Electro‐Acupuncture at Acupoint ST36 Reduces Inflammation and Regulates Immune Activity in Collagen‐Induced Arthritic Mice

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and immuno-regulatory effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at ST36 on Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Male DBA/1J mice were divided into five groups: Normal, Control, NR (needle retention), EAI and EAII. All mice except those in the normal group were immunized with Collagen II for arthritis induction. Acupuncture needles were inserted into mice ST36 and electrical currents at a frequency of 2 Hz in a continuous rectangular wave form were conducted through the needles for 15 min, 3 times a week. EA treatments were administered for 5 weeks in the EAI group and for 9 weeks in the EAII group. The mice in the NR group were acupunctured in the same manner as the EA groups and the needles were retained for 15 min without electrical stimulation. CIA incidence analysis, ELISA, histological analysis and FACS analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of EA on CIA. EA at ST36 significantly reduced CIA incidence, IL-6, TNF-a, INF-γ, collagen II antibody, IgG and IgM levels in CIA mice serum and prevented knee joint destruction. EA at ST36 also reduced CD69+/CD3e+ cells and CD11a+/CD19+ cells in CIA mice lymph nodes, and CD11b+/Gr1+ cells in CIA mice knee joints. The ratios of CD3e+ cells to CD19+ cells, and CD8+ cells to CD4+ cells were maintained closer to the normal range in the EA groups as compared with the control group or the NR group. EAII was more effective than EAI throughout all the measurements. The NR was effective as well, though less effective than EA. EA at ST36 may have an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and immuno-regulatory effects on CIA in mice. The effectiveness is stronger when EA starts earlier and is applied longer. Needle retention without electrical stimulation may be effective on CIA as well, however less effective than EA. Electrical stimulation and acupoint ST36 may have synergistic effects on CIA.

Defining the Quality of Acupuncture

“…6,59,60 There are many elements that have been attributed to exerting effect within the intervention: needle sensation, manipulation, frequency, duration, and point location along with aspects of the acupuncture "ritual." 61,62 It would appear fairly selfevident that an acupuncture protocol prepared for a clinical trial is of vital importance, placing the dose of the intervention in a clear therapeutic framework and a considered 34,35 ; high levels of serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NO induced in rats were decreased significantly by EA stimulation at ST36 32,36 ; EA of ST36 mediates its effects through changes in cellular activity, gene expression, and enzymatic activity in multiple remote tissues. 37 EA may activate the adrenals to increase glucocorticoid secretion, leading to suppression of inflammatory responses.…”

Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review

“…[74][75][76][77][78][79] In the inflammatory reflex of the autonomous nervous system (ANS), acupuncture can harmonise ANS and suppress inflammation for analgesia. [80][81][82][83][84][85] With respect to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the ANS and the descending inhibitory pathway, acupuncture should be considered as a viable option in the management of these patients. In this respect, future trials should adhere to rigorous trial designs that are suitable for the research questions being addressed.…”

Peripheral and Spinal Mechanisms of Pain and Dry Needling Mediated Analgesia: A Clinical Resource Guide for Health Care Professionals

“…Inflammation typically reduces type 1 collagen synthesis, but DN has been shown to decrease cytokines responsible for inflammation via activation of toll-like receptors on fibroblasts [115,116]. This action sets an appropriate environment for collagen remodeling and production.…”