[Effects of acupuncture on the efferocytosis pathway of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase in mice with adjuvant arthritis].

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST36) on the expression of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MerTK)-related efferocytosis regulatory molecules in mice with adjuvant arthritis induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), so as to explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture on efferocytosis in adjuvant arthritis. METHODS: day of acupuncture (D1, D3, D5, D7) to evaluate paw swelling and pain conditions. The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in spinal cord tissue were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein expressions of MerTK, phosphorylated (p)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), STAT3, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in footpad and spinal cord tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: