Effects of Electroacupuncture on Neural Function and Expression of Inflammation-Related Proteins NLRP3/Caspase-1 in Rats with Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Abstract Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui on rats in an ischemia-reperfusion injury model. Methods: Forty-eight SPF male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, EA group and inhibitor group, with 12 rats in each group, and the middle cerebral arteryOcclusion (MCAO) model was established using the wire embolization method, and the model was successfully replicated and treated by acupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui. The neurological function scores were evaluated by Zea Longa neurological deficit score on days 1, 7 and 14 after treatment, and the volume of cerebral infarction was measured by 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Detection of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and GSDMD gene expression by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR , Western blot detection of NLRP3, GSDMD, Caspase-1 and other protein expression levels in rat brain tissue , and microglia levels were observed by immunofluorescence staining; the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were detected by enzyme-linked adsorption assay. Results:Compared with the model group, the rats in the electroacupuncture group had significantly lower neurological deficit score (p < 0.05), significantly reduced brain infarct volume (p < 0.05), significantly reduced NLRP3 and GSDMD gene expression (p < 0.05), reduced NLRP3, GSDMD, Caspase-1 and other protein expression water, IL-1β, IL-18 inflammatory factor expression were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electroacupuncture can improve the symptoms of neurological injury in rats with ischemic stroke model, and may play a neuroprotective role by inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1 inflammatory pathway and reducing the expression of cell scorch-related proteins.