Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, And Electrostimulation Treatments On Atrophied Gastrocnemius By Casting Model

Abstract

Muscle atrophy is accompanied by muscle dysfunction that affects the quality of the life. Acupuncture and electrostimulation have been used as a clinical intervention that controls pain and improves muscle function under pathological conditions. However, little is known about the effects of acupuncture and/or electrostimulation on skeletal muscle mass and function. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of acupuncture (AC), electroacupuncture (EA), and electrostimulation (ES) on muscle mass, contractile force, and its possible underlying mechanisms on casting-induced muscle atrophy in gastrocnemius. METHODS: Forty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Control (CON), Cast (CT), AC, EA, and ES (n = 8 each). The plaster casting material was wrapped from the trunk to the middle of one hind paw. AC and EA treatment (2-15 Hz, 2-4 Voltage) were applied by needling ST36 and GB34 (acupoints). ES (2-15 Hz, 2-4 Voltage) was conducted by needling in the lateral and medial Gastrocnemius. All treatments were given to the casted rats for 15 minutes, 3 times/wk for 14 days. The protein levels of two major atrophy markers, MAFbx/atrogin1 and muscle ring finger -1 (MuRF1) were measured. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVAs with Least Significant Difference post hoc test. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of casting, CT induced muscle atrophy in the gastrocnemius compared to the CON (666.6 ± 60.2 vs. 1,149.6 ± 121.0 mg; p < 0.05), while AC, but not EA and ES attenuated casting-induced muscle atrophy. Although ES did not alter muscle mass, ES significantly increased the peak twitch tension compared to the CT. MAFbx/atrogin1 and MuRF1 were significantly increased by the CT, but attenuated by treatments (AC, EA, and ES). CONCLUSIONS: The AC and ES could be used to treat muscle atrophy and decreased muscle strength. Keywords: Muscle atrophy, cast, acupuncture, electrostimulation, gastrocnemius Supported by Texas A&M University-San Antonio Research Council Grant (20037)