["Shugan Tiaoshen" acupuncture improves chronic inflammatory pain and depression comorbidity by inhibiting ferroptosis of hippocampal neurons].

Researchers investigated how a specific acupuncture protocol called "Shugan Tiaoshen" might help people suffering from both chronic inflammatory pain and depression—two conditions that frequently occur together. In this animal study, rats with both conditions received acupuncture at four specific points (Yintang, Baihui, Hegu, and Taichong) daily for 14 days, or were given the antidepressant medication paroxetine for comparison. The researchers measured pain responses, depression-like behaviors, and examined brain tissue changes in the hippocampus, an area important for mood regulation. The study found that acupuncture significantly reduced both pain sensitivity and depression-like behaviors compared to untreated rats. Importantly, acupuncture worked as well as medication. The researchers discovered that acupuncture appeared to work by protecting brain cells from a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, which involves iron accumulation and oxidative damage. Brain tissue analysis showed that acupuncture reduced iron deposits, improved the structure of cellular energy factories (mitochondria), decreased harmful oxidative substances, and increased protective antioxidants. The acupuncture treatment upregulated protective proteins while downregulating proteins associated with cell death. While this was an animal study and human research is needed, these findings suggest acupuncture may address both pain and mood symptoms simultaneously by protecting brain cells from oxidative damage and restoring healthy iron metabolism in the brain. If you're considering acupuncture for chronic pain with depression, consult with a licensed acupuncturist trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This study examined "Shugan Tiaoshen" acupuncture's effect on chronic inflammatory pain-depression comorbidity (CIPDC) through ferroptosis modulation in hippocampal neurons. Forty-eight male SD rats were randomized into control, model, electroacupuncture (EA), and medication (paroxetine) groups (n=12/group). The CIPDC model used complete Freund's adjuvant injection. EA was applied to GV24+, GV20, LI4, and LR3 for 30 minutes daily for 14 days (days 15-28 post-modeling). Results showed EA significantly improved pain thresholds (PWMT, PTWL) and depression-like behaviors (sucrose preference, open field activity, forced swim immobility) compared to model group (P<0.01). Hippocampal analysis revealed EA reduced Fe2+ and MDA levels while increasing GSH content (P<0.01). EA upregulated FTH1, FTL, SLC7A11, and GPX4 expression while downregulating ACSL4 and LOX (P<0.01, P<0.05). Histological examination confirmed reduced iron deposition, improved neuronal morphology, and restored mitochondrial structure. EA effects were comparable to paroxetine across all measures. Clinical significance: Acupuncture targeting liver-qi regulation may address pain-depression comorbidity by inhibiting ferroptosis through antioxidant activation and iron metabolism regulation.