Work

The Neuroprotective Role of Acupuncture and Activation of the BDNF Signaling Pathway

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: Recent studies have been conducted to examine the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture in many neurological disorders. Although the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture has been linked to changes in signaling pathways, accumulating evidence suggest the participation of endogenous biological mediators, such as the neurotrophin (NT) family of proteins, specifically, the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Accordingly, acupuncture can inhibit neurodegeneration via expression and activation of BDNF. Moreover, recent studies have reported that acupuncture can increase ATP levels at local stimulated points. We have also demonstrated that acupuncture could activate monocytes and increase the expression of BDNF via the stimulation of ATP. The purpose of this article is to review the recent findings and ongoing studies on the neuroprotective roles of acupuncture and therapeutic implications of acupuncture-induced activation of BDNF and its signaling pathway.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms15023234

Authors: Dong Lin, Ike De La Pena, Lili Lin, Shu-Feng Zhou, Cesar Borlongan, Chuanhai Cao

Institutions: Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, University of South Florida

Language: English

Topic: Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499