Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40898720›Full record

SynthesisBrain and behavior2025

From Tradition to Innovation: Acupuncture Therapies Targeting Ferroptosis in Neurological Disorders.

Haiyan Sun, Haiqing Qian, Heng Qian, Min Qian

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Brain and behavior, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Article
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Haiyan SunTranslational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1923-1250
Haiqing QianTranslational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7446-7151
Heng QianTranslational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Min QianTranslational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.

Funding

Jiangsu Medical Vocational College campus collaborative innovation research project (202490618)National Natural Science Foundation of China 82305289Suzhou Health Youth Core Talent "National Mentorship" Training Project (Qngg2024034)the Science and Technology Development Plan of Suzhou (SKY2023078)Zhangjiagang Health System Youth Science and Technology Project (ZJGQNKJ202208)Zhangjiagang Health System Youth Science and Technology Project (ZJGQNKJ202313)Zhangjiagang Medical and Health Science and Technology Innovation Guidance Project (ZKYL2218)Zhangjiagang Medical and Health Science and Technology Innovation Guidance Project (ZKYL2441)
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionAge-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and stroke represent significant public health challenges due to their high morbidity, mortality, and associated cognitive decline. Current therapeutic strategies often fall short in addressing the complex underlying pathological mechanisms, underscoring the urgent need for innovative treatment approaches. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a critical factor contributing to neuronal damage in NDDs and stroke.

methodsTo explore how acupuncture-related therapies may modulate ferroptosis and contribute to neuroprotection, we conducted a comprehensive narrative review. A systematic search was performed in PubMed using targeted keywords including "ferroptosis," "interventions" (such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion), and "diseases" (including age-related neurodegenerative diseases and stroke). The search was restricted to articles published before April 2025 with full-text availability in English.

resultsThis review consolidates recent findings on the potential of acupuncture-related therapies to target ferroptosis in NDDs and stroke. Traditional acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and moxibustion have shown promising neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that these interventions can regulate ferroptosis by modulating key molecular pathways involved in iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. These actions are thought to alleviate synaptic dysfunction and slow cognitive decline-processes where ferroptosis plays a central role. Such insights enhance our understanding of how traditional Chinese medicine could influence cognitive outcomes in age-related NDDs and stroke.

conclusionUnderstanding the role of ferroptosis in NDDs and stroke is essential for developing novel therapeutics. Based on current findings, this review proposes future research directions aimed at integrating acupuncture into modern neurotherapeutic frameworks. Combining traditional medicine with contemporary medical approaches offers new opportunities for promoting brain health and improving patient outcomes.

Indexed as

Acupuncture TherapyFerroptosisNervous System DiseasesNeurodegenerative DiseasesAnimalsHumansStrokeacupunctureferroptosisneurodegenerative diseasesstroke

Identifiers

PMID40898720
PMCPMC12405598

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.