Acupuncture, from the ancient to the current

The Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomedriven inflammatory response plays a key role in the pathophysiology of depression. Mounting evidence suggests that acupuncture is an effective treatment for depression. In this study, we investigated the effects of acupuncture treatment at the acupoints Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) on NLRP3 inflammasome in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of an animal model of depression. Rats that underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks showed depressivelike behaviors, which were confirmed by sucrose preference and locomotor activity in the open field test. The protein levels of NLRP3, apoptotic speckcontaining protein with a card (ASC), and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1) in the PFC were detected by Western blot analysis. The mRNA and protein expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in the PFC were measured by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Our results showed that the depressive-like behaviors in stressed rats were reversed by acupuncture treatment. Compared with control rats, the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 and the mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and IL-18 in the PFC were markedly increased in CUMS rats. Acupuncture treatment significantly decreased the levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components and inflammatory cytokines in the PFC. Acupuncture treatment also reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the PFC. These results suggested that acupuncture has antidepressant-like effects, and its mechanism appears to be involved in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and apoptosis in the PFC.

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confidence: 99%

Acupuncture inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the prefrontal cortex of a chronic stress rat model of depression

Wang

et al. 2021

“…TCM emphasizes the importance of protecting the brain and the regulation of the Qi flow in the body (Zhu et al, 2021). The pathological process in AD can disturb the balance of Yin and Yang and may contribute to dementia.…”

Section: Acupuncture Restores the Bloodbrain Barriermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Acupuncture has been recognized as a crucial therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is also accepted as a complementary and alternative therapy in the world. Acupuncture therapy could be traced back to the Neolithic period of China and has spread to the whole world for over 1,000 years (Zhu et al, 2021). Acupuncture involves insertion of a sterile stainless-steel needle into the acupoint to stimulate the meridian activity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Acupuncture therapy is recognized as the most potent form of TCM to alleviate dementia symptoms. The efficacy of acupuncture is also acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and it is encompassed in the medical insurance system of the United States (Marwick, 1997;Zhu et al, 2021). In recent years, acupuncture has attracted more interest (Albertine & Laitman, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Acupuncture therapy for Alzheimer's disease: The effectiveness and potential mechanisms

Yin

et al. 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that accounts for approximately 70% of dementia. Following the global escalation of the aging process, the morbidity of AD is increasing rapidly. The current treatment for AD is mainly limited to medications, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. However, the efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in improving memory and cognitive functions is not satisfactory. It is a challenge to find an effective alternative therapy for ameliorating AD symptoms. As an important therapeutic technique in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been proved effective in treating many neurologic diseases including AD. The efficacy of acupuncture is also acknowledged by the National Institutes of Health of the United States. Here, we summarized the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating AD. Especially, the role of acupuncture at certain acupuncture points in modulating the brain function through meridians activity based on Chinese meridian theory is discussed. How acupuncture at a certain acupoint can improve AD symptoms is also described. Furthermore, the possible molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for AD are reviewed, and the role of acupuncture in modulating signaling molecules in neural protection and homeostasis is highlighted. This study may help to understand the theoretical basis and potential molecular mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for AD.

“…Acupuncture, a therapy created by the ancient Chinese, is characterized by the insertion of a fine metal needle through the skin of the human body at an acupuncture point. Zhu, Li, Yang, and Liu (2021) reported that acupuncture was effective in improving the sleep quality and psychological health in primary insomnia patients than sham acupuncture.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The efficacy of acupuncture on the sleep structure of patients with insomnia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Fang

Wang

Liu

et al. 2021

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on the sleep structure of patients with insomnia, so as to provide a valuable basis for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia. We conducted searches based on MeSH terms and free words in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of science, CKNI (China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database), WanFang Database, and Chongqing VIP Information from the inception of these database until 10 July 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated acu-