Transcriptomic Insights into Different Stimulation Intensity of Electroacupuncture in Treating COPD in Rat Models

作者：Lu Liu, Zili Tang, Qian Zeng, Wenchuan Qi, Ziyang Zhou, Daohong Chen, Dingjun Cai, Ying Chen, Shiqi Sun, Siyao Gong, Bin He, Shuguang Yu, Ling Zhao · 发表于：Journal of Inflammation Research · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.2147/jir.s458580 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies、Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research、Vagus Nerve Stimulation Research

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA), with varying stimulation intensities, has demonstrated therapeutic potentials in both animal and clinical studies for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, a comprehensive investigation of the intensity-related effects, particularly 1mA and 3mA of EA, and the underlying mechanisms remains lacking. Methods: A COPD rat model was established by prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and intermittent intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. EA treatment was administered at acupoints BL13 (Feishu) and ST36 (Zusanli), 20 minutes daily for 2 weeks, with intensities of 1mA and 3mA. EA effectiveness was evaluated by pulmonary function, histopathological change, serum level of inflammatory cytokines, and level of oxidative stress markers in serum and lung tissues. Transcriptome profiling and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to reveal gene expression patterns and identify hub genes. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. Results: EA at both 1mA and 3mA exerted differing therapeutic effects by improving lung function and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD rats. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct expression patterns between the two groups, functionally corresponding to shared and intensity-specific (1mA and 3mA) enriched pathways. Eight candidate genes were ...