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OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of herbal cake separated moxibustion on macrophage effector molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-4 (Tim-4) and ubiquitination of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in rabbits with immunosuppression, and to explore the possible mechanism on herbal cake separated moxibustion in improving immunosuppression. METHODS: Thirty-two big-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxa stick moxibustion group and a herbal cake separated moxibustion group, 8 rabbits in each group. Except the normal group, the immunosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide of60 mg/kg in the other 3 groups. "Shenque" (CV 8), "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Zusanli" (ST 36), etc. were selected in both the moxa stick moxibustion group and the herbal cake separated moxibustion group. Moxa stick moxibustion was applied in the moxa stick moxibustion group, one cone at each acupoint; herbal cake separated moxibustion was applied in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, 5 cones at each acupoint. The intervention was given once every other day for 10 times in both groups. Leukocyte content in peripheral blood was detected by blood cell analyzer; the positive expression of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry, the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), CD8, CD68 and Tim-4 were detected by ELISA, and the expression of Tim-4 and F-box only protein 38 (FBXO38) in the liver and spleen tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, in the model group, white blood cell count (WBC) and percentage of neutrophils (NEU%) were decreased while percentage of lymphocyte (LYM%) was increased (P<0.01) in peripheral blood; the positive expression rates of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood were increased (P<0.01); the serum levels of IL-2, CD68 and Tim-4 were increased (P<0.01), the serum level of CD8 was decreased (P<0.01); the average optical density (AOD) of Tim-4 in the liver tissue and FBXO38 in the liver and spleen tissues was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the moxa stick moxibustion group and the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, WBC and NEU% were increased (P<0.01); the positive expression rates of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood were decreased (P<0.01); the serum levels of IL-2, CD68 and Tim-4 were decreased (P<0.01), the serum levels of CD8 were increased (P<0.01); the AOD of Tim-4 and FBXO38 in the liver tissue and FBXO38 in the spleen tissue was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the moxa stick moxibustion group, in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, the positive expression rate of PD-1 in CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood was increased (P<0.05); serum level of Tim-4 was increased (P<0.01); AOD of Tim-4 in the liver tissue was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Herbal cake separated moxibustion can improve immunosuppression by regulating the expression of macrophage effector molecule Tim-4 and the FBXO38 mediated ubiquitination of PD-1, Tim-4 may be one of the specific indexes of immunomodulation involving with herbal cake separated moxibustion.
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Interleucina-2 , Moxibustión , Animales , Conejos , Interleucina-2/genética , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/genética , Terapia de Inmunosupresión , UbiquitinaciónRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of herbal cake separated moxibustion on macrophage effector molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-4 (Tim-4) and ubiquitination of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in rabbits with immunosuppression, and to explore the possible mechanism on herbal cake separated moxibustion in improving immunosuppression.@*METHODS@#Thirty-two big-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxa stick moxibustion group and a herbal cake separated moxibustion group, 8 rabbits in each group. Except the normal group, the immunosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide of60 mg/kg in the other 3 groups. "Shenque" (CV 8), "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Zusanli" (ST 36), etc. were selected in both the moxa stick moxibustion group and the herbal cake separated moxibustion group. Moxa stick moxibustion was applied in the moxa stick moxibustion group, one cone at each acupoint; herbal cake separated moxibustion was applied in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, 5 cones at each acupoint. The intervention was given once every other day for 10 times in both groups. Leukocyte content in peripheral blood was detected by blood cell analyzer; the positive expression of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry, the serum levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), CD8, CD68 and Tim-4 were detected by ELISA, and the expression of Tim-4 and F-box only protein 38 (FBXO38) in the liver and spleen tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, in the model group, white blood cell count (WBC) and percentage of neutrophils (NEU%) were decreased while percentage of lymphocyte (LYM%) was increased (P<0.01) in peripheral blood; the positive expression rates of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood were increased (P<0.01); the serum levels of IL-2, CD68 and Tim-4 were increased (P<0.01), the serum level of CD8 was decreased (P<0.01); the average optical density (AOD) of Tim-4 in the liver tissue and FBXO38 in the liver and spleen tissues was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the moxa stick moxibustion group and the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, WBC and NEU% were increased (P<0.01); the positive expression rates of PD-1 in CD+4 T lymphocytes, CD+8T lymphocytes and CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood were decreased (P<0.01); the serum levels of IL-2, CD68 and Tim-4 were decreased (P<0.01), the serum levels of CD8 were increased (P<0.01); the AOD of Tim-4 and FBXO38 in the liver tissue and FBXO38 in the spleen tissue was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the moxa stick moxibustion group, in the herbal cake separated moxibustion group, the positive expression rate of PD-1 in CD+68 macrophages in peripheral blood was increased (P<0.05); serum level of Tim-4 was increased (P<0.01); AOD of Tim-4 in the liver tissue was decreased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Herbal cake separated moxibustion can improve immunosuppression by regulating the expression of macrophage effector molecule Tim-4 and the FBXO38 mediated ubiquitination of PD-1, Tim-4 may be one of the specific indexes of immunomodulation involving with herbal cake separated moxibustion.
