Journal of Pharmacopuncture (대한약침학회지)

KOREAN PHARMACOPUNCTURE INSTITUTE (대한약침학회)
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Effect of Combination Electroacupuncture and Tenuigenin on the Migration and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells following Ischemic Stroke

  • Jae Ho Lee (Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Byung Tae Choi (Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Hwa Kyoung Shin (Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
  • Received : 2023.10.13
  • Accepted : 2023.11.23
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

Objectives: Since stroke is a serious health issue, novel therapeutic strategies are required. In a mouse model of ischemic stroke, this study analyzed the potential of electroacupuncture (EA) and tenuigenin (TE) to improve the efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) transplantation. Methods: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with reperfusion was used to generate ischemic stroke. Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, MCAO-operated, MCAO-EA, MCAO-TE, or MCAO + EA + TE. Subsequently, hMSCs were transplanted into the ischemic region and EA, TE, or the combination was administered. Behavior assessments and immunohistochemistry were conducted to evaluate motor and cognitive recovery and hMSCs survival, migration, and differentiation. Results: The combined treatment of EA and TE exhibited enhanced hMSCs survival, migration and differentiation into neural cell lineages while suppressing astrocyte formation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased neurogenesis through hMSCs transplantation in the ischemic brain. Immediate behavioral improvements were not significantly different between groups, but there was a gradual recovery in motor and cognitive function over time. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of EA and TE co-treatment as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke, opening avenues for further research to optimize treatment protocols and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the NRF, funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (2015R1A2A2A03006712).

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