[Acupoint Catgut Embedding Improves Gastric Mucosal Injury by Down-Regulating Expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats]

Objective: To observe the effect of acupoint catgut embedding on histopathological changes of gastric mucosa and expression of mucosal hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CAG.

Methods: Male SD rats were divided into blank group (n=10) and model group (n=9) and catgut embedment group (n=10). The CAG model was established by free drinking of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine solution (100 μg/mL) and irregular diet. Catgut embedment was applied to "Zhongwan" (CV12) and bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Pishu" (BL20), once every 10 days, 6 times in total. Histopathological changes of gastric mucosal tissue were observed under microscope after H.E. staining. The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins in the antrum of stomach was detected by Western blot.

Results: H.E. staining showed that compared with the blank group, the number of rats with glandular necrosis, atrophy and mucosal stasis in the model group were increased significantly (P<0.001, P<0.05).Compared with the model group, the number of rats with gland necrosis, atrophy and mucosal stasis in the catgut embedment group were significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). Western blot displayed that the expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins were significantly higher in rats with blood stasis and model group than in those without blood stasis and the blank group (P<0.01), and were considerably down-regulated in the catgut embedment group than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01).

Conclusion: Acupoint catgut embedment can improve the injury of gastric mucosa in CAG rats, which may be associated with its function in down-regulating the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins in the gastric mucosa.

Keywords: Acupoint catgut embedding; Chronic atrophic gastritis; Gastro-mucosal blood stasis; Hypoxia inducible factor-1α; Vascular endothelial growth factor.