Electroacupuncture alleviates sciatic nerve injury in sciatica rats by regulating BDNF and NGF levels, myelin sheath degradation, and autophagy

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of electroacupuncture in alleviating sciatic nerve injury. A rat model for sciatic nerve crush injury was established using clamping forceps, and then electroacupuncture at the "Zusanli" (ST36) and Huantiao" (GB30) acupoints was performed. The values of sciatic functional index (SFI), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were evaluated. The mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors in nerve tissues was examined by RT-qPCR analysis. Morphometric analyses of transverse sections at the sciatic nerve distal to injury were performed 8 weeks post-injury. Immunofluorescence staining of sciatic nerve and western blotting were performed to measure the expression of myelin protein zero (MPZ) and autophagy markers. The experimental results displayed that the motor and sensory functions of sciatic nerve crush injury rats were restricted by pressure application. Electroacupuncture ameliorated sciatic nerve injury by increasing SFI, PWT, and PWL values in model rats during the recovery period. Electroacupuncture upregulated the mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor), increased the diameter of fibers and axon, and increased the thickness of myelin sheath after electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture reduced MPZ and p62 expression while increasing LC3B and beclin-1 expression. In conclusion, electroacupuncture alleviates sciatic nerve injury by promoting nerve regeneration and autophagy.