title: Acupuncture Alters Expression of Insulin Signaling Related Molecules and Improves Insulin Resistance in OLETF Rats.
abstract: To determine effect of acupuncture on insulin resistance in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and to evaluate expression of insulin signaling components. Rats were divided into three groups: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, OLETF rats, and acupuncture+OLETF rats. Acupuncture was subcutaneously applied to Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6); in contrast, acupuncture to Shenshu (BL23) was administered perpendicularly. For Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36), needles were connected to an electroacupuncture (EA) apparatus. Fasting blood glucose (FPG) was measured by glucose oxidase method. Plasma fasting insulin (FINS) and serum C peptide (C-P) were determined by ELISA. Protein and mRNA expressions of insulin signaling molecules were determined by Western blot and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. OLETF rats exhibit increased levels of FPG, FINS, C-P, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), which were effectively decreased by acupuncture treatment. mRNA expressions of several insulin signaling related molecules IRS1, IRS2, Akt2, aPKCζ, and GLUT4 were decreased in OLETF rats compared to SD controls. Expression of these molecules was restored back to normal levels upon acupuncture administration. PI3K-p85αwas increased in OLETF rats; this increase was also reversed by acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture improves insulin resistance in OLETF rats, possibly via regulating expression of key insulin signaling related molecules.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Xin-Yu
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6663-7619
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Liang
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5341-0631
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Jian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Neng-Gui
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8002-2204
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6335-6341
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yi