Nrf2 Activation Mediates Antiallodynic Effect of Electroacupuncture on a Rat Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I through Reducing Local Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8035109 · Published: February 14, 2022

Alternative Medicine Neurology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how electroacupuncture (EA) can help with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I (CRPS-I) in rats. CRPS-I is a condition that causes severe pain, and current treatments aren't always effective. The study found that in rats with CRPS-I, there was increased oxidative stress in the affected limbs, but not in the spinal cord or blood. Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. EA treatment reduced this local oxidative stress by activating a protein called Nrf2, which helps the body produce antioxidants. Blocking Nrf2 stopped EA from reducing pain, suggesting Nrf2 is key to EA's pain-relieving effects.

Study Duration

10 days

Participants

180 Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Level 1: Animal Study

Key Findings

1
Oxidative stress primarily occurs in local hindpaw tissues of CPIP rats and contributes to mechanical allodynia.
2
Electroacupuncture alleviates mechanical allodynia of CPIP rats through reducing local oxidative stress and inflammation in hindpaw tissues.
3
EA improved regional blood flow dysfunction in affected hindpaws of CPIP model rats.

Research Summary

The study aimed to explore the mechanisms through which EA ameliorates pain in a rat CRPS-I model, focusing on potential substances or biological processes affected during CRPS-I. The research identified local oxidative injury as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of the animal CRPS-I model. EA targets this local oxidative injury by enhancing the endogenous Nrf2-mediated antioxidative mechanism to relieve pain and inflammation. The findings suggest that EA can be an alternative option for CRPS-I management by alleviating local oxidative stress and promoting antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 upregulation.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

Local oxidative stress in the affected hindpaw tissues of CRPS-I model animals is identified as a key therapeutic target.

Electroacupuncture Mechanism

Electroacupuncture's (EA) effectiveness in relieving pain in CRPS-I model animals is linked to its ability to enhance the endogenous Nrf2-mediated antioxidative mechanism.

Clinical Application

EA shows promise as a potential alternative or complementary therapy for managing CRPS-I in clinical practice.

Study Limitations

1
The study is conducted on a rat model, and the results may not directly translate to human CRPS-I patients.
2
The specific mechanisms by which contralateral spinal glial cells and DRG are activated or affected during CPIP remain unknown.
3
Further research is needed to determine if EA could affect MIP mechanisms, both peripherally and centrally.

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