Acupuncture Alleviates Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling

Objective Cerebral ischemic stroke (IS) is a neurological disorder worldwide. The purpose of our study is to explore the effects of acupuncture (Acu) on cerebral IS injury. Methods Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery was used to establish a cerebral IS injury rat model. mRNA levels were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was determined by Western blot. Cytokine release was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neuron apoptosis was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining. Mitochondrial functions were analyzed by transmission electron microscope, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and oxygen consumption rate assays. Results The results showed that Acu treatment alleviated neurologic deficits after ischemic injury. Acu treatment inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Acu treatment alleviated MCAO-induced accumulation of mitochondrial ROS and oxidized-mtDNA, inhibiting the release of interleukin 6 and the activation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome. Mechanistically, Acu treatment activated the AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha 1 (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferative activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) signaling, inhibiting inflammatory response and improving mitochondrial functions. Furthermore, Acu treatment inhibited the death of neurons. Conclusion In summary, Acu alleviates cerebral IS injury-induced neurodegeneration via activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling.