Mechanism of intervention of medicine combined with mild moxibustion on hypothyroidism rat model

Objective:To explore the intervention effect of medicine combined with mild moxibustion on immune factor and Na/I symporter(NIS)in hypothyroidism rat model.Methods:The model was successfully made by intragastric administration of propylthiouracil(PTU)solution medicine and medicine combined with mild moxibustion groups were given levothyroxine sodium suspension 60μg/kg body weight by gavage,once a day.In the medicine combined with mild moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied in“Dazhui”,“Mingmen”,“Pishu”,“Shenshu”,and 10 minutes per point,once a day,and one day off every six days;four weeks in a row.The model group and medicine was fixed in the same way as the medicine combined with mild moxibustion group.The blank group received no treatment.The contents of thyrotropin-releasing hormone(TSH),tatalthyroxine(TT4),thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibodies(TGAb),Interleukin-4(IL-4)and Interleukin-23(IL-23)in serum were determined by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA).The content of NIS and the expression level of NISmRNA in thyroid tissues of each group were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction(R-T PCR).Results:Compared with the blank group,the contents of TSH,TPOAb,TGAb and IL-23 in the serum of rats in the model group were increased,the contents of IL-4 and TT4 were decreased,and the contents of NIS and NISmRNA in thyroid tissue were decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the contents of TSH,TPOAb,TGAb and IL-23 in serum of medicine group and medicine combined with mild moxibustion group were decreased,while the contents of IL-4 and TT4 were increased;the NIS content and NISmRNA expression in thyroid tissues were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Compared with the medicine group,NISmRNA expression in thyroid tissues of medicine combined with mild moxibustion groups was increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Medicine combined with mild moxibustion can decrease the contents of TPOAb,TGAb and IL-23,and increase the content of IL-4,increasing the content and expression of NIS to interfere with the hypothyroidism rat model.

Mild moxibustion at Tianshu (ST 25) decreases expression of prokineticin-1 and prokineticin receptor-1 in colon tissue of rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia

Prokineticin-1 and prokineticin receptor-1 play important roles in visceral hypersensitivity and in-flammatory pain. Visceral hypersensitivity is closely associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Mild moxibustion can relieve chronic visceral hyperalgesia in rats with irritable bowel syndrome. We hypothesized that prokineticin-1 and prokineticin receptor-1 is the key target in the mechanism. This study established chronic visceral hyperalgesia rat models by colorectal distention. Protein and mRNA expression of prokineticin-1 and prokineticin receptor-1 were determined by immunohisto-chemical method and fluorescence quantitative-PCR, respectively, and were found to be signifi-cantly increased in visceral hyperalgesic rats. Mild moxibustion at Tianshu （ST 25） decreased prokineticin-1 and prokineticin receptor-1 expression in chronic visceral hyperalgesia rats and lessen the chronic visceral hyperalgesia in rats with irritable bowel syndrome at different levels of colorectal distention pressure.

Effect of mild moxibustion in improving the quality of life of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective:The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of mild moxibustion on quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN).Materials and Methods:Fifty‑five patients with type 2 DPN from October 2018 to July 2019 were recruited in the present study and randomly divided into two groups:27 cases in the control group and 28 cases in the intervention group.The control group received routine treatment of hypoglycemic,hypotensive,mecobalamin nutritional nerve,while the intervention group received mild moxibustion on the basis of the control group.The course of treatment for both groups was 10 weeks.The quality of life of the two groups was assessed using short form‑36 health survey and compared with t‑test at 0.05 significance level.Results:The total score of the short form‑36 in the intervention group was higher than the control group(P<0.05);the scores of bodily pain,physical functioning(PF),general health(GH),and mental health dimensions in the intervention group increased significantly compared with the control group(P<0.05);the scores of role physical,social functioning(SF),vitality,and role‑emotional(RE)dimensions showed no between‑group difference(P>0.05).Conclusion:Mild moxibustion can effectively improve the quality of life of patients with type 2 DPN,relieve patient pain symptoms,and improve PF and GH.

