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Effects of Fu's subcutaneous needling on mitochondrial structure and function in rats with sciatica
Yaping Li1, Xianghui Gao2, Hailiang Huang3
1Department of Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, 372527Weifang Medical College, Weifang, China.
Molecular Pain
|June 7, 2022
Summary
Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) and acupuncture significantly improved pain thresholds in rats with sciatica. FSN demonstrated superior effects on mitochondrial structure and function compared to acupuncture.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Skeletal muscle physiology
- Pain management
Background:
- Sciatica leads to skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Current treatments may not fully restore mitochondrial health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) and acupuncture on sciatic rat skeletal muscle mitochondria.
- To compare the efficacy of FSN versus acupuncture in improving mitochondrial structure and function.
Main Methods:
- Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into control, model, acupuncture, and FSN groups.
- Treatments involved FSN or acupuncture administered over seven days.
- Evaluated mechanical pain threshold, mitochondrial ultrastructure, citrate synthase activity, and respiratory chain complex II and COX-I protein expression.
Main Results:
- Both FSN and acupuncture increased pain thresholds, with FSN showing greater improvement.
- Sciatic rats exhibited damaged mitochondrial ultrastructure, which was notably improved by FSN, nearing control levels.
- FSN treatment significantly enhanced mitochondrial citrate synthase activity and respiratory chain complex II levels compared to acupuncture.
Conclusions:
- Fu's subcutaneous needling is an effective treatment for sciatica in rats, improving pain and restoring skeletal muscle mitochondrial integrity.
- FSN offers superior benefits for mitochondrial structure and function compared to traditional acupuncture in this sciatica model.
