Influence of catgut implantation at acupoints on leptin and insulin resistance in simple obesity rats

OBJECTIVES:To investigate the influence of catgut implantation at acupoints on leptin resistance(LR) and insulin resistance(IR) in the simple obesity rat.METHODS:Rats were made obese with high-fat diets,after which surgical catgut was implanted at Zusanli(ST 36) and Neiting(ST 44) acupoints once a week for 4 weeks(implantation group).Rats from the implantation group were compared with normal rats and unoperated obese rats(control group).Gene expression of the leptin receptor(OB-R) was evaluated using RT-PCR and northern blot.Serum and hypothalamus leptin and insulin(INS) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay.Body weight,Lee’s index,body fat,serum and hypothalamus leptin and INS levels,and hypothalamic OB-R gene expression were determined before and after treatment.RESULTS:Body weights,Lee’s index,body fat,and serum leptin and INS levels were significantly higher in obese than in normal rats.Hypothalamic leptin and INS levels and OB-R gene expression were significantly lower in obese rats.Catgut implantation at acupoint promoted weight loss and decreased serum leptin and INS levels.Hypothalamic leptin and INS levels and OB-R gene expression increased significantly.CONCLUSIONS:Catgut implantation at acupoint adjusts central and peripheral leptin and promotes hypothalamic OB-R gene expression.This may be an important method for regulation of LR,IR and abnormal endocrinology and metabolism.