OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on key regulatory factors during mitochondrial apoptosis of testicular tissue in asthenozoospermia mice, and explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on reproductive function. METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each group. In the model and the acupuncture groups, the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (30 mg•kg^-1•d^-1) was delivered for 7 days to prepare the asthenozoospermia model. After the success of modeling, the modeled mice in the acupuncture group were intervened with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture, once daily and the needles were retained for 20 min. The duration of the intervention was 2 weeks. The general condition of each mouse was observed, and the body mass was recorded before modeling, after modeling and after intervention completion. After intervention, the testicular mass was recorded and the weight coefficient was calculated, and the mouse sperm quality was examined; the serum contents of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected using ELISA, the morphology of testicular tissue was observed using HE, the mitochondrial ultra-microstructure of testicular tissue was observed under transmission electrone microscopy, the mitochondrial membrane potential level of testicular tissue was detected using JC-1 staining, the positive rate of apoptosis cell of testicular tissue was observed using TUNEL; and the mRNA and protein expression of b-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C), apoptotic protease-activating factor1 (Apaf-1), Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 of testicular tissue was detected using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot methods separately; and the positive expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 of the testicular tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the mice were in listless spirits, had shaggy hairs, the reduced appetite and movement, and weight loss in the model group (P<0.01); the testicular mass and the weight coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability were declined (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH were dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissue was abnormal, the number of spermatogenic cells and the number of mitochondria decreased, the inner mitochondrial crest was fractured and lost, and vacuoles appeared. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (P<0.01); and the positive rate of apoptosis cell in testicular tissue increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was dropped (P<0.01), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 increased (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the general condition of mice was improved, the testicular mass and the weight coefficient elevated (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability increased (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH rose (P<0.01). The pathological morphology of testicular tissue and the inner mitochondrial ultra-microstructure were ameliorated, the level of mitochondrial membrane potential was elevated (P<0.01); the positive rate of apoptosis cell was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 elevated (P<0.05), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 declined (P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward- "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture may ameliorate mouse reproductive function by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, alleviating testicular tissue damage in the asthenospermia mice induced by cyclophosphamide.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Apoptosis ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Asthenozoospermia/genetics* ; Humans ; Testis/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Sperm Motility ; Testosterone/blood* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Caspase 3/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Reproduction ; Cytochromes c/genetics* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics* ; Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1/genetics*

This study aims to elucidate the role and mechanism of clematichinenoside AR(CAR) in protecting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. BMSCs were isolated by the bone fragment method and identified by flow cytometry. Cells were cultured under normal conditions(37℃, 5% CO_2) and hypoxic conditions(37℃, 90% N_2, 5% CO_2) and treated with CAR. The BMSCs were classified into eight groups: control(normal conditions), CAR(normal conditions + CAR), hypoxia 24 h, hypoxia 24 h + CAR, hypoxia 48 h, hypoxia 48 h + CAR, hypoxia 72 h, and hypoxia 72 h + CAR. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay and terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL) were employed to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The number of mitochondria and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by MitoTracker®Red CM-H2XRo staining and JC-1 staining, respectively. The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS) was measured with the DCFH-DA fluorescence probe. The protein levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 associated X protein(BAX), caspase-3, and optic atrophy 1(OPA1) were determined by Western blot. The results demonstrated that CAR significantly increased cell proliferation. Compared with the control group, the hypoxia groups showed increased apoptosis rates, reduced mitochondria, elevated ROS levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulated expression of BAX and caspase-3, and downregulated expression of OPA1. In comparison to the corresponding hypoxia groups, CAR intervention significantly decreased the apoptosis rate, increased mitochondria, reduced ROS levels, elevated mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulated the expression of BAX and caspase-3, and upregulated the expression of OPA1. Therefore, it can be concluded that CAR may exert an anti-apoptotic effect on BMSCs under hypoxic conditions by regulating OPA1 to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Animals ; Rats ; Cell Hypoxia/drug effects* ; Homeostasis/drug effects* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects* ; Saponins/pharmacology* ; Caspase 3/genetics* ; Male ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics* ; Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Protective Agents/pharmacology* ; Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of mild hypothermia on neurological function in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) based on the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. METHODS: Fifty 7-8 weeks old SPF male Sprague Dawley rats were used to establish rat model of SCI by Allen's method. Among them, 48 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into SCI group, mild hypothermia group (SCI+mild hypothermia treatment), and Compound C group (SCI+mild hypothermia+intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg AMPK/NLRP3 pathway inhibitor Compound C), with 16 rats in each group. Another 16 normal rats with laminectomy were selected as sham-operation group. Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score was used to evaluate the motor ability of rats at 1, 3, 7, 14 days after treatment. After 14 days, the rats were sacrificed, and the spinal cord histopathological morphology was observed by HE staining, the neuronal apoptosis in spinal cord tissue was detected by TUNEL assay, and the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, transforming growth factor β ₁ (TGF-β ₁), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by ELISA. The expressions of AMPK/NLRP3 pathway proteins in spinal cord tissue, including B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved-Caspase-9 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: At 1 day after treatment, the rats in SCI group, mild hypothermia group, and Compound C group did not recover their motor ability. With the prolongation of time, the motor function of rats in each group gradually recovered. Among them, the BBB score of SCI group was significantly lower than that of sham-operation group and mild hypothermia group ( P<0.05), and the BBB score of Compound C group was significantly lower than that of mild hypothermia group ( P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the SCI group displayed obvious pathological changes in the spinal cord tissue, with disordered tissue architecture, inflammatory infiltration, and blurred interstitial boundaries. The neuronal apoptosis rate, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cleaved Caspase-9 expression, NLRP3 protein expression, serum IL-2, IL-6, and MDA levels were elevated, whereas serum TGF-β ₁, SOD levels, and spinal cord phosphorylation AMPK/AMPK protein expression significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with the SCI group, the above phenomena significantly improved in the mild hypothermia group ( P<0.05), while the Compound C group showed the opposite trend of change compared to the mild hypothermia group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Mild hypothermia can attenuate neurological dysfunction after SCI in rats, potentially by activating the AMPK/NLRP3 pathway.
Animals ; Spinal Cord Injuries/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Signal Transduction ; Spinal Cord/pathology* ; Apoptosis ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Caspase 9/metabolism*

Objective To explore the mechanism of lncRNA-BC200 (BC200) targeting the ubiquitination of Beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and regulating the repair of nerve cell injury. Methods Mouse hippocampal neuron cell line HT22 was divided into four groups: control group, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) group, OGD/R+si-NC group and OGD/R+si-BC200 group. In order to further explore the relationship between BC200 and BACE1, HT22 cells were divided into four groups: OGD/R group, OGD/R+si-BC200 group, OGD/R+si-BC200+NC group and OGD/R+si-BC200+ BACE1 group. Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the following four groups: control group, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, MCAO+si-BC200 group and MCAO+si-BC200+BACE1 group. The mRNA expression levels of BC200 and BACE1 in cells were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expressions of c-caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2 associated X protein(BAX) and BACE1 were detected by western blot, and the apoptotic cells were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) test. Results Compared with the control group, the activity of HT22 cells in OGD/R group decreased significantly, and the percentage of apoptotic cells increased significantly. Compared with OGD/R+si-NC group, the activity of HT22 cells in OGD/R+si-BC200 group increased significantly, and the percentage of apoptotic cells decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the expression of BACE1 protein in HT22 cells in OGD/R group was significantly enhanced. Compared with OGD/R+si-NC group, the expression of BACE1 protein in HT22 cells in OGD/R+si-BC200 group decreased significantly. It was observed that after OGD/R treatment, the ubiquitination level of BACE1 decreased significantly and the expression of BACE1 protein increased significantly. After transfection with si-BC200, the ubiquitination level of BACE1 protein increased significantly, while the expression of BACE1 protein decreased significantly. Compared with OGD/R+si-BC200+NC group, the percentage of apoptotic cells, the expression of c-caspase-3 and Bax protein in HT22 cells in OGD/R+si-BC200+BACE1 group increased significantly, and the expression of Bcl2 protein decreased significantly. Compared with the control group, the number of cerebral infarction areas and TUNEL positive cells in MCAO group increased significantly, and the survival number of neurons decreased significantly. Compared with the MCAO group, the number of cerebral infarction areas and TUNEL positive cells in MCAO+si-BC200 group decreased significantly, and the survival number of neurons increased significantly, while the addition of BACE1 reversed the improvement of si-BC200 transfection. Conclusion The combination of BC200 and BACE1 inhibit the ubiquitination of BACE1, and participate in mediating the expression enhancement of BACE1 induced by OGD/R. Specific blocking of BC200/BACE1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target to protect neurons from apoptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.
Animals ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/genetics* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/physiology* ; Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases/genetics* ; Male ; Neurons/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Ubiquitination ; Cell Line ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics* ; Caspase 3/genetics* ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of SPOP in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its effect on proliferation, apoptosis and cycle of AML cells. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of SPOP mRNA in bone marrow samples of patients with newly diagnosed AML and normal controls. The stable overexpression of SPOP in AML cell lines THP-1 and U937 were constructed by liposome transfection. The effect of SPOP on cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8, and the effect of SPOP on apoptosis and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and apoptotic protein Bax, Caspase3 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The median expression level of SPOP mRNA in normal control group was 0.993 1(0.6303, 1.433), while that in AML group was 0.522 1(0.242 2, 0.723 7). The expression level of SPOP in AML group was significantly lower than that in normal control group ( P < 0.001). After the overexpression of SPOP, the proportion of apoptotic cells in the U937 overexpression group and THP-1 overexpression group was 10.9%±0.3% and 4.6%±015%, which were higher than 8.9%±0.3% and 3.0%±0.30% in the Empty Vector group, respectively (both P < 0.05). The expression of Caspase3 in U937 overexpression group and THP-1 overexpression group was 1.154±0.086 and 1.2±0.077, which were higher than 1 in Empty Vector group, respectively (both P < 0.05). The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in U937 overexpression group and THP-1 overexpression group was 1.328±0.057 and 1.669±0.15, which were higher than 1 in Empty Vector group, respectively (both P < 0.05). In the cell proliferation experiment, the number of cells in the U937 overexpression group and THP-1 overexpression group were both slightly lower than those in the Empty Vector group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P >0.05). In the cell cycle experiment, the proportion of G₁ cells in the U937 overexpression group and THP-1 overexpression group were both slightly higher than those in the Empty Vector group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P >0.05). CONCLUSION SPOP can promote the apoptosis of leukemic cells, and its mechanism may be related to down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression and up-regulation of Bax and Caspase3 expression.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology* ; Apoptosis ; Repressor Proteins/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Nuclear Proteins/genetics* ; Cell Cycle ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism* ; U937 Cells ; Cell Line, Tumor ; RNA, Messenger/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of thymoquinone on the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and its molecular mechanism, so as to provide theoretical basis for the basic research on the anti-leukemia of traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS: The HL-60 and THP-1 cells were treated with thymoquinone at different concentration gradients, cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method, morphological changes were detected by Wright-Giemsa method, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double staining flow cytometry, and apoptosis and signal pathway protein expression were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression changes of high mobility family members of SRY-related proteins (SOX). RESULTS: Thymoquinone inhibited the malignant proliferation of HL-60 and THP-1 cells, up-regulated the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Survivin, and hydrolyzed Caspase-3 to induce the apoptosis of HL-60 and THP-1 cells. Thymoquinone could also significantly down-regulate the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and mTOR, and inhibit the malignant biological characteristics of HL-60 and THP-1 cells by inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. After thymoquinone intervention in HL-60 and THP-1 cells, the expression of SOX2 and SOX4 could be down-regulated significantly. At low concentration ( < 10 μmol/L), the expression of SOX12 was weakly affected by thymoquinone. With increasing concentration, the expression of SOX12 could be down-regulated, however, thymoquinone had no effect on SOX11 expression. CONCLUSION Thymoquinone can inhibit the proliferation of AML cells, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, regulating the expression of apoptotic proteins and core members of SOX family.
Humans ; Benzoquinones/pharmacology* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; HL-60 Cells ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; THP-1 Cells

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Guilu Taohong Formula on semen quality in varicocele (VC) models of rats, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups (sham group, model group, Guilu Taohong Formula group and L-carnitine group). After the establishment of models, the rats were treated with intragastric administration for eight consecutive weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed. After the gavage, the testicular and epididymal indices were calculated. Semen quality was assessed using an automatic semen analyzer. Apoptosis of testicular cells was assessed by TUNEL staining. And the expression levels of B-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cysteine aspartate protease-3 (caspase-3) in testicular tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, testicular index, epididymal index, sperm concentration, the percentage of progressive motility of sperm (PR%) and the expression level of Bcl-2 decreased in model group(P<0.01). An increased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were observed in model group as well(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the testicular index, epididymal index, sperm concentration, PR% and the expression level of Bcl-2 in Guilu Taohong Formula group increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). A decreased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins were detected in Guilu Taohong Formula group as well(P<0.01). Similarly, the L-carnitine group showed increased testicular index, epididymal index, sperm concentration, PR% and the expression level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05, P<0.01), where showed decreased apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells and the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 proteins compared with model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Guilu Taohong Formula improves semen quality in VC model rats and reduces the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissue, which may be related to the promotion of Bcl-2 protein expression and the inhibition of Bax and caspase-3 protein expression levels.
