Confronting the Anxiety of Generation Z: Electroacupuncture Therapy
Regulates Oxidative Stress and Microglia Activity in
Amygdala-Basolateral of Socially Isolated Mice
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.