Work

Tuina ameliorates sleep disturbances in PCPA-treated rats through Piezo1-mediated calcium signaling

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that severely impairs physical and mental health. Clinical research has shown that Tuina, a form of therapeutic massage, can improve sleep quality and restore normal sleep patterns, yet the underlying biological mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether Tuina improves sleep-related behaviors by modulating the Piezo1-calcium signaling pathway through mechanical stimulation of the nervous system. Materials and methods: A rat model of sleep disturbances was induced using PCPA. Rats received daily Tuina on the dorsal regions corresponding to the Governor Vessel and Bladder meridians. sleep-related behavioral parameters, cognitive function, hippocampal neurotransmitters, and expression of Piezo1 and downstream proteins (CaM, CaN) were assessed. The Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 was used to verify mechanistic involvement. Results: Tuina treatment significantly improved sleep-related behavioral parameters and cognitive performance in PCPA-treated rats. At the molecular level, PCPA-induced sleep disruption led to Piezo1 upregulation, intracellular calcium overload, and subsequent overactivation of the CaM/CaN signaling pathway. These alterations were accompanied by neurotransmitter imbalance and hippocampal neuronal damage. Tuina intervention effectively suppressed Piezo1 expression, normalized calcium homeostasis, and inhibited downstream CaM/CaN activation, thereby restoring neurotransmitter levels and preserving neuronal integrity. Critically, the therapeutic benefits of Tuina were largely reversed by co-administration of the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1, supporting the involvement of Piezo1-mediated calcium signaling in its mechanism of action. Conclusion: Tuina's therapeutic effect involves suppression of Piezo1-dependent calcium signaling, contributing to normalization of hippocampal function and neurotransmitter balance. This provides mechanistic evidence that Tuina's mechanical stimulation modulates sleep-related behavioral endpoints via central mechanosensitive ion channels.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1777810

Authors: Yaqi Ding, Yan Xuan, Tingting Liang, Mengjie Zheng, Jinying Gao

Institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Sleep and related disorders

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801