“Three Methods and Three Points” regulates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury

Neural Regeneration Research, 2016 · DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.197147 · Published: December 1, 2016

Alternative Medicine Neurology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of a traditional Chinese Tuina treatment, known as "Three Methods and Three Points," on rats with sciatic nerve injuries. The treatment involves specific massage techniques applied to certain acupuncture points, aiming to improve nerve regeneration and reduce pain. The research focuses on how this Tuina method affects the levels of certain proteins involved in inflammation and nerve function within the spinal cord.

Study Duration

20 days

Participants

64 male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Tuina treatment improved paw withdrawal latency, indicating reduced pain sensitivity in the treated rats.
2
The treatment increased the wet weight of the gastrocnemius muscle, suggesting a reduction in muscle atrophy associated with nerve injury.
3
Tuina promoted morphological recovery of sciatic nerve fibers, Schwann cells, and axons, indicating nerve regeneration.

Research Summary

This study examines the impact of "Three Methods and Three Points" tuina therapy on rats with sciatic nerve injuries, focusing on pain reduction, muscle recovery, and nerve regeneration. The findings suggest that tuina treatment can effectively improve sensory dysfunction and promote morphological recovery in rats with peripheral nerve injury. The study identifies a mechanism involving the regulation of p38MAPK expression and the subsequent inhibition of TNF-α and IL-1β expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

The findings provide a scientific basis for using tuina in treating peripheral nerve injuries in clinical settings.

Mechanism Understanding

The study enhances the understanding of how tuina therapy affects nerve regeneration and reduces inflammation at the molecular level.

Therapeutic Strategy

Inhibition of p38MAPK phosphorylation could be a potential therapeutic strategy for managing sensory dysfunction after peripheral nerve injury.

Study Limitations

1
The tuina treatment process could cause stress and panic in the rats, which could influence treatment efficacy.
2
Individual differences in size and sensitivity between animal subjects may affect the force and duration of each tuina manipulation.
3
Levels of p-p38MAPK, TNF-α and IL-1β at intermediary times were not measured, and it is therefore impossible to determine the intermediate rate of change.

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