Fuente: PubMed "bee" Osteoarthr Imaging. 2026;6 Suppl 1:100431. doi: 10.1016/j.ostima.2026.100431.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Preclinical osteoarthritis (OA) studies frequently report structural degeneration; however, comparative evaluation of therapeutic interventions using imaging-based endpoints remains limited. In particular, whether different acupuncture modalities exert distinct effects on joint structure and subchondral bone microarchitecture has not been systematically assessed.OBJECTIVE: 1) To compare the effects of multiple acupuncture modalities on joint structural integrity using imaging-based outcomes. 2) To determine whether laser acupuncture provides better preservation of cartilage and subchondral bone. 3) To evaluate modality-specific differences in bone microarchitecture remodeling.METHODS: OA was induced via intra-articular monosodium iodoacetate in male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48 per study; n = 8/group). Two experimental arms were conducted:(1) comparative modalities (manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, bee venom acupuncture, and laser acupuncture), and (2) wavelength-specific invasive laser acupuncture (650 nm and 830 nm). All treatments were applied at GB34 under standardized protocols. Structural outcomes were assessed using micro-computed tomography (Quantum GX2; 90 kV, 88 ìA, voxel size 20 ìm) and histological analysis (Safranin-O/Fast Green; OARSI scoring). Micro-CT parameters included bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), as well as meniscal ossicle formation.RESULTS: Acupuncture modalities demonstrated distinct effects on joint structure. Laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture produced the greatest preservation of cartilage integrity and subchondral bone architecture compared to OA controls (p < 0.001). Micro-CT analysis revealed that laser-treated groups exhibited improved trabecular organization and reduced pathological bone remodeling. Meniscal ossicle formation, a marker of OA progression, was significantly reduced in laser-treated animals (p < 0.006). In wavelength-specific analysis, 830 nm laser acupuncture showed superior structural outcomes, with increased BV/TV (34.85 ± 1.21, p < 0.01) and reduced trabecular separation (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced preservation of bone microarchitecture. Histological findings were consistent with imaging data, demonstrating reduced cartilage degeneration and improved matrix preservation in laser-treated groups.CONCLUSION: Acupuncture modalities differentially modulate structural joint degeneration in experimental OA. Imaging-based analyses demonstrate that laser acupuncture, particularly at 830 nm, provides better preservation of cartilage and subchondral bone microarchitecture.PMID:42622162 | DOI:10.1016/j.ostima.2026.100431