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- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of “Tiaoshen Tongluo”（mind regulation and meridian-collateral dredging） electroacupuncture （EA） on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 （TREM2） signaling pathway and hippocampal microglial polarization in rats with learning-memory impairment induced by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury （CIRI）， so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of learning-memory ability after CIRI.MethodsMale SD rats were randomly divided into 7 d sham group （n=10）， 14 d sham group （n=10）， and CIRI model group. The CIRI model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MCAO/R）. Rats meeting the criteria of learning-memory impairment due to CIRI，identified by the Morris water maze tests， were randomly assigned to 7 d model， 7 d EA， 14 d model and 14 d EA groups， with 10 rats in each group. Rats of the EA groups received “Tiaoshen Tongluo” EA stimulation at “Baihui” （GV20）， “Yintang” （GV24+）， and bilateral “Taichong” （LR3） and “Hegu” （LI4） for 10 min per session， once daily， for 7 or 14 consecutive days. The modified neurological severity score （mNSS） was used to assess the neurological deficits before and after the intervention. Morris water maze test was conducted to evaluate learning and memory abilities. Hematoxylin-eosin （H.E.） staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region， and Nissl staining was applied to examine neuronal morphology and Nissl bodies. Immunofluorescence double staining was employed to determine the proportions of CD68+/Iba1+ （M1 type） and CD206+/Iba1+ （M2 type） positive cells in the hippocampus tissue. Western blot was used to measure the relative protein expression levels of Nrf2， TREM2， DNAX activator protein 12（DAP12）， tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） and transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β） in the hippocampus tissue.ResultsCompared with the 7 d and 14 d sham groups， the 7 d and 14 d model groups had a significant increase in the mNSS scores （P<0.01）， and an obvious down-regulation in expression levels of hippocampal Nrf2， TREM2， and DAP12 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and loose arrangement of neurons and reduction in the number of Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region. In contrast to the 14 d sham group， the 14 d model group had a notable increase in the escape latency， the number of CD68+/Iba1+ dual labeled cells， and the expression level of TNF-α in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and a striking decrease in the number of original platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant （P<0.01）. Compared with the 7 d and 14 d model groups， the 7 d and 14 d EA groups exhibited reduction of mNSS scores and TNF-α expressions （P<0.01， P<0.05）， up-regulation of expression levels of Nrf2， and TREM2 proteins （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated arrangement of CA1 neurons， and increased Nissl bodies. Compared with the 14 d model group， the 14 d EA group showed a decrease in the escape latency and the number of CD68+/Iba1+ dual labeled cells （P<0.01）， and an increase in the number of original platform crossings and time spent in the target quadrant， number of CD206+/Iba1+ dual labeled cells， and the expression of DAP12 and TGF-β proteins（P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the 7 d EA group， the 14 d EA group showed a further reduction in mNSS score （P<0.05）， and a further up-regulation of expression of TREM2 protein （P<0.05）， a more compact neuronal arrangement in the CA1 region with the morphological structure being close to the normal.Conclusion“Tiaoshen Tongluo” EA can improve learning-memory ability in CIRI rats， which may be associated with its functions in activating the Nrf2/TREM2 signaling pathway， inhibiting microglial M1 polarization and promoting M2 polarization. In addition， the therapeutic effect of 14 d EA is better than that of 7 d EA.关键词：Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury;Learning-memory impairment;“Tiaoshen Tongluo” electroacupuncture;microglial polarization;Nrf2/TREM2 signaling pathway32|92|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of prior acupuncture experience on the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for discogenic sciatica.MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted on a multicenter， randomized controlled trial. A total of 216 patients with discogenic sciatica were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group， with 108 patients in each group. The acupuncture group received a semi-standardized treatment protocol based on meridian pattern differentiation for acupoint selection， and manual manipulation was applied to achieve the deqi sensation. The sham acupuncture group received needling at non-acupoints without manipulation or the pursuit of deqi. Each session lasted for 30 min. The treatment continued for 4 weeks， with 3 sessions per week for the first 2 weeks and 2 sessions per week for the subsequent 2 weeks. The visual analog scale （VAS） score for leg pain and the Oswestry disability index （ODI） score for lumbar function were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The differences in VAS and ODI scores from baseline to week 4 were used as the primary outcome measures to evaluate the efficacy. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare the efficacy between the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups based on the presence or absence of previous acupuncture experience.ResultsAmong the 216 patients， 81 had prior acupuncture experience and 135 had no prior acupuncture experience. In the subgroup with prior acupuncture experience or without previous acupuncture experience， the changes of VAS score for leg pain and the ODI score for lumbar function in the acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group after 4 weeks of intervention （P<0.001， P<0.01）. Interaction analysis showed that there was no interaction effect between prior acupuncture experience and intervention factors on the changes in VAS and ODI scores.ConclusionAcupuncture has a favorable effect on improving leg pain and lumbar dysfunction in patients with discogenic sciatica， regardless of prior acupuncture experience.