[Electroacupuncture of "Shenmen"(HT7) regulates the pyruvate-lactate metabolic axis to improve myocardial injury in acute myocardial ischemia rats].

Researchers investigated how electroacupuncture at the Shenmen (HT7) point helps repair heart damage after acute heart attacks in rats. The study explored a specific metabolic pathway involving pyruvate and lactate, two substances involved in energy production in heart cells. Scientists divided rats into five groups and created heart attack models by blocking coronary arteries. One group received electroacupuncture at bilateral HT7 points for 30 minutes daily over three days. Researchers measured heart function, tissue damage, and various biochemical markers related to energy metabolism. The results showed that electroacupuncture significantly improved heart function, reducing signs of heart damage and improving the heart's pumping ability (ejection fraction and fractional shortening). Rats receiving electroacupuncture had less scar tissue formation and better preservation of heart cell structures, particularly the mitochondria that produce cellular energy. The treatment worked by regulating two key proteins: it decreased MCT4, which exports lactate from cells, and increased MPC, which helps pyruvate enter mitochondria for energy production. This prevented harmful lactate buildup and improved the heart's ability to generate energy during recovery from heart attack. The findings suggest electroacupuncture may support heart recovery by optimizing cellular energy metabolism rather than just reducing symptoms. If you're considering acupuncture for cardiovascular conditions, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating heart-related conditions and work closely with your cardiologist.

This study examined electroacupuncture's mechanism in treating acute myocardial ischemia through pyruvate-lactate metabolic regulation. Researchers used 30 SD rats divided into five groups (n=6 each): sham, AMI model, EA, MCT4 inhibitor, and EA+MPC inhibitor groups. AMI was induced via left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Bilateral HT7 received EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) for 30 minutes daily for three days. Results demonstrated EA significantly improved ejection fraction and fractional shortening while reducing collagen deposition, serum BNP, lactate, and LDH levels (P<0.05). EA downregulated MCT4 protein expression, reducing lactate excretion and lactylation, while upregulating MPC to enhance mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed improved mitochondrial ultrastructure in EA-treated rats. When MPC inhibitors were administered alongside EA, therapeutic effects were reversed, confirming MPC's critical role. Correlation analysis showed MCT4 positively correlated with BNP and negatively with ejection fraction. Clinical implication: HT7 electroacupuncture modulates cardiac energy metabolism through the pyruvate-lactate axis, offering therapeutic potential for AMI management.