Effects of electroacupuncture modulation of IGF-1-mediated MAPK signaling pathway on neural function in rats with post-stroke depression
10.3760/cma.j.cn115398-20250226-00341
- VernacularTitle:电针调节IGF-1介导的MAPK信号通路对卒中后抑郁大鼠神经功能的影响
- Author:
Yuhui HAN
1
;
Feng LIU
;
Xiujuan PENG
Author Information
1. 徐州医科大学附属市立医院针灸推拿科，徐州 221002
- Keywords:
Electroacupuncture;
Insulin-like growth factor-1;
MAPK signal pathway;
Post-stroke depression;
Neurological function;
Rats
- From:
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2025;47(11):1545-1552
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the neural function and Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in post-stroke depression (PSD) model rats. The effect of IGF-1 on mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.Methods:15 male SD rats were selected as sham-operation group. PSD rat model was prepared by Longa method and chronic unpredictability mild stress method with 70 rats. The successfully constructed PSD rats were divided into model group, fluoxetine group (2.31 mg/kg fluoxetine, gavage), electroacupuncture group [stimulation of "Baihui"(GV20), "Fengfu"(GV16), "Shenting"(GV24) and "Taichong"(LR3) acupoints by electroacupuncture]and positive drug group [stimulation of "Baihui"(GV20), "Fengfu"(GV16), "Shenting"(GV24) and "Taichong"(LR3) acupoints by electroacupuncture + 5 μl of Sb202190 solution was injected into the lateral ventricle with a concentration of 10 μmol/L]. According to random number table method, with 15 rats in each group. Each group received relevant administration, and the rats' body mass was measured at the end of treatment. mNSS scale was used to evaluate the neurological impairment of rats; the behavioral function of rats was evaluated by sugar water preference test and forced swimming test; Nissl and TUNEL staining were used to observe the number of NissL bodies and the apoptosis rate of neurons in hippocampus; the level of serum IGF-1 was Nissl by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB), p-CREB, IGF-1, mitogen activated protein kinase (MEK), p-MEK, ERK, p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK, p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38), p-p38 protein in brain tissue.Results:Compared with the model group, the weight of rats increased in the fluoxetine, electroacupuncture, and positive drug groups ( P<0.05); mNSS and forced swim test immobility time decreased ( P<0.05). Sucrose consumption percentage and struggling time in the forced swim test were markedly elevated ( P<0.05); Nissl body counts in hippocampal neurons increased ( P<0.05), accompanied by reduced neuronal apoptosis rates ( P<0.05); serum IGF-1 level significantly increased ( P<0.05); the protein expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax in hippocampus decreased ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of Bcl-2, p-CREB/CREB, BDNF, IGF-1, p-MEK/MEK, p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK and p-p38/p38 increased ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Electroacupuncture can improve neural function and depressive behavior in rats, reduce pathological damage in hippocampus, increase the number of Nissl bodies, and inhibit apoptosis. The mechanism of electroacupuncture may be related to the increase of IGF-1 and the activation of MAPK signaling pathway.