关键词：Acupuncture experience;Discogenic sciatica;Randomized controlled trial32|13|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of “Jiaji” （EX-B2） electroacupuncture （EA） on the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome in the lumbar spinal cord and to explore its mechanism in improving limb dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis （ALS） mice.MethodsFifty-four mice carrying the human superoxide dismutase 1 G93A （hSOD1G93A） gene were randomly divided into model， Jiaji EA， and inhibitor groups， with 18 mice per group. Eighteen mice not carrying the hSOD1G93A gene served as wild group. At 60 d of age， the Jiaji EA group was given EA at L1—L2 and L5—L6 EX-B2 points with continuous wave， 1 mA， 2 Hz. The needles retained for 20 min， twice every week. The inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of the NLRP3 inhibitor （10 mg/kg， twice every week）. All treatments were administered for 4 consecutive weeks. The survival period of mice in each group was observed to assess disease progression； the rotarod test was conducted to evaluate motor coordination and limb motor function； HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in the gastrocnemius， and muscle atrophy was assessed by measuring the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius fiber； Nissl staining was performed to evaluate the number of motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord anterior horns； the protein expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein （ASC）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18 （IL-18）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the lumbar spinal cord were detected by Western blot； the mRNA expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， ASC， IL-1β， IL-18， and TNF-α were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.ResultsCompared with the wild group， mice in the model group exhibited shortened survival time （P<0.01）； reduced time spent on the rotating rod starting from the 13th week of age （P<0.05）； significantly shorter and rounded gastrocnemius fibers with enlarged inter-fiber spaces， nuclear translocation and leakage. The cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius fibers was reduced （P<0.01）； the number of motor neurons in the spinal anterior horns was decreased （P<0.01）； protein and mRNA expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， ASC， IL-1β， IL-18， and TNF-α were increased in the lumbar spinal cord （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， survival time was prolonged in the Jiaji EA and inhibitor groups （P<0.01）； rotarod time was prolonged starting from the 13th week of age （P<0.05）； gastrocnemius fibers exhibited more regular margins and larger morphology， with reduced inter-fiber spaces， and reduced number of rounded fibers and improvement in nuclear translocation and leakage； cross-sectional areas of gastrocnemius fiber were increased （P<0.01）； the numbers of motor neurons in the spinal anterior horns were increased （P<0.01）； protein and mRNA expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1， ASC， IL-1β， IL-18， and TNF-α decreased in the lumbar spinal cord （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the inhibitor group， mice in the Jiaji EA group exhibited prolonged rotarod time from the 17th week of age （P<0.05）； the cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius fiber increased （P<0.05）； protein and mRNA expressions of NLRP3， Caspase-1 and IL-18 in the lumbar spinal cord were higher （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while protein and mRNA expressions of TNF-α were lower （P<0.05， P<0.01）.ConclusionEX-B2 EA improves limb function and prolongs survival in ALS mice， with its underlying mechanism potentially involving the alleviation of neuroinflammation through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.关键词：Jiaji electroacupuncture;Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis;NLRP3 inflammasome;Gastrocnemius;Neuroinflammation29|10|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：Chronic pain is often accompanied by negative emotions such as anxiety， depression， and aversion， with structural and functional abnormalities in the limbic system serving as its key pathological basis. Acupuncture can improve pain-related emotions by modulating multilevel neural centers within the limbic system. At the cortical level， acupuncture can restore the regulatory mechanism of the cortex over pain-related emotions by modulating the neural plasticity of the ACC， MCC， PFC， and IC； at the subcortical level， acupuncture can act on the AMY and HPC to block negative emotions induced by nociceptive information； at the diencephalic level， acupuncture can inhibit the generation of pain-related emotions by down-regulating the abnormal excitability of PVT neurons， thereby blocking the transmission of pain signals to the limbic system. From a hierarchical perspective of the limbic system， this study elucidated the mechanisms of acupuncture intervention in pain-related emotions， providing a theoretical foundation and reference for clinical research on acupuncture treatment of pain-related emotions.关键词：Acupuncture;Limbic system;Pain emotion;Research progress31|6|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：Data mining has become a widely used method in acupuncture literature research in recent years. This paper summarizes common problems in data mining research papers on acupuncture literature， including unreasonable research purposes， insufficient methodological rigor， uneven quality of original literature， and inadequate in-depth analysis of results. From the perspective of improving the practical value of such papers， suggestions are put forward for research topic selection and paper writing， such as clarifying practical clinical problems to be solved， standardizing the design， implementation and reporting of acupuncture clinical trials， improving the quality of original literature， and scientifically analyzing mining results. It is expected to enhance the application efficiency of data mining in acupuncture literature research and the practical value of such studies.关键词：Acupuncture;Literature research;Data mining29|9|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：Acupuncture can effectively improve cognitive function and delay disease progression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease （AD）. Studies have shown that acupuncture treatment for AD is closely related to the effective regulation of the neuro-endocrine-immune （NEI） network. This article reviews the NEI mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of AD mainly from the following aspects： benign regulation of the nervous system—regulating levels of central neurotransmitters （cholinergic， monoaminergic， amino acid， neuropeptide） and their receptors， brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels， and regulation of neuronal cell cycle re-entry； regulation of the endocrine system—ameliorating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction， regulating levels of related hormones （estrogen， testosterone） and insulin-like growth factor-1； regulation of the immune system—modulating activation of central neuroimmune cells （microglia， astrocytes） and homeostasis of the peripheral immune system， and regulating related inflammatory signaling pathways （such as Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB， Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B， etc.）. This article aims to provide a basis for further exploring the mechanism and clinical applications of acupuncture in the treatment of AD.关键词：Acupuncture;Alzheimer’s disease;Neuro-endocrine-immune network29|5|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture on rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）， so as to explore its potential mechanisms.MethodsThirty SD rats were randomly divided into a control group， a model group， and an electroacupuncture group， with 10 rats in each group. The COPD model was established by combining lipopolysaccharide instillation with smoke exposure. Following successful modeling， the electroacupuncture group received bilateral electroacupuncture at the “Feishu”（BL23） and “Zusanli”（ST36） points （dense-disperse wave， 4 Hz/20 Hz， 1—3 mA）， once daily， 20 min/session， for 2 consecutive weeks. General conditions of rats in each group were compared before and after intervention. Post-intervention， histopathological changes in lung tissue were observed via HE staining. Serum levels of interleukin （IL）-6， IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and IL-1β were measured by ELISA. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis in lung tissue， and the apoptosis index was calculated. The protein and mRNA expressions of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK）， eukaryotic initiation factor 2α （eIF2α）， activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4）， C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） in lung tissue were detected by Western blot and real-time quantative PCR respectively.ResultsCompared with the control group， rats in the model group exhibited poorer general condition after intervention， with significant pathological damage in lung tissue； serum IL-6， TNF-α and IL-1β levels and the apoptosis index in lung tissue were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and serum IL-10 level was decreased （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of PERK， eIF2α， ATF4， CHOP and Bax in lung tissue were increased （P<0.01， P<0.05）， while Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expressions were decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， rats in the electroacupuncture group showed improved general condition and reduced pathological damage in lung tissue； serum IL-6， TNF-α and IL-1β levels and apoptosis index were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and serum IL-10 level was increased （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expressions of PERK， eIF2α， ATF4， CHOP and Bax in lung tissue were decreased （P<0.05）， and Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expressions were increased （P<0.05）.ConclusionElectroacupuncture ameliorates lung injury in COPD rats， potentially by inhibiting the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP cascade of the integrated stress response pathway， thereby reducing apoptosis and inflammation.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;Integrated stress response;Apoptosis;Inflammation;PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway31|5|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on depressive-like behaviors and sex hormone levels in perimenopausal depression mice， so as to explore its regulatory role in the glutamate （Glu）/γ- aminobutyric acid （GABA） balance in the medial prefrontal cortex （mPFC） and its impact on the structural and functional plasticity of mPFC synapses.MethodsFemale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control， model， estradiol （E2）， and EA groups， with 14 mice in each group. The perimenopausal depression model was established using vinylcyclohexene dioxide （VCD） combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. Mice in the EA group received EA at “Shenshu” （BL23）， “Sanyinjiao” （SP6）， “Baihui” （GV20）， and “Yintang” （GV24+） for 30 min. The E2 group was subcutaneously injected with E2 （10 μg·kg-1·d-1）. Both interventions were performed once daily for 28 days. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the open field test （OFT）， forced swimming test （FST）， and sucrose preference test （SPT）. Serum sex hormone levels were detected by ELISA. Golgi staining was used to observe the number and length of pyramidal neuron branches and assess their morphological changes in the mPFC. Western blot and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology were used to detect the protein expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 （VGLUT1） and the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents （mEPSC） of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC to evaluate presynaptic Glu levels； the amplitude of postsynaptic density protein 95 （PSD95）， N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B （NMDAR2B）， N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2A （NMDAR2A）， α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor （AMPAR）， and mEPSC amplitude to evaluate postsynaptic Glu activity； presynaptic glutamic acid decarboxylase （GAD-65/67）， vesicular GABA transporter （VGAT）， and the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents （mIPSC） of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC to evaluate presynaptic GABA levels； and postsynaptic GABA type A receptor subunit γ-2 （GABAARγ2）， Gephyrin， and mIPSC amplitude to evaluate postsynaptic GABA activity， thereby assessing the Glu/GABA balance.ResultsCompared with the control group， the exploration time and distance in the central zone of the OFT （P<0.001）， the SPT index （P<0.001）， the serum levels of E2 and progesterone （PROG） （P<0.01）， the number of dendritic branches， total dendritic length， Sholl radius， the number of intersections of mPFC pyramidal neurons （P<0.001， P<0.05）， the protein expression levels of VGLUT1， NMDAR2B， GAD-65/67， Gephyrin， and VGAT （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the frequency of mIPSC （P<0.001） were all decreased in the model group. In contrast， the immobility time in the FST （P<0.05）， the serum FSH level （P<0.01）， the protein expression levels of PSD95， NMDAR2A， and GABAARγ2 in the mPFC （P<0.05）， and the amplitude of mEPSC and frequency ratio of mEPSC/mIPSC （P<0.05， P<0.01） were significantly increased. Compared with the model group， the exploration time and distance in the central area of the OFT （P<0.001， P<0.05）， SPT index （P<0.001）， number of dendritic branches， total dendritic length， radius of concentric circles and number of intersections （P<0.001， P<0.01， P<0.05）， protein expression levels of VGLUT1， GAD-65/67， Gephyrin， and VGAT （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and mIPSC frequency （P<0.01） were significantly increased in the E2 and EA groups. Conversely， the FST immobility time （P<0.01， P<0.05）， expression levels of PSD95 and NMDAR2A （P<0.05， P<0.001）， as well as the mEPSC amplitude and mEPSC/mIPSC frequency ratio （P<0.05） were decreased in both groups. In the E2 group， the serum E2 and PROG levels increased （P<0.01）， while the serum FSH level decreased （P<0.01）； in the EA group， the protein expression of NMDAR2B increased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of GABAARγ2 decreased （P<0.05）.ConclusionEA can improve the morphology and connectivity of pyramidal neurons in the mPFC and regulate synaptic structural and functional plasticity mediated by the Glu/GABA balance， thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on perimenopausal depression.