Acupuncture protects against ischemic stroke by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Integrative and Complementary Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Cerebral ischemia, a major cause of global disability and mortality, necessitates effective therapeutic strategies.
• Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ischemic stroke is crucial for developing targeted treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).
• To elucidate the role of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway and the NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in acupuncture's therapeutic action.

Main Methods:

• Rats underwent MCAO surgery and received acupuncture at specific acupoints (GV26, GV20, ST36).
• Infarct volume was assessed using TTC staining.
• Western blot and ELISA measured protein expression of NF-κB pathway components and inflammatory markers.
• Apoptosis and histopathological changes were evaluated via TUNEL and H&E staining.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture significantly improved neurological function and reduced infarct volume in MCAO rats.
• Acupuncture treatment led to decreased expression of NF-κB pathway proteins, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Apoptosis and histopathological damage were significantly attenuated in the acupuncture group.
• Pharmacological inhibition of the NF-κB pathway partially reversed acupuncture's benefits, highlighting its critical role.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia in a rat model.
• These benefits are likely mediated through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
• The findings support acupuncture as a potential therapeutic intervention for ischemic stroke, offering insights into its underlying mechanisms.