Electroacupuncture improves cognitive dysfunction in rats with Alzheimer's disease by regulating microglial cells

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline.
• Microglia (MG) activation and the Janus kinase-2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway are implicated in AD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on AD in a rat model.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying EA's effects, focusing on microglia activity and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in the hippocampus.

Main Methods:

• An AD rat model was established using D-galactose and aggregated Aβ25-35.
• Rats were treated with EA at specific acupoints (GV20, GV24).
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze; hippocampal pathology, microglia activation (Iba-1), serum inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, TGF-β1), and JAK2/STAT3 pathway components (mRNA and protein levels) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• EA treatment significantly improved learning and memory in AD rats compared to the model group.
• EA reduced microglia activation (Iba-1), decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ, and inhibited JAK2 and STAT3 expression and phosphorylation in the hippocampus.
• EA also modulated TGF-β1 and Arg-1 levels, suggesting anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture demonstrates therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease.
• EA improves cognitive function in AD rats by suppressing microglia activation and inhibiting the hippocampal JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.