In situ analysis of acupuncture protecting dopaminergic neurons from lipid peroxidative damage in mice of Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Objectives Acupuncture stimulation has proven to protect dopaminergic neurons from oxidative damage in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), but it remains unclear about the in situ information of biochemical components in dopaminergic neurons. Here, we aimed to analyse in situ changes of biochemical components and lipid peroxidation levels in dopaminergic neurons in PD mice treated with acupuncture by synchrotron FTIR micro‐spectroscopy technique. Materials and Methods About 9–10‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were used to establish PD model by intraperitoneal injection of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP, 30 mg/kg for 5 days). Acupuncture stimulation was performed once a day for 12 days. Behaviour test was determined using the rotarod instrument. Biochemical compositions of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta were analysed by synchrotron FTIR micro‐spectroscopy technique. The number and ultrastructure of dopaminergic neurons were respectively observed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results We found that the number and protein expression of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP‐treated mice were reduced by about half, while that in the mice treated by acupuncture were significantly restored. Acupuncture treatment also restored the motor ability of PD mice. The results of single cell imaging with synchrotron FTIR micro‐spectroscopy technique showed that the proportion of lipid in MPTP treated mice increased significantly. Especially the ratio of CH 2 asymmetric stretching and CH 3 asymmetric stretching increased significantly, suggesting that MPTP induced lipid peroxidation damage of dopaminergic neurons. It is also supported by the result of TEM, such as mitochondrial swelling or atrophy, loss of mitochondrial crests and mitochondrial vacuolization. Compared with MPTP treated mice, the proportion of lipid in acupuncture treated mice decreased and the mitochondrial structure was restored. Conclusions Acupuncture can inhibit the level of lipid peroxides in dopaminergic neurons and protect neurons from oxidative damage. The study provides a promising method for in situ analysis of biochemical compositions in PD mice and reveals the mechanism of acupuncture in treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Qualitative and quantitative meta-analysis of acupuncture effects on the motor function of Parkinson's disease patients

“…As there were some differences in the baseline between the two studies, more quantitative studies with better homogeneity will be needed to confirm this conclusion. Animal experiments have proved that there is a certain scientific basis for acupuncture to improve motor function in PD, such as reducing neuronal apoptosis of the striatum (Lu et al, 2012 ), normalizing the brain functional connectivity (Oh et al, 2022 ), inhibiting the level of lipid peroxides in dopaminergic neurons and protect neurons from oxidative damage (Zuo et al, 2022 ). However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no multi-session animal experiments to explore the dose-response mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of PD, so high-quality scientific evidence is still needed.…”

Effects of acupuncture on Parkinson's disease-related constipation and roles of gut microbial ecology: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Despite its widespread use, international acknowledgment of acupuncture's e cacy in PD remains limited, primarily due to the predominant publication of evidence-based literature in Chinese journals, often characterized by varying quantity and quality. Numerous animal studies underscore acupuncture's potential in mitigating PD-associated neuronal apoptosis in the striatum (54), normalizing brain functional connectivity(36), and reducing lipid peroxide levels in dopaminergic neurons, thereby protecting against oxidative damage (37).…”

Parkinson's disease constipation effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 through colonic motility and enteric neuropathology

“…Available evidence suggests that acupuncture treatment has the potential to alleviate motor and NMS of PD, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear ( 27 – 29 ). The neuroprotective effects of acupuncture on neurodegenerative lesions in animal models of PD are mainly focused on cerebral neurons ( 30 – 32 ), and no studies have yet reported the effects of acupuncture on the ENS. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of acupuncture to alleviate bowel dysfunction in PD constipation by revealing the effects of acupuncture treatment on the ENS myenteric nervous plexus and its neurotransmitters in an animal model of PD.…”