Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics reveal Mechanism of Tuina in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder：A research report based on rats

Abstract

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common disorder often treated with tuina, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. We established proteomics and phosphoproteomics to investigate the mechanisms associated with the treatment of capsule fibrosis in FS rats. We used a method consisting of three weeks of cast immobilisation to establish a model of FS. We then administered Tuina once daily for 14 days, evaluated histological changes and screened for differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using proteomics and phosphoproteomics. This study showed that Tuina could inhibit capsule fibrosis in FS rats. Proteomics revealed proteins regulated by Tuina belonging to the PI3K-AKT and ECM receptor interaction signaling pathways. Thbs1, Vtn and Tnn were significantly enriched in these pathways and highly expressed in the model rat. Tuina resulted in suppressed expression of these proteins. Phosphoproteomics detected differentially expressed proteins regulated by Tuina were enriched in MAPK, endocrine resistance, FoxO and central carbon metabolism in cancer pathways. The combination of proteomics and phosphoproteomics for PPI network analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of Myh3 and Srsf1 have an important regulatory effect. Our results demonstrated the mechanisms behind the inhibition of FS capsule fibrosis following Tuina, a scientific medical therapy for FS patients.