The effects of needling fenglong (ST40) and neiguan (PC6) on IL-17 of ApoE-gene-knockout mice's liver

Abstract

The aim of the present paper was to observe the effects of needling ST40 and PC6 on IL-17 of ApoE-/- mice with fatty liver. Forty male ApoE-/- mice were randomized into Needling-Acupoint Group, Simvastatin Intragastric Administration Group, Needling Nonacupoint Group, and Model Group. Each was fed with high fat diet for 8 weeks since 16 weeks of age; after 8 weeks of intervention, mice were sacrificed and tested for various examinations. Result showed that the body weight, TC, and serum IL-17 in Needling-Acupoint Group decreased. Compared with Model Group, the immunohistochemical expressions of IL-17 in liver tissue were significantly decreased among the other three groups. In conclusion, acupuncture was able to lower the expression of IL-17 level both in serum and liver tissue in ApoE -/- mice, which is helpful to reduce the inflammation and defers the progress from fatty liver to cirrhosis. © 2014 Fu Yun Lee et al.