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Zhou X, Zhang J, Jiang L, Zhang S, Gu Y, Tang J, Pu T, Quan X, Chi H, Huang S. Therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture point stimulation for stomach cancer pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1334657. [PMID: 38638316 PMCID: PMC11024429 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1334657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has received widespread attention in the field of cancer pain treatment. This meta-analysis is the first to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture point stimulation in the treatment of stomach cancer pain. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, WANFANG, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Chinese Journal of Science and Technology (VIP) databases as well as forward and backward citations to studies published between database creation to July 27, 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture point stimulation for the treatment of patients with stomach cancer pain were included without language restrictions. We assessed all outcome indicators of the included trials. The evidence from the randomized controlled trials was synthesized as the standardized mean difference (SMD) of symptom change. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO under the number CRD42023457341. Results Eleven RCTs were included. The study included 768 patients, split into 2 groups: acupuncture point stimulation treatment group (n = 406), medication control group (n = 372). The results showed that treatment was more effective in the acupuncture point stimulation treatment group than in the medication control group (efficacy rate, RR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.94, p < 0.00001), decreasing in NRS score was greater in acupuncture point stimulation treatment group than in the medication control group (SMD = -1.30, 95% CI -1.96 to -0.63, p < 0.001). Systematic Review Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42023457341.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuancheng Zhou
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jieying Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shengke Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuheng Gu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Tang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tong Pu
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaomin Quan
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Second Affiliated Dong Fang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shangke Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Zhang J, Zhou X, Jiang H, Zhu W, Chi H, Jiang L, Zhang S, Yang J, Deng S, Li B, Zhuo B, Zhang M, Cao B, Meng Z. Acupuncture for insomnia symptoms in hypertensive patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1329132. [PMID: 38440112 PMCID: PMC10910107 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1329132] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the realm of pain management, traditional Chinese medicine, specifically acupuncture, has garnered increasing attention. This meta-analysis pioneers the evaluation of acupuncture's effectiveness in treating insomnia among hypertensive patients. Methods We conducted a comprehensive search across several databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WANFANG, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Sinomed, and the Chinese Journal of Science and Technology (VIP). Additionally, forward and backward articles of studies published from the inception of these databases until 10 September 2023, were reviewed. This systematic review and meta-analysis included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on acupuncture for insomnia in hypertensive patients, without imposing language or date restrictions. We rigorously assessed all outcome measures reported in these trials. The evidence was synthesized by calculating the difference between mean differences (MD) in symptom change. The quality of the evidence was determined using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This study is registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42023461760. Results Our analysis included 16 RCTs, comprising 1,309 patients. The findings revealed that acupuncture was significantly more effective than the control group in reducing insomnia symptoms, as indicated by a greater decrease in the PSQI score (MD = -3.1, 95% CI [-3.77 to -2.62], p < 0.00001). Additionally, improvements in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were more pronounced in the acupuncture group compared to the control group (SBP: MD = -10.31, 95% CI [-16.98 to -3.64], p = 0.002; DBP: MD = -5.71, 95% CI [-8.19 to -3.23], p < 0.00001). These results suggest that acupuncture not only improves sleep quality but also lowers blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension and insomnia. Further research is warranted to elucidate optimal acupuncture points and the duration of treatment for maximized therapeutic effect.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, CRD42023461760.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuancheng Zhou
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hailun Jiang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shengke Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shizhe Deng
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Boxuan Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Bifang Zhuo
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Menglong Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Beidi Cao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihong Meng
