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针刺调控DNA甲基化机制的研究进展

Research Progress in the Mechanisms of Acupuncture in Regulating DNA Methylation

  • 摘要: DNA甲基化是人类发现的第一个表观遗传修饰,其异常变化与疾病的发生发展密切相关。针刺作为中国传统医学的重要组成,已证实其治疗疾病具有显著的疗效,针刺机制是整体性、多靶点互相影响的复杂生理病理过程,但当前针刺机制研究多是单靶点,提示需从更上游的层面研究机制。本文对证明针刺直接或间接调控DNA甲基化的研究进行综述,并探讨其在疼痛、肥胖、抑郁以及阿尔茨海默病等疾病中的作用机制,以期为针灸治疗疾病的机制研究以及针灸学科的DNA甲基化研究提供一个新的视角。未来研究应聚焦针刺对特定基因DNA甲基化影响,量化不同穴位DNA甲基化变化,制定个体化针刺处方,深入研究经穴效应特异性,扩大至表观遗传学与基因组学结合,为针灸国际化和临床应用推广提供理论基础。

     

    Abstract: DNA methylation is the first epigenetic modification found in humans. Abnormal changes in DNA methylation are closely associated with the development and progression of diseases. Acupuncture, an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have significant therapeutic efficacy. The mechanisms underlying acupuncture are complex, involving physiological and pathological processes of integrated interactions across multiple targets. However, current research mostly focuses on a single target, highlighting the need for a more upstream approach to the investigation of the mechanisms. Herein, we reviewed studies on the direct or indirect regulation of DNA methylation via acupuncture. We also discussed its mechanisms of action in pain, obesity, depression, and Alzheimer disease, in order to provide a new perspective on the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture and the role of DNA methylation in the field of acupuncture research. Future research should concentrate on the effect of acupuncture on the DNA methylation of specific genes, the quantification of changes in DNA methylation at different acupoints, the development of individualized acupuncture prescriptions, further investigation of the specificity of the effects at different acupoint, and the expansion of the research to integrate epigenetics and genomics. This will provide a theoretical basis for the internationalization and the promotion of clinical application of acupuncture.

     

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