Mobilizing endogenous neuroprotection: the mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on the brain after stroke

作者：T.F. Fu, Guan-Ran Wang, Yuxuan Li, Zhifang Xu, Can Wang, Run-Chen Zhang, Qing-Tao Ma, Ya-Jing Ma, Yi Guo, Yi Guo, Xiao-Yu Dai, Yang Guo, Yang Guo · 发表于：Frontiers in Neuroscience · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.3389/fnins.2024.1181670 · 被引用次数：14 · 研究领域：Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies、Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research、Traumatic Brain Injury and Neurovascular Disturbances

Given its high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates, ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe disease posing a substantial public health threat. Although early thrombolytic therapy is effective in IS treatment, the limited time frame for its administration presents a formidable challenge. Upon occurrence, IS triggers an ischemic cascade response, inducing the brain to generate endogenous protective mechanisms against excitotoxicity and inflammation, among other pathological processes. Stroke patients often experience limited recovery stages. As a result, activating their innate self-protective capacity [endogenous brain protection (EBP)] is essential for neurological function recovery. Acupuncture has exhibited clinical efficacy in cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) treatment by promoting the human body's self-preservation and "Zheng Qi" (a term in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) describing positive capabilities such as self-immunity, self-recovery, and disease prevention). According to research, acupuncture can modulate astrocyte activity, decrease oxidative stress (OS), and protect neurons by inhibiting excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis via activating endogenous protective mechanisms within the brain. Furthermore, acupuncture was found to modulate microglia transformation, thereby reducing inflammation and autoimmune responses, as well as promoting blood flow restoration by regulating the vasculature or the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the precise mechanism un...