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Animales , Conejos , Interleucina-2/genética , Moxibustión , Receptor de Muerte Celular Programada 1/genética , Terapia de Inmunosupresión , UbiquitinaciónRESUMEN
Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to explore the analgesic mechanisms of moxibustion in RA treatment. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion + NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5) group, and a moxibustion + NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in the other four groups were treated with complete Freund's adjuvant in a windy, cold, and damp environment to replicate RA models. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion with moxa sticks at Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36), and the two points were used alternately. After intraperitoneal injection of AP-5 or NMDA, rats in the moxibustion + AP-5 group and the moxibustion + NMDA group received the same moxibustion intervention as in the moxibustion group, once a day for 15 d. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats in each group was detected before and after modeling and after the 15-day intervention. After the 15-day intervention, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in knee joints. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression of NR2B in the hippocampus; Western blotting assay was used to detect the protein and the phosphorylated protein expression of hippocampal NR2B. Results: The synovial tissue was proliferated, the synovial lining was significantly thickened, the pannus was formed, and the cartilage and bone tissues were significantly damaged in the model group. After intervention, the pathological morphology of the knee joints in the moxibustion group, the moxibustion + AP-5 group, and the moxibustion + NMDA group was significantly improved, and the improvement in the moxibustion + AP-5 group was more notable than that in the moxibustion + NMDA group. Compared with the normal group, the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TWL of each intervention group was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the moxibustion group, the TWL was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased in the moxibustion + AP-5 group (P<0.01); the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the moxibustion + NMDA group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion reduces hyperalgesia in RA inflammatory rats. The analgesic effect may be related to the decrease in the expression and phosphorylation levels of NR2B in the hippocampus.
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Objective: To observe the efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with arthroscopic meniscal repair in the treatment of meniscal injury and to explore its action mechanism. Methods: Ninety-eight patients with meniscal injury were divided into a surgery group and a moxibustion plus surgery group by the random number table method, with 49 cases in each group. Both groups received arthroscopic meniscal repair, and the moxibustion plus surgery group was treated with add-on mild moxibustion. The Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and mobility of the affected knee were measured before and after treatment, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) levels were measured in the fluid of the affected knee joint. The healing of the meniscus was recorded at a follow-up visit 3 months after the surgery. Results: After treatment, the Lysholm score increased, the VAS score decreased in both groups, and the intra-group differences in both groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The Lysholm score was higher in the moxibustion plus surgery group than in the surgery group, and the VAS score was lower in the moxibustion plus surgery group than in the surgery group. The differences between groups in both scores were statistically significant (P<0.05). The mobility of the affected knee joint increased in both groups (P<0.05), and it was greater in the moxibustion plus surgery group than in the surgery group (P<0.05). When compared with pretreatment, the levels of TGF-β1 and PDGF in the fluid of the knee joint increased in both groups (P<0.05), and the levels of TGF-β1 and PDGF in the fluid of the affected knee joint were higher in the moxibustion plus surgery group than in the surgery group (P<0.05). The healing of the meniscus in the moxibustion plus surgery group was significantly better than that in the surgery group at the follow-up visit 3 months after the surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion: The effect of mild moxibustion combined with arthroscopic meniscal repair is better than the surgery alone in improving knee function, relieving pain, increasing mobility of the affected knee, and promoting meniscal healing, which may be related to the up-regulation of TGF-β1 and PDGF levels in the fluid of knee joint.
