Yingxiang Acupoint Embedding Improves Mucosal Barrier Function in Rats with Local Allergic Rhinitis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Epithelial barrier disruption is a key factor in various diseases.
• Previous studies indicated acupoint catgut embedding (AE) benefits tight junction proteins (TJs) in allergic rhinitis.
• The efficacy of AE on epithelial barriers in local allergic rhinitis (LAR) was yet to be determined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of AE on the epithelial barrier function in a rat model of LAR.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and TJ expression.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a rat model for LAR.
• Treatment groups included control, LAR, false AE + LAR, AE + LAR, capsaicin + LAR, and tunicamycin + AE + LAR.
• Assessment involved behavioral observation, ELISA, IgE detection, permeability tests, histology, PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence.

Main Results:

• AE significantly improved LAR symptoms and nasal mucosal pathology.
• AE reduced inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in nasal lavage fluid.
• AE decreased Substance P (SP) expression, inhibited ERS, increased TJ expression, and reduced nasal mucosal permeability.

Conclusions:

• AE effectively enhances nasal mucosal barrier function in LAR.
• The mechanism involves reducing SP, inhibiting ERS, and increasing TJ expression.
• AE presents a promising therapeutic approach for improving epithelial barrier function in LAR.