Electroacupuncture pretreatment alleviates myocardial injury through regulating mitochondrial function

Abstract

Background: Electroacupuncture is well known for its advantageous neuroanalgesic and therapeutic effects on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The purpose of the present research was to verify whether electroacupuncture can alleviate bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury. Methods: Specific pathogen-free Wistar rats were used to establish the bupivacaine-induced myocardial injury model. Western blot, PCR, transmission electron microscope and enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) methods were used to evaluate bupivacaine-induced structure injury and dysfunction of the mitochondria as well as the alleviating effects of lipid emulsion, acupoint injection, and electroacupuncture pre-treatment of the oxidase stress response. Results: Bupivacaine caused structural damage, degradation, and swelling of mitochondria. Furthermore, it reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and impaired energy metabolism in the mitochondria. Structural and functional impairment of the mitochondria was alleviated via lipid emulsion injection, acupoint injection, and electroacupuncture pre-treatment. Electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 yielded a greater alleviating effect than others approaches. Following electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 point, the number of mitochondria increased; apoptosis was reduced, enzymatic activity of cytochrome C oxidase (COX) and superoxide dismutase and expression of uncoupling protein 2, voltage-dependent anion channel 1, and Bcl 2 were upregulated and SLC25A6, MDA levels were downregulated. Additionally, our findings indicated that electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 point exerted an effect on the mitochondria via the mitochondrial-transcription-factor-A/nuclear-respiratory-factor-1/proliferatoractivated-receptor-gamma-coactivator-1 pathway. Conclusion: The present study revealed that electroacupuncture pre-treatment of PC6 could effectively alleviate bupivacaine-induced myocardial mitochondrial damage, thereby providing a theoretical basis for clinical studies and applications of this treatment method.

ENT characteristics and therapeutic results in multisystemic disorders of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy

“…In the presence of dysphagia caused by pharyngeal muscle involvement, gastrogavage and partial pharyngeal muscle dissection could be beneficial [ 23 ]. Other comprehensive treatments included ahigh-energy diet [ 24 ], aerobic endurance exercise [ 25 ] (except for those with fever, muscle pain, or in a hunger state), and physiotherapy [ 26 ]. Patients who underwent surgery should have intravenous sugar-containing fluids administered before anesthesia to avoid catabolism.…”

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for postoperative cognitive dysfunction in geriatric patients with gastrointestinal tumor: a randomized controlled trial

“…According to the theory of “Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture” in traditional Chinese medicine [ 15 ], three acupuncture points were selected as the target points: bilateral Neiguan [ 16 ] (PC6, on the palmar side of the forearm, 3 cm proximal to the transverse carpal crease, between the palmaris longus tendon and the radial flexor carpi tendon), Yintang [ 17 ] (GV29 ], on the forehead of the human body, between the two eyebrows) and bilateral Zusanli [ 18 ] (ST36, 3 inches below the outer knee). Patients in the TEAS group received perioperative TEAS by two experienced researchers and the treatment time was 30 min before the induction of anesthesia until the end of the surgery, 1 day before operation, and from the first day to the third day after the operation.…”

Multi-effective characteristics and advantages of acupuncture in COVID-19 treatment

“…Studies have found that EA pretreatment can reduce myocardial caspase-1 and IL-1β, inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies, and play a protective role in the heart [95] . EA pretreatment can promote the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), inhibit the expression of ROS, upregulate the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, improve mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and improve myocardial injury [96] . EA can also significantly inhibit the degree of ST-segment elevation, improve left ventricular dysfunction, and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by reducing the release of cardiac norepinephrine [97] .…”