Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on miR-34 a-5 p

silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1(SIRT1) and nuclear factor-κB subunit p65(NF-κB p65) in the trigeminal ganglion of rats with migraine

so as to explore the mechanisms of EA underlying prevention of migraine. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divi-ded into normal

sham operation

model

EA

and EA plus EX527(a SIRT1 inhibitor) groups

with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of migraine was established by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. Before modeling

EA was applied at "Waiguan"(TE5) and "Fengchi"(GB20) for 20 min each time

once a day for 5 consecutive days

and intraperitoneal injection of EX527(5 mg/kg) every day simultaneously. Serum prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of miR-34 a-5 p

SIRT1 and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) mRNA

and protein expression of SIRT1

IL-1β

NF-κB p65

NF-κB Ac-p65 and cyclooxygenase-2(COX2) in trigeminal ganglia were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot

separately. Results The serum concentrations of PGE2 and CGRP

the expression of miR-34 a-5 p

IL-1β mRNA and protein

NF-κB p65

NF-κB Ac-p65 and COX2 protein expression in the trigeminal ganglion were remarkably increased(P<0.05)

while the SIRT1 mRNA and protein decreased(P<0.05) in the model group in contrast to the normal group. Following EA intervention

the serum PGE2 and CGRP concentrations

miR-34 a-5 p expression

IL-1β mRNA and protein

NF-κB p65

NF-κB Ac-p65 and COX2 protein expression were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05)

and SIRT1 mRNA and protein significantly up-regulated(P<0.05). Compared with the EA group

the serum concentrations of PGE2 and CGRP

IL-1β mRNA and protein

NF-κB p65

NF-κB Ac-p65 and COX2 protein expressions increased(P<0.05)

and SIRT1 protein decreased(P<0.05) in the EA plus EX527 group. Conclusion In migraine rats

EA can inhibit miR-34 a-5 p expression in the trigeminal ganglion

increase SIRT1 expression

down-regulate IL-1β/COX2 inflammation signals

reduce PGE2 synthesis

and thus redue CGRP released from the peripheral terminals

which may be one of the mechanisms of EA in preventing migraine.