Electroacupuncture-induced reduction of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury via FTO-dependent m6A methylation modulation

Objective This study aims to investigate the potential of electroacupuncture to mitigate myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) by influencing N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation through modulation of the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Methods An experimental murine model of MIRI was established by surgically occluding the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by reperfusion. Electroacupuncture treatment targeting Neiguan acupoints was administered 7 days before ischemia induction. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography, and myocardial infarction size was assessed through Evans Blue and triphenyltetrazolium chloride dual staining. To measure m6A methylation and mRNA expression of FTO and mediator complex subunit 1 (Med1), RNA immunoprecipitation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were utilized. Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein expression levels of Med1, Bcl-2, and Bax. Results Electroacupuncture pretreatment was associated with a reduction in myocardial injury, demonstrated by preserved ejection fraction and reduced infarct size. Enhanced FTO expression and decreased m6A methylation were observed in myocardial tissue following electroacupuncture treatment. Additionally, Med1 – a downstream target of m6A – exhibited decreased mRNA expression in the electroacupuncture-treated group, correlating with reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Conclusion Electroacupuncture pretreatment may confer cardioprotective effects in MIRI by upregulating FTO, thereby modulating m6A methylation and reducing Med1 expression.