Electroacupuncture stimulation up-regulates the expression of Nrf2 and GPX4 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion
10.16753/j.cnki.1008-2344.2025.02.007
- VernacularTitle:电针刺激上调大脑中动脉栓塞大鼠海马CA1区Nrf2、GPX4的表达
- Author:
Qi WU
1
;
Yihao JIN
;
Xingchen LIU
;
Feng WU
;
Huachun MIAO
;
Huaibin LI
Author Information
1. 皖南医学院,安徽 芜湖 241002
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
electroacupuncture;
ischemic stroke;
hippocampal CA1;
Nrf2;
GPX4
- From:
Journal of Shenyang Medical College
2025;27(2):149-154,186
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture stimulation on the expression of Nrf2 and GPX4 proteins in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)and its neuroprotective mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight rats were divided into the normal group(Normal),the sham operation control group(Sham),the model group(MCAO)and the electroacupuncture group(EA)according to the random number table method.The right middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established in the MCAO and EA groups by the modified thread embolization method.Starting on day 1 post-modeling,the EA group received electroacupuncture stimulation at the"Baihui"point(GV20)and left"Neiguan"point(PC6)for 30 min daily over 14 d.The Normal group received no treatment,and the Sham group only underwent vascular isolation without inserting the suture.Neurological function of rats in each group were scored before and after modeling and before and after electroacupuncture stimulation using the Zea Longa scoring scale.The structure and arrangement of Nissl-positive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region were observed by Nissl staining.Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the expression levels of Nrf2 and GPX4 proteins in the hippocampal CA1 region.Results:Compared with the Normal group,the Sham group showed no neurological deficits,abundant Nissl-positive cells,and no statistically significant differences in Nrf2 and GPX4 protein expression or positive cell counts.Compared with the Sham group,the MCAO group exhibited elevated Zea Longa score,reduced Nissl-positive cell counts,and decreased Nrf2 and GPX4 protein expression and positive cell counts(P＜0.05).In contrast,the EA group demonstrated lower Zea Longa scores,increased Nissl-positive cell counts,and elevated Nrf2 and GPX4 protein expression and positive cell counts compared to the MCAO group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture stimulation may protect against neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 region of MCAO rats,potentially through up-regulation of Nrf2 and GPX4 expression.
