Tuina inhibits ferroptosis and inflammatory response in nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc degeneration rats.
Source: PubMed, NCBI / U.S. National Library of Medicine
BackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that affects the spine, particularly in the lumbar region and induces low back pain. Tuina therapy has been widely utilized to alleviate low back pain for a long time. However, the specific mechanism underlying this effect of Tuina therapy on IVDD remains unclear.MethodsThe rat IVDD model was established by puncturing caudal vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Safranin O staining were operated to assess histological changes. RT-qPCR and Western blot were carried out to measure mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Prussian Blue Staining and an iron assay kit were utilized to measure iron content in NP tissues.ResultsThe chaotic fibrous tissues, loss of NP tissues and cartilaginous components were observed in IVDD rats, and these pathological changes were alleviated by Tuina therapy. Besides, the mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6) were significantly upregulated in IVDD group compared to sham group, and Tuina therapy reduced the release of these inflammatory factors. Moreover, the increased content of iron ion in IVDD rats was also reduced by Tuina therapy. Furthermore, the upregulation of ACSL4 protein, the downregulation of GPX and FTH proteins in IVDD groups were reversed by Tuina therapy.ConclusionsTuina therapy prevented IVDD aggravation by suppressing inflammatory response and ferroptosis in rat mod
Abstract
BackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that affects the spine, particularly in the lumbar region and induces low back pain. Tuina therapy has been widely utilized to alleviate low back pain for a long time. However, the specific mechanism underlying this effect of Tuina therapy on IVDD remains unclear.MethodsThe rat IVDD model was established by puncturing caudal vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Safranin O staining were operated to assess histological changes. RT-qPCR and Western blot were carried out to measure mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Prussian Blue Staining and an iron assay kit were utilized to measure iron content in NP tissues.ResultsThe chaotic fibrous tissues, loss of NP tissues and cartilaginous components were observed in IVDD rats, and these pathological changes were alleviated by Tuina therapy. Besides, the mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6) were significantly upregulated in IVDD group compared to sham group, and Tuina therapy reduced the release of these inflammatory factors. Moreover, the increased content of iron ion in IVDD rats was also reduced by Tuina therapy. Furthermore, the upregulation of ACSL4 protein, the downregulation of GPX and FTH proteins in IVDD groups were reversed by Tuina therapy.ConclusionsTuina therapy prevented IVDD aggravation by suppressing inflammatory response and ferroptosis in rat model.