Electroacupuncture Inhibits TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Alleviates Trauma in Frostbite

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to examine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on wound healing and thrombosis in frostbite mice (Mus musculus). Furthermore, it preliminarily examined the molecular mechanism of its action. Methods: The mice were divided into Sham group, Frostbite group and Frostbite+EA group randomly. Frostbite mice received EA treatment (1 mA of intensity and 2 Hz of frequency) for 30 min once daily for 21 days. At three weeks, frostbite wound area was calculated. Mice histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. The levels of thrombo-related factors, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-K-PGF1α) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels were analyzed using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-α) protein levels were determined using western blot. Results: Compared with frostbite rats, the average wound area of frostbite rats treated with EA was significantly reduced compared with frostbite rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mice skin tissue structure in frostbite+EA group was more complete and clearer, and showed higher levels of collagen than in frostbite group at three weeks after frostbite. In addition, NF-κB, IL-1β, TLR4, TNF-α protein levels in the skin tissue and the TXB2/6-K-PGF1α ratio in serum of frostbite rats significantly decreased after EA treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusions: EA can promote wound healing, inhibit thrombosis in frostbite mice, possibly via inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.