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Electroacupuncture for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: clinical efficacy and its role in modulating pyroptosis and
Fater A Khadour1,2,3, Younes A Khadour2,4, Tao Xu5
1Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Qiaokou District, 1095#, Jie-Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
Insights
Electroacupuncture (EA) significantly improves function and reduces pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This therapy also modulates inflammatory pathways by affecting pyroptosis and autophagy, offering a safe complementary treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic childhood inflammatory condition with significant physical and psychosocial impacts.
- Current JIA treatments have limitations, driving interest in complementary therapies.
- Electroacupuncture (EA) is explored for its potential benefits in managing JIA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) as an adjunctive treatment for children with JIA.
- To investigate the impact of EA on the pyroptosis pathway and autophagy function in JIA.
- To assess changes in clinical outcomes, including functional ability, pain, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 106 children with JIA was conducted over 8 weeks.
- Participants received either EA or sham acupuncture (SA).
- Clinical assessments and analysis of serum pyroptosis and autophagy markers were performed at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- EA significantly improved functional ability and reduced pain scores compared to SA.
- EA treatment led to decreased serum levels of pyroptosis markers (caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18).
- Autophagy markers (LC3, Becline1) decreased, suggesting enhanced autophagic activity with EA.
Conclusions:
- Electroacupuncture is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for improving function and reducing pain in pediatric JIA.
- EA demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by modulating pyroptosis and autophagy pathways.
- Findings support EA's role in comprehensive JIA management, warranting further research on long-term outcomes.
Background:
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common chronic inflammatory disorder in children, leading to significant physical and psychosocial challenges. Current treatments often fall short, prompting interest in complementary therapies. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) on clinical outcomes in children with JIA, focusing on its impact on the pyroptosis pathway and autophagy function.
Methods:
A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from 7 November 2023 to 12 January 2025. A total of 106 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive EA or sham acupuncture (SA) for 8 weeks. Clinical assessments, including functional ability, pain scores, and quality of life, were measured at baseline, week 4, week 8, month 3, and month 6. Serum levels of pyroptosis-related proteins and autophagy markers were analyzed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Results:
The EA group showed significant improvements in functional ability and pain scores compared to the SA group at both week 4 and week 8. Notable reductions in serum levels of pyroptosis markers (caspase-1, GSDMD, NLRP3) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) were observed in the EA group. Additionally, autophagy markers (LC3, Becline1) significantly decreased after EA treatment, suggesting enhanced autophagic activity.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that electroacupuncture is a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for improving function and reducing pain in children with JIA. The observed biological changes indicate potential anti-inflammatory effects, supporting EA's role in comprehensive JIA management. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and mechanisms for these findings further. Key Points • The study demonstrates that electroacupuncture (EA) significantly improves functional ability and pain scores in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared to sham acupuncture. • EA treatment led to notable reductions in serum levels of pyroptosis-related proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating its potential role in modulating inflammatory pathways. • The research observed significant changes in autophagy markers post-EA treatment, suggesting that EA may enhance autophagic function in children with JIA. • EA is presented as a safe adjunctive therapy for JIA management, with implications for further research into its long-term effects and underlying mechanisms.
