Electroacupuncture on Modifying Inflammatory Levels of Cytokines and Metabolites in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Introduction:<break><break>The use of electroacupuncture (EA) in post-ischemic stroke and rehabilitation has been the subject of numerous studies; however, the effect of EA on cholesterol metabolites has not been thoroughly investigated. The inflammatory response in stroke has been associated with serum cholesterol, low HDL-Cc, and high LDL-Cc levels, and early intervention has been linked to improved post-stroke rehabilitation. This study aimed to assess the impact of EA on early ischemic stroke as a modulator of total cholesterol, HDL-c, and LDL-c in the blood, its anti-inflammatory effect, and its effect on pain and stroke scales in patients in the first few days after the onset of stroke.<break> <break> Material and Method:<break> <break> A total of 90 patients with acute ischemic stroke and a first-time diagnosis of stroke will be randomized into one of three groups: an EA group, a sham EA group, and a sensory control group. All patients will receive the interventions three times a week for a total of six sessions over two weeks. Outcome measurements will include blood tests for total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL with HDL-c cholesterol, LDL and LDL-c cholesterol, along with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Barthel Index (BI).<break> <break> Expected Outcome:<break> <break> This study will help determine the effect of EA on ischemic stroke recovery, focusing on metabolic changes in patients with early stage stroke. EA treatment might modify risk indices (HDL-c), maintain or control (LDL-c), and generate localized reperfusion of the vascular areas involved in stroke.<break> <break> Discussion:<break> <break> This randomized controlled trial will determine the ability of EA to support early stroke ischemic injury and neuro-endothelium damage, which could lead to stroke recovery in stroke scales, reveal process via modulation of the levels of total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides. The results of this study will be of significant value in the treatment of ischemic stroke <break> Keywords: Electroacupuncture, Stroke, HDL-c modulation, LDL-c,