Electroacupuncture (EA) has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects, but recent research explores its influence on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). A 2017 study published in Stem Cells investigated how EA can mobilize MSCs into the bloodstream, contributing to tissue repair and pain relief.

Key Points:

• Electroacupuncture stimulates mesenchymal stem cell release into the bloodstream.

• Mesenchymal stem cells mobilized by electroacupuncture aid in tissue repair and anti-inflammatory processes.

• Electroacupuncture increases functional connectivity within the hypothalamus.

• MSCs sourced from adipose tissue show high proliferation and differentiation potential.

• EA's effects are consistent across multiple species, including humans and rodents.

What is Electroacupuncture?

Electroacupuncture combines traditional acupuncture with electrical stimulation, enhancing the therapeutic effects of acupoint activation. EA targets specific immune points to stimulate neural and vascular elements, facilitating systemic healing responses.

The Role of Frequency in Electroacupuncture

The frequency of electroacupuncture is a critical factor that influences its therapeutic outcomes. Different frequencies can activate different pathways and mechanisms within the body:

• Low Frequency (2-10 Hz): Typically associated with the release of endorphins and other neuropeptides, which can help in pain relief and reducing inflammation. Low-frequency EA is also effective in mobilizing stem cells and promoting tissue regeneration.

• High Frequency (50-100 Hz): Often used to induce the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help in conditions like anxiety, depression, and certain types of pain.

Mechanisms of Low-Frequency Electroacupuncture

The study highlighted several mechanisms by which low-frequency EA at 2 Hz can mobilize MSCs and promote healing:

• Hypothalamic Activation: Low-frequency EA stimulates the hypothalamus, which plays a central role in regulating various physiological processes, including the release of hormones and neuropeptides.

• Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: EA at 2 Hz activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), leading to the release of MSCs from adipose tissue into the bloodstream. This process enhances the availability of MSCs for tissue repair and regeneration.

• Endorphin Release: Low-frequency EA promotes the release of endorphins, which not only help in pain relief but also contribute to the overall healing process by reducing inflammation and promoting a sense of well-being.

Types of Stem Cells

Stem cells are unique cells with the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. They serve as a repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells. Stem cells are broadly categorized into three main types: embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)

Embryonic stem cells are derived from early-stage embryos. They are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into any cell type in the body. These cells are incredibly valuable for research and potential therapeutic applications due to their versatility. However, their use is often accompanied by ethical considerations.

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic or tissue-specific stem cells, are found in various tissues throughout the body. Unlike ESCs, they are multipotent, meaning they can develop into a limited range of cell types related to their tissue of origin. Examples include hematopoietic stem cells (which give rise to blood cells) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Induced pluripotent stem cells are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. This reprogramming gives iPSCs the ability to develop into any cell type, similar to ESCs. iPSCs are a powerful tool for research and potential therapeutic applications because they can be derived from a patient’s own cells, reducing the risk of immune rejection.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells are a type of adult stem cell found in various tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. MSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types, primarily related to the mesodermal lineage. These include:

• Osteocytes (bone cells)

• Chondrocytes (cartilage cells)

• Adipocytes (fat cells)

• Myocytes (muscle cells)

Characteristics of MSCs

• Self-Renewal: MSCs can proliferate and renew themselves for extended periods.

• Differentiation: They can differentiate into multiple cell types, primarily of the mesodermal lineage.

• Immunomodulation: MSCs have the ability to modulate the immune response, making them useful in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Therapeutic Applications

MSCs are widely researched for their potential in regenerative medicine due to their ability to differentiate and their immunomodulatory properties. They are being studied for various applications, including:

• Tissue Repair: Enhancing the repair of damaged tissues such as cartilage, bone, and muscle.

• Inflammation Control: Reducing inflammation in conditions like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Immune Regulation: Modulating the immune response to improve outcomes in transplantations and autoimmune diseases.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Electroacupuncture

The study highlighted in this blog post demonstrates that electroacupuncture (EA) can mobilize MSCs into the bloodstream, enhancing their availability for tissue repair and regeneration. EA activates the hypothalamus and sympathetic nervous system (SNS), leading to the release of MSCs from adipose tissue into the peripheral blood. This mechanism underscores the potential of EA in regenerative therapies, leveraging the unique properties of MSCs to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Understanding the different types of stem cells and their specific roles in the body allows researchers and clinicians to develop targeted therapies for a wide range of conditions. Mesenchymal stem cells, in particular, hold significant promise due to their versatility and ability to modulate the immune system, making them a focal point in the evolving field of regenerative medicine.

