Effect of electroacupuncture on lncRNAs and mRNAs profiles of ischemic brain injury in middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model.

Researchers investigated how electroacupuncture (acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation) affects brain tissue at the genetic level following stroke. Using rats with induced strokes, scientists compared brain tissue from untreated animals, those receiving electroacupuncture, and healthy controls. The study found that electroacupuncture significantly reduced brain damage and improved neurological function scores in stroke-affected rats. Through advanced genetic analysis, researchers discovered that electroacupuncture altered the activity of thousands of genes and long noncoding RNAs (molecules that help regulate gene function) in the injured brain tissue. Specifically, they identified 602 long noncoding RNAs and 180 genes that changed significantly after electroacupuncture treatment. The analysis revealed that electroacupuncture primarily worked by reducing inflammation in damaged brain tissue through several important cellular signaling pathways, including the p53, TNF, and MAPK pathways. The researchers traced one specific mechanism: a long noncoding RNA called NONRATT016536.2 interacts with a microRNA (miR-665) to control inflammatory responses by affecting a protein called FCRL2. This cascade of genetic interactions helps explain why electroacupuncture reduces stroke damage. While this animal research shows promising mechanisms for how electroacupuncture may protect the brain after stroke, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in stroke patients. The findings provide scientific support for electroacupuncture as a potential complementary therapy for stroke recovery. If considering acupuncture for stroke recovery, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in neurological conditions and coordinate care with your medical team.

This study employed RNA sequencing to examine electroacupuncture's molecular mechanisms in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. Researchers identified 2,198 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 3,919 mRNAs in MCAO versus sham controls. Following electroacupuncture treatment, 602 lncRNAs and 180 mRNAs showed significant differential expression compared to untreated MCAO rats. Electroacupuncture significantly reduced infarct volume and improved neurological deficit scores. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that inflammation-related pathways (p53, TNF, and MAPK signaling) were primary targets of electroacupuncture intervention. Mechanistic investigation using FISH, dual-luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blot demonstrated that lncRNA NONRATT016536.2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA, sponging miR-665 to regulate FCRL2 and modulate inflammatory responses. This study provides transcriptomic evidence supporting electroacupuncture's neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The findings suggest potential clinical applications for electroacupuncture in acute stroke management, though human trials are needed for clinical validation.