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Chen Y, Li D, Li N, Loh P, Guo Y, Hu X, Zhang J, Dou B, Wang L, Yang C, Guo T, Chen S, Liu Z, Chen B, Chen Z. Role of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk in mediating the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1093849. [PMID: 36756246 PMCID: PMC9899820 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1093849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic pain rises because of nervous system damage or dysfunction and is the most difficult to treat among other pathological pains. Acupuncture has been reported as a great treatment option for neurogenic pain owing to its unlimited advantages. However, previous studies on the analgesic effects of acupuncture for NP were scattered and did not form a whole. In this study, we first comprehensively review the relevant basic articles on acupuncture for NP published in the last 5 years and summarize the analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in terms of nerve signaling, neuro-immune crosstalk, and metabolic and oxidative stress regulation. Acupuncture inhibits the upstream excitatory system and suppresses neuronal transmission efficiency by downregulating glutamate, NMDA receptors, P2XR, SP, CGRP, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the spinal cord, as well as plasma channels such as TRPV1, HCN. It can also activate the downstream pain inhibitory pathway by upregulating opioid peptide (β-endorphin), MOR receptors, GABA and GABA receptors, bi-directional regulating 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its receptors (upregulate 5-HT 1A and downregulate 5-HT7R) and stimulating hypothalamic appetite-modifying neurons. Moreover, neuroinflammation in pain can be inhibited by acupuncture through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/mTOR pathways, down regulating chemokine receptor CX3CR1 on microglia and up regulating adenosine receptor A1Rs on astrocytes, inhibiting the activation of glia and reducing TNF-α and other inflammatory substances. Acupuncture also inhibits neuronal glucose metabolism by downregulating mPFC's GLUT-3 and promotes metabolic alterations of the brain, thus exerting an analgesic effect. In conclusion, the regulation of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk at the peripheral and central levels mediates the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain in an integrated manner. These findings provide a reliable basis for better clinical application of acupuncture in the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningcen Li
- Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - PeiYong Loh
- School of International Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiyou Hu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lifen Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaobo Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangli Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Zelin Chen ✉
| | - Zelin Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,Bo Chen ✉
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Shi M, Zhou J, Hu R, Xu H, Chen Y, Wu X, Chen B, Ma R. EA participates in pain transition through regulating KCC2 expression by BDNF-TrkB in the spinal cord dorsal horn of male rats. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100115. [PMID: 36875547 PMCID: PMC9982673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of chronic pain is complex and poorly treated, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. Electroacupuncture (EA) relieves pain by preventing the transition of acute pain into chronic pain, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate whether EA can inhibit pain transition by increasing KCC2 expression via BDNF-TrkB. We used hyperalgesic priming (HP) model to investigate the potential central mechanisms of EA intervention on pain transition. HP model male rats showed significant and persistent mechanically abnormal pain. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) phosphorylation were upregulated in the affected spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) of HP model rats, accompanied by K+-Cl-- Cotransporter-2 (KCC2) expression was down-regulated. EA significantly increased the mechanical pain threshold in HP model male rats and decreased BDNF and p-TrkB overexpression and upregulated KCC2 expression. Blockade of BDNF with BDNF neutralizing antibody attenuated mechanical abnormal pain in HP rats. Finally, administration of exogenous BDNF by pharmacological methods reversed the EA-induced resistance to abnormal pain. In all, these results suggest that BDNF-TrkB contributes to mechanical abnormal pain in HP model rats and that EA ameliorates mechanical abnormal pain through upregulation of KCC2 by BDNF-TrkB in SCDH. Our study further supports EA as an effective treatment to prevent the transition of acute pain into chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Shi
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rong Hu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haipeng Xu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Chen
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingying Wu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bowen Chen
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Liu D, Chen B, Li T, Zheng L, Li J, Du W, Wang M, Huang Y. Research Hotspots and Trends on Acupuncture for Neuropathic Pain: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2002 to 2021. J Pain Res 2022; 15:3381-3397. [PMID: 36317163 PMCID: PMC9617558 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s383291] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In this study, we aimed to systematically determine the trend, research hotspots, and directions of the future development of acupuncture for neuropathic pain (NP) by bibliometric analysis. Methods Based on the relevant literature on acupuncture for NP in the databases of Web of Science from January 2002 to December 2021, Citespace software and VOSviewer were used to determine the use of acupuncture for the treatment of NP. The annual publications, countries, authors, research institutions, keywords, co-cited references, and journals were analyzed to explore the research hotspot and development trends in this field. Results A total of 1462 records of acupuncture for NP from 2002 to 2021 were obtained. Chingliang Hsieh (20) is the most effective author and Han JS (585 co-citations) is the most influential author. The most productive institutions and countries are Kyung Hee UNIV (88) and China, respectively (480). UNIV Maryland of the USA has the highest centrality (0.12). Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine (89) is the most prolific journal, and Pain is the most influential journal (4200 co-citations). Ji-sheng Han (2003) is the most frequently cited article (158 co-citations). Electroacupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture, and percutaneous electrical stimulation are the most commonly studied acupuncture types. The analgesic mechanism of acupuncture and acupuncture-neuroimaging was a research hotspot over the years. The clinical evidence of acupuncture for NP should be further studied in the future. Conclusion The study using bibliometric analysis methods to investigate the publications on acupuncture for NP so as to provide potential research directions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Chen
