[Effects of heat-reinforcing acupuncture on Drp1/Mff pathway activity and mitochondrial quality in rabbits with cold-dampness rheumatoid arthritis].

Researchers in China studied how a special acupuncture technique might help rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly the type associated with cold and dampness in traditional Chinese medicine. They worked with 24 rabbits that had been given arthritis, dividing them into groups that received either heat-reinforcing acupuncture at the Zusanli point (ST36), a medication that blocks cellular damage, or no treatment. The acupuncture group received daily treatments for two weeks. The study found that heat-reinforcing acupuncture significantly reduced joint swelling, improved pain thresholds, and decreased inflammation in the knee joints. At the cellular level, the treatment appeared to protect the tiny energy-producing structures in cells called mitochondria. Specifically, acupuncture reduced harmful stress molecules and prevented excessive splitting of mitochondria, which can damage joint tissue. The improvements seen with acupuncture were similar to those achieved with the medication. The tissue in treated animals showed less inflammatory cell infiltration and healthier cellular structures compared to untreated animals. While this animal study cannot directly predict human outcomes, it provides biological evidence for how acupuncture might work to reduce arthritis symptoms, particularly for patients whose symptoms worsen with cold and damp conditions. If you're considering acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis, seek treatment from a licensed acupuncturist with experience in treating inflammatory joint conditions.

This controlled rabbit study (n=24) investigated heat-reinforcing acupuncture at ST36 for cold-dampness pattern rheumatoid arthritis. Following 14 daily treatments, the acupuncture group demonstrated significant improvements (P<0.01) compared to model controls: reduced arthritis scores, joint circumference, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) expression; increased mechanical pain thresholds and synovial ATP content. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses revealed decreased phosphorylated Drp1 s616/Drp1 ratios, reduced Mff protein expression, and diminished Drp1/Mff co-localization, indicating suppressed mitochondrial fission pathway activity. Electron microscopy confirmed improved mitochondrial ultrastructure with reduced cristae disruption and fragmentation. Histological examination showed decreased synovial cell proliferation and inflammatory infiltration. Treatment effects paralleled those of Mdivi-1, a mitochondrial division inhibitor. Results suggest heat-reinforcing acupuncture ameliorates RA symptoms through modulation of mitochondrial quality control via Drp1/Mff pathway inhibition, reducing oxidative stress and preserving cellular bioenergetics in synovial tissue.