Acupuncture combined with moxibustion mitigates spinal cord injury‑induced motor dysfunction in mice by NLRP3‑IL‑18 signaling pathway inhibition

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-023-03902-6 · Published: June 2, 2023

Alternative Medicine Neurology Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to motor and neurosensory dysfunction. This study investigates whether acupuncture combined with moxibustion (AM) can alleviate motor impairment post-SCI and explores the potential mechanism. The study uses a SCI model in mice, applying AM treatment at specific acupoints for 30 minutes daily for 28 days. Motor function is assessed using the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan score. The findings suggest that AM treatment mitigates SCI-induced motor dysfunction in mice by inhibiting the NLRP3–IL18 signaling pathway in astrocytes.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

Male C57BL/6 mice and astrocytes-specific NLRP3 knockout mice weighing 25–28 g

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SCI exposure in mice resulted in motor dysfunction, decreased neuronal cells, activation of astrocytes and microglia, and increased expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18.
2
Astrocytes-specific NLRP3 knockout reversed these changes, indicating a neuroprotective effect.
3
AM treatment simulated the neuroprotective effects of astrocyte-specific NLRP3 knockout, while an NLRP3 activator partially reversed these effects.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of acupuncture combined with moxibustion (AM) to alleviate motor dysfunction post-spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. The research demonstrates that AM treatment mitigates SCI-induced motor dysfunction by inhibiting the NLRP3–IL18 signaling pathway in astrocytes. The findings suggest that AM therapy may offer a beneficial approach for SCI recovery, supporting its clinical application.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

AM treatment may benefit SCI recovery, providing evidence for its clinical use.

Mechanism Elucidation

The study identifies the NLRP3–IL18 signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for improving motor dysfunction post-SCI.

Clinical Application

The findings support the use of AM as an alternative treatment for managing motor dysfunction following SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study is conducted on mice, and the results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms of AM treatment require further investigation.
3
The long-term effects of AM treatment on SCI recovery were not assessed.

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