A review of electroacupuncture in bone repair: Mechanisms and clinical implications

The journey of bone repair is a lengthy process. Traditionally, oral or topical medications have been employed to facilitate healing, approaches that are not only costly but may also lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal damage. With advancements in electrophysiology, the significance of bioelectric activity in tissue repair has become increasingly prominent, thereby enhancing the focus on research into electroacupuncture (EA) for bone repair. EA, a synthesis of traditional acupuncture and electrical stimulation, can regulate pain by inhibiting the transmission of electrical signals, reducing the expression of ion channel proteins, and promoting the release of neurotransmitters at targeted sites. Moreover, EA has the capability to influence macrophage polarization and modulate inflammatory cytokines, aiding in bone repair. Additionally, EA has the potential to regulate cytokines such as Ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Erythropoietin (EPO), and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2), thus promoting angiogenesis and fracture healing.This paper explores the mechanisms by which EA facilitates bone healing and assesses its advantages and limitations in clinical applications. It offers a theoretical foundation for the safe, effective, and rational use of EA, presenting a novel approach for enhancing bone regeneration.