Electroacupuncture and human iPSC-derived small extracellular vesicles regulate the gut microbiota in ischemic stroke via the brain-gut axis

Abstract

Electroacupuncture (EA) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (iPSC-EVs) have substantial beneficial effects on ischemic stroke. However, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying the regulation of EA and iPSC-EVs in the microbiome-gut-brain axis (MGBA) after ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke mice (C57BL/6) were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or Sham surgery. EA and iPSC-EVs treatments significantly improved neurological function and neuronal and intestinal tract injury, downregulated the levels of IL-17 expression and upregulated IL-10 levels in brain and colon tissue after cerebral ischemia−reperfusion. EA and iPSC-EVs treatments also modulated the microbiota composition and diversity as well as the differential distribution of species in the intestines of the mice after cerebral ischemia−reperfusion. Our results demonstrated that EA and iPSC-EVs treatments regulated intestinal immunity through MGBA regulation of intestinal microbes, reducing brain and colon damage following cerebral ischemia and positively impacting the outcomes of ischemic stroke. Our findings provide new insights into the application of EA combined with iPSC-EVs as a treatment for ischemic stroke.

Trends and hotspots in acupuncture treatment of rat models of stroke: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023

“…After cerebral ischemia, the gut microbiota further damages the immune system and aggravates intestinal and brain damage ( Wang et al, 2022 ). Electroacupuncture has been shown to regulate intestinal immunity through MGBA, reducing brain and colon damage after cerebral ischemia and positively affecting the outcome of ischemic stroke and preventing its occurrence ( Li et al, 2022 ; Zhang et al, 2023 ). #3: Cognitive dysfunctions such as memory, attention, judgment, executive functioning, and calculation are common complications for patients in the middle, which leads to a reduced quality of life ( Liu et al, 2014 ).…”

The role of gut microorganisms and metabolites in intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke: a comprehensive review

“…This theory posits the existence of a bidirectional information pathway connecting the brain and the gut, with gut microorganisms and their metabolites playing a crucial role in this pathway, thereby constituting the MGBA. Evidence has demonstrated that the exchange of information and transmission of transmitters between the brain and the gut exert an influence on the onset and progression of specific cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke ( Zhang et al, 2023 ). However, there is a limited amount of literature available regarding the involvement of MGBA in ICH.…”

“…Damage to the CNS has been observed to coincide with alterations in gut microbiota, while changes in the abundance of gut microbiota have also been found to impact the CNS. The involvement of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and progression of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease ( Liu et al, 2020 ), Parkinson’s disease ( Chandra et al, 2017 ), and ischemic stroke ( Zhang et al, 2023 ) have been established, although limited research exists regarding its role in cerebral hemorrhage. This review critically examines previous literature pertaining to the manipulation of the MGBA for the treatment of ICH, and explores potential proteins that hold promise as therapeutic targets, thereby offering novel avenues for the future management of ICH.…”

Probiotics: Bridging the interplay of a healthy gut and psychoneurological well‐being

“…Collectively, the data point to the possibility of improving impaired glucose metabolism, halting the course of AD, and reducing neuroinflammation by modulation of gut microbiota employing probiotics in AD, which would then enhance the benefits of GLP-1. The second most common and first among neurodegenerative illnesses is PD (Hong et al, 2023). A variety of motor and nonmotor symptoms, including synuclein accumulation and the progressive degradation of dopaminergic neurons, are associated with the condition.…”