Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on IL-6 and vimentin protein expression in white adipose tissue(WAT)of diet-induced obesity(DIO)rats

so as to reveal its mechanism underlying losing weight.Methods Thirty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal(control

n=10)

model

sham-EA and EA groups(n=8 in each of the latter 3 groups).The obesity model was established by feeding the rats with high fat diet.EA(2 Hz/15 Hz

1 mA)was applied to bilateral"Zusanli"(ST 36)and"Tianshu"(ST 25)for 30 min

5 times per week for a total of 8 weeks.For sham-EA group

two sham points(about 5 mm lateral to ST 36 and to ST 25)were only punctured with filiform needles but without electrical stimulation.During EA treatment

all rats were fed with normal fodder

and their body weight were measured once a week.Histopathologic changes(diameters of adipose cells)of abdominal WAT were observed under microscope after sectioning and H.E.staining

and the expression levels of IL-6 and vimentin in the WAT were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group

the body weight

diameter of fat cells and the expression levels of IL-6 and vimentin in the WAT were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).Following EA

the body weight

diameter of fat cells and the expression levels of IL-6 and vimentin proteins were considerably down-regulated in the EA group(P<0.05)

rather than in the sham-EA group relevant to the model group(P>0.05).Conclusion EA intervention can effectively down-regulate the expression of IL-6 and vimentin in WAT of DIO rats

which may contribute to its action in reducing body fat by relieving chronic inflammation.