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Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the colonic mucosal barrier of rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a modeling group, with 20 rats in each group. Rats in the modeling group were subjected to preparing experimental UC models by drinking 4% DSS for seven consecutive days. Two modeled rats and two normal rats were randomly selected for model identification. After the success of UC model was confirmed, the remaining 18 modeled rats were randomly divided into three groups, a model group, a model + herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a model + mild moxibustion group, with six rats in each group; the remaining normal rats were randomly divided into three groups, a normal group, a normal + herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a normal + mild moxibustion group, with six rats in each group. After 7 d of intervention with the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion or the mild moxibustion, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining technique was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue under a light microscope; Western blotting and/or immunohistochemical techniques were used to detect the protein expression levels of Occludin, Claudin, junction adhesion molecular 1 (JAM1), mucin 2 (MUC2), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) in rat colon tissue. Results: Compared with the normal group, the colon tissue was severely damaged, the pathological score was significantly increased, and the protein expression levels of Occludin, Claudin, JAM1, MUC2, and TGF-β1 were significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01); while there were no significant differences in the colonic histopathological score, protein expression levels of Occludin, Claudin, JAM1, MUC2, and TGF-β1 in the normal + herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the normal + mild moxibustion group (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the model + herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the model + mild moxibustion group showed repaired colon tissue, ulcer healing, significantly reduced pathological score, and significantly increased protein expression levels of JAM1, MUC2, and TGF-β1 (P<0.05); the Occludin protein expression level in the colon tissue of the model + mild moxibustion group was increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Neither herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion nor mild moxibustion influences the colonic histopathology and intestinal mucosal barrier-related protein expression in the normal rats; both herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and mild moxibustion can up-regulate the protein expression levels of JAM1, MUC2, and TGF-β1 in the colon tissue of UC rats. Mild moxibustion can up-regulate Occludin protein expression. This may be a mechanism of moxibustion in reducing colonic mucosa inflammation in UC.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of thunder-fire moxibustion for hypomenorrhea after induced abortion. Methods: A total of 74 patients with hypomenorrhea after induced abortion were randomized into two groups, with 37 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional hormone sequential therapy, and the observation group was treated with thunder-fire moxibustion. The course of treatment was 3 menstrual cycles. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, menstrual volume, endometrial thickness and the sex hormone levels were observed before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy was compared after treatment. Results: The total effective rate in the observation group and the control group was 91.4% and 73.5%, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The menstrual volume, endometrial thickness and each sex hormone level of the patients in both groups were significantly improved after treatment (all P<0.05), and the improvements in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Thunder-fire moxibustion can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with hypomenorrhea after induced abortion; it can increase menstrual volume and endometrial thickness, and regulate the sex hormone levels, producing a better curative effect than the conventional hormone sequential therapy.
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Objective: To observe the time-effect relationship of moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea (PD) due to stagnation and congelation of cold-damp, thus explore the optimal choice of moxibustion duration, and provide evidence for achieving satisfactory efficacy in moxibustion treatment. Methods: A total of 90 patients with PD due to stagnatin and congelation of cold-damp were divided into three groups by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. All the patients in the three groups were given moxibustion treatment at Guanyuan (CV 4), 20 min in group A, 40 min in group B and 60 min in group C. The changes in the pain measurement score in the three groups were observed after treatment. Results: After treatment, there were significant differences in the clinical efficacy among the three groups (P<0.05); the clinical efficacy was better in group B and group C than that in group A (P<0.05), and that in group B was better than that in group C (P<0.05). Besides, the pain measurement score changed significantly after treatment in the three groups (all P<0.05), and the between-group differences were also statistically significant (P<0.05); the pain measurement scores in group B and group C were lower than that in group A (P<0.05), and that in group B was lower than that in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion: Given the same stimulating frequency and intervention time of moxibustion, 40-minute duration demonstrates relatively better efficacy for PD due to stagnation and congelation of cold-damp.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in intervening acute ischemic stroke. Methods: A total of 112 patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 56 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional treatment, and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the treatment in the control group. The National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were evaluated, and the intracranial hemodynamic indicators including mean velocity (Vm), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were recorded, and the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and homocysteine (HCY) were measured before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the NIHSS scores in both groups decreased significantly (both P<0.05), and the MBI scores increased significantly (both P<0.05). The improvements of NIHSS and MBI scores in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (both P<0.05). Vm in both groups increased significantly (both P<0.05), PI and RI decreased (all P<0.05), and Vm, PI and RI in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (all P<0.05). The serum levels of SOD and HCY in the observation group were significantly improved, and were statistically different from those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Conventional treatment plus heat-sensitive moxibustion is effective in intervening acute ischemic stroke. It can promote the recovery of neurological function, improve daily activities, and improve intracranial blood flow, which may be related to the regulation of serum SOD and HCY levels.
