The Effect of Electroacupuncture on Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Oxidative Stress in an Animal Model of Renal Failure-Induced Hypertension

Abstract

Background/Aims: The present study was performed to demonstrate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and acupuncture on renal failure (RF)-induced hypertension. Methods: We stimulated the Zusanli (ST36) and Taixi (KI3) acupoints in a rat model of RF-induced hypertension. Results: EA significantly reduced RF-induced hypertension (p < 0.05). In a histopathological study, increments in RF-induced glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were attenuated by EA treatment (p < 0.05). The increase in albuminuria in the RF group was also reduced by EA treatment (p < 0.05). In blood analysis, the increment in RF-induced serum BUN and creatinine concentrations were decreased by EA (p < 0.05), and the decreases in RF-induced insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA and protein levels were increased by EA in both the kidney and the serum (p < 0.05). The increases in RF-induced oxidative stress, e.g. inducible nitric oxide synthase, heme oxygenase and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance expression, were significantly decreased in the RF-EA group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the anti-hypertensive mechanism of EA could be related to the effects of oxidative stress on IGF-I in RF-induced hypertension.

Effect of Acupuncture at LR3 on Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in a Rat Model of Hypertension: A 18F‐FDG‐PET Study

“…In the future, we will conduct further studies on the mechanism of long-term efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of hypertension. Indeed, there are many other valuable acupoints to reduce BP, such as KI3, ST36, or acupoint compatibility [ 6 , 9 , 30 ], which is also one of our future research directions.…”

The Time Course Effects of Electroacupuncture on Promoting Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Inhibiting Excessive Fibrosis after Contusion in Rabbits

“…Thorsteinsdottir et al [63] indicated that degrading ECM and reducing fibrosis were advantageous to satellite cell migration and differentiation and promoted skeletal muscle regeneration. In organ fibrosis research, electro-acupuncturing the ST36 alleviated renal failure-induced glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis [64], and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis [65]. To investigate whether EA can reduce ECM fibrosis of skeletal muscle after contusion, this study observed the fibrosis formation process in the damaged region repeatedly on days 7, 14, and 28.…”

Laserpuncture Increases Serum Concentration of Insulin-Like Growth Factor–1 in Adolescent Rats

“…However, EA increased these levels significantly more than acupuncture did. 16 EA also increased IGF-1 levels considerably in osteoporotic model rats who had undergone ovariectomy. 17 Meanwhile, laserpuncture at ST 36 and SP 6 increased IGF-1 levels in adolescent rats.…”