Electroacupuncture Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Modulating the Esr1/TAK1-JNK/p38 Signaling Pathway in Rats.

Abstract

Electroacupuncture (EA) has demonstrated protective effects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) in rat models. This study aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms by which EA exerts its protective effects against HIRI. Gene expression microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to identify genes associated with HIRI, followed by differential expression analysis. Our results revealed that EA treatment significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in liver tissues. Histological analysis indicated decreased necrotic areas and apoptosis in EA-treated liver tissues. Molecular assessments demonstrated that EA downregulated Esr1 expression and inhibited the activation of the TAK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway, thereby reducing hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that EA serves as a potent therapeutic approach to alleviate HIRI by targeting the Esr1/TAK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway.