Research progress on the mechanisms related to myocardial injury in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury treated by acupuncture at neiguan (PC6) acupoint: A narrative review.

Abstract

Acute myocardial infarction presents a considerable clinical burden with high morbidity and mortality rates, with reperfusion therapy being the primary treatment modality. However, following revascularization myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury can trigger secondary functional cardiac damage, accelerating necrosis of cardiomyocytes. This poses a significant challenge to patient health and well-being. Acupuncture therapy, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, holds promise in addressing cardiovascular ailments. Neiguan point is an 8 meridians meeting point, belonging to the hand jueyin pericardium meridian, and connected with yinwei meridian. It has the effects of calming the heart and calming the spirit, regulating qi and relieving pain. Modern medical research has confirmed that it can regulate cardiac function through the neuro-humoral-immune network, protect myocardial function, and have a good effect in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. When strategically combined with other acupuncture points, the Neiguan stimulation point exhibits potential in mitigating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study explores the impact of acupuncture at the Neiguan point in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, aiming to shed light on preventive and therapeutic strategies for this condition.