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Acupuncture Treatment in a Mouse Model of Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction
Published on: December 8, 2023
Electroacupuncture prevents CUMS induced depressive-like behaviors by inhibiting microglia-mediated synaptic pruning
Lu Zhang1,2, Jingyi Quan1,3,4, Linlin Nie5
1The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510400, China.
Rationale:
Electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used for depression treatment. Microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis plays a vital role in regulating emotional behaviors. However, the potential role of MGB axis in EA-mediated protective effects remains unclear.
Methods:
The protective effects of EA in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced mice were evaluated, and the gut microbiota and metabolic profiles were analyzed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was utilized to explore the role of MGB axis in the protective effects of EA. Analyses related to synaptic pruning mediated by microglia were conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms.
Results:
In this study, EA treatment prevented depressive-like behaviors in CUMS mice. Mechanistically, EA ameliorated CUMS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation, and partially restored gut microbial metabolism, particularly affecting the abundance of Alistipes and taurine metabolism. Furthermore, EA significantly reduced systemic and hippocampal inflammation. It also attenuated aberrant synaptic pruning in the hippocampus. Moreover, FMT from CUMS mice induced depressive-like behaviors, gut inflammation and microglia-mediated aberrant synaptic pruning, whereas FMT from EA-treated donors exerted protective effects against these impairments.
Conclusion:
Collectively, our findings suggest that EA prevented CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors and support the involvement of the MGB axis in its protective effects.
Insights
Electroacupuncture (EA) prevents depression-like behaviors by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. This treatment reduces inflammation and restores gut microbiota balance, highlighting MGB
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Electroacupuncture (EA) is a common treatment for depression.
- The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis influences emotional behaviors.
- The MGB axis's role in EA's antidepressant effects is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of EA in a mouse model of depression.
- To explore the involvement of the MGB axis in EA's therapeutic mechanisms.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways, including microglia-mediated synaptic pruning, underlying EA's actions.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated EA's efficacy in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced mice.
- Analyzed gut microbiota and metabolic profiles.
- Utilized fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and assessed hippocampal synaptic pruning.
Main Results:
- EA treatment reversed CUMS-induced depressive behaviors.
- EA ameliorated gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances, notably impacting Alistipes and taurine metabolism.
- EA reduced systemic and hippocampal inflammation, attenuated aberrant synaptic pruning, and FMT confirmed the MGB axis's role.
Conclusions:
- EA exerts protective effects against depression-like behaviors induced by CUMS.
- The findings support the critical involvement of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in EA's antidepressant actions.
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