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The efficacy and neural mechanism of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome.

Authors :
Yuanzhen Yang
Jiaqi Wang
Chaoyang Zhang
Yi Guo
Meidan Zhao
Man Zhang
Zhongzheng Li
Feifei Gao
Yu Luo
Yiru Wang
Junyi Cao
Mingfang Du
Yuzhe Wang
Xiaowei Lin
Zhifang Xu
Source :
Frontiers in Neuroscience; 2023, p1-17, 17p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex functional gastrointestinal disorder primarily characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Chronic abdominal pain caused by visceral Hypersensitivity (VH) is the main reason why patients with IBS seek medication. Significant research effort has been devoted to the efficacy of acupuncture as a non-drug alternative therapy for visceral-hyperalgesia-induced IBS. Herein, we examined the central and peripheral analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in IBS treatment. Acupuncture can improve inflammation and relieve pain by reducing 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-HT3A receptor expression and increasing 5-HT4 receptor expression in peripheral intestinal sensory endings. Moreover, acupuncture can also activate the transient receptor potential vanillin 1 channel, block the activity of intestinal glial cells, and reduce the secretion of local pain-related neurotransmitters, thereby weakening peripheral sensitization. Moreover, by inhibiting the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion channels in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and anterior cingulate cortex or releasing opioids, acupuncture can block excessive stimulation of abnormal pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. It can also stimulate glial cells (through the P2X7 and prokinetic protein pathways) to block VH pain perception and cognition. Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate the emotional components of IBS by targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related hormones and neurotransmitters via relevant brain nuclei, hence improving the IBS-induced VH response. These findings provide a scientific basis for acupuncture as an effective clinical adjuvant therapy for IBS pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16624548
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
172028961
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1251470