In terms of etiology, risk factors for VICD such as hyperlipidemia (Appleton et al., 2017; Jia et al., 2020), diabetes (Edgerton-Fulton and Ergul, 2022; Prajjwal et al., 2023), atherosclerosis (Huang et al., 2021), and other diseases are characterized by intracellular metabolic pathways disorders and increased oxidative damage, which are associated with ferroptosis (Figure 2).

Hyperlipidemia is regarded as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, which can accelerate the pathogenesis of VCID (Jia et al., 2020) and is also a necessary condition for ferroptosis (Chen Z. et al., 2023). There is an inevitable intrinsic link between VCID and hyperlipidemia (Pan et al., 2024). Statistical studies have found that 41% of VICD patients also have hyperlipidemia (Lüders et al., 2012). Both high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are known risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (Reitz et al., 2004; Sharrett et al., 1994), which may result in cognitive impairment secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion or embolism (Breteler et al., 1994). Dyslipidemia has been found to interact with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion to promote inflammation resulting in cognitive dysfunction in the brain, which may subsequently cause VICD (Shang et al., 2024). Notably, the increase in cholesterol in hyperlipidemia may be associated with ferroptosis in VCID patients (Yan and Zhang, 2019). Cholesterol, as an essential lipid component of mammalian cell membranes, is crucial for maintaining membrane integrity, fluidity, and microstructural organization (Luo et al., 2020). The mevalonate pathway is the primary route for cholesterol synthesis and is one of the critical pathways in cellular metabolism (Juarez and Fruman, 2021). This pathway influences ferroptosis in three distinct ways, including through the regulation of GPX4 (Seibt et al., 2019), squalene, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (Sun et al., 2023). Studies have shown that statins, by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, can downregulate GPX4, making hepatic stellate cells more susceptible to ferroptosis (Kitsugi et al., 2023). This indicates that elevated cholesterol levels in the blood of VCID patients may negatively regulate GPX4 activity through the mevalonate pathway, playing a role in promoting cellular ferroptosis. Additionally, 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), a major metabolite of cholesterol, has been identified as a potential regulator of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis (Freitas et al., 2024). Using genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats- associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) screening, researchers identified that enzymes involved in distal cholesterol biosynthesis play pivotal roles in regulating ferroptosis by modulating the levels of 7-DHC. This intermediate metabolite is synthesized by sterol C5-desaturase (SC5D) and further metabolized by 7-DHC reductase (DHCR7) for cholesterol synthesis. Research suggests that 7-DHC dictates ferroptosis surveillance by using the conjugated diene to exert its anti-phospholipid autoxidation function and shields plasma and mitochondria membranes from phospholipid autoxidation (Li Y. et al., 2024). It is speculated that VICD patients with hyperlipidemia may have disrupted lipid metabolism in their cells, which may affect the normal metabolism of cholesterol and subsequently impact the synthesis of 7-DHC, thereby affecting their sensitivity to ferroptosis. Furthermore, studies have shown that high-fat diet levels can affect the architecture of brain cell tissues, promote iron accumulation, limit the activity of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms, and may induce ferroptosis in cells (Chang et al., 2023). Therefore, it is speculated that VICD patients with hyperlipidemia, combined with their high-fat dietary characteristics, are more prone to ferroptosis.

Diabetes has been strongly linked to ferroptosis (Liu et al., 2024) and VCID (Biessels and Despa, 2018), as revealed by large-scale epidemiological investigations. Evidence suggests that diabetic patients have a 2.27-fold higher risk of developing vascular dementia compared to non-diabetic individuals (Biessels and Despa, 2018). In fact, it is not only clinically diagnosed diabetes that poses a threat, even elevated blood glucose levels alone can have detrimental effects on the nervous system (Faber et al., 2020). Research has shown that VICD patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are more susceptible to ferroptosis (Sha et al., 2021), which further exacerbates neurological dysfunction and worsens cognitive impairment (Luo et al., 2022). A study investigating the relationship between energy metabolism, ferroptosis, and cognitive impairment in the brains of T2D mice revealed that ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons contributes to cognitive dysfunction (Xie, 2023). The use of the ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin-1 was found to inhibit ferroptosis and alleviate T2D-related cognitive impairment (Xie, 2023). Furthermore, GPX4 enzyme levels are markedly lower in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic individuals (Luo et al., 2021). This reduction may cause lipid peroxidation to rise and glutathione levels to fall, which would cause ferroptosis. Previous studies have suggested that the etiology of cognitive impairment and ferroptosis in T2D patients is likely multifactorial. Emerging evidence indicates that it is particularly associated with iron overload in the brain, especially in the hippocampus (Liu et al., 2020). The underlying mechanism may involve high levels of insulin in the brain promoting the redistribution of transferrin receptors (TfR) to the cell surface, thereby increasing iron uptake and leading to neuronal iron overload (Tanner and Lienhard, 1987). Additionally, reports have indicated that serum hepcidin levels are low in T2DM patients (Altamura et al., 2017). Liu et al. (2020) found that hippocampal iron deposition in T2DM rats is closely related to the expression of hepcidin, and its deficiency is a key factor contributing to systemic iron overload.

