Influence and mechanism of point-pressing on Zusanli acupoint on the digestive function of rats with spleen deficiency diarrhea based on the Nrf2 pathway
ZHANG Qi,MA Xin-long,ZHAO Na
Abstract:
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of acupoint pressing at Zusanli (ST36) on digestive function, duodenal tissue and EGCs injury repair in rats with spleen deficiency diarrhea based on the Nrf2 pathway. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups.:the blank group, the model group, the acupoint group, and the inhibitor group. The blank group was allowed free access to food and water daily, while the other three groups were used to establish a spleen deficiency diarrhea model. After successful modeling, the acupoint group and the inhibitor group received acupoint intervention for 2 weeks. The inhibitor group was intraperitoneally injected with Nrf2 pathway inhibitor Bruceine D at a dose of 2 mg/kg one day before the first acupoint intervention. Their weight, diarrhea index and toe grip strength was measured. Histological analysis was performed using HE staining and immunofluorescence staining. The serum CCK level, EGCs ultrastructure, and expression levels of MGF, Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, S100β protein and mRNA were also measured. Results Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the model group showed severe damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, weight and muscle strength loss, increased diarrhea index (P <0.01), reduced serum CCK (P <0.01). EGCs exhibit cellular morphology disruption. Expressions of Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1 protein and mRNA were all reduced (P <0.01), S100β protein and mRNA were upregulated (P <0.01). MGF protein and mRNA showed no significant change (P >0.05). Compared with rats in model group, The acupuncture group rats gastrointestinal mucosal and EGCs damage were less severe. The rats showed weight and muscle strength gain and reduced diarrhea index (P <0.01). Serum CCK was increased (P <0.01). The expression of MGF, Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1 protein and mRNA were upregulated, S100β protein and mRNA were reduced (P <0.01).Compared with rats in the acupuncture group，The inhibitor group showed severe gastrointestinal mucosal and EGCs damage, weight and muscle strength loss, and increased diarrhea index (P <0.01). Serum CCK levels were lower(P <0.01). The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1 protein and mRNA was reduced, S100β protein and mRNA were upregulated (P <0.01).Compared with rats in model group, the expression of MGF protein and mRNA were upregulated (P <0.01).
