Objective:

To investigate the synergistic effects of combining electroacupuncture (EA) with repetitive transspinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in rats, focusing on pelvic floor tissue repair and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and to assess the potential clinical implications of this combined approach.

Key Findings:

• Combined EA and rTSMS significantly improved pelvic floor muscle strength and reduced urinary leakage in SUI model rats, suggesting enhanced functional recovery.
• The therapy enhanced collagen synthesis while reducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression, indicating improved ECM stability, which is crucial for long-term tissue integrity.
• The combination therapy showed potential in regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, crucial for ECM remodeling, which may have broader implications for tissue repair strategies.

Interpretation:

The findings suggest that the combination of EA and rTSMS may provide a more effective treatment strategy for SUI by addressing both peripheral tissue integrity and central nervous system modulation, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Limitations:

• The study was conducted on animal models, which may not fully replicate human physiology, highlighting the need for further research.
• Long-term effects and potential side effects of the combined therapy were not assessed, necessitating caution in translating findings to clinical practice.

Conclusion:

The combined application of EA and rTSMS presents a promising non-invasive approach for enhancing pelvic floor tissue repair and ECM remodeling in SUI, warranting further clinical investigation to evaluate its efficacy in human subjects.