Atherosclerotic lesions form prior to the clinical symptoms and signs of VCID (Huang et al., 2021), and the crosstalk between atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia disrupts lipid metabolism in VCID patients. This disruption is one of the key factors inducing ferroptosis (Yang et al., 2022c). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) is not only a key initiator of atherosclerosis but also a driving force behind atherosclerosis progression (Pirillo et al., 2013). Ox-LDL contributes to endothelial cell injury, promotes inflammatory responses, stimulates smooth muscle cell proliferation, and induces cellular ferroptosis (Yu et al., 2023). Bai et al. (2020) treated normal aortic endothelial cells (NAECs) from ApoE^–/– mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with ox-LDL and erastin, respectively, and found significantly increased levels of intracellular ROS, lipid peroxides, and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating that ox-LDL, similar to erastin, can induce ferroptosis in NAECs. Additionally, ox-LDL treatment of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) led to the accumulation of lipid peroxides and elevated ROS levels, further promoting ferroptosis in HCAECs (He et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2021). The above evidence suggests that atherosclerosis may influence vascular endothelial cells in VCID patients through ox-LDL, leading to ferroptosis. In addition, vascular stenosis caused by carotid atherosclerosis can put the brain in a long-term hypoperfusion state, resulting in chronic ischemia, hypoxia, and material exchange obstacles in brain tissue (Matsumoto et al., 2018). At the same time, oxidative stress in oligodendrocytes and microglia rises, resulting in reactive oxygen species that cause lipid peroxidation, may induce ferroptosis in neuronal cells, destroy neuronal structure, and lead to vascular dementia (Abe et al., 2024; Liu S. et al., 2022; Wang H. et al., 2024).

The occurrence of ferroptosis first requires the presence of iron ions (Tang et al., 2021). Excessive iron accumulation in the tissue, particularly in the form of unstable ferrous ions, can react with H₂O₂ within cells through Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions (Henning et al., 2022). Hydroxyl radicals are extremely potent oxidizing agents that rapidly react with lipid molecules in cell membranes, initiating lipid peroxidation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the cell membrane are the primary targets of hydroxyl radicals, ultimately leading to membrane structural damage. Additionally, the breakdown of lipid peroxides generates other harmful secondary metabolites, such as MDA and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), which further damage membrane proteins and DNA (Long et al., 2023). Ultimately, this process leads to the ferroptosis of neurones due to iron overload (Kenny et al., 2019). Clinical and experimental studies show that throughout the pathological development of VICD, there are multiple manifestations of iron accumulation that are intimately associated to the occurrence of ferroptosis (Moon et al., 2016; Sun et al., 2017).

Because getting pathological sections from clinical patients is highly difficult, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is now mostly employed to research brain iron accumulation in clinical settings (Chaudhary et al., 2019). Common techniques include lateral relaxation rate (R2), apparent relaxation rate (R2*) (Sethi et al., 2022), effective lateral relaxation time (T2*) (McNeill et al., 2008), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) (Kirsch et al., 2009; Sotoudeh et al., 2021), and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) (Madden and Merenstein, 2023; Spence et al., 2022).

Unlike hemosiderin deposition induced by intracranial small vessel injury in microbleeds, cerebral iron accumulation is caused by an excess deposition of free iron ions in nerve cells due to iron dyshomeostasis problems (DeGregorio-Rocasolano et al., 2019). Clinical studies have confirmed that in VCID patients, iron accumulation is widely present on the cerebral cortex and subcortical related areas (Mendes et al., 2020), such as the hippocampus and putamen, and the level of iron accumulation may be related to the severity of cognitive impairment (Liu et al., 2015). Furthermore, a clinical study evaluated cerebral iron accumulation using a quantitative susceptibility map and found that the higher content of cerebral iron accumulation, the more likely patients with vascular risk factors or cerebrovascular events are to develop VCID (Li M. et al., 2021).

QSM can achieve a non-invasive quantitative evaluation of brain iron accumulation content through the inversion relationship between field maps and magnetic susceptibility (Vinayagamani et al., 2021). Researchers investigated the iron accumulation in the brains of VCID patients caused by subcortical ischemia using QSM technology and discovered that the iron accumulation is widespread in the patients’ brains and is closely related to damage in different cognitive areas (Sun et al., 2017). Also, the most recent study used QSM technology to investigate the link between iron accumulation and cognitive function in high blood pressure patients. It found that there was a lot more iron in deep brain regions like the caudate nucleus and putamen in high blood pressure patients who had cognitive impairment and a link with cognitive performance (Qin et al., 2022). This suggests that iron deposition abnormalities can occur before cerebrovascular events occur, highlighting the importance of early intervention for iron deposition in VCI patients.

According to the research, iron accumulation in the brain of VCID patients occurs mostly in the basal ganglia and frontal cortex, which are the common sites of ischemic stroke (Jiang, 2020). The increase in iron is associated with a decrease in T2 relaxation time in MRI, resulting in a hypointense signal in T2-weighted images (Brass et al., 2006). In patients with cortical ischemia at the early clinical stage, T2- and proton density-weighted MRI revealed a decrease in intensity in the subcortex, indicating iron accumulation in the region (Ida et al., 1994). In patients with ischemic stroke (Ogawa et al., 1997; van Etten et al., 2015) or anoxic-ischemic injury (Dietrich and Bradley, 1988), T2-weighted MRI detects a low-intensity signal in the thalamus or basal ganglia ipsilateral to the infarction that is distant from the ischemic zone and is associated with poor cognitive function and negative emotion (Kuchcinski et al., 2017). VCI is the initial stage of VCID development. Imaging studies have revealed that VCI patients exhibit widespread microstructural abnormalities in cerebral white matter along with increased iron deposition. This rise in cerebral white matter iron deposition is significantly correlated with compromised brain myelin integrity. Furthermore, VCI patients show significantly elevated serum levels of white matter myelin injury markers. The levels of ferroptosis-related indicators in the serum, such as ACSL4, GPX4, and GSH, are also significantly associated with myelin injury markers. These findings collectively suggest that ferroptosis may play a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of VCID (Gu, 2023).

