The Effectiveness of Electro-Acupuncture in Ovarian Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Abstract

Electro-acupuncture is widely used in gynecology. Adnexal torsion is an important threat to ovarian reserves in women of reproductive age. This is the first study to investigate whether electro-acupuncture is beneficial in protecting ovarian reserves in case of adnexal torsion resulting in reperfusion injury. Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were randomized into four groups: the first group—sham operation, the second group—torsion/detorsion model, the third group—pre-acupunture + torsion/detorsion + post-acupuncture, and the fourth group—torsion/detorsion + post-acupuncture. The acupoints used were CV4 and bilateral SP6 Ex-CA1, Kid3, and ST36. In the third group, the acupoints were needled for two weeks before torsion, continuing for a further two weeks after torsion. In the fourth group, needling began after torsion and was maintained for two weeks. Both histological and biochemical parameters indicating ovarian reserves showed that electro-acupuncture applied to the above points exhibited an ameliorating effect on ovaries injured during ischemia/reperfusion. Electro-acupuncture may be capable of protecting against and preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury in case of ovarian torsion.