Neural regeneration research

Vagal nerve signals help acupuncture improve gut-brain communication by restoring protein balance and reducing inflammation

Updated

Abstract

Electroacupuncture significantly reduced ulcerative colitis severity and restored mucosal barriers.

  • A direct anatomical connection was confirmed between the distal colon and nodose ganglion sensory neurons.
  • Colonic inflammation led to significant changes in gene expression within the nodose ganglion.
  • Targeted removal of nodose ganglion vagal afferents eliminated the protective effects of electroacupuncture.
  • Colitis caused severe disruptions in proteasome function and altered communication between satellite glia/macrophages and neurons.
  • Electroacupuncture reversed the pathological changes by enhancing the expression of key proteasome-related genes and reducing neuroimmune sensitivity.

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