Electroacupuncture Promotes Insulin-Like Growth Factors System in Ovariectomized Osteoporosis Rats

Abstract

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis (PMOP) is induced by the deficiency of estrogen in postmenopausal women. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been confirmed to be effective in clinic. We adopted ovariectomized osteoporosis model of rats to observe the role of EA in PMOP. Fifty female SD rats were divided randomly into 5 groups: intact (INT, n = 10), sham operation (Sham, n = 10), model (n = 10), estrogen (E, n = 10) and electroacupuncture (EA, n = 10). The bone mineral content (BMC) and the bone mineral density (BMD) were examined in lumbar(1-6) and right thigh-bone, respectively, and estrodiol (E(2)), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGF-BPs) were tested by RIA or ELISA. The results showed that BMC and BMD of lumbar 1-6 and right thigh-bone in PMOP model rats decreased markedly, while the level of serum E(2), IGF-I and IGF-BP1 were lower than in INT and Sham. However, EA could upgrade the contents of IGF-I and IGF-BP1 to increase BMD in PMOP rats, while no significant difference was seen in E group. Therefore, EA may promote IGF system to improve PMOP.

Effect of Laser Acupuncture on Disuse Osteoarthritis: An Ultrasound Biomicroscopic Study of Patellar Articular Cartilage in Rats

“…Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing. Previous studies have shown the efficiency of acupuncture on prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in humans [7] and in ovariectomized rats [8, 9]. Laser acupuncture (LA) is an noninvasive alternative too and has been proved equal biological effect as needle acupuncture [10].…”

Where have the organizers gone? – The growth control system as a foundation of physiology

“…[23] Based on the model of growth control system, minor perturbations such as acupuncture around the singular points of the growth control system can be beneficial as disease modifying therapy in treating many inflammatory and degenerative disorders beyond symptom relief. Acupuncture has been shown to regulate bone morphogenetic protein, retinoic acid [84], wnt, nerve growth factor, [85,86] IGF-1 [87,87,88] , platelet derived growth factor [89], atrogin-1, protein kinase Akt1, [70] vascular endothelial growth factor, angiogenesis, [90] increase bone density [91,91,92], neuroplasticity (as in the healing of spinal cord injury) [87], and stem cell proliferation. [93] , [69] Acupuncture showed promise in ameliorating muscle atrophy, [70] osteoporosis [94] , [91] obesity [95], diabetes [96], polycystic ovary syndrome [86], stroke [90], and sepsis [97,98].…”

Local Thermal Therapy Effects on Menopausal Symptoms and Bone Mineral Density

“…4,17,18 For example, BL 23 is an acupoint on the BL, located inferior and lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar spine, used frequently in the management of menopausal hot flashes and osteoporosis. 4,17,18,33,34 Acupuncture at BL 23 has been shown to be effective in promoting bone formation, improving bone architecture, and reversing osteoporosis in the mice model. 33,34 These effects were suggested in relation to some degree of enhancement in the secretion of sex hormone and declining bone turnover by decreased OC levels.…”

“…4,17,18,33,34 Acupuncture at BL 23 has been shown to be effective in promoting bone formation, improving bone architecture, and reversing osteoporosis in the mice model. 33,34 These effects were suggested in relation to some degree of enhancement in the secretion of sex hormone and declining bone turnover by decreased OC levels. 33,34 There has been no report Change from baseline was defined as (score at 10th week -baseline score)/baseline score.…”

“…33,34 These effects were suggested in relation to some degree of enhancement in the secretion of sex hormone and declining bone turnover by decreased OC levels. 33,34 There has been no report Change from baseline was defined as (score at 10th week -baseline score)/baseline score. a Data were presented as mean -standard deviation, and the difference between the two groups was compared by two-sample t test.…”