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Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are an ideal source for the treatment of many hematological diseases and malignancies, as well as diseases of other systems, because of their two important features, self-renewal and multipotential differentiation, which have the ability to rebuild the blood system and immune system of the body. However, so far, the insufficient number of available HSCs, whether from bone marrow (BM), mobilized peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood, is still the main restricting factor for the clinical application. Therefore, strategies to expand HSCs numbers and maintain HSCs functions through ex vivo culture are urgently required. In this review, we outline the basic biology characteristics of HSCs, and focus on the regulatory factors in BM niche affecting the functions of HSCs. Then, we introduce several representative strategies used for HSCs from these three sources ex vivo expansion associated with BM niche. These findings have deepened our understanding of the mechanisms by which HSCs balance self-renewal and differentiation and provided a theoretical basis for the efficient clinical HSCs expansion.
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Platelet-derived growth factor receptor ß (PDGFRß) plays a crucial role in murine haematopoiesis. Baicalein (BAI), a naturally occurring flavonoid, can alleviate disease damage through anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, whether BAI attenuates oxidative damage in murine haematopoietic cells by PDGFRß remains unexplored. In this study, we utilized a tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP)-induced BaF3 cell injury model and an ionising radiation (IR)-induced mice injury model to investigate the impact of the presence or absence of PDGFRß on the pharmacological effects of BAI. In addition, the BAI-PDGFRß interaction was characterized by molecular docking and dynamics simulations. The results show that a specific concentration of BAI led to increased cell viability, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression, and its downstream target genes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and activated protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in cells expressing PDGFRß plasmid and experiencing damage. Similarly, BAI elevated lineage-Sca1+cKIT+ (LSK) cell proportion, promoted haematopoietic restoration, enhanced NRF2-mediated antioxidant response in PDGFRß+/+ mice. However, despite BAI usage, PDGFRß knockout mice (PDGFRß-/-) showed lower LSK proportion and less antioxidant capacity than the total body irradiation (TBI) group. Furthermore, we demonstrated an interaction between BAI and PDGFRß at the molecular level. Collectively, our results indicate that BAI attenuates oxidative stress injury and helps promote haematopoietic cell recovery through regulation of PDGFRß.
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Flavanonas , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2 , Estresse Oxidativo , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio , Receptor beta de Fator de Crescimento Derivado de Plaquetas , Animais , Receptor beta de Fator de Crescimento Derivado de Plaquetas/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Flavanonas/farmacologia , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/metabolismo , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/genética , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/efeitos dos fármacos , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular , Masculino , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-akt/metabolismo , terc-Butil Hidroperóxido/farmacologia , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Heme Oxigenase-1/metabolismo , Heme Oxigenase-1/genética , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BLRESUMO
Understanding strongly correlated quantum materials, such as high-T_{c} superconductors, iron-based superconductors, and twisted bilayer graphene systems, remains as one of the outstanding challenges in condensed matter physics. Quantum simulation with ultracold atoms in particular optical lattices, which provide orbital degrees of freedom, is a powerful tool to contribute new insights to this endeavor. Here, we report the experimental realization of an unconventional Bose-Einstein condensate of ^{87}Rb atoms populating degenerate p orbitals in a triangular optical lattice, exhibiting remarkably long coherence times. Using time-of-flight spectroscopy, we observe that this state spontaneously breaks the rotational symmetry and its momentum spectrum agrees with the theoretically predicted coexistence of exotic stripe and loop-current orders. Like certain strongly correlated electronic systems with intertwined orders, such as high-T_{c} cuprate superconductors, twisted bilayer graphene, and the recently discovered chiral density-wave state in kagome superconductors AV_{3}Sb_{5} (A=K, Rb, Cs), the newly demonstrated quantum state, in spite of its markedly different energy scale and the bosonic quantum statistics, exhibits multiple symmetry breakings at ultralow temperatures. These findings hold the potential to enhance our comprehension of the fundamental physics governing these intricate quantum materials.
