Electroacupuncture Alleviates Ischemic Stroke by Promoting Angiogenesis via m6A-mediated miR-214-3p/EZH2/eNOS Pathway.

Researchers investigated whether electroacupuncture could help brain recovery after stroke by promoting the growth of new blood vessels. Using a rat model of ischemic stroke (the most common type, caused by blocked blood flow), scientists applied electroacupuncture at the Shuigou acupoint (located below the nose) and examined its effects on brain healing.

The study found that electroacupuncture significantly improved neurological function, reduced the size of brain damage, and promoted the formation of new blood vessels in the affected area. The researchers discovered that this therapy works through a complex molecular pathway involving a specific genetic mechanism called m6A modification. Essentially, electroacupuncture activated a protein called FTO, which then influenced a chain of molecules (miR-214-3p, EZH2, and eNOS) that ultimately stimulated blood vessel growth.

To confirm their findings, the researchers blocked different parts of this molecular pathway and observed that the benefits of electroacupuncture disappeared, proving these mechanisms were responsible for the therapeutic effects. The formation of new blood vessels is crucial for stroke recovery because it helps restore oxygen and nutrient delivery to damaged brain tissue.

For stroke patients, this research provides scientific evidence that electroacupuncture may support recovery by enhancing the brain's natural healing processes at a molecular level. While this study was conducted in animals and human clinical trials are needed, it adds to growing evidence supporting acupuncture as a complementary therapy for stroke rehabilitation. Patients interested in acupuncture for stroke recovery should consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in neurological conditions.

This experimental study examined FTO-mediated m6A modification mechanisms underlying electroacupuncture-induced angiogenesis following ischemic stroke in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO). Electroacupuncture was administered at GV26 (Shuigou). Assessment methods included neurological deficit scoring, TTC staining for infarct volume, HE staining for pathology, and CD31/Ki67 immunofluorescence for angiogenesis quantification.

Results demonstrated that EA significantly improved neurological outcomes, reduced infarct volume, and enhanced angiogenesis. MCAO downregulated miR-214-3p, eNOS mRNA, and protein expression, which EA reversed. Mechanistically, EA upregulated FTO expression, which mediated demethylation and increased miR-214-3p levels, subsequently downregulating EZH2 and upregulating eNOS. Both FTO inhibitor and miR-214-3p antagomir abolished EA's therapeutic effects, confirming the FTO/miR-214-3p/EZH2/eNOS signaling axis.

Clinical relevance: This study elucidates epigenetic mechanisms by which electroacupuncture promotes post-stroke angiogenesis, supporting its application in stroke rehabilitation protocols targeting vascular regeneration and functional recovery.