Effect of acupuncture on regulating IL-17, TNF-alpha and AQPs in Sjogren's syndrome

Aim: The aim of the study was to observe the effect of acupuncture on regulating interleukin (IL)-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and aquaporins (AQPs) in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) on patients and on non-obese diabetic (NOD) models.Methods: Levels of anti-AQP 1, 5, 8, and 9 antibodies, IL-17, and TNF-alpha in the serum of SS patients were compared prior and following 20 acupuncture treatment visits during 8 weeks. While in murine model, five groups were divided to receive interventions for 4 weeks, including control, model, acupuncture, isoflurane, and hydroxychloroquine. The submaxillofacial gland index, histology, immunohistochemistry of AQP1, 5, salivary flow, together with IL-17, and TNF-alpha expression in peripheral blood were compared among the groups.Results: Acupuncture reduced IL-17, TNF-alpha, and immunoglobin A levels, and numeric analog scale of dryness in 14 patients with SS (p < 0.05). The salivary flow was increased, and the water intake decreased in NOD mice receiving acupuncture treatments. IL-17 and TNF-alpha levels in peripheral serum were down-regulated (p < 0.05) and AQP1, 5 expression in the submandibular glands up-regulated in mice.Conclusion: The effect on relieving xerostomia with acupuncture may be achieved by up-regulating the expression of AQP1. AQP5, down-regulating levels of IL-17 and TNF-alpha, and a decrease in inflammation of glands.