Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis.
10.1016/j.joim.2025.08.003
- Author:
Ruo-Fan XI
1
;
Xin LIU
1
;
Yi WANG
1
;
Han-Zhi LU
1
;
Shao-Jie YUAN
1
;
Dong-Jie GUO
1
;
Jian-Yong ZHU
2
;
Fu-Lun LI
3
,
4
;
Yan-Juan DUAN
4
,
5
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China.
2. Department of Pharmacy Research, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China.
3. Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China. Electronic address: drlifulun@
4. com.
5. Department of Dermatology, Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China. Electronic address: dyj830617@
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
AMP-activated protein kinase;
Cupping therapy;
Inflammatory skin disease;
Piezo1;
Psoriasis
- MeSH:
Animals;
Psoriasis/chemically induced*;
Mice;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*;
Disease Models, Animal;
Cupping Therapy/methods*;
Signal Transduction;
Imiquimod;
Ion Channels/genetics*;
Male;
Mechanotransduction, Cellular
- From:
Journal of Integrative Medicine
2025;23(6):721-732
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE:Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition with genetic underpinnings, is traditionally managed with cupping therapy. Although used historically, the precise mechanical effects and therapeutic mechanisms of cupping in psoriasis remain largely unexamined. This study aimed to evaluate cupping therapy's efficacy for psoriasis and investigate its role in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism.
METHODS:Psoriasis was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ). The effects of cupping on psoriatic lesions were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. polymerase chain reaction sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blotting were conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway.
RESULTS:Cupping therapy significantly reduced inflammation, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed lower expression of inflammatory markers and a shift in T-cell populations. RNA-seq and Western blotting indicated that cupping upregulated Piezo1 and activated the AMPK pathway, improving energy metabolism in psoriatic skin.
CONCLUSION:Cupping therapy reduces epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis, rebalancing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, cupping promotes calcium influx via Piezo1, activates AMPK signaling, and supports metabolic homeostasis, suggesting therapeutic potential for psoriasis. Please cite this article as: Xi RF, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Yuan SJ, Guo DJ, Zhu JY, Li FL, Duan YJ. Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):721-732.
