Study on the effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on the neurological function and spastic state of hemiplegic rats with intra cerebral hemorrhage based on the Nrf2/ROS pathway

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (XNKA) on the recovery of neurological function in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH), and antioxidant stress mechanism based on the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group(Sham), model group(Model), XNKA group and sham acupuncture group(Sham-Acup).The ICH model was established by the Rosenberg method, and the XNKA group were treated with "Renzhong, neiguan, and sanyinjiao" acupuncture after 24 h of modeling for 14 days.The neurological function was evaluated by the modified neurological deficit score(mNSS), modified ashworth scale(MAS) and motor evoked potential(MEP).HE and TUNEL staining were used to observe the pathology and apoptosis of brain tissue.The protein expressions of Keap1, Nrf2 and HO-1 were detected by Western blotting.The levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), malondialdehyde(MDA) and reactive oxygen species(ROS) were determined by the kit. Results: Compared with the Model group, the neurological function was significantly improved(P < 0.05), the spastic state was alleviated(P < 0.05), and the MEP latency was shortened in the XNKA group(P < 0.05).The pathological results showed that the neuronal injury and apoptosis in the XNKA group were reduced.At the same time, the Keap1 was down-regulated, the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was activated(P < 0.05), the activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased(P < 0.05), and the levels of MDA and ROS were decreased(P < 0.05). Conclusions: XNKA promotes the recovery of neurological function after ICH by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis.