Frontiers in nutrition
Acupoint catgut embedding exerts node-dependent effects on leptin resistance-related signaling and the ghrelin-GOAT pathway in obese mice
By Yang Q, Yang H, Zhang J and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
Obesity is a major metabolic health problem with limited effective treatments. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) has shown therapeutic potential; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ACE on leptin resistance and the Ghrelin-GOAT pathway in obese mice.
Methods
Diet-induced obesity was established in C57BL/6 J mice. A total of 51 mice were included in the final analysis across six groups: normal control, obese model control, ST36 sham ACE, ST36 verum ACE, ST25 ACE, and ST25 + ST36 ACE. ACE was administered once weekly for 5 weeks. Body weight, Lee's index, and daily food intake were recorded. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin levels were measured to assess peripheral and central leptin availability. Hypothalamic SOCS3 and PTP1B protein expression and POMC/NPY mRNA levels were evaluated. Ghrelin-related indicators in gastric tissue and hypothalamus were also assessed.
