Acupuncture Effect Assessment in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice: On Regulating Learning-Memory Abilities, Gut Microbiota,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impacting cognition.
• Acupuncture is emerging as a potential complementary therapy for AD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on learning and memory in a mouse model of AD.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms, including changes in amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins, inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and metabolites.

Main Methods:

• Utilized APP/PS1 transgenic mice for AD modeling.
• Assessed learning and memory using a water maze test.
• Quantified Aβ and tau proteins via Western blot.
• Measured serum cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α) and LPS using ELISA.
• Analyzed gut microbiota composition with 16S rDNA sequencing.
• Examined fecal metabolites through untargeted metabolomics.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture treatment markedly enhanced learning and memory performance in AD mice.
• Regulated concentrations of Aβ and tau proteins in hippocampal tissue.
• Modulated serum levels of IL-10 and LPS.
• Induced significant alterations in gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolites.
• Linked acupuncture's effects to six distinct biochemical pathways.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.
• The benefits of acupuncture in AD are associated with modulation of neuroinflammation, Aβ/tau pathology, and gut microbiome alterations.
• This research provides a foundation for further investigation into the gut-brain axis in AD and the role of acupuncture.