This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD animal models, acupuncture inhibit Show more
This review aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease (PD). In PD animal models, acupuncture inhibits oxidative stress by upregulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid peroxidation. It regulates autophagy either independently of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) or via mTOR activation, promoting alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) clearance. Acupuncture also suppresses apoptosis (modulating Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)) and pyroptosis (inhibiting NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and gasdermin D (GSDMD)). It enhances neurogenesis through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signaling, promoting neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, acupuncture reduces neuroinflammation by decreasing microglial activation, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). It also modulates gut microbiota composition (e.g., increasing butyrate-producing bacteria like Butyricimonas and reducing pro-inflammatory Erysipelotrichaceae and Bacteroides) and influences lipid metabolism, thereby mitigating dopaminergic neuron loss and motor deficits. Preclinical evidence demonstrates that acupuncture exerts multi-target neuroprotective effects against PD through pathways involving oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis/pyroptosis, neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota-lipid metabolism crosstalk. However, limitations include a focus on preventive rather than reversal effects, lack of long-term efficacy data, and heterogeneity in acupoint selection. Further mechanistic and standardization studies are warranted. Show less
To explore the effect of Ninety-five SPF male rats were selected and randomly divided into a sham-operation group (15 rats) and an operation group (80 rats). Using Longa's suture-occluded method and c Show more
To explore the effect of Ninety-five SPF male rats were selected and randomly divided into a sham-operation group (15 rats) and an operation group (80 rats). Using Longa's suture-occluded method and chronic unpredictable mild stress method, PSD rat models were prepared. A total of 75 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an acupuncture group, a paroxetine group, a dacomitinib (ErbB4 inhibitor) group, and an acupuncture+dacomitinib group, with 15 rats in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was delivered at "Baihui" (GV20), "Shenting" (GV24), and bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Taichong" (LR3); and the electric stimulation with electroacupuncture instrument was exerted at "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Taichong" (LR3) on the same side, using continuous wave, at a frequency of 2 Hz, and an intensity of 0.1 mA to 1 mA, for 30 min in each intervention. In the paroxetine group, the intragastric administration was given with paroxetine, 5 mg/kg; and in the dacomitinib group, the intragastric administration was given with dacomitinib, 7.5 mg/kg. In the acupuncture+ dacomitinib group received the same interventions as the acupuncture group and the dacomitinib group. The above intervention measures were delivered once a day for consecutive 28 days in each group. Longa's score was compared, and the behavior of rats was observed using the open field test and sucrose preference test in each group. Using ELISA method, the hippocampal levels of malonaldehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) were detected. With HE staining and Nissl staining adopted, the hippocampal neuron morphology was observed. Golgi staining was employed to observe the morphological changes of dendritic spines in the hippocampal neurons. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptophysin (SYN1) in the hippocampal tissue, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NRG1 and ErbB4 in the hippocampal tissues. Compared with the sham-operation group, the Longa's score and hippocampal MDA level in the model group increased ( Show less