Acupuncture promotes neurological recovery and regulates lymphatic function after acute inflammatory nerve root injury

Heliyon, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35702 · Published: August 6, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how acupuncture can help in cases of acute inflammatory nerve root injury. A mouse model was used to mimic this condition, and the effects of acupuncture on pain, nerve repair, and immune response were observed. Acupuncture treatment was found to reduce pain, promote nerve repair in the injured area, and regulate the immune response in the lumbar aortic lymph nodes. The research suggests that acupuncture could be a beneficial treatment for nerve root injuries by influencing lymphatic vessel function and reducing inflammation.

Study Duration

One week

Participants

Sixty male C57BL/6 SPF mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Acupuncture increased the mechanical pain threshold in mice with nerve root injury, suggesting a pain-relieving effect.
2
Acupuncture promoted the recovery of spinal astrocytes and neurons, which are essential for nerve function, and improved nerve ending innervation at neuromuscular junctions.
3
Acupuncture reduced the proliferation of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) in the lumbar aortic lymph nodes (LALNs) and decreased the proportion of M1 macrophages, indicating a suppression of the immune response.

Research Summary

The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on acute inflammatory nerve root injury by regulating lymphatic function, using a mouse model of L5 nerve root compression. Key findings include that acupuncture significantly repaired astrocytes and neurons in the lumbar spinal cord, increased the innervation rate of nerve endings, reduced LECs, and reduced the proportion of M1 macrophages. The conclusion suggests that acupuncture can reduce pain, promote nerve repair, and suppress immune responses in mice with acute nerve root injury, indicating its potential as an effective treatment method.

Practical Implications

Pain Management

Acupuncture can be used as an alternative or complementary therapy for managing pain associated with nerve root injuries, potentially reducing the reliance on analgesics.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Acupuncture may aid in the rehabilitation process by promoting nerve repair and improving neuromuscular function after nerve root injuries.

Immune Modulation

Acupuncture's ability to modulate the immune response could be harnessed to reduce inflammation and promote healing in nerve-related conditions.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The study focused on a specific type of nerve root injury (L5 nerve root compression), and the findings may not be generalizable to other types of nerve injuries.
3
The study only investigated the effects of acupuncture over one week, and the long-term effects of acupuncture treatment were not assessed.

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