Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on obese mice

and to explore the underlying mechanism of EA in treating obesity by focusing on the balance of regulatory T cells(Treg) and T helper 17 cells(Th17) and related inflammatory factors. Methods C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into normal group

model group and EA group

with 10 mice in each group. The obesity model was established by feeding the mice with high-fat diet. Mice in the EA group was treated with EA at “Zhongwan”(CV12)

“Guanyuan”(CV4)

“Zusanli”(ST36) and “Fenglong”(ST40) for 20 min every time

3 times every week

for a total of 8 weeks. The food intake and body weight of mice were observed and recorded

and Lee's index was calculated; the contents of interleukin 2(IL-2)

IL-4

IL-6

IL-10

IL-17A

gamma interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum were detected by multiplex liquid chip quantitative technique; the levels of Treg and Th17 cells in mice spleen tissues were detected by flow cytometry; and the expression levels of foxhead box p3(Foxp3) and retinoic acid related orphan receptor γt(ROR-γt) mRNA in spleen were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Results Compared with the normal group

the food intake

body weight

Lee's index

the contents of IL-2

IL-6

IL-17A

IFN-γ and TNF-α in the serum

and the percentage of Th17 and expression of ROR-γt mRNA in the spleen tissues were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.001)

while the contents of IL-4 and IL-10 in the serum

the percentage of Treg and expression of Foxp3 mRNA in the spleen tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.001

P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group

the food intake

body weight

Lee's index

the contents of IL-2

IL-6

IL-17A

IFN-γ

and TNF-α in the serum

the percentage of Th17 and expression of ROR-γt mRNA in the spleen tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.01)

while the contents of IL-4 and IL-10 in serum

the percentage of Treg and expression of Foxp3 mRNA in the spleen tissues were significantly increased(P<0.01

P<0.05) in the EA group. Conclusion EA may improve the obese state of mice by regulating the balance of Treg/Th17 in spleen and the expression of inflammatory factors in serum.