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Clinical observation and mechanism of acupuncture on amnestic mild cognitive impairment based on the gut-brain axis:
Qiongnan Bao1,2, Yiwei Liu3, Xinyue Zhang1,2
1School of Acu-Mox and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
Background:
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a pre-dementia condition associated with declined cognitive function dominated by memory impairment. The occurrence of aMCI is associated with the gut-brain axis. Previous studies have shown cognitive improvements in MCI after acupuncture treatment. This study evaluates whether acupuncture can produce a therapeutic effect in patients with aMCI by modulating the gut-brain axis.
Methods And Design:
This is a prospective, parallel, multicenter randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 patients with aMCI will be randomly assigned to an acupuncture group (AG) or a waiting-list group (WG), participants in both groups will receive health education on improving cognitive function at each visit, and acupuncture will be conducted twice a week for 12 weeks in the AG. Another 20 matched healthy volunteers will be enrolled as normal control. The primary outcome will be the change in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive scale score before and after treatment. Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging data, faeces, and blood will be collected from each participant to characterize the brain function, gut microbiota, and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. The differences between patients with aMCI and healthy participants, and the changes in the AG and WG groups before and after treatment will be observed. Ultimately, the correlation among brain function, gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and clinical efficacy evaluation in patients with aMCI will be analyzed.
Discussion:
This study will identify the efficacy and provide preliminary data on the possible mechanism of acupuncture in treating aMCI. Furthermore, it will also identify biomarkers of the gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and brain function correlated with therapeutic effects. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.
Clinical Trial Registration:
http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2200062084.
Insights
This study investigates if acupuncture can improve memory in mild cognitive impairment by influencing the gut-brain axis. Researchers will analyze brain function, gut microbes, and inflammation to understand the therapeutic effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a precursor to dementia, characterized by memory deficits.
- The gut-brain axis plays a role in aMCI development.
- Acupuncture has shown potential for cognitive improvement in MCI patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate acupuncture's therapeutic effect on aMCI by modulating the gut-brain axis.
- To identify potential biomarkers related to acupuncture treatment efficacy in aMCI.
- To explore the correlation between brain function, gut microbiota, and inflammatory cytokines in aMCI patients undergoing acupuncture.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 40 aMCI patients and 20 healthy controls.
- Participants are assigned to an acupuncture group or a waiting-list group, receiving 12 weeks of treatment or health education.
- Data collection includes cognitive assessments, fMRI, fecal, and blood samples to analyze brain function, gut microbiota, and inflammatory markers.
Main Results:
- The study aims to identify the efficacy of acupuncture in treating aMCI.
- Preliminary data on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's therapeutic effects will be provided.
- Biomarkers in gut microbiota, inflammatory cytokines, and brain function correlated with clinical outcomes will be identified.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture may offer a therapeutic benefit for patients with aMCI.
- The gut-brain axis is a potential target for aMCI interventions.
- This research will contribute to understanding acupuncture's role in neurodegenerative conditions.
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