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijiang Zheng
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialu Li
- People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiyan Du
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minglei Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yinlan Huang
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Yinlan Huang, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18209506917, Email
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Combined-Acupoint Electroacupuncture Induces Better Analgesia via Activating the Endocannabinoid System in the Spinal Cord. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:7670629. [PMID: 36160326 PMCID: PMC9499800 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7670629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) therapy has been widely reported to alleviate neuropathic pain with few side effects in both clinical practice and animal studies worldwide. However, little is known about the comparison of the therapeutic efficacy among the diverse EA schemes used for neuropathic pain. The present study is aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy discrepancy between the single and combined-acupoint EA and to reveal the difference of mechanisms behind them. Electroacupuncture was given at both Zusanli (ST36) and Huantiao (GB30) in the combined group or ST36 alone in the single group. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured to determine the pain level. Electrophysiology was performed to detect the effects of EA on synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn of the vGlut2-tdTomato mice. Spinal contents of endogenous opioids, endocannabinoids, and their receptors were examined. Inhibitors of CBR (cannabinoid receptor) and opioid receptors were used to study the roles of opioid and endocannabinoid system (ECS) in EA analgesia. We found that combined-acupoint acupuncture provide stronger analgesia than the single group did, and the former inhibited the synaptic transmission at the spinal level to a greater extent than later. Besides, the high-intensity stimulation at ST36 or normal stimulation at two sham acupoints did not mimic the similar efficacy of analgesia in the combined group. Acupuncture stimulation in single and combined groups both activated the endogenous opioid system. The ECS was only activated in the combined group. Naloxone totally blocked the analgesic effect of single-acupoint EA; however, it did not attenuate that of combined-acupoint EA unless coadministered with CBR antagonists. Hence, in the CCI-induced neuropathic pain model, combined-acupoint EA at ST36 and GB30 is more effective in analgesia than the single-acupoint EA at ST36. EA stimulation at GB30 alone neither provided a superior analgesic effect to EA treatment at ST36 nor altered the content of AEA, 2-AG, CB1 receptor, or CB2 receptor compared with the CCI group. Activation of the ECS is the main contributor of the better analgesia by the combined acupoint stimulation than that induced by single acupoint stimulation.
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Liedtke W. Long March Toward Safe and Effective Analgesia by Enhancing Gene Expression of Kcc2: First Steps Taken. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:865600. [PMID: 35645734 PMCID: PMC9137411 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.865600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Low intraneuronal chloride in spinal cord dorsal horn pain relay neurons is critical for physiologic transmission of primary pain afferents because low intraneuronal chloride dictates whether GABA-ergic and glycin-ergic neurotransmission is inhibitory. If the neuronal chloride elevates to pathologic levels, then spinal cord primary pain relay becomes leaky and exhibits the behavioral hallmarks of pathologic pain, namely hypersensitivity and allodynia. Low chloride in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons is maintained by proper gene expression of Kcc2 and sustained physiologic function of the KCC2 chloride extruding electroneutral transporter. Peripheral nerve injury and other forms of neural injury evoke greatly diminished Kcc2 gene expression and subsequent corruption of inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn, thus causing derailment of the gate function for pain. Here I review key discoveries that have helped us understand these fundamentals, and focus on recent insights relating to the discovery of Kcc2 gene expression enhancing compounds via compound screens in neurons. One such study characterized the kinase inhibitor, kenpaullone, more in-depth, revealing its function as a robust and long-lasting analgesic in preclinical models of nerve injury and cancer bone pain, also elucidating its mechanism of action via GSK3β inhibition, diminishing delta-catenin phosphorylation, and facilitating its nuclear transfer and subsequent enhancement of Kcc2 gene expression by de-repressing Kaiso epigenetic transcriptional regulator. Future directions re Kcc2 gene expression enhancement are discussed, namely combination with other analgesics and analgesic methods, such as spinal cord stimulation and electroacupuncture, gene therapy, and leveraging Kcc2 gene expression-enhancing nanomaterials.
