Research reports of acupuncture and herbs treating Alzhemer's disease
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2016 Apr;41(2):113-8.
[Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation of Bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) on Learning-memory Ability, Hippocampal AP 42 Expression and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats with Alzheimer's Disease].[Article in Chinese]
Jiang MC, Liang J, Zhang YJ, Wang JR, Hao JD, Wang MK, Xu J.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3, the so-called "Four Gate Points") on learning-memory ability, hippocampal interleukin-1 (IL-1) P and IL-2 and amyloid beta (Abeta) 42 levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats,so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in improving AD.
METHODS:Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, medication and acupuncture groups (n = 12 rats in each group). The AD model was created by microinjection of streptozotocin (10 pL, 3 mg/kg) into the lateral ventricle (repeated the microinjection once two days later). Bilateral LR 3 and LI 4 were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated manually, once a day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks. The rats of the medication group were intragastric perfusion of Donepezil HOI (0.045 mg/kg), once a day for 4 weeks. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze swimming tests. The immunoactivity of hippocampal Abeta 42 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the contents of IL-1 P and IL-2 in the hippocampus tissue were determined by ELISA.
RESULTS:After modeling, the average escape latency of Morris water navigation task was significantly increased, and the target-platform crossing times of space probe trials were significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.05), suggesting a g-memory ability. After acupuncture intervention, the increased escape latency and the decreased target-platform crossing times were reversed, suggesting an improvement of the learning-memory. The hippocampal Abeta 42 immunoactivity and IL-1 beta content were significantly higher in the model group than in the sham operation group (P<0.05), but the hippocampal IL-2 content was markedly decreased in the model group (P<0. 05). Following the interventions, the increased Abeta 42 expression and IL-1 beta contents, and the decreased IL-2 contents in the hippocampus were also reversed in both the acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION:Acupuncture may improve learning-memory ability in AD rats, which may be associated with its effects in reducing hippocampal Abeta13 42 expression and IL-1beta content and in up-regulating IL-2 level.
PMID: 27323437
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2016 Feb;41(1):24-30.
[Electroacupuncture Intervention Inhibits the Decline of Learning-memory Ability and Overex- pression of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax in Hippocampus Induced by Isoflurane in APPswe/PS 1].[Article in Chinese]
Li XY, Xu L, Liu CL, Huang LS, Zhu XY.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protection mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy against Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like neurotoxicity induced by Isoflurane.
METHODS:Twenty-four APPswe/PS 1 dE9 double transgenic mice (one of the most extensively used transgenic mouse model of AD) and 24 littermate wild-type mice were randomly assigned into control (Con) group, isoflurane (Iso) group and EA group, respectively (n = 8 in each group). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yongquan" (KI 1) for 15 min, once a day for 3 days. The transgenic mice were exposed to a closed box filled with 1.2% isoflurane + 30% O2 +70% N2 for 4 h. The animals' learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3 in the CA 1 area of hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry, and that of hippocampal Bcl-2 and Bax proteins detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:Compared with the wilde-type mice, the average escape latency of place navigation test was significantly longer, while the percentage of target-quadrant stay time and the target- platform crossing times of spacial probe test were marked decreased in AD + lso mice (P < 0.05). After acupuncture intervention, the abovementioned changes were reversed (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, compared with the AD-Con group, the number of hippocampal activated Caspase-3-positive cells and the expression of Bax protein were significantly increased in the AD-Iso group (P < 0.05). After EA intervention, the increased Caspase-3-positive cell number and Bax protein expression were remarkably down-regulated in the AD-EA group, and the decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in AD-Iso mice was obviously up-regulated in AD-EA mice (P < 0.05). No significant changes were found in the average escape latency, the percentage of target-quadrant stay time and the target-platofrm corssing times, and inthe number of hippocampal activated Caspase-3-positive cells, the expression levels of hippocampal Bcl-2 and Sax and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the three groups of wilde-type mice (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION:EA intervention can improve the learning-memory ability in AD + Isoflurane mice, suggesting a reduction of AD-like neurotoxicity, which may be associated with its actions in inhibiting the overexpression of activated Caspase-3 and Bax proteins in the hippocampus.
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2015 Aug;40(4):270-4.
[Effect of "Kidney-reinforcing and Govenor Vessel-regulating" of Acupuncture plus Moxibustion on Mitochondrial Dynamics-related Proteins in Hippocampal Neurons of Rats with Alzheimer's Disease].[Article in Chinese]
Luo L, Sun GJ, Du YJ.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupuncture plus moxibustion on mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins (OPA 1, Fis 1) of hippocampal neurons in rat with Alzheimer's disease (AD) , and to explore the potential mechanism underlying acupuncture for the protection of hippocampal neuronal mitochondria.
METHODS:Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal, sham-operation, model and acu-moxibustion groups. AD model was made by injecting Aβ1-42 into the hippocampus. "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) acupoints were stimulated by manual acupuncture (15 min) in combination with moxibustion (15 min) for two sessions of treatment, with seven consecutive treatments for one session and one day break between the two sessions. The expression of hippocampal OPA 1 and Fis 1 was assessed by means of Western blot and immunofluorescence technique.
RESULTS:The expression level of OPA 1 and Fis 1 of rats in the model group was significantly lower and higher, respectively, than those of the normal and sham-operation groups (P < 0.01). Acupuncture plus moxibustion intervention notably increased OPA 1 and decreased Fis 1 expression levels in the acu-moxibustion group compared to those of the model group (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION:Acupuncture combined with moxibustion produce benefit to hippocampal neurons in AD rats probably via the regulation of the mitochondrial dynamics (imbalance between fission and fusion proteins) and improvement of the mitochondrial damage of hippocampus.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Aug 22;172:85-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.026. Epub 2015 Jun 20.
The standardized Lycium chinense fruit extract protects against Alzheimer's disease in 3xTg-AD mice.
Ye M1, Moon J1, Yang J1, Hwa Lim H2, Bin Hong S2, Shim I3, Bae H4.Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. This disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder accompanied with severe learning and memory impairment. This study investigated whether treatment with standardized Lycii Fructus Extract (LFE) would improve the cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in 3xTg-AD mice.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Lycii Fructus is a fruit of Lycium chinense Miller and widely distributed in East Asia and has been used traditionally for anti-aging purposes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:The cognitive function of 3xTg-AD mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test. The levels of the amyloid beta deposits and NeuN in the hippocampus were evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Brain neurotrophic derived factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) expressions were examined by western blot analysis.
RESULTS:LFE treatment significantly ameliorated learning and memory deficits in AD mice, as shown by increased time spent in the target zone during probe tests. In addition, LFE significantly decreased Aβ deposits, increased NeuN-positive cells, and upregulated the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the 3xTg AD mice.
CONCLUSIONS:The present study suggests that LFE treatment can be a useful strategy for treating memory impairment induced by several neurodegenerative diseases.
PLoS One.
2015 Jun 15;10(6):e0130353. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130353. eCollection 2015.
Cognitive Improvement during Treatment for Mild Alzheimer's Disease with a Chinese Herbal Formula: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zhang Y1, Lin C1, Zhang L2, Cui Y1, Gu Y2, Guo J1, Wu D3, Li Q4, Song W1.Author information
Erratum in
METHODS:Patients with mild AD meeting the criteria were randomized into Chinese herbal formula Yishen Huazhuo decoction (YHD) group and donepezil hydrochloride (DH) group during the 24-week trial. The outcomes were measured by ADAS-cog, MMSE, ADL, and NPI with linear mixed-effect models.
RESULTS:144 patients were randomized. The mean scores of ADAS-cog and MMSE in both YHD group and DH group both improved at the end of the 24-week treatment period. The results also revealed that YHD was better at improving the mean scores of ADAS-cog and MMSE than DH. Linear mixed-effect models with repeated measures showed statistical significance in time × group interaction effect of ADAS-cog and also in time × group interaction effect of MMSE. The data showed YHD was superior to DH in improving the scores and long term efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS:Our study suggests that Chinese herbal formula YHD is beneficial and effective for cognitive improvement in patients with mild AD and the mechanism might be through reducing amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition in the hippocampus.
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Dec;34(12):1156-60.
[Clinical observation of Alzheimer's disease treated with acupuncture].[Article in Chinese]
Gu W, Jin XX, Zhang YJ, Li ZJ, Kong Y.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To compare the differences in the clinical efficacy on Alzheimer's disease between acupuncture and medicine.
METHODS:One hundred and forty-one patients were randomized into an acupuncture group (72 cases) and a medicine group (69 cases). In the acupuncture group, the needling technique for benefiting qi, promoting blood circulation, regulating mind and improving intelligence was used at Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhangwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Xuehai (SP 10) and Zusanli (ST 36). The supplementary acupoints were selected according to the symptoms and physical signs. Acupuncture was given once a day and 6 treatments were required for a week. In the medicine group, the choline sterase inhibitor, donepezil (aricept) was prescribed for oral administration, 1 tablet (5 mg) each time, once every night. Four weeks later, the dose was increased to 2 tablets (10 mg) each time. In the two groups, the treatment of 4 weeks made one session and 4 sessions were required. The changes of scores before and after treatment in the minimum mental state examination (MMSE), the activity of daily living scale (ADL), Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognition (ADAS-cog) and the digit span (DS) were observed.
RESULTS:After treatment, scores of MMSE and DS were increased as compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.05) and scores of ADL and ADAS-cog were reduced as compared with those before treatment. The score differences in MMSE, ADL, ADAS-cog and DS before and after treatment were significant in the two groups (all P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION:The needling technique for benefiting qi, promoting blood circulation, regulating mind and improving intelligence significantly improves the overall function, cognition and activity of daily life in the patients of Alzheimer's disease and the efficacy is better than donepezil.
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2014 Aug;34(8):991-6.
[Effect of acupuncture on transmembrane signal pathway in AD mice: an analysis based on lipid-raft proteomics].[Article in Chinese]
Nie K, Zhang XZ, Zhao L, Jia YJ, Han JX.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To reveal the transmembrane signal pathway participating in regulating neuron functions of treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) by acupuncture.
METHODS:SAMP8 mice was used for AD animal model. The effect of acupuncture method for qi benefiting, blood regulating, health supporting, and root strengthening on the amount and varieties of transmembrane signal proteins from hippocampal lipid rafts in SAMP8 mice was detected using HPLC MS/MS proteomics method.
RESULTS:Compared with the control group, acupuncture increased 39 transmembrane signal proteins from hippocampal lipid rafts in SAMP8 mice, of them, 14 belonged to ionophorous protein, 8 to G protein, 8 to transmembrane signal receptor, and 9 to kinase protein. Totally 3 main cell signal pathways were involved, including G-protein-coupled receptors signal, enzyme linked receptor signal, and ion-channel mediated signal. Compared with the sham-acupuncture group, acupuncture resulted in significant increase of kinase signal protein amount. From the aspect of functions, they were dominant in regulating synapse functions relevant to cytoskeleton and secreting neurotransmitters.
CONCLUSION:The cell biological mechanism for treating AD by acupuncture might be achieved by improving synapse functions and promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters through transmembrane signal transduction, thus improving cognitive function of AD patients.
Curr Top Med Chem. 2016;16(5):574-8.
Mechanisms of Acupuncture Effect on Alzheimer's Disease in Animal- Based Researches.
Cao Y, Zhang LW, Wang J, Du SQ, Xiao LY, Tu JF, Liu CZ1.Author information
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia in the aging population worldwide. The etiology and treatment of Alzheimer's disease are still not very clear. Finding a new treatment is urgent due to the increasing population aging. Acupuncture has been practicing in China for more than 3000 years and reported to be beneficial in treating cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease. This paper reviews the recent development on the effect of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease in animal-based researches. It is suggested that acupuncture improves cognitive function of Alzheimer's disease by regulating glucose metabolism, enhancing neurotransmission as well as reducing oxidative stress, Aβ protein deposition, and neuronal apoptosis. However, it is still difficult to clarify which specific signaling pathway contributes to the acupuncture effect. Better designed studies are recommended to investigate the effects of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease.
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2017 Apr 29;63(4):38-45. doi: 10.14715/cmb/2017.63.4.7.
Electro-acupuncture ameliorates spatial learning and memory impairment via attenuating NOX2-related oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Aβ1-42.
Wu G1, Li L1, Li HM1, Zeng Y1, Wu WC2.Author information
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of cognition and memory, in which oxidative stress has been played a crucial role in the pathology of AD. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used therapy based on traditional acupuncture combined with modern electrotherapy in Asia. The present study aimed to determine the effects of EA treatment on spatial learning and memory impairment, and to elucidate the status of NOX2-related oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Beta-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42). Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, sham+EA, AD and AD+EA. The rats in Sham+EA and AD+EA groups were respectively administrated EA treatment at Baihui and yongquan acupoints, once a day for 30 min, lasting for 28 days. The spatial learning and memory functions were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) test. The activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) were evaluated. Moreover, the neuronal injury was detected by Nissl staining. Meanwhile, the NeuN expression was examined in the hippocampus, the expression levels of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase2(NOX2) was detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The results showed that EA treatment significantly improved spatial learning and memory impairment in rats induced by Aβ1-42. Concomitantly, EA treatment markedly restored T-AOC and attenuated the abnormal increase in levels of ROS, MDA and 8-OH-dG in the hippocampus of the AD rats. More notably, EA treatment also effectively ameliorated neuronal injury and counteracted the aberrant increase of NOX2 levels in the hippocampus of AD rats. Our findings suggested that EA is a potential strategy for the treatment of AD, and the possible mechanism is associated with the alleviation of neuronal injury and inhibition of NOX2-related oxidative stress.
[Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation of Bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) on Learning-memory Ability, Hippocampal AP 42 Expression and Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats with Alzheimer's Disease].[Article in Chinese]
Jiang MC, Liang J, Zhang YJ, Wang JR, Hao JD, Wang MK, Xu J.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3, the so-called "Four Gate Points") on learning-memory ability, hippocampal interleukin-1 (IL-1) P and IL-2 and amyloid beta (Abeta) 42 levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats,so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in improving AD.
METHODS:Male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, medication and acupuncture groups (n = 12 rats in each group). The AD model was created by microinjection of streptozotocin (10 pL, 3 mg/kg) into the lateral ventricle (repeated the microinjection once two days later). Bilateral LR 3 and LI 4 were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated manually, once a day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks. The rats of the medication group were intragastric perfusion of Donepezil HOI (0.045 mg/kg), once a day for 4 weeks. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze swimming tests. The immunoactivity of hippocampal Abeta 42 was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the contents of IL-1 P and IL-2 in the hippocampus tissue were determined by ELISA.
RESULTS:After modeling, the average escape latency of Morris water navigation task was significantly increased, and the target-platform crossing times of space probe trials were significantly reduced in the model group (P<0.05), suggesting a g-memory ability. After acupuncture intervention, the increased escape latency and the decreased target-platform crossing times were reversed, suggesting an improvement of the learning-memory. The hippocampal Abeta 42 immunoactivity and IL-1 beta content were significantly higher in the model group than in the sham operation group (P<0.05), but the hippocampal IL-2 content was markedly decreased in the model group (P<0. 05). Following the interventions, the increased Abeta 42 expression and IL-1 beta contents, and the decreased IL-2 contents in the hippocampus were also reversed in both the acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION:Acupuncture may improve learning-memory ability in AD rats, which may be associated with its effects in reducing hippocampal Abeta13 42 expression and IL-1beta content and in up-regulating IL-2 level.
PMID: 27323437
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2016 Feb;41(1):24-30.
[Electroacupuncture Intervention Inhibits the Decline of Learning-memory Ability and Overex- pression of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax in Hippocampus Induced by Isoflurane in APPswe/PS 1].[Article in Chinese]
Li XY, Xu L, Liu CL, Huang LS, Zhu XY.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the protection mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy against Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like neurotoxicity induced by Isoflurane.
