Effect and mechanism of acupuncture on endogenous and exogenous stem cells in disease treatment: A therapeutic review

Acupuncture is effective intervention, particularly in nerve, endocrine diseases and immune diseases. The potential mechanisms mediating the effects of acupuncture include anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress, inhibition of cell apoptosis, and stimulation of the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous stem cells. Traditional Chinese medicine combined with stem cell transplantation have a synergistic effect in the treatment of diseases. Increasing studies have found that acupuncture can promote the proliferation, differentiation, homing and survival of exogenous stem cells. This article reviews the mechanism of acupuncture and Chinese herbs on endogenous stem cells and exogenous stem cells in the combined intervention of diverse disorders and the major problems in past 15 years, which will provide a reference for future clinical research.