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Objective: To observe the effect of mild moxibustion on cancer-related fatigue, serum ghrelin and adiponectin in patients undergoing chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: Seventy patients were divided into a control group and an observation group according to the random number table method, with 35 cases in each group. Patients in both groups were treated with conventional FOLFOX4 chemotherapy regimen. Patients in the control group also received routine treatments such as symptomatic treatment of complications, health education, nutritional support, and exercise intervention. Patients in the observation group received mild moxibustion on the basis of interventions used in the control group. The Piper fatigue scale-revision (PFS-R), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome were scored, and serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels were measured before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, total score of PFS-R in the control group did not change significantly (P>0.05), while in the observation group it was significantly reduced (P<0.05) and lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); KPS scores in both groups were increased (both P<0.05), and it was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05); total score of spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome in the control group did not change significantly (P>0.05), while it was significantly reduced in the observation group (P<0.05) and lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels in the control group had no significant changes (both P>0.05), but the levels were significantly increased in the observation group (both P<0.05) and higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the routine treatments, mild moxibustion can relieve fatigue, improve quality of life, and improve the symptoms of spleen and kidney yang deficiency in patients undergoing chemotherapy after colorectal cancer surgery, which may be related to the regulation of serum ghrelin and adiponectin levels.
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Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of mild moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) visceral hyperalgesiamodel rats and its regulatory effect on P2X3 receptors in the spinal cord, anterior cingutate cortex (ACC) and thalamic ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL). Methods: Thirty 8-day-old newborn rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=6) and a modeling group (n=24) according to the completely random number table method. Rats in the normal group were bred routinely, and those in the modeling group were subjected to preparing IBS chronic visceral hyperalgesia model using colorectal distention (CRD) in stimulation method. Rats successfully modelled were re-divided into a model group, a mild moxibustion group, a P2X3 receptor antagonist group, and a normal saline group according to the completely random number table method with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each group received corresponding interventions from the 37-day old, once a day for 7 consecutive days. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were used to detect P2X3 protein expressions in the spinal cord, ACC and VPL of rats. Results: Under different intensities of CRD stimulation, the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores of the model group were significantly increased versus the normal group (all P<0.05); the AWR scores of the mild moxibustion group and the P2X3 receptor antagonist group were significantly reduced versus the model group (all P<0.01). The P2X3 protein expressions in rat spinal cord, ACC and VPL tissues of the model group were significantly increased versus the normal group (all P<0.01); the P2X3 protein expressions in rat spinal cord, ACC and VPL tissues of the mild moxibustion group and the P2X3 receptor antagonist group were significantly reduced versus the model group (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Mild moxibustion can inhibit the P2X3 receptor expressions in the spinal cord, ACC, and VPL tissues of IBS visceral hyperalgesia model rats, which may be the mechanism of mild moxibustion in relieving the central sensitization of rats with IBS visceral hyperalgesia.
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Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on myocardial structure and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats. Methods: A 12-week treadmill running training was performed to create an exercise-induced fatigue rat model. Sixty eligible male specific-pathogen-free grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a control group, a model group, a non-meridian non-acupoint group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group and a Shenque (CV 8) group, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group did not receive treadmill running training or moxibustion. Rats in the control group did not receive treadmill running training but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). Rats in the model group received treadmill running training but no moxibustion. Rats in the non-meridian non-acupoint group, the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group received moxibustion at the non-meridian non-acupoint points, Zusanli (ST 36) or Shenque (CV 8) immediately after each treadmill running training, 15 min each time, once a day for 5 consecutive days a week at a 2-day interval, 60 times of moxibustion in total. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDv), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSv), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), early diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (E) and late diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (A) of each group before and after the last treadmill running training were measured. Blood was collected 6 h after the last treadmill running training, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were detected. Finally, the heart was separated, the heart mass (HM) was measured, the cTnT level of the myocardial tissue was detected, the ultrastructural changes of the left ventricular myocardium were observed by transmission electron microscope, the left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), E/A and heart mass index (HMI) were calculated. Results: Compared with the same group before treatment, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, LVDv, LVSv, SV, E and A were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and the rat LVFS, E/A and EF were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group after treatment; the rat cardiac SV, LVDv, LVSv, E and A were all increased (all P<0.01), while E/A and EF were decreased (all P<0.01) in the Zusanli (ST 36) group after treatment; the rat cardiac LVDv, E and A were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and E/A was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the Shenque (CV 8) group after treatment. After treatment, compared with the blank group, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, the serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and the myocardial cTnT were increased (all P<0.01), and the LVFS, E/A and EF were all reduced (all P<0.01) in the model group; compared with the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group, rats in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group showed decreased LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and myocardial cTnT (P<0.01 or P<0.05), along with increased LVFS, E/A and EF (all P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, Mb and A of the Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased (both P<0.01), while both E/A and EF were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy examination showed that myofibrils in the blank group and the control group were neatly arranged with clear light and dark bands; the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group showed different degrees of myofibril disintegration and breakage, increased and aggregated mitochondria of different sizes, and increased electron density. The myofibrils in the Shenque (CV 8) group and Zusanli (ST 36) group were arranged neatly with clear light and dark bands, and compensatory hyperplasia of mitochondria. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) both can effectively improve the occurrence of myocardial remodeling in exercise-induced fatigue rats, and the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is better in improving cardiac function.
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Objective: To observe the efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with functional exercise in the treatment of upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and its effect on serum vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). Methods: Seventy-eight patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 39 cases in each group. The control group received functional exercise and the observation group received mild moxibustion plus functional exercise. The differences in circumference between the two upper limbs, the lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb, the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B) score and serum VEGF-C level between the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The difference in circumference between the two upper limbs of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb of the two groups increased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The DASH scores of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The FACT-B scores of the two groups increased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum VEGF-C level increased significantly in the observation group (P<0.05), whereas the control group did not show significant change (P>0.05). The post-treatment serum VEGF-C level was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with functional exercise for upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery is certain, which can reduce the difference in circumference between the two upper limbs, increase the lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb, improve the limb function and the quality of life, and regulate the serum VEGF-C level.
