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Electroacupuncture Attenuates Inflammation after Ischemic Stroke by Inhibiting NF-κB-Mediated Activation of Microglia
Rong Liu1, Neng-Gui Xu1, Wei Yi1
1Clinical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Microglial activation and microglia-mediated inflammation play an important role in the occurrence, development, and outcome of stroke. Brain injury induces the activation and release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6. Many studies have confirmed that acupuncture is effective in treating ischemic stroke. However, its protective mechanism against ischemic brain injury is complex and multifactorial. In this study, we observed the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) on microglial activation and inflammation in the cortical ischemic penumbra (IP) of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) rats. It was found that electroacupuncture inhibited the degeneration and necrosis of microglia in the cortical IP and ameliorated mitochondrial damage. Immunofluorescence and western blot analysis showed that microglia were in a resting state or weakly activated in the normal brain. After cerebral ischemia, the expression of microglial markers (Iba-1 and CD11b) increased, and NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression gradually increased. The dynamic changes were generally temporally consistent. Electroacupuncture downregulated the expressions of Iba-1 and CD11b. Additionally, it inhibited the expression of NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α and reduced the conversion of microglia to the M1 phenotype after ischemia. Electroacupuncture regulated the activation of microglia and microglia-mediated inflammation after cerebral ischemia, confirming the relevant theories regarding the effect of acupuncture treatment on cerebral ischemia and guiding clinical practice.
Insights
Electroacupuncture treatment effectively reduces microglial activation and inflammation following ischemic stroke in rats. This approach helps protect brain cells and may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Inflammation Research
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Microglial activation and inflammation are key factors in stroke progression and outcomes.
- Ischemic brain injury triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.
- Acupuncture is recognized for its efficacy in treating ischemic stroke, but its precise mechanisms remain complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on microglial activation and inflammation in a rat model of ischemic stroke.
- To explore the protective mechanisms of electroacupuncture in the context of ischemic brain injury.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) rat model to induce ischemic stroke.
- Applied electroacupuncture to Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) acupoints.
- Assessed microglial activation, inflammation markers (Iba-1, CD11b, NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α), and mitochondrial damage via immunofluorescence and Western blot.
Main Results:
- Electroacupuncture inhibited microglial degeneration and necrosis in the ischemic penumbra.
- The treatment reduced the expression of microglial markers (Iba-1, CD11b) and inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α).
- Electroacupuncture suppressed the M1 phenotype conversion of microglia, indicating a shift away from pro-inflammatory activation.
Conclusions:
- Electroacupuncture effectively regulates microglial activation and inflammation post-ischemic stroke.
- The findings support the therapeutic role of acupuncture in cerebral ischemia by modulating neuroinflammation.
- This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of acupuncture in stroke management.
