Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2026 Sep 12;46(9):1567-1571. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20251029-k0002. Epub 2026 Jun 1.
ABSTRACT
The occurrence of ischemic stroke is closely related to multiple inflammatory pathways, and acupuncture can improve neurological function in ischemic stroke by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways. At the level of pattern recognition receptors, acupuncture can inhibit high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase(cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathways, thereby inhibiting excessive activation of innate immunity. At the level of transcription factors, acupuncture can downregulate pro-inflammatory signals such as nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κ B) and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and activate protective pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPAR-γ), promoting microglial polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. At the level of kinase signaling,acupuncture synergistically exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Through coordinated regulation at multiple levels and multiple pathways, acupuncture systematically exerts multi-target anti-inflammatory effects, providing a basis for mechanistic research and clinical intervention in ischemic stroke.
PMID:42744648 | DOI:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20251029-k0002