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Review
. 2024 May 10:17:1693-1707.
doi: 10.2147/JPR.S449499. eCollection 2024.

Understanding the Relationship Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Jiang-Peng Cao  1   2   3 , Yuan-Hao Du  1   2   4 , Lan-Yu Jia  5 , Xiu-Mei Yin  1   2   3 , Li-Hong Yang  1   2 , Lin-Ling Chen  6 , Tao Jiang  1   2 , Man Zhang  4 , Tian Qiu  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Understanding the Relationship Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Jiang-Peng Cao et al. J Pain Res. .

Abstract

Background: Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary medical approach, has demonstrated efficacy in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impact of acupuncture on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function remain uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the alterations in VSMC function following acupuncture stimulation in CIS models.

Methods: The databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were queried until November 2022 using a predetermined search strategy. The FORMAT BY SYRCLE guidelines were adhered to, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The random-effects model was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results: Eighteen articles are included in this review. Acupuncture showed significant positive effects on the region cerebral blood flow (SMD=8.15 [95% CI, 4.52 to 11.78]) and neurological deficiency (SMD=-3.75 [95% CI, -5.54 to -1.97]). Descriptive analysis showed a probable mechanism of acupuncture stimulation in CIS rats related to VSMC function. Limitations and publication bias were presented in the studies.

Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our findings indicate that acupuncture stimulation has the potential to improve regional cerebral blood flow and alleviate neurological deficits, possibly by regulating VSMC function. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting these results due to the limitations of animal experimental design and methodological quality.

Keywords: acupuncture therapy; cerebral ischemic stroke; systematic review; vascular smooth muscle cell; vasomotor.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow-chart illustrating the literature search strategy and the different phases of study eligibility assessment.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Study characteristic. (A) The average weight of rats, (B) Model assessment, (C) Model reference, (D) Frequency of acupoint use, (E) The frequency of electroacupuncture, (F) Course of treatment.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The mechanism of vascular smooth muscle cell contraction.
None
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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