Transcriptomic analysis of the mechanism of electroacupuncture in alleviating early synovial inflammation in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis

• Electroacupuncture significantly alleviates early synovial inflammation in a rat model of knee osteoarthritis, as evidenced by improved cartilage surface and reduced Mankin's score. • Transcriptomic analysis identified 48 differentially expressed genes in synovial tissue, with 29 upregulated and 19 downregulated in response to electroacupuncture. • Key pathways involved include cell adhesion molecules, PI3K-Akt signaling, NF-κB signaling, and PPAR signaling, suggesting multiple mechanisms of action. • Electroacupuncture modulates the expression of Myh9, Hmox1, S100a8, Rack1, and Ddit3, which may serve as potential therapeutic targets.