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Confronting the Anxiety of Generation Z: Electroacupuncture Therapy Regulates Oxidative Stress and Microglia Activity in Amygdala-Basolateral of Socially Isolated Mice
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  • Tong Yin,
  • Yinxin Wang,
  • Yuanfang Lin,
  • Hang Lv
Tong Yin
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
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Yinxin Wang
Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Yuanfang Lin
Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Hang Lv
Guangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Abstract

Anxiety, a debilitating mental disorder, significantly impacts daily functioning and social interactions. Despite the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments, patients often face challenges such as treatment resistance, relapse, and adverse reactions. Gen Z individuals experience heightened loneliness due to social media, which exacerbates social anxiety and isolation. Research supports acupuncture as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for anxiety, especially among young people who prefer alternative treatments. However, the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in alleviating social anxiety are not fully understood. This study examined oxidative stress in microglia within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) to elucidate the mechanisms of EA. Using a mouse model of social isolation (SI), we investigated its therapeutic benefits. Anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Open Field Test (OFT). Biochemical analyses and immunofluorescence imaging were performed to assess NOX2 expression, microglial morphology, and oxidative stress markers in the BLA. These findings indicate that EA effectively mitigated anxiety-like behaviors, reduced NOX2 expression in BLA microglia, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and improved microglial antioxidant status and morphology. We conclude that social isolation induces oxidative stress, which is ameliorated by EA treatment in the context of anxiety.
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