Electroacupuncture in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disorder globally, driven by increasing rates of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic dysfunction. In the absence of approved pharmacological therapies, electroacupuncture (EA) has garnered attention as a promising adjunctive intervention. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the mechanistic underpinnings and therapeutic potential of EA in NAFLD. We discuss how EA modulates hepatic lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy through key molecular pathways, including AMPK, SIRT1, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Preclinical studies and emerging clinical trials indicate that EA effectively improves hepatic steatosis, metabolic parameters, and liver function with minimal side effects. Collectively, these findings underscore EA as a promising strategy for NAFLD treatment and highlight the need for further translational research.