Acupuncture alleviates renal edema through upregulation of renal aquaporin expression.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the principles of acupoint selection and the prescription characteristics of acupuncture therapy for renal edema. METHODS: Data mining technology was adopted to identify high-frequency acupoints and commonly used prescription combinations. Eight rats were selected as the control group without drug intervention, while the remaining rats were divided into the control group, model group, sham acupuncture group, and acupuncture group. Serum Ig-M and Ig-G expression levels were assessed by western blotting, and renal expression of AQP2 and AQP3 was examined using immunofluorescence. RESULTS: In prescriptions for renal edema, the five most frequently selected acupoints were Shenshu (BL23), Shuishui (ST28), Guanyuan (CV4), Pishu (BL20), and Zusanli (ST36). The four most frequently involved meridians were the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, the Conception Vessel, the Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin, and the Governor Vessel. Commonly used acupoints included Yinlingquan (SP9), Yongquan (KI1), Guanyuan (CV4), Pishu (BL20), Zusanli (ST36), Shenque (CV8), and Shuifen (CV9). Compared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased serum IgM and IgG expression, while these levels were reduced in the acupuncture group. In contrast, renal AQP2 and AQP3 expression was significantly decreased in the model group relative to the blank group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture targeting the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, the Conception Vessel, the Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin, and the Governor Vessel can alleviate renal edema by enhancing renal aquaporin expression and attenuating inflammatory response.