Electroacupuncture in the treatment of neurogenic urine retention through autophagy mediated by AMPK/mTOR pathway

J Cent South Univ (Med Sci), 2022 · DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2022.210260 · Published: April 1, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effect of electroacupuncture on neurogenic urine retention caused by spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers explored whether electroacupuncture's mechanism involves autophagy, a cellular process, regulated by the AMPK/mTOR pathway. The study found that electroacupuncture can activate autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway, reducing urine retention.

Study Duration

7 d

Participants

82 SPF grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Electroacupuncture can activate autophagy through AMPK/mTOR pathway, thereby reducing neurogenic urine retention caused by spinal cord injury.
2
Compared with the model group, the maximum bladder capacity, bladder compliance, p-mTOR protein expression in the bladder tissue of the electroacupuncture group were decreased, and the p-AMPK, LC3II, and Beclin1 protein expressions were increased
3
The bladder of the electroacupuncture group was smaller than that of the model group, and all levels were clearly visible with autophagy bodies

Research Summary

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in treating neurogenic urine retention, focusing on the AMPK/mTOR pathway and autophagy. The results showed that electroacupuncture could activate autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway, alleviating neurogenic urine retention caused by spinal cord injury in rats. The findings provide an experimental basis for clinical electroacupuncture treatment of urine retention, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

Electroacupuncture may be a viable treatment option for neurogenic urine retention, offering a less invasive alternative to conventional methods.

Mechanism Understanding

The study provides insights into the role of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and autophagy in the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture.

Further Research

Further investigations are needed to fully elucidate the relationship between autophagy and urine retention and to optimize electroacupuncture protocols.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The specific electroacupuncture parameters used may not be optimal for all patients.
3
The study focused on the AMPK/mTOR pathway, and other potential mechanisms may be involved.

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