301617, China
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Zheng G, Ren J, Shang L, Bao Y. Role of autophagy in the pathogenesis and regulation of pain. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175859. [PMID: 37429517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a ubiquitous and highly concerned clinical symptom, usually caused by peripheral or central nervous injury, tissue damage, or other diseases. The long-term existence of pain can seriously affect daily physical function and quality of life and produce great torture on the physiological and psychological levels. However, the complex pathogenesis of pain involving molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways has not been fully elucidated, and managing pain remains highly challenging. As a result, finding new targets to pursue effective and long-term pain treatment strategies is required and urgent. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation and recycling process that maintains tissue homeostasis and energy supply, which can be cytoprotective and is vital in maintaining neural plasticity and proper nervous system function. Much evidence has shown that autophagy dysregulation is linked to the emergence of neuropathic pain, such as postherpetic neuralgia and cancer-related pain. Autophagy has also been connected to pain caused by osteoarthritis and lumbar disc degeneration. It is worth noting that in recent years, studies on traditional Chinese medicine have also proved that several traditional Chinese medicine monomers involve autophagy in the mechanism of pain relief. Therefore, autophagy can serve as a potential regulatory target to provide new ideas and inspiration for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangda Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Juanxia Ren
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110847, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Lu Shang
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110847, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yanju Bao
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Spinal cord astrocyte P2X7Rs mediate the inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on visceral hypersensitivity of rat with irritable bowel syndrome. Purinergic Signal 2023; 19:43-53. [PMID: 35389158 PMCID: PMC9984627 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-021-09830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the role of P2X7 receptors in spinal cord astrocytes in the electroacupuncture-induced inhibition of visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Visceral hypersensitivity of IBS was intracolonically induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension (CRD-20,40,60,80 mmHg) and abdominal withdrawal reflex scoring (AWRs) were recorded after electroacupuncture at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on visceral pain in rats with IBS. Fluorocitric acid (FCA), an astrocyte activity inhibitor, was injected intrathecally before electroacupuncture intervention and AWRs were recorded. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to detect the expression of NMDA and P2X7 receptor to observe the regulation effect of electroacupuncture on NMDA receptor in the spinal cord of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Intrathecal injection of P2X7 agonist or antagonist was administered before electroacupuncture treatment. To observe the effect of P2X7 receptor in spinal astrocytes on the inhibition of visceral hyperalgesia by electroacupuncture, the changes of AWR score, NMDA receptor in the spinal cord, and GFAP expression in astrocytes were detected. Inflammation of the colon had basically subsided at day 21 post-TNBS; persistent visceral hypersensitivity could be suppressed by electroacupuncture. This analgesic effect could be inhibited by FCA. The analgesic effect, downregulation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit, and P2X7 protein of electroacupuncture were all reversed by FCA. P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 can cooperate with EA to carry out analgesic effect in rats with visceral pain and downregulate the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP in spinal dorsal horn. However, the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP could partially reverse the analgesic effect of EA, inhibiting the downregulatory effect of EA on the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP. These results indicate that EA may downregulate the expression of the NMDA receptor by inhibiting the P2X7 receptor in the spinal cord, thereby inhibiting spinal cord sensitization in IBS rats with visceral pain, in which astrocytes are an important medium.
