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Published on: December 8, 2023
Electroacupuncture's Impact on the Hippocampal RAGE/LRP1 Receptor System in SAMP8 Mice
Zhitao Hou1,2,3,4,5, Jindi Ma1, Xian Zhang1
1College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China.
Abstract:
Age-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is linked to β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport via receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). This study examines electroacupuncture (EA) effects on cognition, hippocampal pathology, neurotransmitters, and the RAGE/LRP1 system in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. EA at Zusanli (ST36) and Baihui (GV20) improved cognitive performance, reduced hippocampal neuronal degeneration, elevated cerebrospinal fluid dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and decreased Aβ42 levels. EA downregulated hippocampal RAGE, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), upregulated LRP1 and apolipoprotein E (ApoE), promoting Aβ clearance. NF-κB expression remained unchanged, suggesting alternative anti-inflammatory pathways. Thus, EA offers a promising non-pharmacological treatment for ARCI.
Insights
Electroacupuncture (EA) improves age-related cognitive impairment by reducing amyloid-beta plaques and enhancing brain repair mechanisms. This non-pharmacological approach shows promise for treating cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Age-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is associated with beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation.
- Disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport, involving RAGE and LRP1, contributes to ARCI.
- Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice model ARCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on cognitive function in SAMP8 mice.
- To analyze EA's impact on hippocampal pathology and neurotransmitter levels.
- To examine EA's influence on the RAGE/LRP1 system and Aβ clearance.
Main Methods:
- EA was applied at Zusanli (ST36) and Baihui (GV20) acupoints in SAMP8 mice.
- Cognitive performance was assessed.
- Hippocampal pathology, neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, 5-HIAA), Aβ42, RAGE, LRP1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ApoE, and NF-κB expression were measured.
Main Results:
- EA significantly improved cognitive performance in SAMP8 mice.
- EA reduced hippocampal neuronal degeneration and decreased Aβ42 levels.
- EA modulated neurotransmitters, downregulated RAGE, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and upregulated LRP1 and ApoE, facilitating Aβ clearance.
Conclusions:
- Electroacupuncture demonstrates potential as a non-pharmacological treatment for age-related cognitive impairment.
- EA promotes cognitive improvement through neuroprotection and enhanced Aβ clearance.
- The findings suggest EA influences BBB integrity and Aβ metabolism via the RAGE/LRP1 pathway.
