In recent years, probiotics, as a class of biologically active microorganisms, have increasingly attracted attention for their potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). To comprehensively assess the effects of probiotics on clinical symptoms and systemic inflammation regulation in various NDDs, this systematic review conducted a detailed search of the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, ultimately including 22 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with 4 RCTs for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), 10 RCTs for Parkinson’s Disease (PD), 2 RCTs for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and 2 RCTs for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and intervention durations ranging from 4 to 16 weeks. The comprehensive analysis indicates that probiotics help improve clinical symptoms related to NDDs, including gastrointestinal function, cognitive function, quality of life, and mental health. Additionally, probiotics generally have a positive effect on reducing systemic inflammation and enhancing antioxidant capacity in patients. In conclusion, existing evidence supports the promising potential of probiotics in treating NDDs. However, further large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to explore specific differences in efficacy among various probiotic strains, dosages, and modes of administration. Moreover, considering that lifestyle and dietary habits may modulate the effects of probiotics, these external factors should also be included in research considerations to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and application strategies of probiotics in NDDs treatment.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are interrelated through insulin resistance (IR) and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This review evaluates the synergistic efficacy and mechanisms of a combined probiotic and metformin regimen in the management of PCOS, with a specific focus on the gut-ovary-metabolism axis. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251143914) registration across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang Database, and the VIP Database, prioritizing randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies. Results: The combination therapy suggests improved outcomes compared to metformin monotherapy, yielding significant improvements in metabolic, hormonal, and reproductive function. Crucially, probiotics alleviated metformin-induced gastrointestinal adverse effects, thereby enhancing treatment adherence. The proposed underlying mechanisms involve a synergistic restoration of gut microbial homeostasis, increased production of short-chain fatty acids, reinforcement of the intestinal barrier, and potentiated activation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) pathway. Conclusion: As an adjunct supplement to metformin, probiotics represent a novel, evidence-supported therapeutic strategy for PCOS. This approach offers enhanced efficacy and tolerability, with potential implications for a broader spectrum of metabolic disorders including T2DM; however, given the current paucity of related studies, conclusions should be drawn cautiously. Systematic review registration: [ https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ], identifier [CRD420251143914].

Acupuncture, as an effective external treatment method, has been widely used in various clinical diseases, but the research on its mechanism still needs to be further deepened. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology, as an emerging non-invasive neuroimaging technique, has the advantages of high timeliness, wide application scenarios, good portability and low cost. Currently, it is widely used in the mechanism research of acupuncture. This paper reviewed all the studies on the application of fNIRS in acupuncture, analyzed and summarized the current application status of fNIRS technology in acupuncture research. Firstly, we elaborated on the working principle of fNIRS and highlighted its advantages in acupuncture research and application. Secondly, we detailed the specific applications of fNIRS in acupuncture research. Finally, we discussed the existing problems of fNIRS in acupuncture research at present and the improvement directions for future research.

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic, non-infectious inflammation of the nasal mucosa, primarily mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) following allergen exposure in atopic individuals. Yupingfengsan (YPFS), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used to manage AR. However, its efficacy and safety require comprehensive evaluation.Methods: This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251009897). Eight databases were systematically searched up to December 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating YPFS for AR. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 18.0. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses explored heterogeneity and result stability. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Evidence quality was appraised with GRADEpro, and potential mechanisms of YPFS in AR were summarized.Results: Thirty-nine RCTs involving 4,578 participants met the inclusion criteria. YPFS combined with conventional pharmacotherapy significantly improved Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), regulated Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 balance, and reduced serum IgE, IL-4, and IL-6 levels compared with conventional pharmacotherapy alone. As monotherapy, YPFS improved TNSS and lowered IgE, IL-4, and IL-6 levels more effectively than conventional treatment, though its effects on immune balance and IL-4 modulation remain uncertain due to limited data. Both regimens increased overall clinical effectiveness and reduced relapse rates. No specific adverse reactions to YPFS were reported in studies that monitored safety; however, many trials did not report adverse events, limiting conclusions about its safety profile and long-term tolerability.Conclusion: YPFS, particularly when combined with conventional pharmacotherapy, offers superior benefits over conventional treatment alone in modulating immune function, reducing inflammation, improving clinical outcomes, and lowering relapse risk in AR. YPFS monotherapy also shows potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Current safety data do not indicate major concerns, but incomplete reporting and limited immune parameter data restrict definitive conclusions. High-quality, rigorously monitored RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and better define the safety of YPFS in clinical use.Systematic Evaluation Registry: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251009897. Identifier [CRD420251009897].