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Zhang Y, Yin YL, Jin ZY, Hu QP, Wu XG. Electroacupuncture Activates Neuroplasticity in the Motor Cortex and Corticospinal Tract via the mTOR Pathway in a Rat P-MCAO Model. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3470685. [PMID: 36440366 PMCID: PMC9683956 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3470685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) combines traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture theory with modern scientific technology. It is a promising therapy for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral infarction. A large number of clinical studies have shown that EA promotes recovery of neurological function after cerebral infarction, however, the underlying mechanisms behind its effects remain unclear. We tested whether EA stimulation of the Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) acupoints activates neuroplasticity in rats with ischemic stroke and whether this involves the regulation of axonal regeneration through the mTOR pathway. 24 h after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (p-MCAO) in rats, EA treatment was started for 20 min, daily, for 14 days. We found that EA significantly reduced Modified Neurological Severity Scores (mNSS), cerebral infarct volume, and apoptosis of neuronal cells. EA also significantly increased the expression of the neuroplasticity-associated proteins GAP-43 and SYN and upregulated the phosphorylation levels of AKT, mTOR, S6, and PTEN to promote CST axon sprouting in the spinal cord at C1-C4 levels. The positive effects of EA were blocked by the administration of the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin. In short, we found that EA of the Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) acupoints in p-MCAO rats induced neuroprotective and neuroplastic effects by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. It promoted neuroplasticity activated by axon regeneration in the contralateral cortex and corticospinal tract. Activation of such endogenous remodeling is conducive to neurological recovery and may help explain the positive clinical effects seen in patients with infarcts.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, China
| | - Ya-Long Yin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, China
| | - Zi-Yan Jin
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, China
| | - Qi-Ping Hu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Pre-Clinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, China
| | - Xin-gui Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 530021, China
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Li SS, Xing XX, Hua XY, Zhang YW, Wu JJ, Shan CL, Zheng MX, Wang H, Xu JG. Alteration of brain functional networks induced by electroacupuncture stimulation in rats with ischemia–reperfusion: An independent component analysis. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:958804. [PMID: 35992929 PMCID: PMC9382119 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.958804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor dysfunction is the major sequela of ischemic stroke. Motor recovery after stroke has been shown to be associated with remodeling of large-scale brain networks, both functionally and structurally. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional Chinese medicine application that has frequently been recommended as an alternative therapy for ischemic stroke and is reportedly effective for alleviating motor symptoms in patients. In the present study, the effect of EA on the alterations of functional resting state networks (RSNs) was explored after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury using resting-state functional MRI. Rats were randomly assigned to three groups, including the sham group, MCAO/R group and MCAO/R+EA group. The ladder rung walking test was conducted prior to and after modeling to assess behavioral changes. RSNs were identified based on the independent component analysis (ICA) performed on the fMRI data from groups. EA treatment effectively reduced the occurrence of contralateral forelimb foot faults. Furthermore, our results suggested the disrupted function of the whole-brain network following ischemic stroke and the modulatory effect of acupuncture. The sensorimotor network (SMN), interoceptive network (IN), default mode network (DMN) and salience network (SN) were related to the therapeutic effect of EA on stroke recovery. Collectively, our findings confirmed the effect of EA on motor function recovery after cerebral ischemia reperfusion and shed light on the assessment of EA intervention-induced effects on brain networks. This study provides neuroimaging evidence to explain the therapeutic effects of EA in ischemic stroke and will lay the groundwork for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Li
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Xin Xing
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Wen Zhang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Lei Shan
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Mou-Xiong Zheng,
| | - He Wang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- He Wang,
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jian-Guang Xu,
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Li SS, Hua XY, Zheng MX, Wu JJ, Ma ZZ, Xing XX, Ma J, Shan CL, Xu JG. Electroacupuncture treatment improves motor function and neurological outcomes after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1545-1555. [PMID: 34916440 PMCID: PMC8771092 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.330617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used for functional restoration after stroke. However, its role in post-stroke rehabilitation and the associated regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we applied EA to the Zusanli (ST36) and Quchi (LI11) acupoints in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. We found that EA effectively increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor tyrosine kinase B, synapsin-1, postsynaptic dense protein 95, and microtubule-associated protein 2 in the ischemic penumbra of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion. Moreover, EA greatly reduced the expression of myelin-related inhibitors Nogo-A and NgR in the ischemic penumbra. Tyrosine kinase B inhibitor ANA-12 weakened the therapeutic effects of EA. These findings suggest that EA can improve neurological function after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, possibly through regulating the activity of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B signal pathway. All procedures and experiments were approved by the Animal Research Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China (approval No. PZSHUTCM200110002) on January 10, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Li
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Yun Hua
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mou-Xiong Zheng
- Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jia Wu
- Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Ma
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Xin Xing
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Ma
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Lei Shan
- School of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Guang Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Shi X, Bai H, Wang J, Wang J, Huang L, He M, Zheng X, Duan Z, Chen D, Zhang J, Chen X, Wang J. Behavioral Assessment of Sensory, Motor, Emotion, and Cognition in Rodent Models of Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Front Neurol 2021; 12:667511. [PMID: 34220676 PMCID: PMC8248664 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.667511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the second most common type of stroke and has one of the highest fatality rates of any disease. There are many clinical signs and symptoms after ICH due to brain cell injury and network disruption resulted from the rupture of a tiny artery and activation of inflammatory cells, such as motor dysfunction, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, and emotional disturbance, etc. Thus, researchers have established many tests to evaluate behavioral changes in rodent ICH models, in order to achieve a better understanding and thus improvements in the prognosis for the clinical treatment of stroke. This review summarizes existing protocols that have been applied to assess neurologic function outcomes in the rodent ICH models such as pain, motor, cognition, and emotion tests. Pain tests include mechanical, hot, and cold pain tests; motor tests include the following 12 types: neurologic deficit scale test, staircase test, rotarod test, cylinder test, grid walk test, forelimb placing test, wire hanging test, modified neurologic severity score, beam walking test, horizontal ladder test, and adhesive removal test; learning and memory tests include Morris water maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition test; emotion tests include elevated plus maze, sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, open field test, and forced swim test. This review discusses these assessments by examining their rationale, setup, duration, baseline, procedures as well as comparing their pros and cons, thus guiding researchers to select the most appropriate behavioral tests for preclinical ICH research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiying Bai
- Zhengzhou University Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junmin Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Keieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Leo Huang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meimei He
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuejun Zheng
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zitian Duan
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Danyang Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School, Dumfries, VA, United States
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Xu H, Wang Y, Luo Y. OTULIN is a new target of EA treatment in the alleviation of brain injury and glial cell activation via suppression of the NF-κB signalling pathway in acute ischaemic stroke rats. Mol Med 2021; 27:37. [PMID: 33836646 PMCID: PMC8035756 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian tumour domain deubiquitinase with linear linkage specificity (OTULIN) is a potent negative regulator of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway, and it plays a strong neuroprotective role following acute ischemic stroke. Electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective adjuvant treatment for reducing brain injury and neuroinflammation via the inhibition of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. The present study investigated whether OTULIN was necessary for EA to mitigate brain injury and glial cell activation in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in rats. METHODS An acute ischaemic stroke model was established via tMCAO surgery in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. EA was performed once daily at "Baihui (GV 20)", "Hegu (LI 4)", and "Taichong (LR 3)" acupoints. The effect of EA on the spatiotemporal expression of OTULIN in the ischaemic penumbra of the cerebral cortex was detected within 7 days after reperfusion. The effects of OTULIN gene silencing on EA neurological deficits, cerebral infarct volume, neuronal damage, the activation of microglia and astrocytes, the contents of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the expression of p-IκBa, IκBa and nucleus/cytoplasm NF-κB p65 protein were assessed. RESULTS EA treatment increased endogenous OTULIN expression, which peaked at 48 h. Enhanced OTULIN was primarily located in neurons, but a small amount of OTULIN was detected in microglia. OTULIN silencing obviously reversed EA neuroprotection, which was demonstrated by worsened neurobehavioural performance, cerebral infarct volume and neuronal injury. The inhibitory effect of EA on the NF-κB pathway was also attenuated by enhanced IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. EA partially inhibited the transformation of microglia and astrocytes from resting states to activated states and reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. However, these preventive effects were reversed after the silencing of OTULIN expression. CONCLUSIONS OTULIN provides a new potential therapeutic target for EA to alleviate acute ischaemic stroke-induced brain injury and the activation of glial cells, which are related to suppression of the NF-κB signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbei Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, 550004, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - You Wang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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The Therapeutic Effect of Electroacupuncture Therapy for Ischemic Stroke. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:6415083. [PMID: 33293991 PMCID: PMC7718040 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6415083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is a supplementary therapy and commonly applied in treatment of ischemic stroke in clinic. Stroke is an important cause of long-term disability in individuals in both developing and developed countries. In our review, we show the application of EA stimulation for apoplectic pain, limbs spasticity, blood flow interruption, depression, swallowing dysfunction, aphasia, urinary incontinence, cognition and memory impairment, and constipation following stroke in patients and the related mechanisms in animals. The effectiveness of EA involves with acupoints, intensity, intervals, and duration of intervention for treatment of stroke. The combination of EA and common rehabilitation treatment may exert better effect compared with EA alone. In summary, EA might provide a potential treatment strategy for treating apoplectic patients in clinic.