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Effective Oriental Magic for Analgesia: Acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1451342. [PMID: 35313481 PMCID: PMC8934214 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1451342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a kind of complex physiological and psychological symptom, which makes the person debilitated and uncomfortable. Some persistent pain is unbearable for the patients, reducing the quality of life and bringing considerable pressure to the individuals and society. Pain killers seem to be effective in analgesia for patients, but their safety and addiction are crucial issues. From the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the blocked meridian is the main cause of pain, and effective acupuncture can play a positive analgesic effect. Acupuncture that can date back thousands of years is one of the ancient medical practices in China. Its safety and effectiveness are respected. Based on its superior safety and inferior side effects, it has been gradually recognized as a therapeutic intervention method for complementary medicine, which is also generally used to treat multiple pain diseases. It is shown by modern medical studies that neurotransmitters are the material basis for the acupuncture effect, and the effect of acupuncture analgesia is related to changes in neurotransmitters. However, the specific mechanism has not been elucidated. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the historical evolution of acupuncture analgesia, clinical research of acupuncture analgesia, comparison of acupuncture and drug therapy, the neurotransmitter mechanism of acupuncture analgesia, the effect of acupuncture manipulation on analgesia, and bibliometric analysis of acupuncture treatment for pain, to explore the superiority and related mechanism of acupuncture analgesia from different aspects, and to provide a more effective treatment for alleviating patients' pain.
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Progress on the Experimental Research of Sciatic Nerve Injury with Acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2021:1401756. [PMID: 34976092 PMCID: PMC8718293 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1401756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To collect and summarize relevant literatures on the experimental researches of sciatic nerve injury (SNI) with acupuncture during the last decade providing a guideline for effectively treating SNI with acupuncture in the future. Methods The Chinese and English databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WanFang Data), VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP Date), and PubMed were searched from 2009 to 2020 with keywords of “acupuncture and moxibustion OR acupuncture OR electroacupuncture OR scalp acupuncture OR wrist-ankle acupuncture OR acupoint injection OR ear acupuncture” AND “sciatic nerve OR sciatic nerve injury OR sciatic injury OR SNI.” The collected data were mainly evaluated in the items of animal model of SNI, type of interventions, selection of acupuncture points (acupoints), course of treatment and its frequency, and approaches of assessment. Results A total of 89 studies were included in this analysis. Among them, the most commonly used animal models of SNI were produced by the clamp or transverse injury in the rats; the most frequently used intervention was electroacupuncture with dilatational wave of 2/100 Hz; the frequency of acupuncture was mainly performed once per day lasting for more than 2 weeks; the mainly selected acupoints were Huantiao (GB30), Zusanli (ST36), and Yanglingquan (GB34); and the approaches of assessment were contained with behavioral, functional, morphological, histological, cellular, and molecular measurements. Conclusion The results indicated that the experimental researches of SNI with acupuncture has made marked progress in recent years, which may provide important clues for further investigating the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture for the treatment of SNI in the future.