关键词：Perimenopausal depression;Electroacupuncture;Glutamate/γ-aminobutyric balance;Synaptic plasticity12|14|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：Vascular dementia （VaD） is a cognitive impairment disorder caused by cerebrovascular factors， with synaptic plasticity impairment serving as its core pathological mechanism. Acupuncture， as an effective non-pharmacological therapy， demonstrates unique advantages in improving cognitive function in VaD. This paper systematically expounds the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which acupuncture treats VaD through regulating neural synaptic plasticity. Research indicates that acupuncture directly improves synaptic ultrastructure， restores the balance between long-term potentiation/long-term depression， and enhances the expression of synapse-associated proteins. Concurrently， acupuncture reshapes the anti-inflammatory neuromicroenvironment by modulating the phenotypes of microglia and astrocytes， while supplementing neuronal sources through the activation of endogenous neurogenesis. At the molecular level， the effects of acupuncture are primarily mediated by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its tyrosine kinase B receptor signaling pathway， along with its downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. It also involves epigenetic regulation through non-coding RNAs， DNA methylation， and histone modifications. This study provides theoretical foundations for elucidating the neurobiological basis of acupuncture in treating VaD and offers scientific support for its clinical application.关键词：Vascular dementia;Acupuncture;Synaptic plasticity;Mechanisms;Review32|8|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） at “Tianshu” （ST26） and “Shangjuxu” （ST37） acupoints on the expressions of mitochondrial unfolded protein response （UPRmt） - related proteins in the colon tissue of functional constipation （FC） model mice， so as to explore its potential mechanisms underlying improvement of FC.MethodsEighteen male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups： normal control （NC）， FC model （M）， and EA （n=6 per group）. The FC model was established by gavage of loperamide suspension （1 mg/mL， 0.1 mL/10 g）， twice daily for 14 d. The EA group received alternating unilateral EA stimulation of ST26 and ST37（3 Hz/15 Hz， an electric current intensity being able to induce slight tremor of the mouse’s limbs） for 20 min， once daily， 5 d a week for 2 weeks. The mice in the NC and M groups underwent equivalent restraint. Gastrointestinal transit function was assessed by measuring the first blue stool discharge time， 6-hour fecal pellet count， stool character score， rate of water content， and intestinal propulsion rate. Histopathological changes of the colon tissue were examined by H.E. staining， and the mitochondrial ultrastructure of colonic smooth muscle cells （SMCs） was observed by using a transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The mitochondrial function was comprehensively evaluated by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP） and the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species （mtROS） levels were assayed using flow cytometry， and the mitochondrial ATP content in the colon tissue was measured using colorimetric assay. The immunohistochemistry stain was employed to detect the expressions of key UPRmt markers heat shock protein-60 （HSP60） and LON protease 1 （LONP1） in the colon tissue.ResultsCompared with the NC group， the M group exhibited a significant increase in the first blue stool discharge time and average immunofluorescence intensity of mtROS （P<0.01）， and a considerable reduction in the 6-hour fecal pellet count， stool character score， rate of water content， small intestine propulsion rate， MMP level， ATP content， and the expressions of HSP60 and LONP1 proteins in the colon tissue （P<0.01， P<0.05）. Following EA intervention， compared to the M group， the EA group showed a marked decrease in the first blue stool discharge time and average immunofluorescence intensity of mtROS （P<0.01）， and a notable increase in the 6-hour fecal pellet count， stool character score， rate of water content， intestine propulsion rate， MMP， ATP content， and the expression of HSP60 and LONP1 proteins in the colon tissue （P<0.01， P<0.05）. The results of morphological structure showed that the mitochondria in the colon tissue were significantly swollen， with membrane damage and severe cristae rupture in the model group， while in the EA group， the mitochondrial swelling was mild， with significant improvement in the membrane and cristae integrity of the SMCs.ConclusionEA at ST26 and ST37 can effectively ameliorate gastrointestinal dysfunction and restore mitochondrial integrity in colonic SMCs of FC mice， which may be associated with its functions in up-regulating the expressions of HSP60 and LONP1 proteins to activate UPRmt.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Functional Constipation;Mitochondria;Unfolded protein response;Heat shock protein 60;LON protease 127|6|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of herbal cake-separated moxibustion combined with atorvastatin on lipid metabolism， aortic pathological structure， plaque deposition， and integrin/ yes-associated protein （YAP）/ c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） signaling pathway in ApoE⁻/⁻ atherosclerosis （AS） mice， and to explore its preventive and therapeutic mechanisms for AS.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were used as the blank group， and male ApoE⁻/⁻ mice were randomly divided into the model group， medicine group， herbal cake-separated moxibustion group， and combined treatment group， with 9 mice per group. High-fat diet was used to establish the AS model. The herbal cake-separated moxibustion group received moxibustion at “Danzhong” （CV17） and “Shenque” （CV8） acupoints， once every other day， three times a week. The medicine group received atorvastatin calcium tablet via gavage， 3 mg·kg-1·d-1， once daily. The combined treatment group received an integrated approach that combined the interventions of the medicine group and herbal cake-separated moxibustion group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. Body weight were observed before and after treatment. HE staining was used to observe aortic pathological morphology， and oil red O staining to observe aortic lipid plaque area. Biochemical analysis was used to detect serum triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） levels. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， endothelin-1 （ET-1）， interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） levels was detected by ELISA， and serum nitric oxide （NO） level was detect by colorimetric assay. Western blot was used to detect protein expression levels of integrin αVβ3，YAP， phosphorylation （p）-YAP， p-JNK1/2， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1） in the aorta.ResultCompared to the blank group， the model group exhibited increased body weight （P<0.01）； thickened aortic intima， foam cells and lipid deposition， hypertrophic edema of smooth muscle cells， thinning of elastic fibers， widened endothelial cell gaps， and rupture of elastic membranes； significantly increased arterial lipid plaque area （P<0.01）； elevated serum TC， TG， LDL-C， IL-6， IL-8， TNF-α， ET-1， and VEGF levels （P<0.01）， while HDL-C and NO levels decreased （P<0.01）； increased protein expression of integrin αVβ3， YAP， p-JNK1/2， ICAM-1， and VCAM-1 in the aorta （P<0.01）， and reduced p-YAP protein expression （P<0.01）. Compared to the model group， the medicine group， herbal cake-separated moxibustion group， and combined treatment group showed reduced body weight （P<0.01）， with a significantly lower weight change difference than that of the model group （P<0.01）； more regular