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TREM2 Overexpression Attenuates Cognitive Deficits in Experimental Models of Vascular Dementia. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8834275. [PMID: 32617097 PMCID: PMC7306072 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8834275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a transmembrane receptor mainly expressed on microglia and has been known for its anti-inflammatory properties during immune response. However, data evaluating the effects of TREM2 in VD are lacking. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the role of TREM2 in VD. In this study, the mouse model of VD was induced by transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). We compared the hippocampal gene and protein expressions of TREM2 between the VD mice and sham-operated mice at different time points. The TREM2 mRNA and protein expression levels in the VD mice were higher than those in the sham-operated mice. The cognitive deficits of VD mice were observed in the Morris water maze test. Interestingly, overexpression of TREM2 by intracerebroventricular injection of a lentiviral vector that encoded TREM2 (LV-TREM2) significantly improved the spatial learning and memory and attenuated the hippocampal neural loss in VD mice. Further mechanistic study revealed that overexpression of TREM2 significantly inhibited microglia M1 polarization by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines expression levels and conversely enhanced microglia M2 polarization by increasing Arginase-1 (Arg-1) and anti-inflammatory cytokine expression levels. These results strongly suggest that TREM2 provides a protective effect in VD via modulating the phenotype of activated microglia and may serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for VD.
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Zheng L, Li XY, Huang FZ, Zhang XT, Tang HB, Li YS, Zhang WK, Li XJ, Tian GH. Effect of electroacupuncture on relieving central post-stroke pain by inhibiting autophagy in the hippocampus. Brain Res 2020; 1733:146680. [PMID: 31987731 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To explore the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on central post-stroke pain (CPSP), and provide basic evidence for the EA treatment on CPSP. METHODS Firstly, 40 male SD rats were successfully established with a model of CPSP, under the intervention of different EA frequencies (2 Hz and 15 Hz) and fluoxetine (5 ml/kg and 0.4 mg/ml), whose brain tissue was then removed for paraffin-embedded sectioning; secondly, LPS induced the primary brain cells in the hippocampus to cause inflammation model which were added NS398 (inhibitor of COX-2) and DKK-1 (inhibitor of β-catenin) later. The lesion sites of brain tissue were observed by Nissl staining and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and autophagy-related proteins (LC3B, p62, LAMP-1), COX-2 and β-catenin were detected by Western Blot and immunohistochemical staining. Finally, the correlation between LC3B, COX-2, and β-catenin was calculated by multispectral quantification. RESULTS (1) In the EA group (15 Hz), the number of Nissl bodies increased, autophagy-related protein LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ, LAMP-1, COX-2, and β-catenin was lowly expressed, p62 was highly expressed; (2) COX-2, β-catenin and LC3B are positively correlated with each other (COX-2 & β-catenin: r = 0.923; COX-2 & LC3B: r = 0.818; β-catenin & LC3B: r = 0.801); (3) Nissl bodies of primary brain cells of the hippocampus under LPS were like animal experiments; after addition of DKK-1, high expression of β-catenin and COX-2 induced by LPS was significantly down-regulated, and LC3B-II/I was significantly down-regulated, and p62 protein only had up-regulation trend; after addition of NS398, COX-2 and LC3B-II/I was significantly down-regulated. CONCLUSION EA may inhibit autophagy in the hippocampus by reducing β-catenin/COX-2 protein expression and effectively alleviating CPSP. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Previous studies have found that EA can reduce the expression of NK-1R in damaged rats by inhibition of COX-2 and β-catenin loops, which controls the activation of glial cells in the damaged area and the apoptosis of neuronal cells, and alleviated pain. In the male SD rat model, we evaluated this effect that EA inhibits autophagy in the hippocampus by reducing β-catenin/COX-2 protein expression in the brain tissue. In addition, we assessed expression levels of autophagy-related proteins and genes on the inflammatory primary brain cells model. From the experiment, we found EA may inhibit autophagy in the hippocampus by reducing β-catenin/COX-2 protein expression. These findings provide a foundation for the interpretation of the mechanism of EA on relieving CPSP in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zheng
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-central University For Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xin-Yi Li
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of MOE and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Feng-Zhen Huang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-central University For Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xia-Tian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of MOE and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - He-Bin Tang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-central University For Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Yu-Sang Li
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-central University For Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Wei Kevin Zhang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-central University For Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Li
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-central University For Nationalities, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Gui-Hua Tian
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of MOE and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China.
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13
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Zheng P, Jia S, Guo D, Chen S, Zhang W, Cheng A, Xie W, Sun G, Leng J, Lang J. Central Sensitization-Related Changes in Brain Function Activity in a Rat Endometriosis-Associated Pain Model. J Pain Res 2020; 13:95-107. [PMID: 32021399 PMCID: PMC6968808 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s232313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pain sensitization processing in the central nervous system may be related to endometriosis-associated pain in patients. The purpose of this study was to understand the alterations in the abnormal pain response in central brain areas and explore the central sensitization mechanism of endometriosis-associated pain. Methods An endometriosis model was established in 40 Sprague-Dawley rats, and the rats underwent pain model assessment through behavioral tests. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a sham operation as the control group. Thirteen pain rats and 8 control rats received Rs-fMRI examination to explore the brain functional activity areas, and the regional homogeneity (ReHo) method was used to analyze relevant functional signals among the whole brain. The states of neurons and expression of TRPV1 and NMDRA located in the abnormal ReHo signal brain regions were observed using Nissl staining, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results The rats were divided into a pain group and a control group based on the different syndromes and behavioral assessments. We detected significant enhancement of ReHo signals in the anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus and a reduction in the ReHo values in the basomedial amygdaloid nucleus (BM) and primary motor cortex (M1) in the pain rat group via Rs-fMRI examination. The number of Nissl bodies and apoptotic neurons was increased; moreover, the volume of neurons increased compensatorily in the cingulate cortex, thalamus and hippocampus in the pain group. TRPV1 and NMDRA were overexpressed in apoptotic neurons in the higher ReHo value brain regions in the endometriosis pain group. Conclusion These findings suggest that in rats with endometriosis-associated pain, ReHo signal enhancement was observed in the cingulate cortex, thalamus and hippocampus, which may be due to the increase in the number of apoptotic neurons or the compensatory increase in the volume of overactive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuangzheng Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Dalong Guo
- Air Force Medical Center, PLA, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sikai Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Aoshuang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijie Xie
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Guibo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Zheng P, Mei J, Leng J, Jia S, Gu Z, Chen S, Zhang W, Cheng A, Guo D, Lang J. Evaluation of the brain functional activities in rats various location-endometriosis pain model. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:767. [PMID: 32042783 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.11.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Endometriosis (EM) is a common gynecological disease in women of reproductive age. These patients in approximately 80% suffer the various degree pain. This study will investigate synergistically the mechanism of the higher-position central sensitization and offer a pre-clinical experiment evidence for treatment of various location-EM patients with pain. Methods Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were induced three types EM including abdominal EM (n=5), gastrocnemius EM (n=5) and ovary EM group (n=5) and one sham control group (n=5). All groups were measured the pain sensitization by hotplate test, then scanned by the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) date was analyzed using regional homogeneity (ReHo) approach to find out the abnormal functional activity brain regions. Nissl staining method observed the state of neurons in aberrant ReHo signal brain regions. Results Rats with EM pain sensitization were increased in abdominal EM and gastrocnemius EM than ovary EM group and sham control. The ReHo value is decreased in gastrocnemius EM in right thalamus and left olfactory tubercle compared with other three groups. The number of neurons was decreased; cavitation around nucleus, and pyknotic homogenous nuclei. Nissl bodies were stained deeply, and the shape was irregular in gastrocnemius EM by Nissl staining in right thalamus. In left olfactory tubercle, there was no significant difference in 4 groups. Conclusions The thalamus may be the potential key brain region for the central sensitization mechanism of various location-EM pain. The oxidative activation may be weakened in thalamus in gastrocnemius EM group with more severe pain. This finding could lend support for future research on the imageology and pathology of various location-EM pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jian Mei
- Physical Education College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shuangzheng Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhiyue Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Sikai Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Aoshuang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dalong Guo
- Air Force Characteristic Medical Center, PLA Air Force Medical University, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
