Experimental Protocol and Efficacy Assessment of Acupuncture in Animal Models of Premature Ovarian Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF) presents a significant gynecological challenge, impacting women's reproductive health. While mainstream hormone therapies provide some clinical benefits, they often entail side effects and fail to offer a comprehensive treatment, leaving patients to cope with numerous sequelae. Fortunately, acupuncture, a traditional medical technique, has demonstrated unique therapeutic benefits in alleviating the clinical symptoms of POF, reducing treatment side effects, and improving overall patient health. However, current animal research protocols on acupuncture for POF are varied and lack standardized approaches, as well as systematic comparative research and analysis. This study utilized network meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the efficacy of various acupuncture interventions and animal models in treating POF. The results suggest that manual acupuncture may be marginally more effective than electro-acupuncture, and the rat model appears to slightly outperform the mouse model in specific respects. Other intervention methods did not show statistically significant differences in efficacy. This research provides a novel perspective and a scientific foundation based on evidence-based medicine for designing future animal experimental protocols for POF, thereby potentially advancing further research in this field.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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