aortic lumen structure， thinner intima， reduced foam cells and lipid deposition， alleviated smooth muscle cell edema， hypertrophy， and inflammatory infiltration； all other indicators also showed significant improvement compared to the model group （P<0.01， P<0.05）. Compared to the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group， the medicine group and combined treatment group exhibited reduced plaque area （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased serum NO levels （P<0.01）， decreased LDL-C， ET-1， and VEGF levels （P<0.01）， and reduced protein expressions of p-JNK1/2， ICAM-1， and VCAM-1 in the aorta （P<0.05， P<0.01）； the medicine group also showed decreased serum TC， TG， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α levels （P<0.01）， increased HDL-C level （P<0.01）， reduced integrin αVβ3 and YAP protein expressions in the aorta （P<0.01， P<0.05）， and increased p-YAP protein expression （P<0.05）. Compared to the medicine group and the herbal cake-separated moxibustion group， the combined treatment group exhibited a greater reduction in body weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased serum levels of TC， TG， IL-6， IL-8， and TNF-α， as well as reduced expressions of integrin αVβ3 and YAP proteins in the aorta （P<0.01， P<0.05）， elevated serum HDL-C level （P<0.01）， and increased p-YAP protein expression （P<0.01）.ConclusionHerbal cake-separated moxibustion combined with atorvastatin exerts synergistic effects， ameliorates serum lipid profiles， mitigates endothelial dysfunction of aorta， and attenuates inflammatory responses in AS mice， potentially via modulation of the integrin/YAP/JNK signaling pathway in the aorta.关键词：Herbal cake-separated moxibustion;Atherosclerosis;ApoE-/- mice;integrin αVβ3;yes-associated protein;c-Jun N-terminal kinase37|67|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating glycolipid metabolism and improving obesity by activating farnesoid X receptor （FXR）/transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor 5 （TGR5）/glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1） and FXR/fibroblast growth factor 15 （FGF15） signaling pathways mediated by intestinal FXR in obese mice induced by high-fat diet.MethodsFifty SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group （n=8） and a modeling group （n=42）. The obese mouse model was made by high-fat diet. Twenty-four obese mice were randomly divided into the model group， the electroacupuncture （EA） group and the sham EA group， with 8 mice in each group. In the EA group， bilateral “Zusanli” （ST36） and “Tianshu” （ST25） were electroacupunctured for 30 min each time. In the sham EA group， ST36 and ST25 were selected to be shallowly pricked to the subcutaneous， and the EA instrument was connected without electricity. Both groups received interventions once every other day， 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The blank group and the model group were not given interventions. The body weight and Lee’s index of mice in each group were recorded before and after intervention. The levels of serum triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， fasting blood glucose （FBG） and fasting insulin （FINS） were detected， and the HOMA-IR index was calculated. The morphological changes of intestinal tissue in each group were observed by HE staining. The expression of FXR， TGR5， FGF15 and GLP-1 proteins and mRNA in intestinal tissue of mice was detected by Western blot and fluorescence quantitative PCR separately.ResultsCompared with the blank group， the body weight， Lee’s index， serum TG， TC， LDL-C， FBG， FINS contents and HOMA-IR were increased （P<0.01）， the intestinal mucosal tissue was significantly damaged， the mucosal epithelial cells were damaged， shed， and arranged in disorder， there was obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in the stroma， and the expression levels of FXR， TGR5， FGF15， GLP-1 proteins and mRNA in the ileum tissue were significantly decreased （P<0.01） in the model group. Compared with the model group， the body weight was decreased （P<0.01） of mice in the EA and sham EA groups； the Lee’s index， serum TG， TC， LDL-C， FBG， FINS contents and HOMA-IR were decreased （P<0.01）， the degree of pathological changes in the ileum tissue was significantly lighter， and the expression levels of FXR， TGR5， FGF15， GLP-1 proteins and mRNA in the ileum tissue were significantly increased （P<0.01） of mice in the EA group； the expression level of TGR5 mRNA was increased （P<0.01） in the sham EA group. Compared with the EA group， all indicators were reversed （P<0.01） in the sham EA group.ConclusionEA can significantly improve the body weight and Lee ’s index of obese mice， reduce blood lipid content， and improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance related indicators. The mechanism may be achieved through FXR/TGR5/GLP-1 and FXR/FGF15 signaling pathways.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Obesity;Farnesoid X receptor;Glycolipid metabolism34|7|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on the Piezo1/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 （MEK5）/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 （ERK5） mechanosensitive pathway in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis （KOA）， so as to explore its potential mechanism in alleviating KOA cartilage degeneration.MethodsTwenty-four male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， an EA group， and an EA + Yoda1 group， with 6 rabbits in each group. Except for the blank group， the KOA model was established in the other three groups using the modified Videman fixation method. Rabbits in the EA group received EA at “Waixiyan” （ST35）， “Neixiyan” （EX-LE4）， “Zusanli” （ST36） and “Yanglingquan” （GB34）， 20 min per session. In the EA + Yoda1 group， the Piezo1-specific agonist Yoda1 solution （0.355 mg/mL， 0.5 mL per injection） was injected into the articular cavity 2 h before EA intervention， and the other procedures were the same as those in the EA group. All treatments were performed once every other day for 3 consecutive weeks. Before and after intervention， the Lequesne MG index was used to evaluate local symptoms and function of the knee joint. After intervention， safranin O-fast green staining was used to observe the morphological structure of rabbit knee articular cartilage； immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of type Ⅱ collagen （Col-Ⅱ） in cartilage； ELISA was used to determine the contents of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） and C-telopeptide of type Ⅱ collagen （CTX-Ⅱ） in synovial fluid； Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Col-Ⅱ， Aggrecan， Piezo1， MEK5 and ERK5 in knee articular cartilage.ResultsSafranin O staining of knee articular cartilage matrix was significantly reduced， chondrocytes were unevenly distributed in clusters， the cartilage structure was unclear， and the tidal line was disordered and blurred in the model group and the EA + Yoda1 group. Compared with the model group and the EA + Yoda1 group， the EA group showed more uniform safranin O staining （red staining）， more evenly and neatly arranged chondrocytes， clearer hierarchical structure of cartilage， and restored tidal line. After intervention， compared with the blank group， the model group showed increased Lequesne MG score （P<0.01）， elevated contents of COMP and CTX-Ⅱ in synovial fluid （P<0.01）， significantly decreased fluorescence intensity of Col-Ⅱ in cartilage （P<0.01）， down-regulated protein expressions of Col-Ⅱ and Aggrecan （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein expressions of Piezo1， MEK5 and ERK5 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group and the EA + Yoda1 group， the EA group exhibited decreased Lequesne MG score （P<0.01， P<0.05）， reduced contents of COMP and CTX-Ⅱ in synovial fluid （P<0.01）， significantly increased fluorescence intensity of Col-Ⅱ in knee cartilage （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein expressions of Col-Ⅱ and Aggrecan （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein expressions of Piezo1， MEK5 and ERK5 （P<0.01， P<0.05）.ConclusionEA intervention may delay cartilage degradation in KOA rabbits by down-regulating the Piezo1/MEK5/ERK5 mechanosensitive pathway， inhibiting the degradation and promoting the synthesis of chondrocyte extracellular matrix.