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Gentle Manual Acupuncture Could Better Regulate Gastric Motility and Vagal Afferent Nerve Discharge of Rats with Gastric Hypomotility. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:9043151. [PMID: 31781283 PMCID: PMC6855058 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9043151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The variation of stimulus intensity of manual acupuncture (MA) may produce diverse acupuncture effects. However, the intensity-effect relationship and the underlying mechanism of MA are still elusive. In this study, the effects of MA regulation of gastric motility were investigated after lifting-thrusting MA treatment with four different frequencies (1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, and 4 Hz) at ST36. The experiments were conducted on rats with gastric hypomotility caused by atropine. The results showed that the gastric motility amplitude decreased after atropine injection, while the treatment of four types of MA affected the gastric motility amplitude in varying degrees. Specifically, 2 Hz MA exhibited the most effective results, while 4 Hz MA had the least effect; the effects of 1 Hz MA and 3 Hz MA were between the effects induced with 2 Hz and 4 Hz. Furthermore, the response of gastric vagal afferent nerve discharge and gastric motility was examined after MA treatment with frequencies of 2 Hz and 4 Hz, respectively, on ST36 in order to elucidate the mechanism of MA regulation of gastric motility. The results showed that 2 Hz MA was able to increase the amplitude of gastric motility and discharge frequency of gastric vagal afferent nerves, while 4 Hz MA exhibited seldom effects. These findings suggest that gentle MA (2 Hz) has more stimulating effects than strong stimulation with MA (4 Hz) on gastric hypomotility. In addition, gastric motility regulated by MA was associated with vagal afferent nerve activation.
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16
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Liu PR, Cao F, Zhang Y, Peng S. Electroacupuncture reduces astrocyte number and oxidative stress in aged rats with surgery-induced cognitive dysfunction. J Int Med Res 2019; 47:3860-3873. [PMID: 31311378 PMCID: PMC6726816 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519860026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture in regulating astrocytes and oxidative stress in a rat model of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Methods Male aged Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo left hepatic lobe resection to induce POCD, followed by either electroacupuncture or no treatment; or similar surgery without left lobe resection or electroacupuncture (sham). Postsurgical cognitive function, hippocampal astrocyte number and oxidative stress indicators were measured. Results At days 1, 3 and 7 following surgery, escape latency was significantly shorter and platform crossing frequency was increased with electroacupuncture versus other groups. At postoperative day 1, the electroacupuncture group showed significantly fewer glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive hippocampal astrocytes versus the POCD model group. In POCD rats, electroacupuncture significantly decreased serum S100 calcium binding protein B and neuron-specific enolase levels, and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor levels, at days 1, 3 and 7. Electroacupuncture significantly attenuated the hippocampal POCD-induced increase in malondialdehyde and decreased superoxide dismutase levels at day 1 following surgery. Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve cognitive function in rats with POCD by reducing hippocampal GFAP-positive astrocyte number and suppressing oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Rong Liu
- 1 Department of Anaesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Cao
- 2 Department of Neurology and Neurological Rehabilitation, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- 1 Department of Anaesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Peng
- 1 Department of Anaesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China
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Sha R, Zhang B, Han X, Peng J, Zheng C, Zhang F, Huang X. Electroacupuncture Alleviates Ischemic Brain Injury by Inhibiting the miR-223/NLRP3 Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:4723-4733. [PMID: 31237865 PMCID: PMC6607941 DOI: 10.12659/msm.917213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Electroacupuncture (EA) has been commonly used to treat stroke in China. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of EA in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and elucidated the possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Material/Methods In this study, modified neurological severity scoring (mNSS) was used to assess neurological deficits, and TTC staining and brain water content were measured to evaluate the degree of brain damage. HE staining, Nissl staining, and TUNEL staining were employed to evaluate apoptotic neuronal death. Molecular biological methods were used to measure the levels of miR-233, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the peri-infarct cortex. Results Our results showed that EA treatment significantly decreased the neurological deficit score and infarct volume of MCAO rats. The level of miR-223 was increased, while the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 were decreased in the peri-infarct cortex of EA-treated MCAO rats. However, the neuroprotective effect of EA was partially blocked by antagomir-223. Conclusions These data suggest that EA treatment can alleviate neuroinflammation by inhibiting the miR-223/NLRP3 pathway, thus playing a neuroprotective role in MCAO in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Sha
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaohua Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Jiaojiao Peng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Caixia Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Fengxia Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaolin Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
