The impact of electroacupuncture on anxiety-like behavior and gut microbiome in a mouse model of chronic restraint stress

INTRODUCTION: Electroacupuncture (EA) is a beneficial physiotherapy approach for addressing neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, the impact of EA on the gut microbiome in relation to anxiety disorders remains poorly understood. METHODS: To address this gap, we conducted a study using a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model to investigate the anti-anxiety outcome of EA and its influence on gut microbiota. Our research involved behavioral tests and comprehensive sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA microbiomes. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that CRS led to significant anxiety-like behaviors and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Specifically, we identified 13 species that exhibited changes associated with anxiety-like behaviors. Furthermore, EA partially alleviated both behaviors related to anxiety and the dysbiosis induced by CRS. DISCUSSION: In summary, this study sheds light on the alterations in gut microbiota species resulting from CRS treatment and brings new light into the connection between EA’s anti-anxiety effects and the gut microbiota.