METHODS:Twenty-four APPswe/PS 1 dE9 double transgenic mice (one of the most extensively used transgenic mouse model of AD) and 24 littermate wild-type mice were randomly assigned into control (Con) group, isoflurane (Iso) group and EA group, respectively (n = 8 in each group). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yongquan" (KI 1) for 15 min, once a day for 3 days. The transgenic mice were exposed to a closed box filled with 1.2% isoflurane + 30% O2 +70% N2 for 4 h. The animals' learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3 in the CA 1 area of hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry, and that of hippocampal Bcl-2 and Bax proteins detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:Compared with the wilde-type mice, the average escape latency of place navigation test was significantly longer, while the percentage of target-quadrant stay time and the target- platform crossing times of spacial probe test were marked decreased in AD + lso mice (P < 0.05). After acupuncture intervention, the abovementioned changes were reversed (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, compared with the AD-Con group, the number of hippocampal activated Caspase-3-positive cells and the expression of Bax protein were significantly increased in the AD-Iso group (P < 0.05). After EA intervention, the increased Caspase-3-positive cell number and Bax protein expression were remarkably down-regulated in the AD-EA group, and the decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in AD-Iso mice was obviously up-regulated in AD-EA mice (P < 0.05). No significant changes were found in the average escape latency, the percentage of target-quadrant stay time and the target-platofrm corssing times, and inthe number of hippocampal activated Caspase-3-positive cells, the expression levels of hippocampal Bcl-2 and Sax and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the three groups of wilde-type mice (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION:EA intervention can improve the learning-memory ability in AD + Isoflurane mice, suggesting a reduction of AD-like neurotoxicity, which may be associated with its actions in inhibiting the overexpression of activated Caspase-3 and Bax proteins in the hippocampus.
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2015 Aug;40(4):270-4.
[Effect of "Kidney-reinforcing and Govenor Vessel-regulating" of Acupuncture plus Moxibustion on Mitochondrial Dynamics-related Proteins in Hippocampal Neurons of Rats with Alzheimer's Disease].[Article in Chinese]
Luo L, Sun GJ, Du YJ.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of acupuncture plus moxibustion on mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins (OPA 1, Fis 1) of hippocampal neurons in rat with Alzheimer's disease (AD) , and to explore the potential mechanism underlying acupuncture for the protection of hippocampal neuronal mitochondria.
METHODS:Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal, sham-operation, model and acu-moxibustion groups. AD model was made by injecting Aβ1-42 into the hippocampus. "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) acupoints were stimulated by manual acupuncture (15 min) in combination with moxibustion (15 min) for two sessions of treatment, with seven consecutive treatments for one session and one day break between the two sessions. The expression of hippocampal OPA 1 and Fis 1 was assessed by means of Western blot and immunofluorescence technique.
RESULTS:The expression level of OPA 1 and Fis 1 of rats in the model group was significantly lower and higher, respectively, than those of the normal and sham-operation groups (P < 0.01). Acupuncture plus moxibustion intervention notably increased OPA 1 and decreased Fis 1 expression levels in the acu-moxibustion group compared to those of the model group (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION:Acupuncture combined with moxibustion produce benefit to hippocampal neurons in AD rats probably via the regulation of the mitochondrial dynamics (imbalance between fission and fusion proteins) and improvement of the mitochondrial damage of hippocampus.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Aug 22;172:85-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.06.026. Epub 2015 Jun 20.
The standardized Lycium chinense fruit extract protects against Alzheimer's disease in 3xTg-AD mice.
