Electroacupuncture Promotes Functional Recovery after Facial Nerve Injury in Rats by Regulating Autophagy via GDNF...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Facial nerve injury (FNI) leads to significant functional deficits.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying nerve repair is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and the PI3K/mTOR pathway in electroacupuncture (EA)-mediated facial nerve recovery.
• To elucidate the mechanism by which EA promotes functional recovery after facial nerve injury.

Main Methods:

• A rat model of facial nerve injury was established and treated with EA.
• Autophagy markers (Beclin-1, LC3, P62), GDNF, PI3K, and mTOR levels were assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR.
• Facial function was evaluated using the Simone's 10-Point Scale, and histopathological changes were analyzed via HE staining.

Main Results:

• EA significantly improved facial function and promoted nerve regeneration compared to the control group.
• EA treatment reversed abnormal autophagy markers and increased GDNF, PI3K, and mTOR levels.
• Inhibition of autophagy or GDNF attenuated the beneficial effects of EA, confirming their involvement.

Conclusions:

• Electroacupuncture effectively promotes facial function recovery and nerve repair in a rat model of facial nerve injury.
• EA exerts its neuroreparative effects by regulating autophagy, releasing GDNF, and activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway.