Single-Cell RNA Transcriptomics and Multi-omics Analyses Reveal the Clinical Effects of Acupuncture on Methadone
Yiming Chen1, Baochao Fan1, Jingchun Zeng2
1Clinical Research and Big Data Laboratory, South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Acupuncture significantly reduced methadone dosage in patients with opioid use disorder by modulating gut microbiota and immune responses. This study reveals a novel bile acid-galectin-interferon pathway influenced by acupuncture.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Immunology
- Microbiomics
Background:
- Opioid use disorders (OUD) present a global health challenge, with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) as a common intervention.
- MMT is linked to immunosuppression, metabolic issues, and gut dysbiosis.
- Acupuncture's potential benefits for OUD and MMT require mechanistic clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and biological effects of acupuncture in MMT patients.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying acupuncture's efficacy in OUD treatment using multi-omics data.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 48 MMT participants.
- Collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells, plasma, and fecal samples.
- Integrated single-cell sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and metagenomics.
Main Results:
- 84% of patients receiving acupuncture achieved a ≥20% reduction in methadone dosage versus 39% in the sham group (P < 0.01).
- Acupuncture modulated immune cell function, particularly classical monocytes, and altered gut microbiota composition (e.g., up-regulating *Bilophila*).
- Identified a bile acid-galectin-9-interferon-γ axis potentially modulated by acupuncture, impacting immune regulation.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture demonstrates clinical efficacy in reducing methadone dosage for OUD.
- Acupuncture may mitigate MMT-associated adverse effects by restoring gut microbiota and modulating immune pathways.
- Findings support acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for OUD, offering mechanistic insights into its therapeutic effects.