Apart from the clinical results, studies on animals and cell cultures have also produced evidence that connects iron to ischemic neuronal damage and VCID (Wu et al., 2018). Researchers established the VICD rat model by performing permanent bilateral carotid artery blockage surgery to evaluate iron and oxidative stress indicators (Li et al., 2012). The study found that iron accumulation was observed in both the hippocampal CA1 region and cerebral cortex, which is associated with local neuronal death and increased lipid peroxidation. Research has confirmed that the majority of ischemic stroke will develop into VCID (Inoue et al., 2023) and the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rodent model is the most commonly used animal model for creating ischemic stroke (Yang et al., 2016). There is a considerable rise in the amounts of free iron or ferritin in the brains of mice, rats, and gerbils with MCAO (Chi et al., 2000; Ding et al., 2011; Fang et al., 2013; Tuo et al., 2017). After 4 weeks of transient forebrain ischemia caused by the four-vessel occlusion model, iron deposition was found in the rat brain (Kondo et al., 1995). The photoactivation of photosensitive dyes transmitted to the bloodstream can also cause occlusion in rats, and the level of free iron increases 1 h after occlusion (Millerot-Serrurot et al., 2008). Three weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) surgery, iron deposition was also observed in the thalamus of rats, accompanied by a low signal detected by T2 weighted MRI (Justicia et al., 2008), consistent with observations in the human brain. Iron supplementation significantly increased the cerebral infarction volume in rats 24 h after MCAO/R (Mehta et al., 2004). When the iron chelating drug deferoxamine (DFO) is given nasally prior to or following occlusion, it can considerably reduce infarct size (Hanson et al., 2009). Additionally, a different iron chelator called 2,2′-bipyridine has been demonstrated to effectively decrease the size of the infarct in the rats with cortical photothrombotic vascular occlusion (Demougeot et al., 2004).

Recent advancements in single-cell analysis, such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (Milenkovic et al., 2024), offer unprecedented opportunities to study ferroptosis-related mechanisms in VCID with high resolution and specificity. These technologies enable a more precise understanding of how ferroptosis contributes to neurovascular dysfunction, cognitive decline, and treatment responses in VCID patients. For instance, scRNA-seq allows for cell-specific analysis of ferroptosis markers, facilitating the identification of ferroptosis-prone cell populations—such as neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells—in VCID-affected regions like the hippocampus and white matter (Dang et al., 2022). While direct studies linking single-cell sequencing to ferroptosis in VCID are currently limited, research in related neurological conditions provides valuable insights. For example, a single-cell and spatial transcriptomics study based on the ICH rat model revealed that ferroptosis is a primary form of programmed cell death following intracerebral hemorrhage, predominantly affecting mature oligodendrocytes (Gu et al., 2024). This process was observed as early as 1 h post-hemorrhage, peaking at 24 h, and was notably present in regions such as the hippocampus and choroid plexus. These findings underscore the potential of single-cell technologies to elucidate cell-type-specific ferroptosis dynamics in brain disorders, which could be applicable to VCID research (Pozojevic and Spielmann, 2023; Yan and Zhang, 2019).

Chronic cerebral ischemia and hypoxia in VICD lead to damage of microvascular endothelial cells and the BBB, resulting in blood extravasation into brain parenchyma and the release of large amounts of Fe²⁺ from ruptured red blood cells. Excessive accumulation of iron during iron metabolism can trigger oxidative stress responses, ultimately leading to lipid peroxidation of cell membranes and cell death. Since VICD occurs after a cerebral stroke and is a result of stroke disease progression, the pathological mechanism of BBB disruption in VICD is consistent with the consequences of BBB damage after stroke. Both conditions can lead to iron overload and ferroptosis. The regulatory effects of acupuncture on both conditions are based on this shared pathological mechanism.

Acupuncture modulates iron metabolism-related molecules and pathways to restore iron homeostasis and reduce the occurrence of ferroptosis. Hepcidin is the primary regulatory factor in iron metabolism within the body. Its main function involves binding to the iron transporter ferroportin (FPN), promoting its degradation, and thereby inhibiting the release of iron from cells into the bloodstream. Studies have shown that acupuncture improves iron homeostasis by regulating hepcidin levels. Experiments indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) can lower neurological function scores in cerebral stroke rats and may exert neuroprotective effects by reducing hepcidin protein and gene expression, thus enhancing brain iron metabolism and decreasing excessive iron accumulation (Chen et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2023).

Ferroportin 1 (Fpn1) is a beneficial iron export transporter located on the cell membrane, responsible for transferring iron from inside the cell to the outside, thereby regulating iron balance in the body. In contrast, increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) leads to more iron entering the cell, which may result in iron overload, elevated production of ROS, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and ultimately, ferroptosis. Using the Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture method to treat rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI), the results suggest that acupuncture can increase levels of Fpn1, GSH and GPX4 in the ischemic brain tissue, decrease the content of MDA and TfR1 proteins, and inhibit ferroptosis in neuronal cells (Wang Q. et al., 2024). Additionally, research (Chen et al., 2022) has shown that EA at Baihui (DU20) and Dazhui (GV14) acupoints significantly decreased the expression of TfR1, transferrin (Tf), and ferritin (Ft) in intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rat models, promoting brain iron metabolism, restoring iron homeostasis, and providing neuroprotection.

Acupuncture can also regulate the expression of ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), enhance the ability of brain cells to store iron, reduce the accumulation of free iron, and inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis. Another study (Li M.-Y. et al., 2022) found that stimulating the acupoints DU20 and Qubin (GB7) significantly increased FTH1 expression levels in the brain tissue of ICH rat models. This upregulation helps to increase iron storage capacity, reduce free iron accumulation, prevent its involvement in the Fenton reaction, which produces harmful ROS, and inhibit ferroptosis.

Moreover, acupuncture supports systemic iron homeostasis by improving hepatic and intestinal iron metabolism functions (Ding L. et al., 2023; Gao et al., 2017; Xia et al., 2017; Yu et al., 2024). For instance, acupuncture at the points of Ganshu (BL 18) and Pishu (BL 20) can enhance liver function, while stimulation of Zusanli (ST36) can improve intestinal iron absorption. Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate the key molecules such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) to enhance the antioxidant capacity of brain tissue in VD rats, reducing neuroinflammation caused by ferroptosis (Du S. et al., 2017). Therefore, acupuncture modulates iron homeostasis through multiple pathways and targets, and inhibit ferroptosis.

Pharmacological iron chelators, such as DFO, directly bind free iron to reduce oxidative stress and prevent ferroptosis. However, their long-term use may disrupt systemic iron balance, leading to potential deficiencies and metabolic disturbances (Velasquez and Wray, 2025). In contrast, acupuncture provides a homeostatic regulation of iron metabolism by influencing key molecular pathways rather than indiscriminately depleting iron. Studies suggest that acupuncture downregulates transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) to limit excessive iron uptake while upregulating FPN1 to facilitate iron efflux, thereby preventing intracellular iron accumulation in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) mouse model (Chen et al., 2025). Additionally, acupuncture modulates hepcidin levels in iron-deficient obese patients, ensuring a dynamic and balanced distribution of iron without inducing systemic iron depletion (Xie et al., 2017). This indirect but systemic approach may offer a more sustainable neuroprotective strategy against ferroptosis in VCID.

Beyond iron transport regulation, acupuncture enhances cellular antioxidant defenses, complementing its effects on iron homeostasis (Su et al., 2020). Unlike iron chelators, which primarily remove iron but do not address oxidative damage, acupuncture promotes the activity of GPX4, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and CAT, all of which mitigate lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress (Zhao et al., 2022). This dual-action—stabilizing iron homeostasis and reinforcing antioxidant capacity—allows acupuncture to counteract ferroptosis with potentially fewer adverse effects compared to pharmacological chelation (Chen and Hsieh, 2020). Given these advantages, future research should explore whether acupuncture combined with iron chelators could optimize ferroptosis suppression by balancing immediate iron detoxification with long-term metabolic stability.

Chronic cerebral ischemia in VCID not only directly causes the generation of a large amount of ROS within the brain, but also promotes ROS production through inflammatory responses, resulting in neuronal lipid peroxidation damage and the formation of the end product MDA (Wu et al., 2023), exacerbating brain tissue damage in VCID animal models (Yang, 2024). The Fe²⁺ ions that are released when the BBB ruptures could be involved in the Fenton reaction, resulting in the production of a significant quantity of ROS, which in turn directly enhances the process of lipid peroxidation. Additionally, Fe²⁺ can act as a cofactor for lipid peroxidation enzymes, further inducing ferroptosis (Liang, 2023). The deterioration of antioxidant system function weakens the ability of cells to resist lipid peroxidation and promotes the occurrence of ferroptosis. In the brain tissues of patients with ischemic stroke and animal models with MCAO, reduced levels of GSH increase the sensitivity of brain to ferroptosis-induced damage (Wu et al., 2023). Related studies have also shown that upregulating GPX4 expression can alleviate brain damage in VD rats, while knocking out the GPX4 gene exacerbates brain damage (Ming et al., 2023). The reduced activity of GPX4 and disturbances in glutathione metabolism also play crucial roles in ferroptosis (Mou et al., 2019; Tang et al., 2023), further complicating the mechanism of ferroptosis in VCID brain tissues.

Acupuncture can reduce lipid peroxidation by upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as GPX4 (Wang Q. et al., 2024), SOD (Lin et al., 2024), and CAT in the brain tissue of MCAO/R rat models following stroke. These enzymes effectively scavenge intracellular ROS and reduce lipid peroxidation. GPX4 is an important antioxidant enzyme in ferroptosis, which reduces phospholipid hydroperoxides to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. By upregulating the expression of GPX4 (Dai et al., 2024; Gao and Yang, 2023), acupuncture significantly lowers lipid peroxidation levels and decreases the expression of MDA in brain tissue of rats with cerebral ischemia or cerebral hemorrhage (Li M.-Y. et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2023), potentially inhibiting ferroptosis in VCID (Figure 3).

