Lipidomics-driven insights into acupuncture mechanisms: From dynamic signaling networks to multi-dimensional regulations

Abstract

This review summarizes lipidomics as a key approach to dissect the multi-dimensional regulatory mechanisms of acupuncture, and reveals the role of lipid networks serve as critical ‘molecular transducers’ in the conversion of mechanical stimulation to biochemical signals. It systematically illustrates how lipid molecules mediate acupuncture's integrative regulation of the ‘metabolic-immune-neurological’ system through five-dimensional networks, including metabolic reprogramming, transmembrane signaling transduction, immune microenvironment regulation, cell death regulation, and neuroepigenetic communication. By integrating advanced lipidomics technologies (including high-resolution mass spectrometry, spatial analysis, and single-cell platforms) with multi-omics approaches and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive modeling, a precise three-dimensional map of ‘acupuncture point-lipid targets–effector pathways’ is constructed. Overcoming the technical challenges in lipid isomer detection and in vivo lipid imaging is crucial. This advancement will facilitate a paradigm shift in medicine by enabling precise, personalized acupuncture and moxibustion treatments guided by lipid biomarkers. It also highlights the scientific value of integrating systems biology with traditional medicine.