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Background: Soil organic nitrogen (SON) levels can respond effectively to crop metabolism and are directly related to soil productivity. However, simultaneous comparisons of SON dynamics using isotopic tracing in diverse agroecosystems are lacking, especially in karst areas with fragile ecology. Methods: To better understand the response of SON dynamics to environmental changes under the coupling of natural and anthropogenic disturbances, SON contents and their stable N isotope (δ15NSON) compositions were determined in abandoned cropland (AC, n = 16), grazing shrubland (GS, n = 11), and secondary forest land (SF, n = 20) from a typical karst area in southwest China. Results: The SON contents in the SF (mean: 0.09%) and AC (mean: 0.10%) profiles were obviously lower than those in the GS profile (mean: 0.31%). The δ15NSON values ranged from 4.35-7.59, 3.79-7.23, and 1.87-7.08 for the SF, AC, and GS profiles, respectively. Decomposition of organic matter controlled the SON variations in the secondary forest land by the covered vegetation, and that in the grazing shrubland by goat excreta. δ15NSON ranges were controlled by the covered vegetation, and the δ15NSON fractionations during SON transformation were influenced by microorganisms in all surface soil. Conclusions: The excreta of goats that contained 15N-enriched SON induced a heavier δ15NSON composition in the grazed shrubland. Long-term cultivation consumes SON, whereas moderate grazing increases SON content to reduce the risk of soil degradation. This study suggests that optimized crop-livestock production may benefit the sustainable development of agroecosystems in karst regions.
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Nitrogênio , Solo , Nitrogênio/análise , Solo/química , Florestas , Ecologia , ChinaRESUMO
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with insidious onset and progressive development. It is clinically characterized by cognitive impairment, memory impairment and behavioral change. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are important components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and are commonly used in clinical treatment of AD. This paper systematically summarizes the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine natural products and acupuncture treatment of AD, which combined with existing clinical and preclinical evidence, based on a comprehensive review of neuroinflammation, and discusses the efficacy and potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine natural products and acupuncture treatment of AD. Resveratrol, curcumin, kaempferol and other Chinese herbal medicine components can significantly inhibit the neuroinflammation of AD in vivo and in vitro, and are candidates for the treatment of AD. Acupuncture can alleviate the memory and cognitive impairment of AD by improving neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, nerve cell apoptosis and reducing the production and aggregation of amyloid ß protein (Aß) in the brain. It has the characteristics of early, safe, effective and benign bidirectional adjustment. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basis for improving the clinical strategies of TCM for the treatment of AD.
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Bioassay-guided purification of the xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory extract of the roots of Ampelopsis japonica resulted in the isolation of two new triterpenoids (1-2), designated Ampejaponoside A and B, along with sixteen known compounds (3-18). The structures of Ampejaposide A and B were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data with the structures of the known compounds 3-18 confirmed by comparison the spectral data with corresponding values reported in literatures. All the isolates were evaluated for their XOD inhibitory activity in vitro. As a result, compounds 2, 8, and 14-16 displayed significant XOD inhibitory effect, particularly 16 being the most potent with an IC50 value of 0.21 µM, superior to positive substance allopurinol (IC50 1.95 µM). Molecular docking uncovered a unique interaction mode of 16 with the active site of XOD. The current study showed that the triterpenoids and polyphenols from A. japonica could serve as new lead compounds with the potential to speed up the development of novel XOD inhibitors with clinical potential to treat hyperuricaemia and gout.
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Acupuncture has a positive effect in the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). A number of studies have confirmed that the role of acupuncture in the treatment of IS, which is closely related to its functions of regulating mitochondrial functions. In the present article, we review the mechanisms of acupuncture underlying improvement of mitochondria in the treatment of IS from 4 aspectsï¼ 1) protecting mitochondrial structure integrity, 2) regulative effect on mitochondrial functional activities, including regulating energy metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, suppressing calcium overload, and regulating mitochondrial membrane potential changes, 3) regulating mitochondrial quality control system, including promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis, regulating mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis, and 4) regula-ting mitochondria-related apoptosis pathways. All of these may provide a theoretical basis for acupuncture in the treatment of IS and a reference for further research.
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Terapia por Acupuntura , AVC Isquêmico , Acidente Vascular Cerebral , Humanos , AVC Isquêmico/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/genética , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Neurônios/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/genética , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/terapiaRESUMO
The application of acupuncture and moxibustion in alleviating the adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs has been widely recognized at home and abroad, but the studies have been rarely summarized for the enhanced anti-tumor effect and its mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion to synergize the chemotherapy drugs. This paper reviewed the clinical and basic studies on the synergism of chemotherapy with acupuncture and moxibustion in recent years. It was found that chemotherapy synergized with acupuncture and moxibustion can suppress cancer to a certain extent and improve the quality of life in patients. The effect mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with chemotherapy drugs is related to promoting tumor cell apoptosis, improving the immune and vascular microenvironment, and advancing chemotherapy drug enrichment on the affected area. It provides the evidences and ideas for enhancing the effect of chemotherapy by delivering acupuncture and moxibustion as an adjuvant therapy.