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Wang S, Du J, Xi D, Shao F, Qiu M, Shao X, Liang Y, Liu B, Jin X, Fang J, Fang J. Role of GABAAR in the Transition From Acute to Chronic Pain and the Analgesic Effect of Electroacupuncture on Hyperalgesic Priming Model Rats. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:691455. [PMID: 34220444 PMCID: PMC8248374 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.691455] [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: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a costly health problem that impairs health-related quality of life when not effectively treated. Regulating the transition from acute to chronic pain is a new therapeutic strategy for chronic pain that presents a major clinical challenge. The underlying mechanisms of pain transition are not entirely understood, and strategies for preventing this transition are lacking. Here, a hyperalgesic priming model was used to study the potential mechanism by which γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAAR) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to pain transition. Furthermore, electroacupuncture (EA), a modern method of acupuncture, was administered to regulate pain transition, and the mechanism underlying EA’s regulatory effect was investigated. Hyperalgesic priming was induced by intraplanar injection of carrageenan (Car)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) induced by PGE2 returned to baseline 4 h after injection in NS + PGE2 group, and still persisted 24 h after injection in Car + PGE2 group. Lower expression of GABAAR in the lumbar DRG was observed in the model rats. Furthermore, activating or blocking GABAAR could reversed the long-lasting hyperalgesia induced by Car/PGE2 injection or produced a persistent hyperalgesia. In addition, GABAAR may be involved in Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKCε) activation in the DRG, a mark molecular of pain transition. EA considerably increased the mechanical pain thresholds of hyperalgesic priming model mammals in both the acute and chronic phases. Furthermore, EA upregulated the expression of GABAAR and inhibited the activation of PKCε in the DRG. In addition, peripheral administration of picrotoxin blocked the analgesic effect of EA on the model rats and abolished the regulatory effect of EA on PKCε activation. These findings suggested that GABAAR plays a key role in both the transition from acute to chronic pain and the analgesic effect of EA on hyperalgesic priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junying Du
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danning Xi
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangbing Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Liang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Needling Interventions for Sciatica: Choosing Methods Based on Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102189. [PMID: 34069357 PMCID: PMC8158699 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sciatica is a condition often accompanied by neuropathic pain (NP). Acupuncture and dry needling are common treatments for pain, and the current literature supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for sciatica. However, it is unknown if the mechanisms of NP are considered in the delivery of needling interventions for sciatica. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and the effectiveness of needling therapies, to identify common needling practices and to investigate if NP mechanisms are considered in the treatment of sciatica. A scoping review of the literature on needling interventions for sciatica and a review of the literature on mechanisms related to NP and needling interventions were performed. Electronic literature searches were conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to August, 2020 to identify relevant papers. Reference lists of included papers were also manually screened and a related-articles search through PubMed was performed on all included articles. Mapping of the results included description of included studies, summary of results, and identification of gaps in the existing literature. Ten articles were included. All studies used acupuncture for the treatment of sciatica, no studies on dry needling were identified. Current evidence supports the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture for sciatica, however, no studies considered underlying NP mechanisms in the acupuncture approach for sciatica and the rationale for using acupuncture was inconsistent among trials. This review reveals that neuropathic pain mechanisms are not routinely considered in needling approaches for patients with sciatica. Studies showed acupuncture to be an effective treatment for sciatic pain, however, further research is warranted to explore if needling interventions for sciatica and NP would be more effective if NP mechanisms are considered.
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Liao YH, Wang B, Chen MX, Liu Y, Ao LJ. LIFU Alleviates Neuropathic Pain by Improving the KCC 2 Expression and Inhibiting the CaMKIV-KCC 2 Pathway in the L4-L5 Section of the Spinal Cord. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:6659668. [PMID: 33953740 PMCID: PMC8057881 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6659668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment remains lacking for neuropathic pain (NP), a type of intractable pain. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a noninvasive, cutting-edge neuromodulation technique, can effectively enhance inhibition of the central nervous system (CNS) and reduce neuronal excitability. We investigated the effect of LIFU on NP and on the expression of potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) in the spinal cords of rats with peripheral nerve injury (PNI) in the lumbar 4-lumbar 5 (L4-L5) section. In this study, rats received PNI surgery on their right lower legs followed by LIFU stimulation of the L4-L5 section of the spinal cord for 4 weeks, starting 3 days after surgery. We used the 50% paw withdraw threshold (PWT50) to evaluate mechanical allodynia. Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to calculate the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV (CaMKIV), phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (p-CREB), and KCC2 in the L4-L5 portion of the spinal cord after the last behavioral tests. We found that PWT50 decreased (P < 0.05) 3 days post-PNI surgery in the LIFU- and LIFU+ groups and increased (P < 0.05) after 4 weeks of LIFU stimulation. The expression of p-CREB and CaMKIV decreased (P < 0.05) and that of KCC2 increased (P < 0.05) after 4 weeks of LIFU stimulation, but that of p-ERK1/2 (P > 0.05) was unaffected. Our study showed that LIFU could effectively alleviate NP behavior in rats with PNI by increasing the expression of KCC2 on spinal dorsal corner neurons. A possible explanation is that LIFU could inhibit the activation of the CaMKIV-KCC2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Hui Liao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan Province, China
| | - Mo-Xian Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yao Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Ao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500 Yunnan Province, China
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The Role of Neuroglial Crosstalk and Synaptic Plasticity-Mediated Central Sensitization in Acupuncture Analgesia. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:8881557. [PMID: 33531894 PMCID: PMC7834789 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8881557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pain is regarded as a global public health priority, analgesic therapy remains a significant challenge. Pain is a hypersensitivity state caused by peripheral and central sensitization, with the latter considered the culprit for chronic pain. This study summarizes the pathogenesis of central sensitization from the perspective of neuroglial crosstalk and synaptic plasticity and underlines the related analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture. Central sensitization is modulated by the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in the ascending excitatory pathway and the descending pain modulatory system. Acupuncture analgesia is associated with downregulating glutamate in the ascending excitatory pathway and upregulating opioids, 𝛾-aminobutyric acid, norepinephrine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the descending pain modulatory system. Furthermore, it is increasingly appreciated that neurotransmitters, cytokines, and chemokines are implicated in neuroglial crosstalk and associated plasticity, thus contributing to central sensitization. Acupuncture produces its analgesic action by inhibiting cytokines, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and upregulating interleukin-10, as well as modulating chemokines and their receptors such as CX3CL1/CX3CR1, CXCL12/CXCR4, CCL2/CCR2, and CXCL1/CXCR2. These factors are regulated by acupuncture through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling (e.g., the p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase pathways), which contribute to the activation of nociceptive neurons. However, the responses of chemokines to acupuncture vary among the types of pain models, acupuncture methods, and stimulation parameters. Thus, the exact mechanisms require future clarification. Taken together, inhibition of central sensitization modulated by neuroglial plasticity is central in acupuncture analgesia, providing a novel insight for the clinical application of acupuncture analgesia.
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Tang BL. The Expanding Therapeutic Potential of Neuronal KCC2. Cells 2020; 9:E240. [PMID: 31963584 PMCID: PMC7016893 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions in GABAergic inhibitory neural transmission occur in neuronal injuries and neurological disorders. The potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2, SLC12A5) is a key modulator of inhibitory GABAergic inputs in healthy adult neurons, as its chloride (Cl-) extruding activity underlies the hyperpolarizing reversal potential for GABAA receptor Cl- currents (EGABA). Manipulation of KCC2 levels or activity improve symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathy. Recent works have now indicated that pharmacological enhancement of KCC2 function could reactivate dormant relay circuits in an injured mouse's spinal cord, leading to functional recovery and the attenuation of neuronal abnormality and disease phenotype associated with a mouse model of Rett syndrome (RTT). KCC2 interacts with Huntingtin and is downregulated in Huntington's disease (HD), which contributed to GABAergic excitation and memory deficits in the R6/2 mouse HD model. Here, these recent advances are highlighted, which attest to KCC2's growing potential as a therapeutic target for neuropathological conditions resulting from dysfunctional inhibitory input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Luen Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore; ; Tel.: +65-6516-1040
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
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