Short-term manual acupuncture decreased markers of systemic inflammation and altered articular cartilage transcripts in the Dunkin-Hartley model of osteoarthritis.
Alexa P Spittler, Katherine E Bukovec, Maryam F Afzali, Sarah E Leavell, Sydney B Bork, Cassie A Seebart, Kelly S Santangelo, Melinda R Story
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: To investigate indicators of mobility, inflammation, and cartilage remodeling in Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) treated with manual acupuncture compared to 2 different comparator acupuncture groups.
Methods: 12-month-old male Hartleys were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 in vivo experimental groups that received manual acupuncture, needle sheath taps on corresponding acupoints, or off-point acupuncture. Treatments were performed under isoflurane once weekly for 3 weeks, and open-field enclosure monitoring was performed at the same frequency. After final treatments, all animals were euthanized, blood was collected for inflammatory marker analysis, and tissues were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry, and transcript expression analysis.
Results: 18 animals were involved: 6 per experimental group. Serum concentrations of complement component 3 and prostaglandin E2 were significantly decreased in the acupuncture group (P < .05). Muscle from acupoint stomach-36 had 6 gene transcripts with altered expressions in the manual acupuncture group compared to comparators. From cartilage/menisci, manual acupuncture resulted in the downregulation of 13 gene transcripts. Nerve growth factor (NGF) immunostaining in all 3 layers of articular cartilage of the medial tibial plateau was greater in the manual acupuncture group relative to the comparator groups. There were no differences in enclosure monitoring parameters or histologic grading.
Conclusions: Appreciable changes in voluntary mobility, behavioral or serum biochemical parameters, or stifle histological structure were not seen. Differences in serum inflammatory proteins, the gene expression of cartilage-remodeling transcripts, and NGF protein concentrations in cartilage were elucidated.
Clinical relevance: The short duration of manual acupuncture showed the initiation of beneficial regenerative and remodeling processes.
期刊介绍:
The American Journal of Veterinary Research supports the collaborative exchange of information between researchers and clinicians by publishing novel research findings that bridge the gulf between basic research and clinical practice or that help to translate laboratory research and preclinical studies to the development of clinical trials and clinical practice. The journal welcomes submission of high-quality original studies and review articles in a wide range of scientific fields, including anatomy, anesthesiology, animal welfare, behavior, epidemiology, genetics, heredity, infectious disease, molecular biology, oncology, pharmacology, pathogenic mechanisms, physiology, surgery, theriogenology, toxicology, and vaccinology. Species of interest include production animals, companion animals, equids, exotic animals, birds, reptiles, and wild and marine animals. Reports of laboratory animal studies and studies involving the use of animals as experimental models of human diseases are considered only when the study results are of demonstrable benefit to the species used in the research or to another species of veterinary interest. Other fields of interest or animals species are not necessarily excluded from consideration, but such reports must focus on novel research findings. Submitted papers must make an original and substantial contribution to the veterinary medicine knowledge base; preliminary studies are not appropriate.