The Mechanism of Acupuncture Regulating Autophagy: Progress and Prospect

Area of Science:

• Cellular Biology
• Physiopathology
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• Autophagy is vital for cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms.
• Acupuncture's holistic and bidirectional regulatory effects are recognized in modulating cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review acupuncture's role in treating diseases via the autophagy pathway.
• To summarize signaling pathways involved in acupuncture-regulated autophagy.
• To identify gaps in current research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on acupuncture and autophagy.
• Analysis of protein expression changes (LC3, Beclin1, p53, ATG proteins).
• Examination of relevant signaling pathways and key genes/proteins.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture affects autophagy dysfunction through modulation of key proteins and signaling pathways.
• Acupuncture exhibits bidirectional regulation of autophagy: inhibiting overactivation and enhancing clearance.
• Therapeutic effects include preventing injury, reducing apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture's mechanism in regulating autophagy is complex and bidirectional.
• Further research is needed on animal models, pathway specificity, synergistic effects, and efficacy evaluation.
• Understanding acupuncture's impact on autophagy offers insights into its therapeutic applications.