[Development of research on mechanisms of acupuncture intervention on ischemic stroke and its relationship with microglia]

Abstract

Microglia, the main phagocytic cells in the brain, play a key role in inflammatory response and neuroprotection in ischemic stroke, and are potential targets for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Multiple studies have confirmed that the effect of acupuncture on ischemic stroke is closely related to its effect in regulating the activities of microglia. In the present paper, we reviewed the role of microglia in ischemic stroke and the current research status of acupuncture intervention, and prospects the future research direction. Past researches showed that microglia have a bidirectional role in the pathological process of cerebral ischemia, that is, M1 microglia can secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, participate in the damage of the blood-brain barrier, and aggravate the damage of neurotoxicity, and M2 microglia can secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines, nerve growth factors, neurotrophic factors, improve neuroplasticity and promote vascular remodeling. Acupuncture can exert brain protective effects by regulating the activation and polarization direction of microglia, inhibiting inflammatory reactions, maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, promoting vascular remodeling, and promoting nerve regeneration. However, whether acupuncture intervention in different periods can affect the response of microglia and how it affects, and whether different acupuncture parameters have different effects on the regulation of microglia, it needs further research. In addition, more in-depth and multi-angle systematic studies on polarization of microglia, secretion factors, cell relationships, upstream and downstream regulatory factors and other aspects with microglia are definitely needed.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Ischemic stroke; Microglia; Review.