Effect of acupuncture on expression levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, 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-kappa B (NF-kappa B), interleukin -1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin -6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) 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-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and NF-kappa B in the ischemia model group was increased compared to that in the control group. IL-1 beta 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-alpha levels steadily increased in the acupuncture group, yet TNF-alpha maintained high expression in the model group (P < 0.05). NF-kappa B levels in the acupuncture group decreased gradually during treatment, while NF-kappa B 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.