Anti-glioma effect of paclitaxel mediated by specific mode electroacupuncture stimulation and the related role of the Hedgehog pathway

Congcong Ma; Qinyu Ye; Kecheng Qian; Mengyuan Dai; Lin Gan; Jinding Yang; Zhaoxing Jia; Zixin Pan; Qian Cai; Tianxiang Jiang; Xianming Lin

Brain Research Bulletin (Jul 2024)

Anti-glioma effect of paclitaxel mediated by specific mode electroacupuncture stimulation and the related role of the Hedgehog pathway

Congcong Ma,
Qinyu Ye,
Kecheng Qian,
Mengyuan Dai,
Lin Gan,
Jinding Yang,
Zhaoxing Jia,
Zixin Pan,
Qian Cai,
Tianxiang Jiang,
Xianming Lin

Affiliations

Congcong Ma: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Third Hospital, China; The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
Qinyu Ye: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Kecheng Qian: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Mengyuan Dai: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Lin Gan: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Jinding Yang: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Zhaoxing Jia: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Zixin Pan: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Qian Cai: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Tianxiang Jiang: The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
Xianming Lin: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Third Hospital, China; The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China; Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Correspondence to: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Third Hospital, No. 548 Binwen Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province 310005, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 213
p. 110985

Abstract

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Introduction: Paclitaxel (PTX) cannot effectively treat glioma because it cannot cross the bloodbrain barrier (BBB). A specific mode electroacupuncture stimulation (SMES) can temporarily open the BBB, thereby improving drug delivery to the brain. This study aimed to observe SMES-mediated accumulation of PTX in the brain and its anti-glioma effect and explore the role of the Hedgehog pathway. Methods: The acupoint selectivity of SMES in opening the BBB was examined in normal rats. The penetration and anti-glioma activity were determined in a C6-Luc glioma rat model. SMES was performed using 2/100 Hz, 3 mA, 6–6 s, and 40 min The survival curve was analysed by the KaplanMeier method, brain tumour pathology and size was observed by HE staining, and in vivo imaging system respectively. Results: SMES-induced BBB opening had acupoint selectivity. SMES could improve PTX accumulation in brain and SMES-mediated PTX delivery showed enhanced anti-glioma activity due to better brain penetration. Hedgehog pathway was involved in SMES-mediated PTX delivery by regulating Occludin expression. Conclusion: SMES at the head acupoints to deliver PTX is a feasible and effective method for treating glioma. The Hedgehog pathway may play a key role in SMES-mediated PTX delivery across the BBB.

Published in Brain Research Bulletin

ISSN: 1873-2747 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/brain-research-bulletin

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