While lipid metabolism and iron homeostasis are key regulators of ferroptosis, recent studies suggest that glucose metabolism (Zhu K. et al., 2024), amino acid metabolism (Yang et al., 2022a), and neurotransmitter systems (Kim et al., 2021)also play critical roles in ferroptotic cell death. Acupuncture, known for its systemic regulatory effects, may influence ferroptosis not only by modulating lipid peroxidation but also through its impact on glucose utilization, amino acid availability, and glutamate excitotoxicity, thereby reducing oxidative stress and neuronal vulnerability in VCID (Chang et al., 2018).

Glucose metabolism is central to cellular redox homeostasis, as it supplies nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH) through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which is essential for regenerating GSH—a key antioxidant that suppresses ferroptosis (Hao et al., 2018). Studies have shown that impaired glucose metabolism exacerbates ferroptotic damage by limiting NADPH availability, thus weakening the cell’s ability to detoxify lipid peroxides. Acupuncture has been reported to enhance glucose uptake and utilization, likely through its effects on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin signaling pathways (Liu X. et al., 2022). For instance, stimulation at ST36 has been shown to upregulate glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) expression, improving glucose transport into neurons and astrocytes in an AD animal model, which may enhance PPP activity and bolster ferroptosis resistance (Ni et al., 2023). Additionally, acupuncture has been found to modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics, optimizing ATP production in the liver damage rat model and have the potential to mitigate ferroptosis-associated metabolic stress (Lee et al., 2022).

Amino acid metabolism, particularly glutamate, cysteine, and glycine, is integral to ferroptosis regulation due to its influence on glutathione synthesis (Poltorack and Dixon, 2022). The cystine-glutamate antiporter system (system Xc^–) imports cystine, which is converted into cysteine, the rate-limiting precursor for GSH biosynthesis. In ferroptosis, inhibition of system Xc^– reduces GSH levels, leading to uncontrolled lipid peroxidation and cell death (Ye et al., 2024). Acupuncture may support cystine uptake and GSH synthesis by modulating Nrf2 signaling, a key pathway regulating antioxidant responses. Electroacupuncture (EA) at DU20 and Shenshu (BL23) has been associated with increased Nrf2 activation and enhanced cysteine availability in ischemic stroke rat model, potentially contributing to greater resistance against ferroptotic stress (Yang et al., 2025). Furthermore, acupuncture may regulate the metabolism of methionine and glycine, both of which are critical for glutathione synthesis, further reinforcing cellular antioxidant defenses (Li H. et al., 2024).

Glutamate excitotoxicity is a major driver of oxidative stress and neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases, including VCID. Excessive extracellular glutamate inhibits system Xc^–, reducing cystine uptake and depleting GSH, thereby promoting ferroptosis. This mechanism is particularly relevant in ischemic and hypoxic conditions, where glutamate accumulation exacerbates neuronal injury. A review article discusses how acupuncture can potentially modulate glutamate receptors and excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), suggesting that acupuncture treatment effects may be underpinned by its intervention in the dysregulated glutamate system (Tu et al., 2019). While specific studies directly linking acupuncture to increased EAAT activity and reduced ferroptosis-induced neurotoxicity are limited, the general modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission by acupuncture indicates a potential for such effects. By enhancing EAAT activity, acupuncture may reduce extracellular glutamate levels, thereby alleviating excitotoxicity and potentially mitigating ferroptosis-related neuronal damage.

Pharmacological agents like liproxstatin-1 are specific inhibitors of lipid peroxidation, functioning by inhibiting GPX4 activity and preventing the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides, which are key mediators of ferroptotic cell death (Fan et al., 2020). While effective in ferroptosis-sensitive cell lines, liproxstatin-1 and similar compounds can have narrow therapeutic windows, as they do not address the broader metabolic disruptions that contribute to ferroptosis. Long-term use of such pharmacological agents could potentially disrupt essential cellular functions, such as lipid metabolism and antioxidant defense (Zilka et al., 2017). In contrast, acupuncture modulates ferroptosis through a more holistic mechanism, influencing multiple pathways related to glutathione metabolism, lipid homeostasis, and iron regulation. By stimulating specific acupoints such as DU20 and ST36 in rats model of MCAO/R, acupuncture can increase antioxidant enzyme activity (GPX4, SOD, CAT), reduce lipid peroxidation, and optimize iron metabolism—all of which contribute to enhanced neuroprotection and decreased ferroptotic damage (Yang et al., 2025). Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cerebral blood flow, addressing underlying metabolic and vascular issues that contribute to VCID (Li et al., 2023; Wang et al., n.d.).

