Effect of acupuncture on expression levels of NF-κB , IL-1 β , IL-6 , and TNF-α in rats with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion

Objective: To explore the treatment effects of acupuncture at Baihui point and Zusanli point on the levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin -1β (IL-1β), interleukin -6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rats with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Methods: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups. The model group (n=20) was selected for cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, another group of rats were selected for acupuncture treatment following cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (n=20), and the control group of rats were fed normally and did not undergo cerebral ischemia (n=20). Results: Expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB in the ischemia model group was increased compared to that in the control group. IL-1β expression was decreased in the acupuncture group compared with ischemia model group (P < 0.05). In the acupuncture group, IL-6 levels decreased, while in the model group IL-6 levels remained high (P < 0.05). TNF-α levels steadily increased in the acupuncture group, yet TNF-α maintained high expression in the model group (P < 0.05). NF-κB levels in the acupuncture group decreased gradually during treatment, while NF-kB sustained high expression levels without significant changes in the model group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Acupuncture at Baihui point and Zusanli point effectively reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors in rats with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion, and demonstrated repairing effects on damaged brain tissue.