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[Effect of acupotomy lysis on hypothalamic POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA expression in rats with 3rd lumbar vertebrae
Chang-Qing Guo1, Rong-Juan Cao, Hong-Mei Sun
1College of Acu-moxibustion and Massage, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China. guochangqing66@163.com
Objective:
To observe the effect of acupotomy lysis (AL) on hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMO) mRNA and preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA expression in rats with the third lumbar vertebrae transverse process syndrome (TLVTPS) so as to study its underlying mechanism in relieving symptoms of lumbar muscle strain.
Methods:
Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, AL group and electroacupunture (EA) group. The TLVTPS model was established by inserting a piece of gelatin sponge into the posterior of the left 3rd lumbar vertebrae transverse process. AL and EA were applied to the left "Shenshu"(BL 23) and "Yaoyangguan" (GV 3) respectively. The POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA expression levels in the hypothalamus were detected by in situ hybridization.
Results:
In comparison with the normal group, the integrated optical density (IOD) values of hypothalamic POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA positive cells in the model group were increased significantly (P < 0.01); while compared with the model group, those of POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA positive cells in both left and right hypothalamus were increased further considerably in both AL and EA groups (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between AL and EA groups in POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA expression levels (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
AL and EA therapies can increase the expression of POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA in hypothalamus in rats with TLVTPS, which may contribute to its effect in relieving pain in the treatment of lumbar muscle strain.
Insights
Acupotomy lysis (AL) and electroacupuncture (EA) significantly increase hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA and preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA expression in rats with lumbar muscle strain. These findings suggest a mechanism for pain relief in treating third lumbar vertebrae transverse process syndrome (TLVTPS).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Context:
- Third lumbar vertebrae transverse process syndrome (TLVTPS) is a common cause of lumbar muscle strain and pain.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying pain relief in TLVTPS is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Hypothalamic neuropeptides like POMC and PPE play a role in pain modulation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of acupotomy lysis (AL) on hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA and preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNA expression in a rat model of TLVTPS.
- To explore the potential mechanism of AL in alleviating lumbar muscle strain symptoms.
Summary:
- A rat model of TLVTPS was established and treated with AL or electroacupuncture (EA).
- In situ hybridization revealed significantly increased POMC mRNA and PPE mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of AL and EA groups compared to the model group.
- No significant difference in mRNA expression was observed between AL and EA groups.
Impact:
- Acupotomy lysis and electroacupuncture therapies can upregulate POMC and PPE mRNA expression in the hypothalamus.
- This upregulation may contribute to the analgesic effects of AL and EA in treating lumbar muscle strain associated with TLVTPS.
- Provides molecular insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture-based interventions for musculoskeletal pain.