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Piezo1;Cartilage degradation;Knee osteoarthritis29|6|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of acupuncture at the acupoint pair “Houxi”（SI3） and “Huantiao”（GB30） on the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （AKT）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway and autophagy of nucleus pulposus cells in a rat model of intervertebral disc degeneration （IDD）， so as to explore its underlying mechanism in delaying IDD.MethodsA total of 36 male SD rats were randomly assigned to sham operation， IDD model and acupoint pair groups， with 12 rats in each group. The IDD model was established by annulus fibrosus puncture. After modeling， rats of the acupoint pair group received acupuncture stimulation of bilateral SI3 and GB30， with the acupuncture needles retained for 20 min， once daily for 14 consecutive days. Before and after modeling and after the intervention， the mechanical withdrawal reflex threshold （mechanic pain threshold） of the right foot was measured using Von Frey filaments， and the thermal pain threshold measured by using a thermal pain tester. The morphological characteristics of the intervertebral disc tissue were observed by H.E. staining. The contents of type II collagen （Collagen II）， aggrecan， matrix metalloproteinase 3 （MMP3）， matrix metalloproteinase 13 （MMP13）， and transcription factor sex-determining region Y-box protein 9 （SOX9） in the nucleus pulposus tissue were detected by ELISA. The relative expression levels of SOX9 and MMP13 mRNAs in the nucleus pulposus tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The expression of light chain 3 （LC3） in the nucleus pulposus tissue was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II （LCⅡ）， Beclin1， and chaperone 1 （p62） in the nucleus pulposus tissue were detected by Western blot.ResultsAfter modeling， in contrast to the sham operation group， the model group showed a striking decrease in the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds on day 7 and 14， contents of aggrecan， collagen II and SOX9， and the expression levels of SOX9 mRNA and P62 protein， ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-AKT/AKT， and p-mTOR/mTOR in the nucleus pulposus tissue （P<0.001， P<0.01）， and a notable increase in the contents of MMP3 and MMP13， and MMP13 mRNA expression level， LC3 immunofluorescence intensity， and protein expressions of LCII and Beclin 1 （P<0.001）. Under light microscope， the nucleus pulposus cells in the model group was relatively small in the number and discorded in the distribution， with a large number of vacuoles and chaotic matrix arrangement， and the lumbar intervertebral discs showed obvious degeneration， and decrease in the height. In comparison with the model group， both the decrease and increase of the indexes mentioned above were all reversed in the acupoint pair group （P<0.001， P<0.01， P<0.05）. The results of H.E. stain displayed that in the acupoint pair group， the arrangement of the nucleus pulposus cells was more regular， and the number of vacuoles was reduced.ConclusionAcupuncture of acupoint pair SI3 and GB30 can mitigate pain and regulate the autophagy process of lumbar intervertebral disc nucleus cells， reduce the degree of degradation of cytoplasmic matrix， and thereby delay the progression of IDD in DDI rats， which may be associated with its function in activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.关键词：Acupuncture;Houxi（S13）;Huantiao（GB30）;intervertebral disc degeneration;Autophagy9|0|0更新时间：2026-05-11
- 摘要：In the past decade， there has been a significant increase in the number of studies related to the combination of acupoints for acupuncture， which has preliminarily revealed the effects and mechanisms of various acupoint combinations. However， there are still limitations. By searching and summarizing studies on the effects and mechanisms of acupoint combinations， it has been found that there are issues in this field that need to be improved， such as vague terminology definitions， uneven research interest in different methods of acupoint combinations， insufficient research on antagonistic effects， and a lack of diversity in outcome indicators for mechanism studies. This paper discusses the optimization direction for future research on acupoint combinations， aiming to effectively promote new progress in the field of formulating acupoint combinations and to facilitate the translation of research findings into clinical practice.关键词：Acupuncture;Acupoint compatibility;Combination of acupoints55|201|0更新时间：2026-05-06
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo identify the optimal temperature and infrared radiation wavelength parameters of moxibustion simulator intervention at “Neixiyan” （EX-LE4） and “Waixiyan” （ST35） acupoints for ameliorating knee osteoarthritis （KOA） in rats.MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly assigned to a normal group， a model group， EX-LE4 or ST35 mild moxibustion groups， and EX-LE4 or ST35 moxibustion simulator groups with different wavelengths， with 6 rats in each group. The KOA model was established by intra-articular injection of a mixed solution of L-cysteine and papain into the left knee joint cavity. An infrared radiation measurement device was used to collect the characteristic infrared radiation wavelengths of EX-LE4 and ST35 acupoints. The mild moxibustion group received mild moxibustion intervention at EX-LE4 and ST35 acupoints separately with a moxa stick at 43 ℃， while the moxibustion simulator groups were treated with photothermal simulated stimulation with a fixed temperature of 43 ℃ combined with different wavelengths （1 652， 3 340， and 7 500 nm）. The spatial， temporal and dynamic parameters of rat gait were analyzed. ELISA was performed to quantitatively determine the serum content of interleukin-10 （IL-10）， an anti-inflammatory cytokine. HE staining and Masson staining were conducted to evaluate the inflammatory response and collagenization degree of synovial tissue of the knee joints.ResultsThe characteristic infrared radiation wavelength of the acupoints was approximately 3 340 nm in rats under the pathological state of KOA. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed significant alterations in gait spatial， temporal and dynamic parameters （P<0.001）， a marked decrease in serum IL-10 level （P<0.05）， as well as significant elevations in synovial Krenn score and collagen area percentage （P<0.000 1）. In comparison with the model group， the mild moxibustion group and moxibustion simulator groups at both EX-LE4 and ST35 acupoints exhibited varying degrees of improvement in gait spatial parameters （P<0.001， P<0.01， P<0.05） and dynamic parameters （P<0.001， P<0.01）. The mild moxibustion group， 1 652 nm moxibustion simulator group and 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator group at both acupoints also achieved improvements in gait temporal parameters （P<0.01， P<0.05， P<0.001）， with the mild moxibustion group and 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator group showing superior ameliorative effects compared with the moxibustion simulator groups with other parameters （P<0.01， P<0.001， P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the EX-LE4 mild moxibustion group， EX-LE4 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator group and ST35 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator group presented a significant increase in serum IL-10 contents （P<0.05， P<0.000 1， P<0.001）. Moreover， the serum IL-10 contents in the EX-LE4 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator group was significantly higher than those in the moxibustion simulator groups with other parameters （P<0.000 1， P<0.01）. In contrast to the model group， the mild moxibustion groups and 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator groups at both acupoints displayed significant reductions in synovial Krenn score and collagen area percentage （P<0.01， P<0.000 1， P<0.05， P<0.001）， with the 3 340 nm moxibustion simulator group yielding the best therapeutic outcome （P<0.05）.ConclusionMoxibustion intervention with the parameter combination of 43 ℃ and 3 340 nm at EX-LE4 and ST35 acupoints can significantly improve gait function and suppress inflammatory response in KOA rats， with consistent optimal parameter combinations for both acupoints. The synergistic effect may be attributed to the acupoint-moxibustion infrared radiation resonance effect formed between the specific wavelength infrared radiation generated by moxibustion and the spontaneous infrared radiation emitted by the acupoints of rats under KOA pathological conditions.关键词：Moxibustion simulator intervention;Knee osteoarthritis;Moxibustion temperature;Infrared radiation wavelength;Resonance effect35|66|0更新时间：2026-05-06
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal （HPG） axis function and the expression of key enzymes for testosterone synthesis in high-fat diet-induced obese male rats， so as to explore its mechanism in improving obesity-related reproductive dysfunction.MethodsThirty-two 6-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control， model， EA and non-acupoint EA groups （n=8 in each group）. The obesity model was established through high-fat diet feeding for 8 weeks. EA was applied to “Zusanli” （ST36）， “Shenshu” （BL23）， and “Sanyinjiao” （SP6） for 30 min， 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The body weight， body mass index （BMI） and Lee’s index of rats were detected. The levels of serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， testosterone， estradiol （E2） and lipid metabolism indexes were detected by ELISA and enzymic method. The epididymal sperm concentration and motility were assessed， and the sperm deformity rate was calculated. The morphological changes of testis were observed by HE staining. The protein and mRNA expression of steroid-regulated acute protein （StAR）， cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme （P450scc）， 17α-hydroxylase/17，20-lyase （CYP17A）， 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase （3β-HSD） and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase （17β-HSD） were detected by Western blot and PCR， respectively.ResultsCompared with the control group， the body weight， BMI， Lee’s index， the levels of serum TC， TG， LDL-C， OxLDL and E2， the deformity rate were significantly increased （P<0.05） in the model group， while the levels of HDL-C， GnRH， testosterone， FSH and LH， the sperm concentration and motility， the protein and mRNA expression of key enzymes in testosterone synthesis were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model and the non-acupoint EA groups， the indexes mentioned above were significantly improved in the EA group （P<0.05）. Except for increased StAR protein expression， no significant differences were found in other indicators between the non-acupoint EA group and the model group.ConclusionEA can effectively improve reproductive dysfunction in obese male rats. The mechanism may be related to restoring the functional balance of the HPG axis， upregulating the expression of key testosterone synthesis enzymes， and promoting testosterone production.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Obesity;Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis;Testosterone synthesis;Reproductive function58|102|0更新时间：2026-05-06
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture （EA） combined with intradermal acupuncture （IA） for Bell’s palsy （BP） based on the stratification of facial paralysis （FP） severity.MethodsA total of 220 patients with BP were stratified according to FP severity （House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System） and enrolled. They were randomly divided into an observation group （moderate BP 55 cases ［5 cases dropped off］， severe BP 55 cases ［3 cases dropped off］） and a control group （moderate BP 55 cases ［1 case dropped off］， severe BP 55 cases ［3 cases dropped off］）. The control group received traditional EA. Main acupoints included Yifeng （SJ17）， Dicang （ST4）， Jiache （ST6）， Yangbai （GB14）， Xiaguan （ST7）， Qianzheng （EX-HN16） on the affected side， and bilateral Hegu （LI4）. Electrical stimulation was applied to two pairs of acupoints （ST6 and ST4， SJ17 and ST7） for 30 min per session. The observation group received IA in addition to the same EA treatment as the control group. After each EA treatment， IA was applied to the main acupoints. Patients were instructed to press the embedded needles three times daily. IA was retained for 24 h and then removed. Treatment for both groups commenced on the 8th day after the onset， once every other day， three times per week until complete recovery or the end of the 24-week follow-up period. The recovery time of the two groups was observed. The cure rates at weeks 6， 12， and 24 were compared between groups. The surface electromyography （sEMG） of the affected-side facial expression muscle groups was assessed at the baseline and week 12. The incidence of synkinesis at week 24 was compared between the two groups. All indicators were analyzed for the total sample overall and by FP severity stratum.Results①When the total sample was analyzed， the root mean square （RMS） ratios of facial expression muscle groups increased from baseline to week 12 in both groups （P<0.01）. However， there were no significant between-group differences in cure rates at weeks 6， 12， and 24， recovery time， the incidence of synkinesis at week 24. ②For patients with severe BP： The cure rates in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at weeks 6， 12 and 24 （P<0.05）. Survival analysis indicated a shorter recovery time in the observation group （P<0.05）. At week 12， the RMS ratios in the observation group were also higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. The difference in the incidence of synkinesis at week 24 between the two groups was not statistically significant. ③For patients with moderate BP： No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding cure rates at weeks 6， 12， and 24， recovery time， facial expression muscle RMS ratios at week 12， and synkinesis incidence at week 24.ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of EA combined with IA in treating severe BP （House-Brackmann grades Ⅴ/Ⅵ） is superior to that of single EA. The combined therapy can significantly improve the cure rate， shorten recovery time， and improve the muscle strength of the facial expression muscles， without increasing the incidence of synkinesis. Conversely， for moderate BP （House-Brackmann grades Ⅲ/Ⅳ）， the combined therapy dDes not show superiority over single EA.关键词：Bell’s palsy;Electroacupuncture;Intradermal acupuncture;Facial paralysis severity;Stratified randomized controlled trial36|78|0更新时间：2026-05-06
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effects of moxibustion on hematoma clearance and neurological functional recovery after intracerebral hemorrhage （ICH） in rats， and to explore the potential mechanisms by which moxibustion mitigates secondary brain injury after ICH.MethodsSD rats were randomly divided into control， model， acupuncture， and moxibustion groups， with 15 rats in each group. The ICH model was established by collagenase injection into the caudate nucleus of rats. The rats in the acupuncture group and moxibustion group received treatments at “Baihui” （GV20） for 20 min， once daily for 5 consecutive days from the 3rd day after modeling. The modified neurological severity score （mNSS） and the open field test were used to evaluate the neurological deficits and motor function of ICH rats. Hematoma volume was observed in serial coronal brain sections. Myelin integrity and demyelination around the hematoma were evaluated by luxol fast blue myelin staining. The expression levels of hematoma clearance-related proteins， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ） and CD36， in perilesional brain tissue were measured by Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect M1 （iNOS+CD68+） and M2 （CD206+CD68+） microglia around the hematoma to assess microglial polarization in ICH rats.ResultsCompared with the control group， the mNSS and immobility time in the open field of the model group were increased significantly （P<0.01）， whereas the total moving distance and the number of grid crossings in the open field were decreased significantly （P<0.01），volume of the hematoma was increased （P<0.05）， the myelin staining was sparse， there were many vacuoles， and there were obvious demyelination changes， the proportions of M1 and M2 types of microglia in the model group were significantly increased（P<0.01， P<0.05）. After treatment， compared with the model group， the mNSS and immobility time in the open field of the rats in the acupuncture group and moxibustion group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the total moving distance and the number of grid crossings were significantly increased （P<0.01， P<0.05）， and the hematoma volume was significantly decreased （P<0.05）； the expression levels of PPARγ and CD36 in brain tissue were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）； the ratio of M1 microglia decreased （P<0.05）， while M2 microglia ratio increased significantly （P<0.05） around the hematoma.ConclusionMoxibustion can effectively reduce the neurological injury and promote the clearance of hematoma in ICH rats. The mechanisms may involve up-regulation of PPARγ and CD36 expression， and modulation of microglial polarization.关键词：intracerebral hemorrhage;Acupuncture;Moxibustion;Microglia;Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ;CD36127|211|0更新时间：2026-05-06
- 摘要：ObjectiveTo observe the effect of electroacupuncture （EA） on learning-memory ability， hippocampal myelin and RAS-associated C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 （Rac1）/ P21-activated kinase 1 （PAK1）/ LIM kinase 1 （LIMK1）/ cofilin signaling pathway in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 （SAMP8） mice， so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of Alzheimer’s disease （AD） from the perspective of the cytoskeleton.MethodsMale SAMP8 （AD） mice were randomly divided into model group and EA group， with 9 mice in each group， and 9 male SAMR1 mice of the same age were used as the control group. The mice in the EA group received EA at “Dazhui” （GV14） and “Shenshu” （BL23） and punctured at “Baihui” （GV20） for 20 min， once per day， for 24 days， rest for 2 days after every 8 days of treatment. The Morris water maze test was used to observe the learning-memory ability. The Luxol fast blue （LFB） staining was used to observe the myelin sheath， and the phalloidin staining was used to observe the cytoskeleton in the hippocampus tissue. The mRNA expression levels of Rac1， PAK1， LIMK1， and cofilin were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR， and the protein expression levels of myelin basic protein （MBP）， Rac1， PAK1， phosphorylated （p）-PAK1， LIMK1， p-LIMK1， cofilin， and p-cofilin in the hippocampal tissue were detected using Western blot.ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group showed an obvious increase in the escape latency （P<0.01）， and a significant decrease in the number of the original platform-crossing， the swimming time in the original platform quadrant， cytoskeleton fluorescence intensity， mRNA expression levels of Rac1， PAK1， LIMK1， and cofilin， and protein expression levels of MBP and Rac1， and the ratios of the relative protein expression of p-PAK1/PAK1， p-LIMK1/LIMK1， and p-cofilin/cofilin in the hippocampus tissue （P<0.01）. Following EA intervention， the increased level of escape latency and the decreased levels of the number of the original platform-crossing， the swimming time in the original platform quadrant， cytoskeleton fluorescence intensity， and the expression levels of Rac1， PAK1， LIMK1， and cofilin mRNAs， and the expression levels of MBP and Rac1 proteins， and the ratios of the relative protein expression of p-PAK1/PAK1， p-LIMK1/LIMK1， and p-cofilin/cofilin were reversed （P<0.01， P<0.05）. LFB staining showed disordered and loose arrangement of the fibers with vacuoles in the model group. Compared with the model group， the number of myelin fibers was increased with the fibers arranged in relatively regular order in the EA group， suggesting a reduction of the degree of demyelination.ConclusionEA can improve the learning-memory ability of SAMP8 mice， which may be related to its functions in up-regulating the activity of Rac1/PAK1/LIMK1/cofilin signaling， and promoting the cytoskeletal reorganization to improve myelin function.关键词：Alzheimer’s disease;Electroacupuncture;Myelin;Cytoskeleton;Rac1/PAK1/LIMK1/cofilin signaling pathway39|91|0更新时间：2026-05-06
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