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

INTRODUCTION

Age-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.

METHODS

To 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.

RESULTS

This 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.

CONCLUSION

Understanding 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.