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Objective: To explore the efficacy of mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets for children with allergic rhinitis (AR).Methods: A total of 80 children were randomized into a control group and an observation group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with loratadine tablets, and the observation group was treated with mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets. Before and after treatment, the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was evaluated, and the serum eosinophils (EOS) count, and the interleukin (IL)-27 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were measured. Clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TNSS in both groups decreased (P<0.05), and the TNSS in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); the serum EOS count in both groups decreased (P<0.05), and the serum EOS count in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum IL-27 level in the control group had no statistical difference compared with the same group before treatment (P>0.05), and the serum MIF level decreased after treatment (P<0.05). The serum IL-27 level in the observation group increased after treatment (P<0.05), and the serum MIF level decreased after treatment (P<0.05), and were both statistically different from those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mild moxibustion plus loratadine tablets is effective in treating children with AR. It can significantly improve the nasal symptoms and reduce the serum EOS count, which may be related to the regulation of the serum IL-27 and MIF levels.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion for adjuvant treatment of depression in Parkinson disease and explore its mechanism. Methods: A total of 80 patients with Parkinson disease coupled with depression were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with levodopa and benserazide hydrochloride tablets and paroxetine tablets, while the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the medications in the control group. The treatment course was 2 months. The Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17), unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) were scored before and after the treatment, and the efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Levels of patients' serum dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected before and after the treatment. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The HAMD-17 scores in the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), and the score in the observation group was obviously lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The component scores and total scores of UPDRS in both groups decreased significantly (all P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The score of PDQ-39 in the observation group decreased significantly (P<0.05), and was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum DA and 5-HT levels in the observation group increased significantly (both P<0.05) and the TNF-α and IL-6 levels decreased significantly (both P<0.05), which were statistically different from those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion has certain auxiliary effect in treating depression in Parkinson disease, significantly improving clinical symptoms and the quality of life, which may be related to the up-regulation of DA and 5-HT levels and down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 levels.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion for vascular dementia and explore its mechanism. Methods: A total of 70 patients with vascular dementia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group was treated with piracetam, and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the treatment of the control group. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), activity of daily living (ADL) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores were assessed, and the levels of acetyl choline (Ach) and homocysteine (Hcy) were measured. The efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the MMSE and ADL scores in the observation group decreased significantly, and were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05); the TCM symptom score of the observation group decreased significantly (P<0.05), while that of the control group had no significant change (P>0.05); the plasma Ach level in the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05), and the Hcy level decreased significantly (P<0.05), which were statistically different from those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus piracetam is effective in treating vascular dementia. It can significantly improve dementia symptoms and ADL, which may be related to the correction of plasma Ach and Hcy levels.
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Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion on colonic inflammation, and the expressions of ubiquitin and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) proteins in rats with ulcerative colitis (UC), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in the UC treatment. Methods: Clean grade male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group (NG), a model group (MG), a moxa-stick moxibustion group (MSMG) and a Western medicine group (WMG). UC model was prepared by freely drinking 35 g/L dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution. Bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) were selected for mild moxibustion treatment in the MSMG; mesalazine solution was intragastrically administrated in the WMG. Rats in the NG and MG were only grasped and fixed as in the MSMG without any treatment. After treatment, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe and score the colonic pathological damage under light microscope; immunofluorescence method was used to determine the expression of colonic ubiquitin protein; immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expressions of colonic interleukin (IL)-1β and NLRP3 proteins. Results: The colon tissue was severely injured, and the pathological score was significantly increased in the MG than in the NG (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of ubiquitin, NLRP3 and IL-1β in the colon were significantly increased (all P<0.01). Compared with the MG, the colonic damage was repaired, the inflammation and pathological scores were reduced, and the ubiquitin, NLRP3 and IL-1β protein expressions were decreased in the MSMG and WMG (all P<0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that the ubiquitin protein expression was correlated with the colonic pathological score and the NLRP3 protein expression (r=0.677, P<0.01; r=0.536, P<0.05). Conclusion: Moxibustion can down-regulate the protein expressions of ubiquitin, NLRP3 and IL-1β in the colon of UC rats, which may be one of the mechanisms to promote the repair of colonic inflammatory lesions and exert anti-inflammatory effects.
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Objective: To observe the effect of moxa-stick moxibustion plus recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in preventing chemotherapy infection in gastric cancer and its effect on immune function. Methods: A total of 70 patients with gastric cancer treated by chemotherapy were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group was given rhG-CSF, and the observation group was given additional moxa-stick moxibustion on the basis of rhG-CSF. Both groups were treated for 2 chemotherapy cycles, totally 6 weeks. The number of patients with infection, the duration of infection and the duration of continuous use of antibiotics were observed. The leukocytes and granulocytes counts, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were measured before and after treatment, and the levels of CD4, CD8 and natural killer (NK) cells were analyzed. Results: The infection rate of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05), and the duration of infection and the duration of continuous use of antibiotics were also shorter (P<0.05). After treatment, the leukocytes and granulocytes counts in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ of the patients in the two groups were improved (all P<0.05), and there were significant differences between the observation group and the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the numbers of CD4, CD8, and NK cells in the observation group increased significantly (all P<0.05), but the changes in the control group were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Moxa-stick moxibustion plus rhG-CSF can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy infection in gastric cancer, increase the leukocytes and granulocytes counts, and regulate the levels of inflammatory factors, which may be related to the improvement of the immune function of the patients.
