Electroacupuncture mitigates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease via mitigating...

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autophagic dysfunction. Acupuncture is a well-established intervention recognized for its immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects.

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which electroacupuncture (EA) interventions can ameliorate mitochondrial damage in PD.

EA was applied to the chorea and tremor control area on the scalp of MPTP-induced mice. The cognitive abilities and motor functions of mice were evaluated through behavioral experiments. EA treatment alleviated behavioral deficits, reduced neuroinflammation in the brain, and significantly reversed MPTP-induced changes in dopamine (DA) metabolomics. Proteins related to autophagy and inflammation in the striatum were quantified via immunofluorescence. EA also inhibited excessive mitochondrial division, and reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, Rapamycin (RAP) interventions further improved autophagy, while 3-Methyladenine (3MA) interventions counteracted the therapeutic effects of EA.

In conclusion, these results suggest that EA treatment is associated with reduced neuroinflammation and the protection of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal system. EA alleviates PD by ameliorating autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction and restoring normal mitochondrial function.