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Xing Y, Zhang M, Li WB, Dong F, Zhang F. Mechanisms Involved in the Neuroprotection of Electroacupuncture Therapy for Ischemic Stroke. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:929. [PMID: 30618558 PMCID: PMC6297779 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is one of the main causes of death all over the world. As the combination of acupuncture and electric stimulation, electroacupuncutre is a safe and effective therapy, which is commonly applied in ischemic stroke therapy in both experimental studies and clinical settings. The review was performed via searching for related articles in the databases of OVID, PUBMED, and ISI Web of Science from their respective inceptions to May 2018. In this review, we summarized the mechanism of EA for ischemic stroke via a series of factors, consisting of apoptosis related-factors, inflammatory factors, autophagy-related factors, growth factors, transcriptional factors, cannabinoid CB1 receptors, and other factors. In summary, EA stimulation may effectively alleviate ischemic brain injury via a series of signal pathways and various other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xing
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wen-Bin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fang Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Provincial Orthopedic Biomechanics Key Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Zhang B, Dai XH, Yu XP, Zou W, Teng W, Sun XW, Yu WW, Liu H, Wang H, Sun MJ, Li M. Baihui (DU20)-penetrating- Qubin (GB7) acupuncture inhibits apoptosis in the perihemorrhagic penumbra. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1602-1608. [PMID: 30127121 PMCID: PMC6126129 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.237123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Baihui (DU20)-penetrating-Qubin (GB7) acupuncture can inhibit inflammatory reactions and activate signaling pathways related to proliferation after intracerebral hemorrhage. However, there is no research showing the relationship between this treatment and cell apoptosis. Rat models of intracerebral hemorrhage were established by injecting 60 μL of autologous blood into the right side of the caudate-putamen. Six hours later, the needle traveled subcutaneously from the Baihui acupoint to Qubin acupoint. The needle was alternately rotated (180 ± 10 turns/min) manually along clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Stimulation lasted for 7 days, and was performed three times each for 6 minutes with 6-minute intervals between stimulations. Rats intraperitoneally receiving Sonic hedgehog pathway activator, purmorphamine (1 mg/kg per day), served as positive controls. Motor and sensory function were assessed using the Ludmila Belayev test. Extent of pathological changes were measured in the perihemorrhagic penumbra using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Apoptosis was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. Expression of smoothened (Smo) and glioma-associated homolog 1 (Gli1) was determined by western blot assay. Our results showed that Baihui-penetrating-Qubin acupuncture promoted recovery of motor and sensory function, reduced the apoptotic cell percentage in the perihemorrhagic penumbra, and up-regulated Smo and Gli1 expression. We conclude that Baihui-penetrating-Qubin acupuncture can mitigate hemorrhage and promote functional recovery of the brain in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage, possibly by activating the Sonic hedgehog pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beng Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Dai
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xue-Ping Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wei Zou
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; Clinical Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wei Teng
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Sun
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wei-Wei Yu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Meng-Juan Sun
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Meng Li
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Luo D, Chen R, Liang FX. Modulation of Acupuncture on Cell Apoptosis and Autophagy. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2017; 2017:8268736. [PMID: 29279719 PMCID: PMC5723958 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8268736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been historically practiced to treat medical disorders by mechanically stimulating specific acupoints. Despite its well-documented efficacy, its biological basis largely remains elusive. Recent studies suggested that cell apoptosis and autophagy might play key roles in acupuncture therapy. Therefore, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), aiming to find the potential relationship between acupuncture and cell apoptosis and autophagy. To provide readers with objective evidence, some problems regarding the design method, acupoints selection, acupuncture intervention measure, and related diseases existing in 40 related researches were shown in this review. These findings demonstrated that acupuncture has a potential role in modulating cell apoptosis and autophagy in animal models, suggesting it as a candidate mechanism in acupuncture therapy to maintain physiologic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Street, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Street, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Feng-xia Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Tanhualin Street, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
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