Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review
ObjectiveIschemic stroke represents a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, necessitating effective and complementary therapeutic strategies. Electroacupuncture (EA), a modern extension of traditional acupuncture, has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective effects in isc...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Neurology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1491132/full |
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| author | Yaoguang Guo Sihan Hu Sihan Hu Shiman Luo Lang Tu Yao Tang Fang Zeng Fang Zeng Fang Zeng |
| author_facet | Yaoguang Guo Sihan Hu Sihan Hu Shiman Luo Lang Tu Yao Tang Fang Zeng Fang Zeng Fang Zeng |
| author_sort | Yaoguang Guo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ObjectiveIschemic stroke represents a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, necessitating effective and complementary therapeutic strategies. Electroacupuncture (EA), a modern extension of traditional acupuncture, has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. This meta-analysis and systematic review aim to synthesize current experimental evidence on the efficacy of EA in ischemic stroke models, focusing on neurological outcomes, infarct volumes, and underlying molecular mechanisms.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed across four databases—Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science—to identify relevant experimental studies that utilized electroacupuncture (EA) as a therapeutic modality for ischemic stroke in animal models. This search encompassed all literature available from the inception of each library through December 2023. Studies were rigorously screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on cerebral infarction volume, neurological deficit scores, cellular apoptosis, and molecular pathways were extracted and analyzed.ResultsEleven eligible studies involving 302 animals (151 in EA treatment groups and 151 in control groups) were included. Meta-analysis revealed that EA significantly reduced cerebral infarction volumes [MD = −15.78, 95%CI (−21.40, −10.16), p < 0.05] and TUNEL-positive cells [MD = −26.46, 95%CI (−40.40, −12.51), p < 0.05], indicating reduced apoptosis. Improvements were also noted in neurological deficit scores [MD = −0.59, 95%CI (−0.92, −0.27), p < 0.05] and modified Neurological Severity Scores (mNSS) [MD = -5.68, 95%CI (−7.41, −3.95), p < 0.05], highlighting functional recovery. While the analysis showed no significant effect on caspase-3 densities [MD = −0.39, 95%CI (−0.79, 0.02), p > 0.05], a notable increase in Bcl-2 densities suggested an anti-apoptotic mechanism [MD = −0.73, 95%CI (−1.68, 0.21), p > 0.05]. The heterogeneity of the included studies points to complex underlying mechanisms, potentially involving modulation of apoptotic pathways and cerebral blood flow.ConclusionThis meta-analysis substantiates the neuroprotective potential of EA in ischemic stroke models, primarily through apoptosis modulation and possibly through improved cerebral perfusion. These findings advocate for the integration of EA into stroke rehabilitation protocols and underscore the need for clinical trials to validate its efficacy in human subjects. Our study not only reinforces the therapeutic value of EA but also prompts further investigation into its underlying mechanisms, potentially guiding more effective stroke recovery strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-eebeec19df444cb0bbf6179104e0dbf4 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-2295 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Neurology |
| spelling | doaj-art-eebeec19df444cb0bbf6179104e0dbf42025-02-05T05:17:46ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Neurology1664-22952025-02-011610.3389/fneur.2025.14911321491132Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic reviewYaoguang Guo0Sihan Hu1Sihan Hu2Shiman Luo3Lang Tu4Yao Tang5Fang Zeng6Fang Zeng7Fang Zeng8Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, ChinaInstitute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, ChinaWest China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, ChinaAcupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, ChinaAcupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, ChinaKey Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, ChinaObjectiveIschemic stroke represents a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, necessitating effective and complementary therapeutic strategies. Electroacupuncture (EA), a modern extension of traditional acupuncture, has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective effects in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. This meta-analysis and systematic review aim to synthesize current experimental evidence on the efficacy of EA in ischemic stroke models, focusing on neurological outcomes, infarct volumes, and underlying molecular mechanisms.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed across four databases—Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science—to identify relevant experimental studies that utilized electroacupuncture (EA) as a therapeutic modality for ischemic stroke in animal models. This search encompassed all literature available from the inception of each library through December 2023. Studies were rigorously screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on cerebral infarction volume, neurological deficit scores, cellular apoptosis, and molecular pathways were extracted and analyzed.ResultsEleven eligible studies involving 302 animals (151 in EA treatment groups and 151 in control groups) were included. Meta-analysis revealed that EA significantly reduced cerebral infarction volumes [MD = −15.78, 95%CI (−21.40, −10.16), p < 0.05] and TUNEL-positive cells [MD = −26.46, 95%CI (−40.40, −12.51), p < 0.05], indicating reduced apoptosis. Improvements were also noted in neurological deficit scores [MD = −0.59, 95%CI (−0.92, −0.27), p < 0.05] and modified Neurological Severity Scores (mNSS) [MD = -5.68, 95%CI (−7.41, −3.95), p < 0.05], highlighting functional recovery. While the analysis showed no significant effect on caspase-3 densities [MD = −0.39, 95%CI (−0.79, 0.02), p > 0.05], a notable increase in Bcl-2 densities suggested an anti-apoptotic mechanism [MD = −0.73, 95%CI (−1.68, 0.21), p > 0.05]. The heterogeneity of the included studies points to complex underlying mechanisms, potentially involving modulation of apoptotic pathways and cerebral blood flow.ConclusionThis meta-analysis substantiates the neuroprotective potential of EA in ischemic stroke models, primarily through apoptosis modulation and possibly through improved cerebral perfusion. These findings advocate for the integration of EA into stroke rehabilitation protocols and underscore the need for clinical trials to validate its efficacy in human subjects. Our study not only reinforces the therapeutic value of EA but also prompts further investigation into its underlying mechanisms, potentially guiding more effective stroke recovery strategies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1491132/fullelectroacupunctureischemic strokemeta-analysissystematic reviewreview |
| spellingShingle | Yaoguang Guo Sihan Hu Sihan Hu Shiman Luo Lang Tu Yao Tang Fang Zeng Fang Zeng Fang Zeng Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review Frontiers in Neurology electroacupuncture ischemic stroke meta-analysis systematic review review |
| title | Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review |
| title_full | Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review |
| title_fullStr | Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review |
| title_short | Experimental evidence-based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis and systematic review |
| title_sort | experimental evidence based construction of electroacupuncture for ischemic stroke a meta analysis and systematic review |
| topic | electroacupuncture ischemic stroke meta-analysis systematic review review |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1491132/full |
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