Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on protecting against radiotherapy- induced ovarian damage in mice

Abstract

Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by early loss of ovarian function that affects women before the age of 40. We aim to explore the protective effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) against irradiation-induced ovarian damage in mice. Methods C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into control and irradiation (IR) groups. Then, control group was divided into two treatment subgroups: mock TEAS treatment (control-) and TEAS treatment (control+). IR group was divided into four subgroups according to the time of treatment started: mock TEAS treatment initiated at 2 days after irradiation (IR 2D-), TEAS treatment initiated at 2 days after irradiation (IR 2D+), mock TEAS treatment initiated at 1 week after irradiation (IR 1 W-), and TEAS treatment initiated at 1 week after irradiation (IR 1 W+). The radiation model mice were exposed to single whole body X-ray irradiation (4 Gy), and the control mice received 0 Gy. TEAS stimulation (2 Hz, 1 mA, 30 min/day) was given once a day for six consecutive days per week for 2 weeks. Estrous cycle, ovarian weight, serum AMH level and follicle counts were evaluated. Then, proliferation markers, apoptotic markers and oxidative stress markers were examined. Results Compared with the control group, the estrous cycle was disordered, and the ovarian weight, serum AMH, and primordial, primary and secondary follicles counts decreased (all P < 0.01) in the IR 2D- and IR 1 W- groups. In the irradiation with early TEAS treatment group (IR 2D+), the estrous cycle improved, the AMH level and primordial follicular significantly increased compared to the irradiation with mock group (IR 2D-). However, there were no significant differences in the estrous cycle, AMH level and follicle counts between IR 1 W- and IR 1 W+ groups. Moreover, IR 2D+ mice reduced the expression of Bax protein and increased the levels of Bcl-2 and PCNA compared to the IR 2D- group. Furthermore, the early TEAS treated mice showed significantly lower levels of oxidative stress and number of TUNEL (+) granulosa cells than that in the IR 2D- group. Conclusion This study is first to evaluate TEAS as a potential therapy to attenuate irradiation-induced ovarian failure through inhibiting primordial follicles loss, increasing serum AMH secretion, inducing antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic systems.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for the Prevention of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation has been widely used in clinical practice and has become an important part of perioperative management. TEAS provides many benefits in promoting rehabilitation after surgery from many aspects, including analgesia, gastrointestinal tract regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, stress response reduction, and POCD prevention ( 56 ). In this study, we examined the preventive effect of TEAS on postoperative short-term cognitive change.…”

Chronic exposure to perfluorohexane sulfonate leads to a reproduction deficit by suppressing hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in mice

“…The present study provides in vivo evidence that chronic exposure to PFHxS affects HPG axis functions by inhibiting the expression of kisspeptin in the ARC and AVPV regions. This process disrupts follicular development and The reproductive endocrine system in women is regulated by the HPG axis, which is affected by many factors including genetic, iatrogenic, environmental, psychological, and nutritional factors [30,31]. Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are exogenous chemical substances that can mimic natural hormones thereby exerting agonistic or antagonistic effects and interfering with their actions [32].…”

Chronic Exposure to Perfluorohexane Sulfonate Leads to a Reproduction Deficit by Suppressing Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Expression in Mice

“…The reproductive endocrine system in women is regulated by the HPG axis, which is affected by many factors including genetic, iatrogenic, environmental, psychological, and nutritional factors [23,24]. Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are exogenous chemical substances that can mimic natural hormones thereby exerting agonistic or antagonistic effects and interfering with their actions [25].…”