Histological analysis of the effect of electroacupuncture on the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19654
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59040:Nutrition science and health science-related
• Research Institution: Tokoha University
• Principal Investigator: NAKAI Shingo 常葉大学, 健康プロデュース学部, 講師 (10825540)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: bone structure / hindlimb immobilization / electroacupuncture

Outline of Final Research Achievements

It is well known that cortical bone becomes brittle with decreasing load. However, in this experiment, electroacupuncture stimulation suppressed bone fragility. In particular, it was suppressed in the muscle attachment area, suggesting that muscle contraction by electroacupuncture stimulation had an effect. Resorption fossae and osteoclasts were observed on the bone surfaces of all groups, especially in the reduced-load group. This was suppressed in the electroacupuncture-stimulated group and resembled the normal structure. This indicates that electroacupuncture stimulation suppressed osteoclast activity.

Free Research Field

組織学、鍼灸学、柔道整復学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年では医業だけでなく医業類似行為に対しても科学的根拠が求められているが、鍼灸領域では症例報告がほとんどであり、エビデンスに乏しいのが現状である。鍼灸の効果を組織学的に示すことで、健康科学の発展に寄与することが期待される。