A Mechanism Study of Electroacupuncture for Dry Eye Syndrome by Targeting Conjunctival Cytokine Expressions

Abstract

Table 1. Baselines in the two groups M (Q25, Q75) Baselines AG EAG P value Age (year) 35 (28,53) 34 (26,48) 0.537

The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome in the mechanism of electroacupuncture: Current status and future perspectives

“…It makes up for the shortcomings of acupuncture with insufficient stimulation intensity and shows better efficacy in clinical studies. Studies have shown that, compared with acupuncture, electroacupuncture has better effects in alleviating local pain ( Aranha et al, 2015 ), regulating lipid metabolism in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, reducing inflammatory reaction ( Yu et al, 2018 ), promoting lacrimal gland secretion and stabilizing tear film ( Zhang et al, 2020a ). However, the research on the internal mechanism of electroacupuncture is not comprehensive.…”

“…Reproductive system: electroacupuncture inhibits NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway ( Zhang et al, 2017 ). Immune system: electroacupuncture inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome by down-regulating the expression of Cathepsin-B ( Zhang et al, 2020a ). Others: electroacupuncture inhibits ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway; electroacupuncture inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome by up-regulating CB2 expression.…”

“…And electroacupuncture has a protective effect on intestinal function by inhibiting the progression of inflammatory reactions through the reduction of procalcitonin (PCT) and TNF-α in patients with sepsis ( Meng et al, 2018 ). Scholars have conducted various studies to identify its internal mechanism ( Lee et al, 2017 ; Zhang et al, 2017 , 2020a ); however, a widely recognized unified theory has not yet been formed. In recent years, many scholars have focused on exploring the mechanism of electroacupuncture by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome.…”

The efficacy and safety of acupuncture or combined with western medicine for dry eye

“…[ 15 , 16 ] Acupuncture can affect the tissue morphology of functional units, restore damaged corneal tissue, improve dry corneal morphology, and promote the rehabilitation of ocular surface structures, [ 17 ] activate the synthesis function of lacrimal gland, restore secretion function, and improve the inherent morphology of the lacrimal gland [ 18 ] ; Acupuncture can affect the nerve regulation of tear secretion, effectively stimulate the activity of parasympathetic nerves, [ 19 ] promote the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings, and increase the content of acetylcholine in the lacrimal glands, thereby increasing the secretion of tears [ 20 ] ; It can reduce the inflammation of the ocular surface, effectively reduce the concentration of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 4 in the tears of patients, and improve the signs of patients with Dry Eye [ 21 ] ; Acupuncture can inhibit cytotoxicity and alleviate cell apoptosis in lacrimal glands and ocular surface epithelial tissues in patients with dry eye [ 22 , 23 ] ; acupuncture can adjust the level of hormones and regulate the related functions of ocular surface hormone receptors. [ 24 ] Acupuncture can regulate the blood circulation around the eyes, promote self-repair of eye tissues, improve ocular symptoms, [ 25 ] adjust the quality and quantity of tears, and improve the ocular microenvironment. [ 26 ] It is worth noting that during the treatment of Dry Eye by acupuncture, operators shall pay attention to the depth and technique of acupuncture when needling on the points, such as Jingming and Chengqi.…”

Effect of acupuncture versus artificial tears for dry eye disease

“…[ 25 ] Furthermore, Zhang et al have concluded that electroacupuncture can effectively regulate the conjunctival cytokine expressions. [ 26 ] However, lacking of large samples of multi-center RCTs and strong evidences in the management of DED somewhat restrict the wide application of acupuncture clinically.…”