Dietary interventions, particularly the intake of omega-3 PUFAs, have been shown to modulate lipid metabolism and reduce lipid peroxidation, making them potential adjuncts to ferroptosis inhibition (Mortensen et al., 2023). Omega-3 PUFAs, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and protect against ferroptosis by incorporating into cell membranes, stabilizing phospholipids, and reducing their vulnerability to peroxidation (Suda et al., 2024). However, the effectiveness of omega-3 PUFAs in ferroptosis inhibition is largely dependent on the dietary intake levels and bioavailability of these fatty acids. Acupuncture can complement dietary interventions by enhancing the absorption of omega-3 PUFAs and promoting their incorporation into cellular membranes. For example, acupuncture at ST36 has been shown to stimulate intestinal absorption and optimize lipid metabolism in metabolic syndrome secondary mouse model, which may enhance the bioavailability and bioactivity of omega-3 PUFAs (Han et al., 2020). Additionally, acupuncture’s ability to regulate metabolic pathways could enhance the protective effects of omega-3 PUFAs, particularly in the context of ferroptosis-associated neurodegeneration.

The combination of acupuncture with pharmacological inhibitors or dietary interventions holds great potential for synergistic ferroptosis inhibition in VCID treatment. For example, acupuncture may optimize the bioavailability and efficacy of liproxstatin-1 by improving circulation and cellular absorption, while also mitigating its potential side effects by supporting metabolic balance and tissue regeneration. Similarly, omega-3 PUFA supplementation, when combined with acupuncture, could enhance the incorporation of these protective lipids into membranes, thereby further reducing lipid peroxidation and promoting membrane integrity during ferroptosis.

Acupuncture’s role in ferroptosis regulation is highly specific, primarily targeting iron homeostasis and lipid peroxidation, which are hallmark mechanisms of ferroptotic cell death. Unlike apoptosis, which is caspase-dependent, and necroptosis, which is mediated by droped in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, ferroptosis is driven by iron overload and the accumulation of lipid peroxides (Yang et al., 2022b; Table 1).

Existing studies indicate that acupuncture exerts its effects on ferroptosis by modulating key regulators such as GPX4, ACSL4, and TfR1 (Wang G.-L. et al., 2023), which are not directly involved in apoptosis or necroptosis. For example, acupuncture has been shown to upregulate GPX4 activity in MCAO/R rats model, which mitigates lipid peroxidation and protects neuronal membranes from ferroptosis-induced damage. Additionally, acupuncture also inhibits the expression of ACSL4 in MCAO/R rats model, an enzyme critical for incorporating PUFAs into membrane phospholipids, thereby reducing susceptibility to ferroptosis.

In contrast, apoptosis is characterized by the activation of caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9, leading to DNA fragmentation and cell shrinkage (Elmore, 2007). Acupuncture studies have demonstrated its potential to regulate apoptosis via pathways such as the Bcl-2/Bax axis or the PI3K/Akt pathway (Yang et al., 2023), yet these mechanisms do not overlap significantly with its ferroptosis-regulating effects. Similarly, necroptosis involves the RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL cascade (Dhuriya and Sharma, 2018), which is not significantly altered by acupuncture in ferroptosis-related studies. Thus, while acupuncture may have regulatory effects on multiple cell death pathways, its ability to selectively influence ferroptosis appears to be mediated by its impact on iron metabolism and oxidative stress, rather than by direct modulation of apoptotic or necroptotic machinery.

The regulation of ferroptosis by acupuncture is closely associated with its ability to modulate iron homeostasis, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. While acupuncture is known for its systemic effects, certain acupoints have demonstrated greater efficacy in ferroptosis regulation, particularly Baihui (DU20), Zusanli (ST36), and Shuigou (DU26). These points are functionally relevant to the brain vascular network, playing crucial roles in enhancing cerebral circulation, stabilizing the BBB, and modulating metabolic pathways that influence ferroptosis susceptibility.

DU20, located at the vertex of the skull, is directly linked to cerebral perfusion (Lin et al., 2016) and neurovascular protection (Liu et al., 2018). Research suggests that its stimulation improves regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and helps maintain BBB integrity in rat intracerebral hemorrhage models via the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway, preventing excessive iron influx into neuronal tissues (Zhang C. et al., 2024). Additionally, Baihui acupuncture modulates key ferroptosis regulators such as TfR1, FPN1, and all of which are involved in iron transport, lipid peroxidation control, and antioxidant defense. ST36, a major acupoint on the lower leg, has been widely studied for its effects on systemic metabolism and oxidative stress regulation (Jiang et al., 2023). It has been shown to enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, including GPX4, SOD, and CAT, reducing oxidative damage and mitigating ferroptosis in MCAO/R Rats (Zhu W. et al., 2024). Additionally, ST36 influences lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis (Lee et al., 2011) in a rat model of insulin-dependent diabetes, both of which are critical factors in neuronal resilience to ferroptotic damage. DU26, located at the midline of the philtrum, has been traditionally used for its neuroprotective effects, particularly in ischemic stroke and cerebral hypoxia. Acupuncture at DU26 is believed to promote cerebrovascular autoregulation, reduce iron accumulation in brain tissues, and protect against lipid peroxidation-induced neuronal injury in cerebral hemorrhage rat model (Liu et al., 2018). By stabilizing iron metabolism and preserving membrane phospholipid integrity, DU26 acupuncture may help limit ferroptosis-related neurodegeneration (Table 2).

These acupoints are functionally integrated into the brain vascular network, influencing cerebral circulation, oxidative stress regulation, and lipid peroxidation pathways. Their ability to improve blood flow and strengthen BBB function may reduce neuronal exposure to iron overload and ROS, thereby decreasing ferroptotic vulnerability. The targeted use of these acupuncture points offers a multi-faceted approach to ferroptosis regulation, complementing pharmacological strategies for treating VCID. Further research is needed to explore the precise mechanisms by which these acupoints exert their effects and to determine their potential in combination therapies aimed at ferroptosis inhibition (Table 2).

Evidence indicates that repeated acupuncture stimulation yields sustained neuroprotective benefits by stabilizing iron homeostasis and enhancing antioxidant responses (Huo et al., 2014). Chronic or repeated interventions—such as regular EA at acupoints like DU20 and ST36 of stroke models—have been shown to persistently upregulate protective enzymes, including GPX4, while maintaining balanced expression of key iron transporters like TfR1 and FTH1 (Table 3). This cumulative effect helps to mitigate excessive iron accumulation and reduces the formation of lipid peroxides, thereby decreasing the cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis over time. In addition, repeated acupuncture appears to exert anti-inflammatory effects and promote overall metabolic homeostasis (Shen et al., n.d.). By modulating pathways related to glucose and amino acid metabolism, acupuncture may reinforce the cell’s intrinsic antioxidant defenses and improve mitochondrial function, which in turn supports both peroxisomal activity and redox balance (Chen H. et al., 2023). This integrated modulation not only helps to counteract acute oxidative stress but also establishes a long-term cellular environment that is more resistant to the deleterious cascades leading to ferroptosis, ultimately contributing to enhanced neuronal resilience (Table 3).

Acupuncture presents a multi-pathway therapeutic approach for ferroptosis suppression in VCID, distinguishing itself from pharmacological inhibitors that target only specific molecular mechanisms. By modulating iron homeostasis, acupuncture reduces iron overload through the regulation of FPN1, TfR1, and hepcidin, thereby preventing excessive iron accumulation in ferroptosis-prone brain regions (Wang Q. et al., 2024). Additionally, acupuncture influences lipid peroxidation pathways by downregulating ACSL4 and upregulating GPX4, which helps stabilize neuronal membranes and mitigate oxidative lipid damage (Dai et al., 2024). Beyond its effects on ferroptosis regulation, acupuncture enhances antioxidant defense mechanisms by activating Nrf2 signaling, increasing GSH levels, and upregulating SOD and CAT, counteracting ferroptotic oxidative stress (Lin et al., 2024). Unlike iron chelation therapy or synthetic ferroptosis inhibitors, acupuncture is non-invasive and associated with fewer systemic side effects, reducing the risk of metabolic disruptions. Furthermore, given that chronic cerebral hypoperfusion exacerbates ferroptosis susceptibility in VCID, acupuncture at DU20 and ST36 has been reported to enhance cerebral blood flow, alleviate ischemia-induced oxidative stress, and promote neurovascular repair, indirectly suppressing ferroptotic damage (Gao and Yang, 2023; Wang G.-L. et al., 2023). Its adaptability for precision medicine approaches further supports its potential as a personalized intervention, allowing treatments to be tailored based on individual metabolic and neurovascular status.

The efficacy of acupuncture in ferroptosis modulation for VCID may vary significantly among individuals due to genetic differences, metabolic profiles, and vascular health, making treatment outcomes difficult to predict. Additionally, the lack of standardization in acupoint selection, stimulation techniques, and treatment duration may contribute to inconsistent therapeutic effects across studies, limiting its reproducibility in clinical research. Unlike pharmacological approaches with precise dosing, acupuncture outcomes are highly dependent on practitioner expertise, which poses challenges for scalability and standard clinical implementation. Addressing these issues through standardized protocols and evidence-based optimization of acupuncture parameters will be essential for ensuring reliable and reproducible results in ferroptosis-targeting VCID therapy.

Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture may regulate VCID by modulating ACSL4 (Wang G.-L. et al., 2023; Yang, 2024; Zhang et al., 2023). For example, research indicates that EA at DU26 and DU20 significantly reduces ACSL4 expression in the brain tissue of stroke model MCAO/R rats, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis to alleviate I/R injury (Wang G.-L. et al., 2023). This effect could be attributed to EA’ s ability to lower ACSL4 expression in brain tissue during ischemia and hypoxia, thereby reducing the catalysis of PUFA conjugation with coenzyme A and decreasing the incorporation of these fatty acids into phospholipids, particularly PUFA-enriched phospholipids.

Furthermore, acupuncture can regulate LPCAT3 expression, which affects PUFA esterification and inhibits ferroptosis. According to studies, the “Shugan Tiaoshen” acupuncture treatment effectively reduces the proteins and mRNA expression levels of LPCAT3 and ACSL4 in the brain tissue of ischemic stroke rats, resulting in neuroprotective effects (Wu R. et al., 2024). In addition, EA at the Shenmen (HT7) and Tongli (HT5) acupoints of the heart meridian can decrease the levels of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 proteins and mRNA, hence offering protection against myocardial ischemia (Wang, 2023). Moreover, acupuncture can influence ALOXs. However, this mechanism has only been identified in acupuncture therapies for asthma (Tang et al., 2023) and neuropathic pain (Wan et al., 2023), and it has not been observed in VCID-associated disorders. This could be an appealing target for future study into how acupuncture inhibits ferroptosis in the treatment of VCID.