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Terapia por Acupuntura , Antineoplásicos , Moxibustão , Neoplasias , Humanos , Neoplasias/terapia , Neoplasias/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Terapia CombinadaRESUMO
The principle of acupoint stimulation efficacy is based on traditional meridian theory. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of acupoints in treating diseases remain unclear in modern scientific understanding. In this study, we selected the ST36 acupoint for investigation and summarized all relevant literature from the PubMed database over the past 10 years. The results indicate that stimulation of ST36 single acupoints has therapeutic effects mainly in models of respiratory, neurological, digestive, endocrine and immune system diseases. And it can affect the inflammatory state, oxidative stress, respiratory mucus secretion, intestinal flora, immune cell function, neurotransmitter transmission, hormone secretion, the network of Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) and glucose metabolism of the organism in these pathological states. Among them, acupuncture at the ST36 single point has the most prominent function in regulating the inflammatory state, which can mainly affect the activation of MAPK signaling pathway and drive the "molecular-cellular" mode involving macrophages, T-lymphocytes, mast cells (MCs) and neuroglial cells as the core to trigger the molecular level changes of the acupuncture point locally or in the target organ tissues, thereby establishing a multi-system, multi-target, multi-level molecular regulating mechanism. This article provides a comprehensive summary and discussion of the molecular mechanisms and effects of acupuncture at the ST36 acupoint, laying the groundwork for future in-depth research on acupuncture point theory.
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Purpose: Acupuncture (ACU) has been demonstrated to alleviate inflammatory pain. Mechanoreceptors are present in acupuncture points. When acupuncture exerts mechanical force, these ion channels open and convert the mechanical signals into biochemical signals. TRPA1 (T ransient receptor potential ankyrin 1) is capable of sensing various physical and chemical stimuli and serves as a sensor for inflammation and pain. This protein is expressed in immune cells and contributes to local defense mechanisms during early tissue damage and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPA1 in acupuncture analgesia. Patients and Methods: We injected complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the mouse plantars to establish a hyperalgesia model. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to determine the effect of acupuncture on the TRPA1 expression in the Zusanli (ST36). We used TRPA1-/- mouse and pharmacological methods to antagonize TRPA1 to observe the effect on acupuncture analgesia. On this basis, collagenase was used to destroy collagen fibers at ST36 to observe the effect on TRPA1. Results: We found that the ACU group vs the CFA group, the number of TRPA1-positive mast cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts at the ST36 increased significantly. In CFA- inflammatory pain models, the TRPA1-/- ACU vs TRPA1+/+ ACU groups, the paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) downregulated significantly. In the ACU + high-, ACU + medium-, ACU + low-dose HC-030031 vs ACU groups, the PWL and PWT were downregulated, and in carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain models were consistent with these results. We further found the ACU + collagenase vs ACU groups, the numbers of TRPA1-positive mast cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts at the ST36 were downregulated. Conclusion: These findings together imply that TRPA1 plays a significant role in the analgesic effects produced via acupuncture at the ST36. This provides new evidence for acupuncture treatment of painful diseases.
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OBJECTIVES: To observe whether acupuncture up-regulates chemokine CXC ligand 1 (CXCL1) in the brain to play an analgesic role through CXCL1/chemokine CXC receptor 2 (CXCR2) signaling in adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) rats, so as to reveal its neuro-immunological mechanism underlying improvement of AIA. METHODS: BALB/c mice with relatively stable thermal pain reaction were subjected to planta injection of complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) for establishing AIA model, followed by dividing the AIA mice into simple AF750 (fluorochrome) and AF750+CXCL1 groups (n=2 in each group). AF750 labeled CXCL1 recombinant protein was then injected into the mouse's tail vein to induce elevation of CXCL1 level in blood for simulating the effect of acupuncture stimulation which has been demonstrated by our past study. In vivo small animal imaging technology was used to observe the AF750 and AF750+CXCL1-labelled target regions. After thermal pain screening, the Wistar rats with stable pain reaction were subjected to AIA modeling by injecting CFA into the rat's right planta, then were randomized into model and manual acupuncture groups (n=12 in each group). Other 12 rats that received planta injection of saline were used as the control group. Manual acupuncture (uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulations) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36) for 4×2 min, with an interval of 5 min between every 2 min, once daily for 7 days. The thermal pain threshold was assessed by detecting the paw withdrawal latency (PWL) using a thermal pain detector. The contents of CXCL1 in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1), medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, periaqueductal gray and rostroventromedial medulla regions were assayed by using ELISA, and the expression levels of CXCL1, CXCR2 and mu-opioid receptor (MOR) mRNA in the S1 region were detected using real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The immune-fluorescence positive cellular rate of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in S1 region was observed after immunofluorescence stain. The immunofluorescence double-stain of CXCR2 and astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) or neuron marker NeuN or MOR was used to determine whether there is a co-expression between them. RESULTS: In AIA mice, results of in vivo experiments showed no obvious enrichment signal of AF750 or AF750+CXCL1 in any organ of the body, while in vitro experiments showed that there was a stronger fluorescence signal of CXCL1 recombinant protein in the brain. In rats, compared with the control group, the PWL from day 0 to day 7 was significantly decreased (P<0.01) and the expression of CXCR2 mRNA in the S1 region significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05), while in comparison with the model group, the PWL from day 2 to day 7, CXCL1 content, CXCR2 mRNA expression and CXCR2 content, and MOR mRNA expression in the S1 region were significantly increased in the manual acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Immunofluorescence stain showed that CXCR2 co-stained with NeuN and MOR in the S1 region, indicating that CXCR2 exists in neurons and MOR-positive neurons but not in GFAP positive astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture can increase the content of CXCL1 in S1 region, up-regulate CXCR2 on neurons in the S1 region and improve MOR expression in S1 region of AIA rats, which may contribute to its effect in alleviating inflammatory pain.
