Advances in the Antidepressant Effects of Electroacupuncture Through Regulation of Microglia-Mediated BDNF Signaling and Hippocampal Neurogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the regulatory network linking microglia, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and hippocampal neurogenesis, and to clarify the potential antidepressant mechanisms of electroacupuncture.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed and integrated recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies regarding microglial activation, BDNF/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling, hippocampal neurogenesis, and electroacupuncture intervention in depressive disorders, retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases up to June 2026.

RESULTS

Depression is closely associated with neuroinflammation, impaired neuroplasticity, and disrupted hippocampal neurogenesis. Aberrant microglial activation may inhibit hippocampal neurogenesis by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, excessively engulfing synapses, and disturbing the neural microenvironment. These pathological changes interact with dysregulated BDNF/TrkB signaling and jointly contribute to depressive phenotypes. Electroacupuncture may exert antidepressant effects by modulating microglial phenotypic transformation, suppressing pro-inflammatory mediator release, and upregulating BDNF/TrkB signaling and its downstream pathways.

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture may improve depression through coordinated regulation of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and BDNF-related neuroplasticity. This mechanism provides a scientific basis for further mechanistic research and clinical application of acupuncture in depression.