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Neuroinflammation-informed neuroimaging-transcriptomic signatures explaining acupuncture's therapeutic effects in
Wenting Lin1, Liyong Yu2,3, Hao Xu4
1School of Rehabilitation and Health Preservation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
Chinese Medicine
|November 28, 2025
Summary
Acupuncture may improve chronic insomnia by altering brain connectivity and reducing neuroinflammation. This study found that acupuncture treatment led to decreased global brain connectivity (GBC) in key areas, correlating with symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Integrative Medicine
- Genomics
Background:
- Chronic insomnia disorder (CID) involves brain function dysregulation and neuroinflammation.
- Acupuncture shows promise for insomnia, but its mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Understanding macro brain connectivity and molecular changes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acupuncture on brain connectivity in CID patients.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying acupuncture's therapeutic effects.
- To correlate brain changes with clinical symptom improvement.
Main Methods:
- Forty-eight CID patients were randomized into acupuncture and waitlist groups.
- Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) assessed global brain connectivity (GBC) changes.
- Gene expression data and pathway analysis identified molecular targets.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture group showed decreased regional GBC (pallidum, prefrontal cortex) linked to symptom relief.
- Waitlist group exhibited increased GBC without symptom improvement.
- Acupuncture-induced GBC changes correlated with neuroinflammation pathways and reduced IL-6 levels.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture may improve CID by remodeling brain functional connectivity.
- The treatment appears to regulate neuroinflammation-related pathways.
- Findings link GBC alterations, molecular changes, and symptom amelioration.