Study Overview

This study involved both human and rodent subjects, aiming to understand how EA at specific points affects MSC mobilization and hypothalamic connectivity. Functional MRI (fMRI) and arterial spin labeling fMRI were used to monitor brain activity during EA, while blood samples were analyzed to track MSC levels.

Electroacupuncture (EA) was applied using a specific frequency to mobilize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) effectively. The frequency of EA plays a crucial role in determining its effectiveness in various therapeutic applications.

Frequency of Electroacupuncture Used in the Study

In the study, electroacupuncture was applied at a frequency of 2 Hz. This low-frequency stimulation was chosen based on previous research indicating its effectiveness in mobilizing MSCs and influencing the nervous system to promote healing and regeneration.

Mechanisms of Acupuncture and Stem Cell Mobilization

Central Nervous System Activation

EA at specific acupoints, such as LI-4, LI-11, Du-14, and Du-20, increases functional connectivity between the hypothalamus and the amygdala. This activation is crucial for MSC release, as it triggers the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream.

Hypothalamic-SNS Axis

Pharmacological disinhibition of the hypothalamus mimicked the effects of EA, confirming the CNS's role in MSC mobilization. SNS activation was further supported by the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) in rats, indicating enhanced metabolic activity.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

EA treatment in rodents showed reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and increased serum IL-10 levels, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. These effects were blocked by propranolol, suggesting that EA's benefits are mediated through SNS activation.

Results Discussion

The study found that EA at 2hz significantly increased MSC levels in the bloodstream in both humans and rodents. MSCs mobilized by EA demonstrated high proliferative capacity and the ability to differentiate into various cell types, such as adipocytes and osteocytes. These cells also enhanced vasculogenesis when co-cultured with human endothelial cells. This increase in MSCs was associated with enhanced tissue repair and regeneration in various models of injury and disease. The findings suggest that low-frequency EA can be a powerful tool in regenerative medicine, leveraging the body's natural healing mechanisms to promote recovery and reduce inflammation.

The type of reparative cells released depends on the specific immune points targeted. When electroacupuncture (EA) is applied at GV-14 and GV-20 along with forelimb points (LI-4, LI-11), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are released into the bloodstream. In contrast, when EA is performed at GV-14 and GV-20 with hind limb points (ST-36 and Liv-3), macrophage-like cells are released instead.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• The study provides a novel insight into how electroacupuncture can mobilize MSCs, offering a potential non-invasive therapy for regenerative medicine.

• The study used multiple species, ensuring broader applicability.

• It employed advanced imaging techniques to track brain activity.

• The findings were consistent across different acupoints and stimulation methods.

• The study elucidates the mechanisms by which low-frequency EA activates the hypothalamus and SNS to mobilize MSCs, providing a clear understanding of its therapeutic effects.

Weaknesses

• The sample size for human subjects was relatively small.

• The study primarily focused on short-term effects of EA.

• Long-term implications and clinical applications require further research.

• The study focused on a specific frequency (2 Hz), and further research is needed to determine the optimal frequencies for different conditions and patient populations.

Conclusion and Future Research

The study demonstrates that low-frequency electroacupuncture at 2 Hz is effective in mobilizing mesenchymal stem cells and promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This finding opens new avenues for non-invasive therapies in regenerative medicine. Future research should focus on conducting extensive human trials to validate these findings and explore the optimal frequencies and protocols for different therapeutic applications.

By understanding the mechanisms behind EA and MSC mobilization, healthcare practitioners can better harness these therapies for regenerative medicine and pain management. Further studies will pave the way for integrating EA into mainstream medical practices, offering patients a non-invasive, effective treatment option.

Over to you

If you liked this article, please share with friends and family who may want to learn more about electroacupuncture and stem cells.

Sources:

• Salazar, T. E., et al. (2017). Electroacupuncture promotes CNS-dependent release of mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells, 35(5), 1303–1315. doi:10.1002/stem.2613

Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.

Read more from our blog