Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Daily Rhythmicity of Intestinal Movement and Circadian Rhythmicity of Colonic Per2 Expression in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury

BioMed Research International, 2016 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/9860281 · Published: November 1, 2016

Alternative Medicine Neurology Gastroenterology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how electroacupuncture (EA) affects bowel function and the body's internal clock in rats with spinal cord injuries (SCI). SCI can disrupt normal bowel function, and EA has shown promise in improving it. The researchers looked at the daily rhythm of intestinal movement and the circadian rhythm of a specific gene (Per2) in the colon. They compared rats with SCI who received EA treatment to those who didn't. The results suggest that EA can alter the daily rhythm of intestinal movement and the circadian rhythm of Per2 expression in rats with SCI, potentially improving bowel function after such injuries.

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

56 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
EA shortened the stool efflux time and increased the dry fecal weight within 24 h in SCI rats, indicating improved intestinal transmission function.
2
SCI did not affect the daily rhythmicity of intestinal movement or the circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression in rats.
3
EA treatment shifted the peak of colonic Per2 expression and disrupted its circadian rhythm, suggesting a direct influence on Per2 expression shortly after treatment.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on intestinal movement and the expression of the Per2 gene in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI). The research aimed to determine if EA could regulate the biological clock of the intestine, even when disconnected from the central nervous system due to SCI. The findings indicated that SCI alone did not change the circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression or daily intestinal movement rhythmicity. However, EA treatment altered both the daily rhythmicity of intestinal movement and the circadian rhythmicity of colonic Per2 expression in rats with SCI. The study concluded that EA could potentially be used to improve bowel function after SCI by influencing the Per2 gene expression and modifying the daily rhythm of intestinal mobility.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Electroacupuncture may offer a therapeutic approach for managing bowel dysfunction in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Chronotherapy Insights

The study highlights the potential of using acupuncture to modulate circadian rhythms and improve physiological functions.

Further Research

Future studies could investigate the specific mechanisms through which EA influences Per2 expression and intestinal motility.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific parameters of EA (frequency, intensity) may need to be optimized for clinical application.
3
The long-term effects of EA on bowel function and Per2 expression were not assessed.

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