Male ; Animals ; Varicocele/drug therapy* ; Rats ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Semen Analysis ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Spermatozoa/drug effects* ; Testis/drug effects*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism by which histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) regulates steroid-induced apoptosis of mouse osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells. METHODS: MLY-O4 cells were treated with 400 nmol/L trichostatin A (TSA) or 1 mmol/L dexamethasone for 24 h or transfected with a HDAC1-overexpressing vector prior to TSA or dexamethasone treatment. The changes in the expressions of HDAC1, SP1, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, SP1 acetylation level, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis were examined. The interaction between HDAC1 and SP1 was determined with immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment with dexamethasone significantly increased cell apoptosis, enhanced the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, reduced HDAC1 expression, and suppressed proliferation of MLO-Y4 cells. Both TSA and dexamethasone obviously increased SP1 acetylation level and the expression of SP1 in MLO-Y4 cells. HDAC1 overexpression in the cells significantly attenuated the effect of TSA and dexamethasone, promoted cell proliferation, lowered the expressions of SP1, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and inhibited dexamethasone-induced cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting demonstrated the interaction between HDAC1 and SP1 in the cells. CONCLUSIONS HDAC1 inhibits dexamethasone-induced apoptosis and promotes proliferation of cultured mouse osteocytes by suppressing SP1 expression via promoting its deacetylation.
Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice ; Histone Deacetylase 1/genetics* ; Osteocytes/drug effects* ; Sp1 Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Acetylation ; Dexamethasone/pharmacology* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Hydroxamic Acids/pharmacology* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the structural changes of rat thoracic aorta and changes in expression levels of Bmal1 and cyclins in thoracic aorta endothelial cells following heat stress. METHODS: Twenty male SD rats were randomized equally into control group and heat stress group. After exposure to 32 ℃ for 2 weeks in the latter group, the rats were examined for histopathological changes and Bmal1 expression in the thoracic aorta using HE staining and immunohistochemistry. In the cell experiments, cultured rat thoracic aortic endothelial cells (RTAECs) were incubated at 40 ℃ for 12 h with or without prior transfection with a Bmal1-specific small interfering RNA (si-Bmal1) or a negative sequence. In both rat thoracic aorta and RTAECs, the expressions of Bmal1, the cell cycle proteins CDK1, CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin B1, and apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2 were detected using Western blotting. TUNEL staining was used to detect cell apoptosis in rat thoracic aorta, and the changes in cell cycle distribution and apoptosis in RTAECs were analyzed with flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with the control rats, the rats exposed to heat stress showed significantly increased blood pressures and lowered heart rate with elastic fiber disruption and increased expressions of Bmal1, cyclin B1 and CDK1 in the thoracic aorta (P<0.05). In cultured RTAECs, heat stress caused significant increase of Bmal1, cyclin B1 and CDK1 protein expression levels, which were obviously lowered in cells with prior si-Bmal1 transfection. Bmal1 knockdown also inhibited heat stress-induced increase of apoptosis in RTAECs as evidenced by decreased expression of Bax and increased expression of Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS Heat stress upregulates Bmal1 expression and causes alterations in expressions of cyclins to trigger apoptosis of rat thoracic aorta endothelial cells, which can be partly alleviated by suppressing Bmal1 expression.
Animals ; ARNTL Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Male ; Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Cells, Cultured ; Heat-Shock Response ; Cyclin B1/metabolism* ; CDC2 Protein Kinase/metabolism* ; Cyclins/metabolism* ; RNA, Small Interfering ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in rats. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomized equally into blank control group, PTSD model group, sham-acupuncture group, paroxetine group, and EA group. In the latter 3 groups, the rat models of PTSD, induced by continuous single-prolonged stress and plantar electrical stimulation, were treated with EA at GV20, GV24, BL18 and BL23 acupoints for 15 min (5 times a week for 3 weeks), sham-acupuncture without electrical stimulation, or gavage with paroxetine suspension on the same schedule. Behavioral changes of the rats were evaluated using open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Hippocampal pathologies and neuronal changes were examined with HE and Nissl staining, and mitochondrial ultrastructure was examined using electron microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were detected by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: The rat models of PTSD showed significantly reduced total distance traveled in OFT and distance and time spent in the open arms of the EPM, with decreased hippocampal neurons, obvious neuronal and mitochondrial pathologies, decreased hippocampal expression of Bcl-2, and increased Bax and caspase-3 expressions. Treatments with paroxetine and EA both significantly improved behavioral changes of the rat models, increased the number of Nissl-stained neurons, obviously alleviated pathologies in the hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial ultrastructure, increased hippocampal Bcl-2 expression, and lowered caspase-3 expressions. Paroxetine showed significantly better effect than EA for improving performance of the rats in EPM test, whereas sham-acupuncture did not produce any significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS EA alleviates PTSD in rats possibly by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and caspase-3, thereby ameliorating hippocampal mitochondrial damage.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/pathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Mitochondria/pathology* ; Signal Transduction ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal