Effect of Electroacupuncture on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in IBS-D Rats: Analysis Based on RNA-seq.

Researchers investigated how electroacupuncture (EA) might help people with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) by protecting the intestinal lining. IBS-D causes frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and damage to the gut barrier that normally keeps harmful substances out. Scientists used rats with IBS-D symptoms induced through stress and chemical irritation, then treated one group with electroacupuncture for two weeks while comparing them to untreated groups. The study used advanced genetic analysis (RNA sequencing) to understand what was happening at the molecular level. Results showed that electroacupuncture significantly changed the activity of hundreds of genes in the intestinal tissue. Specifically, EA treatment altered 855 messenger RNAs, 704 long non-coding RNAs, and 58 microRNAs—all molecules that control how cells function. The treatment appeared to work through several pathways, including reducing inflammation, regulating immune responses, and improving the gut's protective barrier. Microscopic examination confirmed that EA reduced damage to the intestinal lining and improved the structure of cells that line the colon. The research identified specific gene networks, including those involving miR-139-3p and miR-378b, that EA appears to regulate to restore normal gut barrier function. For patients with IBS-D, this study provides scientific evidence that electroacupuncture may help repair intestinal damage and reduce symptoms by influencing genetic mechanisms that control gut health. While this was an animal study, it suggests electroacupuncture could be a valuable complementary treatment for managing IBS-D symptoms. Patients interested in this therapy should seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist with experience in digestive disorders.

This RNA-sequencing study examined electroacupuncture's effects on intestinal barrier integrity in IBS-D rat models induced via neonatal maternal separation, acetic acid enema, and restraint stress. Following two weeks of EA treatment, RNA-seq identified 855 differentially expressed mRNAs (426 up-regulated, 429 down-regulated), 704 DE lncRNAs (342 up, 362 down), and 58 DE miRNAs (10 up, 48 down). Key ceRNA networks were constructed involving 7 lncRNAs-miR-139-3p-Bid and -miR-378b-Slc4a5 pathways. GO analysis revealed EA modulation of defense response, hormone regulation, and cytokine pathways, while KEGG analysis implicated antigen processing/presentation, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PPAR signaling, and glutathione metabolism. Histological assessment (HE staining, TEM) and biomarker analysis (ELISA, Western blot) confirmed restoration of colonic mucosal architecture and barrier function. RT-qPCR validation corroborated RNA-seq findings. Clinical relevance: EA demonstrates multi-pathway therapeutic mechanisms for IBS-D management through regulation of inflammatory, immune, and barrier-protective gene networks, supporting its integration in treatment protocols for intestinal hypersensitivity and barrier dysfunction.