Ye M1, Moon J1, Yang J1, Hwa Lim H2, Bin Hong S2, Shim I3, Bae H4.Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. This disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder accompanied with severe learning and memory impairment. This study investigated whether treatment with standardized Lycii Fructus Extract (LFE) would improve the cognitive function and the pathological features of AD in 3xTg-AD mice.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Lycii Fructus is a fruit of Lycium chinense Miller and widely distributed in East Asia and has been used traditionally for anti-aging purposes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:The cognitive function of 3xTg-AD mice was assessed using the Morris water maze test. The levels of the amyloid beta deposits and NeuN in the hippocampus were evaluated with immunohistochemistry. Brain neurotrophic derived factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) expressions were examined by western blot analysis.
RESULTS:LFE treatment significantly ameliorated learning and memory deficits in AD mice, as shown by increased time spent in the target zone during probe tests. In addition, LFE significantly decreased Aβ deposits, increased NeuN-positive cells, and upregulated the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the 3xTg AD mice.
CONCLUSIONS:The present study suggests that LFE treatment can be a useful strategy for treating memory impairment induced by several neurodegenerative diseases.
PLoS One.
2015 Jun 15;10(6):e0130353. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130353. eCollection 2015.
Cognitive Improvement during Treatment for Mild Alzheimer's Disease with a Chinese Herbal Formula: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zhang Y1, Lin C1, Zhang L2, Cui Y1, Gu Y2, Guo J1, Wu D3, Li Q4, Song W1.Author information
Erratum in
- Correction: Cognitive Improvement during Treatment for Mild Alzheimer's Disease with a Chinese Herbal Formula: A Randomized Controlled Trial.[PLoS One. 2018]
METHODS:Patients with mild AD meeting the criteria were randomized into Chinese herbal formula Yishen Huazhuo decoction (YHD) group and donepezil hydrochloride (DH) group during the 24-week trial. The outcomes were measured by ADAS-cog, MMSE, ADL, and NPI with linear mixed-effect models.
RESULTS:144 patients were randomized. The mean scores of ADAS-cog and MMSE in both YHD group and DH group both improved at the end of the 24-week treatment period. The results also revealed that YHD was better at improving the mean scores of ADAS-cog and MMSE than DH. Linear mixed-effect models with repeated measures showed statistical significance in time × group interaction effect of ADAS-cog and also in time × group interaction effect of MMSE. The data showed YHD was superior to DH in improving the scores and long term efficacy.
CONCLUSIONS:Our study suggests that Chinese herbal formula YHD is beneficial and effective for cognitive improvement in patients with mild AD and the mechanism might be through reducing amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition in the hippocampus.
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Dec;34(12):1156-60.
[Clinical observation of Alzheimer's disease treated with acupuncture].[Article in Chinese]
Gu W, Jin XX, Zhang YJ, Li ZJ, Kong Y.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To compare the differences in the clinical efficacy on Alzheimer's disease between acupuncture and medicine.
METHODS:One hundred and forty-one patients were randomized into an acupuncture group (72 cases) and a medicine group (69 cases). In the acupuncture group, the needling technique for benefiting qi, promoting blood circulation, regulating mind and improving intelligence was used at Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhangwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Xuehai (SP 10) and Zusanli (ST 36). The supplementary acupoints were selected according to the symptoms and physical signs. Acupuncture was given once a day and 6 treatments were required for a week. In the medicine group, the choline sterase inhibitor, donepezil (aricept) was prescribed for oral administration, 1 tablet (5 mg) each time, once every night. Four weeks later, the dose was increased to 2 tablets (10 mg) each time. In the two groups, the treatment of 4 weeks made one session and 4 sessions were required. The changes of scores before and after treatment in the minimum mental state examination (MMSE), the activity of daily living scale (ADL), Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognition (ADAS-cog) and the digit span (DS) were observed.
RESULTS:After treatment, scores of MMSE and DS were increased as compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.05) and scores of ADL and ADAS-cog were reduced as compared with those before treatment. The score differences in MMSE, ADL, ADAS-cog and DS before and after treatment were significant in the two groups (all P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION:The needling technique for benefiting qi, promoting blood circulation, regulating mind and improving intelligence significantly improves the overall function, cognition and activity of daily life in the patients of Alzheimer's disease and the efficacy is better than donepezil.
Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2014 Aug;34(8):991-6.