Acupuncture has been found to be effective in regulating phospholipid metabolism and membrane phospholipid composition. A study on VCID patients revealed alterations in plasma metabolomics profiles before and after a 3-month course of acupuncture treatment, showing notable disparities in the metabolomics profiles of all individuals. Following therapy, the expression levels of phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), sphingomyelin (SM), and sphinganine (C16) were substantially increased compared to the levels observed before treatment. DL-carnitine, L-carnitine, SM [d18:0/16:1(9Z)], and SM (d18:0/22:0) were all considerably reduced following treatment, with statistical significance (P < 0.05) (Ma, 2023). The finding indicates that acupuncture can potentially affect the plasma metabolomics profile of VCID patients, either by directly regulating certain processes or by enhancing the absorption and metabolism of medications in the body. Moreover, EA can promote skin wound healing in full-thickness skin defect rat models by improving lipid metabolism and inhibiting ferroptosis in local tissues (Du et al., 2023). The results showed that blood flow perfusion and wound healing in the EA group improved more rapidly than in the model group. GPX4 and GSH levels, associated with ferroptosis, were higher in the EA group, while ACSL4 and MDA levels were lower. Additionally, lipid metabolomics analysis in this study revealed that EA regulated 37 lipid metabolites, including phospholipids, lysophospholipids, triglycerides, acylcarnitines, sphingolipids, and fatty acids, all key components of the cell membrane.

Additionally, studies have shown that acupuncture regulates phosphatidylinositol (PI) levels. PI plays a crucial role in cellular signal transduction and membrane dynamics. Acupuncture may improve PI synthesis and metabolism by increasing PI synthase expression, which strengthens the cell’s resistance to ferroptosis. Studies have demonstrated that EA at GV26 can effectively reduce the overexpression of PI system-related factors such as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), and calmodulin (CaM) in acute cerebral ischemia rats, alleviating cerebrovascular spasms (Li J. et al., 2022). It is important to emphasize that the studies listed above mostly concentrate on peripheral blood, and there is a scarcity of comprehensive study on the composition of phospholipids in the cell membranes of the central nervous system in VCID. Hence, this might potentially serve as a substantial focal point for acupuncture research.

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a family of antioxidant enzymes localized within peroxisomes. Under physiological conditions, they neutralize the H₂O₂ produced during fatty acid breakdown in peroxisomes, thereby maintaining cellular redox balance and preventing oxidative damage. Studies have shown that the level of peroxiredoxin-6 (Prx-6) in the brain tissue of MCAO/R rats is higher than that in the sham group, but its level is downregulated after EA intervention. However, EA preconditioning can increase the expression of Prx-6 in the brain tissue of MCAO/R rats, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects (Gao et al., 2014). The above results suggest that EA has the potential to regulate peroxisomes.

Existing evidence also indicates that acupuncture can modulate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) proteins and genes. Studies have shown that EA intervention at Chize (LU5), Hegu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and ST36 of the MCAO rats can upgrade the total expression of PPARγprotein, alleviating neuroinflammation in the brain tissue post-stroke, thereby improving neurological function scores in rats (Yao et al., 2023). Furthermore, acupuncture at GV20 and BL23 may have beneficial effects on cognitive impairment in AD rats by activating PPAR-γ and inhibiting the expression of p-p38MAPK (Zhang et al., 2017). EA can also improve cognitive function and motor abilities in cerebral palsy rat models by activating the PPAR pathway (Wu Z.-F. et al., 2024).

Peroxisomes exhibit a dual role in ferroptosis and neuroprotection, primarily through their involvement in plasmalogen synthesis and antioxidant defense mechanisms. On one hand, peroxisomes produce plasmalogens, a class of ether phospholipids that are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, thus making cells more vulnerable to ferroptosis. On the other hand, peroxisomes are critical for myelin maintenance, VLCFA metabolism, and ROS detoxification, all of which contribute to neuronal resilience (Cui W. et al., 2021). Acupuncture appears to modulate peroxisomal activity by fine-tuning the balance between these competing roles, thereby preventing excessive ferroptotic damage while preserving myelin integrity.

There are studies suggesting that acupuncture enhances peroxisomal antioxidant defense systems by upregulating Prx-6, a crucial peroxisomal enzyme involved in lipid peroxidation repair and ROS scavenging (Gao et al., 2014). Increased Prx-6 activity has been associated with reduced oxidative damage in neuronal membranes and enhanced protection against ferroptosis-induced demyelination. Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to modulate PPARγ signaling, a key regulator of peroxisomal function that governs lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory responses, and neuroprotection (Yao et al., 2023). Activation of PPARγ by acupuncture may support myelin regeneration and reduce peroxisome-mediated lipid peroxidation, thereby preventing ferroptosis while sustaining neuronal function.

Moreover, acupuncture appears to influence peroxisome biogenesis through the regulation of PEX proteins, which are essential for maintaining peroxisomal integrity and function (Gao et al., 2014). Acupuncture may promote the expression of PEXs family, thereby supporting peroxisomal homeostasis and ensuring a controlled production of plasmalogens that does not exacerbate ferroptosis. By regulating peroxisomal functions in a targeted and adaptive manner, acupuncture provides a neuroprotective strategy that mitigates ferroptotic vulnerability without impairing essential lipid metabolism and myelin maintenance. These findings highlight acupuncture’s potential as a dual-action intervention, offering both ferroptosis inhibition and structural support for neuronal health in VCID.