Objective Studies have shown that electroacupuncture(EA)can alleviate cognitive impairments from Alzheimer’s disease(AD)by regulating the expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),but the s...Objective Studies have shown that electroacupuncture(EA)can alleviate cognitive impairments from Alzheimer’s disease(AD)by regulating the expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),but the specific mechanism involved remains to be elucidated.Therefore,this study explores the potential mechanism by which EA improves cognitive function from the perspective of mitochondrial dynamics.Methods The four-month-old transgenic mice with amyloid precursor protein(APP)/presenilin 1(PS1)and AMPKα1-subunit conditional knockout(AMPKα1-cKO)were used for experiments.To evaluate the effects of EA treatment on cognitive function,the T-maze and Morris water maze were used.In addition,chemical exchange saturation transfer,thioflavin staining,transmission electron microscopy,mitochondrial membrane potential,and Western blotting were used to examine the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of EA on APP/PS1 mice.Results Both APP/PS1 mice and AMPKα1-cKO mice exhibited dysfunction in mitochondrial dynamics accompanied by learning and memory impairment.Inactivation of the AMPK/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γcoactivator-1α(PGC-1α)pathway increased pathological amyloid-β(Aβ)deposition and aggravated the dysfunction in mitochondrial dynamics.In addition,EA rescued learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice by activating the AMPK/PGC-1αpathway,specifically by reducing pathological Aβdeposition,normalizing energy metabolism,protecting the structure and function of mitochondria,increasing the levels of mitochondrial fusion proteins,and downregulating the expression of fission proteins.However,the therapeutic effect of EA on cognition in APP/PS1 mice was hindered by AMPKα1 knockout.Conclusion The regulation of hippocampal mitochondrial dynamics and reduction in Aβdeposition via the AMPK/PGC-1αpathway are critical for the ability of EA to ameliorate cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice.展开更多
基金supported by the Fujian Provincial Outstanding Natural Science Foundation(No.2021J06028)the key project at the central government level:the ability establishment of sustainable use for valuable Chinese Medicine Resources(No.2060302).
文摘Objective Studies have shown that electroacupuncture(EA)can alleviate cognitive impairments from Alzheimer’s disease(AD)by regulating the expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK),but the specific mechanism involved remains to be elucidated.Therefore,this study explores the potential mechanism by which EA improves cognitive function from the perspective of mitochondrial dynamics.Methods The four-month-old transgenic mice with amyloid precursor protein(APP)/presenilin 1(PS1)and AMPKα1-subunit conditional knockout(AMPKα1-cKO)were used for experiments.To evaluate the effects of EA treatment on cognitive function,the T-maze and Morris water maze were used.In addition,chemical exchange saturation transfer,thioflavin staining,transmission electron microscopy,mitochondrial membrane potential,and Western blotting were used to examine the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of EA on APP/PS1 mice.Results Both APP/PS1 mice and AMPKα1-cKO mice exhibited dysfunction in mitochondrial dynamics accompanied by learning and memory impairment.Inactivation of the AMPK/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γcoactivator-1α(PGC-1α)pathway increased pathological amyloid-β(Aβ)deposition and aggravated the dysfunction in mitochondrial dynamics.In addition,EA rescued learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice by activating the AMPK/PGC-1αpathway,specifically by reducing pathological Aβdeposition,normalizing energy metabolism,protecting the structure and function of mitochondria,increasing the levels of mitochondrial fusion proteins,and downregulating the expression of fission proteins.However,the therapeutic effect of EA on cognition in APP/PS1 mice was hindered by AMPKα1 knockout.Conclusion The regulation of hippocampal mitochondrial dynamics and reduction in Aβdeposition via the AMPK/PGC-1αpathway are critical for the ability of EA to ameliorate cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice.