[Effect of acupuncture on transmembrane signal pathway in AD mice: an analysis based on lipid-raft proteomics].[Article in Chinese]
Nie K, Zhang XZ, Zhao L, Jia YJ, Han JX.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To reveal the transmembrane signal pathway participating in regulating neuron functions of treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) by acupuncture.
METHODS:SAMP8 mice was used for AD animal model. The effect of acupuncture method for qi benefiting, blood regulating, health supporting, and root strengthening on the amount and varieties of transmembrane signal proteins from hippocampal lipid rafts in SAMP8 mice was detected using HPLC MS/MS proteomics method.
RESULTS:Compared with the control group, acupuncture increased 39 transmembrane signal proteins from hippocampal lipid rafts in SAMP8 mice, of them, 14 belonged to ionophorous protein, 8 to G protein, 8 to transmembrane signal receptor, and 9 to kinase protein. Totally 3 main cell signal pathways were involved, including G-protein-coupled receptors signal, enzyme linked receptor signal, and ion-channel mediated signal. Compared with the sham-acupuncture group, acupuncture resulted in significant increase of kinase signal protein amount. From the aspect of functions, they were dominant in regulating synapse functions relevant to cytoskeleton and secreting neurotransmitters.
CONCLUSION:The cell biological mechanism for treating AD by acupuncture might be achieved by improving synapse functions and promoting the secretion of neurotransmitters through transmembrane signal transduction, thus improving cognitive function of AD patients.
Curr Top Med Chem. 2016;16(5):574-8.
Mechanisms of Acupuncture Effect on Alzheimer's Disease in Animal- Based Researches.
Cao Y, Zhang LW, Wang J, Du SQ, Xiao LY, Tu JF, Liu CZ1.Author information
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia in the aging population worldwide. The etiology and treatment of Alzheimer's disease are still not very clear. Finding a new treatment is urgent due to the increasing population aging. Acupuncture has been practicing in China for more than 3000 years and reported to be beneficial in treating cognitive impairment of Alzheimer's disease. This paper reviews the recent development on the effect of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease in animal-based researches. It is suggested that acupuncture improves cognitive function of Alzheimer's disease by regulating glucose metabolism, enhancing neurotransmission as well as reducing oxidative stress, Aβ protein deposition, and neuronal apoptosis. However, it is still difficult to clarify which specific signaling pathway contributes to the acupuncture effect. Better designed studies are recommended to investigate the effects of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease.
Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2017 Apr 29;63(4):38-45. doi: 10.14715/cmb/2017.63.4.7.
Electro-acupuncture ameliorates spatial learning and memory impairment via attenuating NOX2-related oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Aβ1-42.
Wu G1, Li L1, Li HM1, Zeng Y1, Wu WC2.Author information
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of cognition and memory, in which oxidative stress has been played a crucial role in the pathology of AD. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used therapy based on traditional acupuncture combined with modern electrotherapy in Asia. The present study aimed to determine the effects of EA treatment on spatial learning and memory impairment, and to elucidate the status of NOX2-related oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Beta-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42). Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, sham+EA, AD and AD+EA. The rats in Sham+EA and AD+EA groups were respectively administrated EA treatment at Baihui and yongquan acupoints, once a day for 30 min, lasting for 28 days. The spatial learning and memory functions were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) test. The activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) were evaluated. Moreover, the neuronal injury was detected by Nissl staining. Meanwhile, the NeuN expression was examined in the hippocampus, the expression levels of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase2(NOX2) was detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The results showed that EA treatment significantly improved spatial learning and memory impairment in rats induced by Aβ1-42. Concomitantly, EA treatment markedly restored T-AOC and attenuated the abnormal increase in levels of ROS, MDA and 8-OH-dG in the hippocampus of the AD rats. More notably, EA treatment also effectively ameliorated neuronal injury and counteracted the aberrant increase of NOX2 levels in the hippocampus of AD rats. Our findings suggested that EA is a potential strategy for the treatment of AD, and the possible mechanism is associated with the alleviation of neuronal injury and inhibition of NOX2-related oxidative stress.