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Terapia por Acupuntura , Artrite Experimental , Quimiocina CXCL1 , Receptores de Interleucina-8B , Córtex Somatossensorial , Animais , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Ratos , Pontos de Acupuntura , Artrite Experimental/terapia , Artrite Experimental/metabolismo , Artrite Experimental/genética , Quimiocina CXCL1/metabolismo , Quimiocina CXCL1/genética , Inflamação/terapia , Inflamação/metabolismo , Inflamação/genética , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Dor/metabolismo , Dor/genética , Manejo da Dor , Ratos Wistar , Receptores de Interleucina-8B/metabolismo , Receptores de Interleucina-8B/genética , Transdução de Sinais , Córtex Somatossensorial/metabolismoRESUMO
Given its high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates, ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe disease posing a substantial public health threat. Although early thrombolytic therapy is effective in IS treatment, the limited time frame for its administration presents a formidable challenge. Upon occurrence, IS triggers an ischemic cascade response, inducing the brain to generate endogenous protective mechanisms against excitotoxicity and inflammation, among other pathological processes. Stroke patients often experience limited recovery stages. As a result, activating their innate self-protective capacity [endogenous brain protection (EBP)] is essential for neurological function recovery. Acupuncture has exhibited clinical efficacy in cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS) treatment by promoting the human body's self-preservation and "Zheng Qi" (a term in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) describing positive capabilities such as self-immunity, self-recovery, and disease prevention). According to research, acupuncture can modulate astrocyte activity, decrease oxidative stress (OS), and protect neurons by inhibiting excitotoxicity, inflammation, and apoptosis via activating endogenous protective mechanisms within the brain. Furthermore, acupuncture was found to modulate microglia transformation, thereby reducing inflammation and autoimmune responses, as well as promoting blood flow restoration by regulating the vasculature or the blood-brain barrier (BBB). However, the precise mechanism underlying these processes remains unclear. Consequently, this review aims to shed light on the potential acupuncture-induced endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms by critically examining experimental evidence on the preventive and therapeutic effects exerted by acupuncture on CIS. This review offers a theoretical foundation for acupuncture-based stroke treatment.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder, but its diagnosis and treatment remain obscure. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), as potential biomarkers, have attracted increasing attention in digestive diseases. Here, we present a comprehensive research status, development trends, and valuable insights in this subject area. The literature search was performed using Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer 1.6.20, Citespace 6.2.R4, and Microsoft Excel 2021 were used for bibliometric analysis. A total of 124 articles were included in the analysis. Overall, publication patterns fluctuated. Globally, People's Republic of China, the USA, and Germany were the top three contributors of publications. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, University of California, Mayo Clinic, and University of California, Los Angeles contributed the highest number of publications. The pathways and specific mechanisms by which ncRNAs regulate transcription and translation and thus regulate the pathophysiological processes of IBS are the main research hotspots in this field. We found that microRNA (miRNAs) are intricately involved in the regulation of key pathologies such as viscera sensitivity, intestinal permeability, intestinal mucosal barrier, immunoinflammatory response, and brain-gut axis in the IBS, and these topics have garnered significant attention in research community. Notably, microecological disorders are also associated with IBS pathogenesis, and ncRNA may play an important role in the interactions between host and intestinal flora. This is the first bibliometric study to comprehensively summarize the research hotspots and trends related to IBS and ncRNAs (especially miRNAs). Our findings will help understand the role of ncRNAs in IBS and provide guidance to future studies.