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Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion at Feishu (BL 13) on related inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthma model rats, and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in treating asthma. Methods: A total of 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group and a medication group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the rats in the other three groups were subjected to ovalbumin sensitization to stimulate the asthma. At the same time, rats in the moxibustion group received moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL 13), and rats in the medication group received dexamethasone by intragastric administration. Rats in the normal and the model groups only received the same fixation and normal saline by intragastric administration. After the interventions, the inspiratory resistance, the expiratory resistance, and the pulmonary compliance were measured for rats in each group; the numbers of the inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were counted; the levels of the involved inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected; the pathological morphologies of the lung tissues were observed under light microscope. Results: After modeling, compared with the normal group, the rats in the model group showed obvious asthma attack-like response, significantly increased inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance (both P<0.01), and significantly reduced pulmonary compliance (P<0.01); thickened tracheal wall and the narrowed tracheal lumen observed under the light microscope; infiltration of inflammatory cells and increased eosinophils in and around the tracheal wall; significantly increased total number of inflammatory cells and proportion of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (all P<0.01); significantly reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ (all P<0.01), and significantly increased levels of IL-4, IL-5 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (all P<0.01) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. After intervention, compared with the model group, rats in the moxibustion and the medication groups showed significantly reduced asthma-like reaction, pathological morphological damage of lung tissue, inspiratory resistance and expiratory resistance (all P<0.01); significantly increased pulmonary compliance (P<0.01); significantly reduced total number of inflammatory cells, proportion of eosinophils, levels of IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while significantly increased IL-12 and IFN-γ levels (all P<0.01) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid; rats in the medication group also showed a significantly reduced IL-10 level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P<0.01); there was no statistically significant difference between the moxibustion and the medication groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Both moxibustion at Feishu (BL 13) and intragastric administration of dexamethasone can improve the asthma attack-like symptoms of ovalbumin-sensitized rats; regulating the inflammatory cell numbers and the inflammatory factor contents in the lung may be one mechanism of moxibustion in treating asthma.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus medications on senile osteoporosis (SOP), and to explore the related mechanisms. Methods: A total of 70 elderly participants with osteoporosis were randomly divided into an observation group and control group, with 35 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional drugs, and the observation group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion on the basis of the conventional drugs. Both groups were treated for 3 months. Before and after treatment, assessed the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, determined the bone mineral density of the participants' lumbar spine (L2-L4) and left femoral neck, and detected the participants' serum bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels. Results: After treatment, the VAS scores of both groups were lower than before treatment (both P<0.05), and the VAS score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the bone mineral density values of the lumbar spine and left femoral neck in both groups were significantly higher than before treatment (both P<0.05), and the bone mineral density values of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the ODI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (both P<0.05), and the ODI score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum BMP-2 and OPG levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus medications for SOP can significantly relieve patients' pain, improve dysfunction, and increase bone density, which may be related to the improvement of the serum BMP-2 and OPG levels.
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Objective: To observe the clinical effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus lactulose oral liquid for postoperative constipation of mixed hemorrhoid.Methods: A total of 70 patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group by a random number table. Patients in the control group received lactulose oral liquid alone, while those in the treatment group received additional heat-sensitive moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). The treatment was given once a day for 15 consecutive days. The defecation interval time, defecation duration, the scores of stool form, visual analog scale (VAS) and patient assessment of constipation quality of life questionnaire (PAC-QOL), as well as the serum substance P (SP) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the stool form score, defecation interval time and defecation duration in the two groups dropped significantly (all P<0.05), and they were lower in the treatment group than in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores in the two groups dropped significantly (both P<0.05), and it was lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the PAC-QOL scores in the two groups dropped significantly (both P<0.05), and it was lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum SP and NO levels in the two groups improved significantly (all P<0.05), and showed statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus lactulose oral liquid can improve stool form, shorten defecation interval time and defecation duration, alleviate defecation pain, and improve quality of life (QOL) for patients with postoperative constipation of mixed hemorrhoid, which may be related to the regulation of the SP and NO levels.