Laser Acupuncture Improves Memory Impairment in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

The burden of Alzheimer's disease is continually rising globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Unfortunately, the efficacy of the therapeutic strategy is still very limited. Because the effect of acupuncture at HT7 can improve learning and memory, the beneficial effect of laser acupuncture, a noninvasive form of acupuncture, at HT7 on memory improvement in patients with Alzheimer's disease has been a focus of research. To elucidate this issue, we used AF64A, a cholinotoxin, to induce memory impairment in male Wistar rats, which weighed 180-220 g. Then, the animals were treated with laser acupuncture either at HT7 or at a sham acupoint once daily for 10 minutes for a period of 14 days. Spatial memory assessments were performed at 1, 7, and 14 days after AF64A administration and at the end of the experiment, and the changes in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in the hippocampus were recorded. The results showed that laser acupuncture significantly suppressed AChE activity in the hippocampus. Although laser acupuncture enhanced SOD and CAT activities, no reduction in MDA level in this area was observed. Therefore, laser acupuncture at HT7 is a potential strategy to attenuate memory impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, further research, especially on the toxicity of laser acupuncture following repetitive exposure, is essential.

Laser Acupuncture at HT7 Acupoint Improves Cognitive Deficit, Neuronal Loss, Oxidative Stress, and Functions of Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Systems in Animal Model of Parkinson’s Disease

“…Since most of mechanoreceptors are located in the dermis especially at the superficial area of this layer and the skin of the rats did not contain abundant of pigment cells, the stimulation with laser with low penetration power such as blue laser at the wave length of 405 nm is enough to stimulate this group of receptor [20]. Moreover, it has been reported that the stimulation at HT7 acupoint either via manual or via laser can improve spatial memory impairment in various animal models [21, 22]. In addition, laser acupuncture at HT7 acupoint also improves neurodegeneration and cholinergic function in hippocampus [22].…”

“…Moreover, it has been reported that the stimulation at HT7 acupoint either via manual or via laser can improve spatial memory impairment in various animal models [21, 22]. In addition, laser acupuncture at HT7 acupoint also improves neurodegeneration and cholinergic function in hippocampus [22]. Based on the these pieces of information, the beneficial effect of laser acupuncture at HT7, a noninvasive intervention, on cognitive deficit condition in Parkinson's disease has been considered.…”

Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for the anesthesiologist and pain practitioner: a narrative review

“…Furthermore, since animals likely do not understand the difference between true vs sham therapies, we can infer that they are not likely to exhibit a placebo response. [71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81] Some argue that acupuncture is no better than placebo since a few human studies showed no significant difference between sham needling and true acupuncture-ignoring the effects of needle insertion itself. 82 Nevertheless, blinding attempts with non-penetrating shams are possible in humans.…”

The effect of laser acupuncture on hypoxia tolerance and inflammation reaction in mice with optical fiber acupuncture needle intra body

“…1,2 Recently, acupuncture has been broadly used in clinical treatment abroad including America. 3 Furthermore, laser acupuncture has been developed to stimulate acupuncture points on the outer skin without infection or pain, 4 and used to improve the treatment of brain function, [5][6][7] dental disease, 8,9 and obesity. 10 The laser stimulation is an alternative method for children with needle phobia.…”