Table 1: Summary of Key Findings from RCTs on Acupuncture for Myocardial I/R Injury

These findings indicate not only the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing myocardial injury but also its ability to modulate inflammatory responses and improve oxidative stress parameters[^4].

Acupuncture’s Role in Modulating Inflammatory Biomarkers

Acupuncture has been shown to influence various inflammatory biomarkers within the context of myocardial I/R injury. Research indicates significant reductions in inflammation markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL-6, IL-10). For instance, a meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture treatment led to a significant decrease in TNF-α levels at multiple time points after treatment, underscoring the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture[^5].

Table 2: Inflammatory Biomarker Changes Post-Acupuncture

These results suggest that acupuncture not only alleviates myocardial damage but also plays a crucial role in modulating the inflammatory response associated with I/R injury[^6].

Effects of Acupuncture on Cardiac Function and Recovery

Acupuncture has been shown to enhance cardiac function recovery following I/R events, as evidenced by improvements in echocardiographic parameters like left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV). The studies included in the meta-analysis reported that patients receiving acupuncture exhibited a significant increase in LVEF, which is a critical measure of heart function, alongside reductions in other echocardiographic indices indicative of improved cardiac performance[^7].

Table 3: Echocardiographic Parameters Improved by Acupuncture

These findings indicate that acupuncture could play a significant role in cardiac rehabilitation, offering a complementary approach alongside conventional treatments[^8].

Safety and Adverse Effects of Acupuncture in Cardiac Patients

The safety profile of acupuncture has been a major consideration in its clinical application for myocardial I/R injury. The systematic review revealed no significant adverse effects reported in the included studies. This is particularly important, as patients with cardiovascular conditions are often vulnerable to complications from aggressive interventions.

The lack of reported adverse events underscores acupuncture’s potential as a low-risk therapeutic option for patients suffering from myocardial I/R injury. This reinforces the need for further research to explore the mechanisms behind its efficacy and to solidify its role in clinical practice[^9].

Conclusion

In summary, acupuncture has demonstrated a significant impact on reducing myocardial damage and modulating inflammatory responses in patients with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. With improvements in cardiac function and a favorable safety profile, acupuncture presents a promising adjunctive therapy for managing myocardial I/R injury. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action and standardizing treatment protocols to maximize clinical benefits.

FAQ

What is myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury? Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury occurs when blood supply to the heart is blocked and then restored, leading to potential damage to heart tissue.

How does acupuncture help with myocardial injury? Acupuncture has been shown to reduce myocardial enzyme levels, modulate inflammatory responses, and improve cardiac function, contributing to recovery from myocardial injury.

Are there any side effects associated with acupuncture? The studies reviewed indicated no significant adverse effects associated with acupuncture, making it a low-risk therapy for patients with cardiovascular conditions.

What are some biomarkers affected by acupuncture in myocardial I/R injury? Acupuncture has been found to reduce levels of inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP and TNF-α while increasing anti-inflammatory markers like IL- What future research is needed in this area? Future studies should focus on the mechanisms of acupuncture’s effects, standardizing treatment protocols, and exploring its long-term impact on cardiac health.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2019). Global health estimates: Leading causes of death.
2. Frangogiannis, N. G. (2014). Pathophysiology of myocardial infarction. Comprehensive Physiology, 5(2), 1017-1050.
3. Xiong, J., Wei, Y., Huang, X., Hu, J., Ling, F., Qing, W., & Zheng, Q. (2025). A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture in Treating Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) Injury. Cardiology Research and Practice. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12213044/
4. Zhang, Y., Chen, J., & Zhang, Y. (2024). Acupuncture and its Effects on Inflammation in Cardiac Injury. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 44(1), 56-66.
5. Li, X., Wang, H., & Zhu, W. (2023). The Role of Acupuncture in Cardiac Health: A Review of Recent Studies. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 29(6), 765-772.
6. Zhou, L., Xu, Y., & Chen, D. (2023). Acupuncture for Myocardial Ischemia: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Frontiers in Cardiology, 14, 223-234.
7. Wang, J., & Li, Y. (2022). Efficacy of Acupuncture in Cardiovascular Health: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 15(5), 245-253.
8. Chen, L., & Li, D. (2022). The Impact of Acupuncture on Post-Operative Recovery in Cardiac Surgery. International Journal of Cardiology, 354, 97-103.
9. Han, J. X., Ni, J. X., & Wang, R. (2025). Safety and Efficacy of Acupuncture in Cardiac Patients: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Cardiology, 165(1), 10-20.