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Bibliometria , Síndrome do Intestino Irritável , MicroRNAs , Humanos , Síndrome do Intestino Irritável/genética , MicroRNAs/genéticaRESUMO
The release of phosphorous (P) via chemical weathering is a vital process that regulates the global cycling of numerous key elements and shapes the size of the Earth's biosphere. It has long been postulated that global climate should theoretically play a prominent role in governing P weathering rates. Yet, there is currently a lack of direct evidence for this relationship based on empirical data at the global scale. Here, using a compilation of temperature and P content data of global surface soils (0 to 30 cm), we demonstrate that P release does enhance at high mean annual surface temperatures. We propose that this amplification of nutrient supply with warming is a critical component of Earth's natural thermostat, and that this relationship likely caused expanded oceanic anoxia during past climate warming events. The potential acceleration of phosphorus loss from soils due to anthropogenic climate warming may pose threats to agricultural production, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and alter marine redox landscapes.
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OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the cardiac protective effects and molecular mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) pre-treatment in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pre-treatment with EA was performed 30 min before intraperitoneal injection of LPS. Cardiac function changes in mice of the EA + LPS group were observed using electrocardiography, echocardiography, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with the LPS group. The results demonstrated that EA pre-treatment significantly improved the survival rate of septic mice, alleviated the severity of endotoxemia, and exhibited notable cardiac protective effects. These effects were characterized by a reduction in ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography, an increase in ejection fraction (EF) and fraction shortening (FS) on echocardiography and a decrease in the expression of serum cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) levels. Serum exosomes obtained after EA pre-treatment were extracted and administered to septic mice, revealing significant cardiac protective effects of EA-derived exosomes. Furthermore, the antagonism of circulating exosomes in mice markedly suppressed the cardiac protective effects conferred by EA pre-treatment. Analysis of serum exosomes using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed a significant upregulation of miR-381 expression after EA pre-treatment. Inhibition or overexpression of miR-381 through serotype 9 adeno-associated virus (AAV9)-mediated gene delivery demonstrated that overexpression of miR-381 exerted a cardiac protective effect, while inhibition of miR-381 significantly attenuated the cardiac protective effects conferred by EA pre-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our research findings have revealed a novel endogenous cardiac protection mechanism, wherein circulating exosomes derived from EA pre-treatment mitigate LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction via miR-381.
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Cardiomiopatias , Eletroacupuntura , Exossomos , Lipopolissacarídeos , MicroRNAs , Animais , MicroRNAs/genética , MicroRNAs/metabolismo , Exossomos/metabolismo , Exossomos/genética , Eletroacupuntura/métodos , Camundongos , Cardiomiopatias/induzido quimicamente , Cardiomiopatias/metabolismo , Cardiomiopatias/terapia , Cardiomiopatias/patologia , Cardiomiopatias/genética , Cardiomiopatias/prevenção & controle , Lipopolissacarídeos/toxicidade , Masculino , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Modelos Animais de DoençasRESUMO
In the past few decades, the use of acupuncture analgesia in clinical practice has increased worldwide. This is due to its various benefits, including natural alleviation of pain without causing various adverse effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids. The acupoint represents the initial site of acupuncture stimulation, where diverse types of nerve fibers located at the acupoint hold significant roles in the generation and transmission of acupuncture-related information. In this study, we analyzed the patterns and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesic mediated by acupoint afferent fibers, and found that acupuncture stimulates acupoints which rapidly and directly induces activation of high-density primary afferent fibers under the acupoints, including myelinated A fibers and unmyelinated C fibers. During acupuncture stimulation at the muscle layer, the analgesic effects can be induced by stimulation of A fiber threshold intensity. At the skin layer, the analgesic effects can only be produced by stimulation of C fiber threshold intensity. Electroacupuncture (EA) activates A fibers, while manual acupuncture (MA) activates both A and C fibers. Furthermore, acupuncture alters acupoint microenvironments, which positively modulates afferent fibers, enhancing the transmission of analgesic signals. In addition to local activation and conduction at acupoints, nerve fibers mediate the transmission of acupuncture information to pain centers. In the spinal cord, acupuncture activates neurons by inducing afferent fiber depolarization, modulating pain gating, inhibiting long-term potentiation (LTP) of the spinal dorsal horn and wide dynamic range (WDR) neuronal activities. At higher nerve centers, acupuncture inhibits neuronal activation in pain-related brain regions. In summary, acupuncture inhibits pain signal transmission at peripheral and central systems by activating different patterns of afferent fibers located on various layers of acupoints. This study provides ideas for enhancing the precise application and clinical translation of acupuncture.