Yuan et al. (2026)
- Authors: Yi-Na Yuan, Di Liu, Jun-Wei Liu, Hua-Yuan Li, Long Li, Yong-Li Wu
- Institutes: Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Publisher: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu (Acupuncture Research)
- Link: DOI
Summary
This study bridges traditional therapy with modern molecular biology by demonstrating how moxibustion may alleviate chronic fatigue at a cellular level. By showing that this treatment repairs damaged mitochondria via the AMPK/ULK1 pathway, the research provides a biological rationale for using warming needle moxibustion as a potential intervention for the energy-related symptoms of ME/CFS.
What was researched?
The study investigated whether warming needle moxibustion could improve chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms in rats by regulating mitochondrial autophagy through the AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway.
Why was it researched?
The researchers aimed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms of how moxibustion treats CFS, specifically focusing on its ability to repair mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscles.
How was it researched?
Rats were subjected to a multi-factor stress model (swimming, restraint, and fasting) to induce CFS and were then treated with warming needle moxibustion at specific acupuncture points for 14 days. A control group received Coenzyme Q10 💊 as a reference treatment, and researchers used transmission electron microscopy and Western blot analysis to measure changes in muscle tissue and protein expression.
What has been found?
The treatment significantly increased the rats’ body weight, swimming time, and overall activity levels while restoring the structure of damaged mitochondria in skeletal muscles. Specifically, moxibustion upregulated the protein expression ratios of p-AMPK/AMPK and p-ULK1/ULK1, as well as the autophagy marker LC3-II/LC3-I.
Discussion
The findings suggest that moxibustion triggers the ‘cleaning’ process of damaged mitochondria, which is often impaired in chronic fatigue states. This restoration of mitochondrial health is directly linked to the activation of the AMPK/ULK1 energy-sensing pathway.
Conclusion & Future Work
Warming needle moxibustion effectively alleviates CFS-like symptoms in rats by promoting mitochondrial autophagy. These results suggest that the AMPK/ULK1 pathway is a vital target for acupuncture-based fatigue treatments.