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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Mechanism of Action of Acupotomy in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
Published on: October 20, 2023
Effect of Acupotomy on FAK-PI3K Signaling Pathways in KOA Rabbit Articular Cartilages
Shi-Ning Ma1, Zhan-Guo Xie2, Yan Guo3
1School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
Objective:
By observing the needle-knife of KOA rabbit morphology, knee joint cartilage p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan gene, and protein expression, to study the effect of needle-knife to promote cartilage cell synthesis metabolism mechanism.
Method:
49 male New Zealand rabbits, randomly divided into normal group (Z), model group (M), model-inhibitors (MP), needle-knife group (D), needle-knife inhibitors group (DP), electroacupuncture group (E), and electroacupuncture inhibitors (EP). RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to test each animal cartilage p-FAK, p-PI3K, and Aggrecan gene and protein expression level.
Results:
Compared with N group, p-FAK and p-PI3K protein and mRNA expression of M group, D group, and E group increased (P < 0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression of Aggrecan reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with M group, p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan protein, and mRNA of E and D group increased (P < 0.05). Compared with E group, p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan protein, and mRNA expression of D group increased (P < 0.05); after adding inhibitors, p-FAK, p-PI3K, Aggrecan protein, and mRNA expression reduced (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Needle-knife therapy can promote the repairment of cartilage cells by activating FAK-PI3K signaling pathways, promoting the synthesis of cartilage cell metabolism.
