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Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Tracing the Ferroptotic Signatures and Cell Death Dynamics in Medulloblastoma for Advanced Therapeutics
Published on: March 15, 2024
From Tradition to Innovation: Acupuncture Therapies Targeting Ferroptosis in Neurological Disorders
Haiyan Sun1,2, Haiqing Qian1,3, Heng Qian1,2
1Translational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Acupuncture-related therapies show promise in neuroprotection by targeting ferroptosis, a cell death pathway implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. These traditional Chinese medicine approaches may offer new avenues for brain health and cognitive function improvement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Cell Death Pathways
Background:
- Age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and stroke cause significant cognitive decline and pose public health challenges.
- Current treatments for NDDs and stroke are limited in addressing underlying pathologies.
- Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is a key contributor to neuronal damage in these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of acupuncture-related therapies in modulating ferroptosis for neuroprotection.
- To explore the mechanisms by which acupuncture interventions may impact ferroptosis in NDDs and stroke.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive narrative review was conducted.
- Systematic search of PubMed using keywords: ferroptosis, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke.
- Inclusion criteria: articles published before April 2025, full-text English.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and moxibustion demonstrate neuroprotective effects.
- These therapies regulate ferroptosis by influencing iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress pathways.
- Interventions may alleviate synaptic dysfunction and slow cognitive decline associated with ferroptosis.
Conclusions:
- Ferroptosis is a critical target for novel therapeutics in NDDs and stroke.
- Acupuncture-based approaches offer potential for integration into modern neurotherapeutic strategies.
- Combining traditional Chinese medicine with contemporary approaches may enhance brain health and patient outcomes.
