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Association Between Acupuncture's Neuroprotective Effects and Integrin Alpha 7
Sangeun Han1,2, Sabina Lim3, Sujung Yeo4
1Department of Korean Medicine Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
This study reveals that acupuncture upregulates ITGA7, a protein that helps protect dopaminergic neurons and reduces α-synuclein buildup in Parkinson's disease (PD) models. This suggests ITGA7 plays a key role in acupuncture's neuroprotective effects against PD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss and α-synuclein aggregation.
- The role of ITGA7 in PD pathogenesis and the mechanisms of acupuncture's neuroprotection require further elucidation.
- This study investigates the interplay between ITGA7, α-synuclein, and acupuncture in a PD model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between ITGA7 and α-synuclein expression in an MPTP-induced PD mouse model.
- To determine how LR3/GB34 acupuncture affects ITGA7 and α-synuclein levels.
- To investigate the role of ITGA7 in apoptosis-related signaling pathways in vitro.
Main Methods:
- MPTP-induced PD mouse model utilized for in vivo studies.
- Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting assessed protein levels (ITGA7, α-synuclein, TH).
- SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with MPP+ and ITGA7-siRNA for in vitro mechanistic studies.
Main Results:
- MPTP induced downregulation of ITGA7 and upregulation of α-synuclein in vivo and in vitro.
- LR3/GB34 acupuncture increased ITGA7 and TH, while decreasing α-synuclein.
- ITGA7 silencing exacerbated neurotoxicity, increasing α-synuclein and altering apoptosis markers (Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio).
Conclusions:
- Histological preservation of dopaminergic neurons in the PD mouse model correlates with ITGA7 upregulation post-acupuncture.
- ITGA7 appears to regulate apoptosis-related signaling pathways, suggesting a role in mitigating α-synuclein pathology.
- Findings support ITGA7 as a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease.