Relationship between the sensor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion

Objective To explore the relationship between the receptor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion, and provide evidence for clinical moxibustion distance. Methods Mild moxibustion was carried out for 15min by adopting moxibustion shelf, and the moxibustion ash was shook off automatically for once every 3 min. The distance between moxa stick and temperature sensor was set as 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm, respectively, by ruler. The temperature was recorded for once every 2 s with photothermal detection system for moxibustion combustion to form a temperature profile. The initial temperature, maximum temperature and average temperature were observed, and the experimental data were analyzed via SPSS18.0 statistical software. Results The initial receptor temperature was （25.33±0.29） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, （25.29±0.05） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, （25.43±0.17） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 4cm, and （25.16±0.22） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The maximum temperature was （74.96±1.20） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, （51.70±0.74） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, （49.33±0.40） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and （42.50±0.26） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The average temperature was （62.40±7.84） ℃-（62.68±7.58） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, （44.77±3.31） ℃-（45.11±3.21） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, （42.72＋3.86） ℃-（43.12±3.54） ℃ when the moxibust-ion distance was 4 cm, and （38.45±1.67） ℃-（38.50±1.63） ℃ when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The temperature curve showed that the fluctuation range was the maximum when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, larger when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, smaller when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and minimum when the moxibustion distance was 5 cmo There was no significant difference in the initial temperature of mild moxibustion at different distances, however, the maximum temperature, average temperature and the fluctuation range of temperature curve were closely related to the moxibustion distance. Conclusion The nearer the distance is, the higher the maximum temperature and average temperature as well as the larger the fluctuation range will be, and the farther the distance is, the lower the maximum temperature and average temperature as well as the smaller the fluctuation range will be. Accordin8 to preliminary analysis, the temperature will be the most suitable when the moxibust-ion distance is 3 cm-4 cm.

Mild moxibustion at different intervention times on the levels of ET-1 and NO in the uterine tissues of rats with cold-damp coagulation and stagnation type dysmenorrhea

Objective： To observe the differences in analgesic effect of moxibustion at different intervention times on dysmenorrhea rats and explore its effect mechanism.Methods： Forty-five female Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group（group A）, model group（group B）, pre-moxibustion group（group C）, instant moxibustion group（group D） and pre-instant moxibustion group（group E）,with 9 rats in each group. Cold-damp coagulation and stagnation type dysmenorrhea models were established. In group C,mild moxibustion on ＂Shenque（神阙 CV 8） ＂ and＂Guanyuan（关元 CV 4）＂ was carried out from the time after modeling on the 8 th day for 3 consecutive days. In group D, mild moxibustion was given as the same methods with group C after injection with oxytocin on the 11 th day. In group E, mild moxibustion was given as the same methods from the time after modeling on the 8 th day to that after injection with oxytocin on the 11 th day for 4 consecutive days. The writhing behavior and the changes in levels of ET-1 and NO in uterine tissues of rats with dysmenorrhea in each group were observed.Results： Comparison of the latent period： compared with（4.38 ± 1.06） min in group B,the latent period of rats in group C（9.67 ± 1.32） min,group D（11.78 ± 1.30） min and group E（15.00 ± 1.22） min obviously prolonged（all p 0.01）. Compared with group C, the latent period of group E obviously prolonged（p 0.01）. Compared with group D, the latent period of group E obviously prolonged（p 0.01）.Comparison of the writhing times： compared with（4.38 ± 1.06） in group B,the writhing times of rats in group C（9.67 ± 1.32）,group D（11.78 ± 1.30） and group E（15.00 ± 1.22） reduced（all p 0.01）. Compared with group C,the writhing times of rats in group D and group E reduced（both p 0.01）. Compared with group D, the writhing times in group E reduced（p 0.05）. Comparison of the total writhing score：compared with（4.38 ± 1.06） in group B,the total writhing score of rats in group C（9.67±1.32）,group D（11.78 ± 1.30） and group E（15.00 ± 1.22） decreased（all p 0.01）. Compared with group C,the total writhing score of rats in group D and group E decreased（both p 0.01）. Compared with group D,the total writhing score of rats in group E decreased（p 0.05）. Comparison of ET-1 level： compared with（4.80 ± 0.47） in group A,the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group B（7.57±0.69） significantly increased（P 0.01）. Compared with group B, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group C（6.20 ±0.50）,group D（5.67 ±0.29） and group E（5.16±0.33） obviously decreased（all p 0.01）. Compared with group C, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group D and group E obviously decreased（p 0.05, p 0.01）. Compared with group D, the ET-1 level in uterine tissues of rats in group Eobviously decreased（p 0.05）. Comparison of NO level： compared with（6.63±1.83） in group A, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group B（1.62 ±0.58） significantly decreased（p 0.01）. Compared with group B, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group C（3.60±0.59）,group D（4.77 ±0.67） and group E（5.99±0.63） obviously increased（all p 0.01）. Compared with group C,the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group Dand group E obviously increased（p 0.05, p 0.01）. Compared with group D, the NO level in uterine tissues of rats in group E obviously increased（p 0.01）.Conclusion： The analgesic effect of mild moxibustion at different intervention times on cold-damp coagulation and stagnation type dysmenorrhea rats was different, which was the most significant in pre-instant moxibustion group. One of the mechanisms of action may be related with the adjustment of abnormal levels of ET-1 and NO.

Determination of Temperature-time Curve of Two Mild Moxibustion Methods:Reinforcing and Reducing

Objective： To observe the specificity of reinforcing and reducing methods of mild moxibustion and explore its clinical significance. Methods： Thirty healthy students were selected and given reinforcing of mild moxibustion on the left Neiguan （PC 6） and reducing on the right Neiguan （PC 6） respectively. Temperature of the acupoint skin surface and the temperature-time curve were recorded by a digital thermometer. Results： In application of mild moxibustion on Neiguan （PC 6）, there was a statistical difference in the temperature-increase section between reinforcing and reducing methods （P〈0.01）. The temperature-increasing section of the temperature-time curve in the reducing method was obviously steeper than that in the reinforcing method. In the period of 0.5-3 min during moxibustion, the temperature of Neiguan （PC 6） was remarkably higher in the reducing than in the reinforcing （P〈0.01）. In the application of the reducing, the time for the temperature of Neiguan （PC 6） to increase to 40~C was remarkably advanced （P〈0.05） and the rate of burning pain in the subjects was remarkably higher in the reducing method than in the reinforcing method （P〈0.001）. Conclusion： In comparison with the reinforcing method, the acupoint temperature increased more quickly in the application of reducing method and can produce obvious hot stimulation in a short period of time. In the application of the reinforcing method, the acupoint temperature increased mildly and could enhance the tolerance of the organism to the high temperature.

Clinical Observation on Treatment of Facial Paralysis by Mild Moxibustion

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of mild moxibustion for facial paralysis. Methods： One hundred cases of facial paralysis were divided randomly into two groups： 50 cases in the treatment group were treated by mild moxibustion, and 50 cases in the control group were treated by oral administration of Cobamamide Tablets. With ten days as one course of the treatments, two courses of the treatments were given. The therapeutic effects were assessed four weeks after treatments. Results： The total effective rate was 96.0% in the treatment group and 88.0% in the control group, and there was statistical difference in the therapeutic effects between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The therapeutic effect of mild moxibustion for facial paralysis is better than oral administration of Cobamamide Tablets.

Premature ovarian failure treated with mild moxibustion and western medication

Objective To explore the clinical therapeutic effect on premature ovarian failure(POF)treated with the combination of mild moxibustion and western medication.Methods A total of 66 patients were divided into a control group and an observation group according to random number table,33 cases in each one.In the control group,the conventional western medication was administered.In the observation group,besides the treatment as the control group,mild moxibustion was supplemented at Guānyuán(关元CV4),Qìhăi(气海CV6),Píshū(脾俞BL20)(bilateral)and Shènshū(肾俞BL23)(bilateral).The duration of treatment was 3 menstrual cycles in either group.Before treatment and on the 9th day of menstruation after 3-menstrual cycle treatment,the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume were detected by color Doppler ultrasound respectively.Before treatment and on day 2 to 4 of menstruation after 3-menstrual cycle treatment,the levels of serum estrogen(E_(2)),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),interleukin-21(IL-21)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)were determined separately and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in two groups separately.Results The effective rate was 93.94%in the observation group and was 72.73%in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume were increased as compared with those before treatment in the patients of two groups(both P<0.05).After treatment,the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume in the observation group were higher than the control group(both P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum E_(2) and FSH were improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups(both P<0.05).The levels of serum E_(2) and FSH in the observation group were better than the control group after treatment(both P<0.05).The levels of serum IL-21 and VEGF after treatment did not change obviously as compared with those before treatment in the control group(both P>0.05).But in the observation group,the levels of serum IL-21 and VEGF after treatment changed apparently as compared with those before treatment(both P<0.05)and the levels of these two indicators after treatment were better than the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion The combined treatment of mild moxibustion with western medication achieves the definite therapeutic effect on POF and it increases the number of antral follicles and ovarian volume and regulates sex hormone level,which is probably related to the regulation of serum IL-21 and VEGF.

Study on the effect of moxibustion at “Shénquè”(神阙 CV 8) on the immune system of rats taking long-term exhaustive exercise

Objective To explore the effect of moxibustion at ＂Shénquè＂（神阙 CV 8） on the immune system of rats taking long-term exhaustive exercise.Method Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group and moxibustion group with 10 rats in each group.Except the rats in blank group,all the rats were established into long-term exhaustive models through swimming again and again.Mild moxibustion at CV 8 for 15 min was carried out in the rats in moxibustion group after modeling.The treatment was conducted once every other day,and treatment for 10 times was needed.The exhaustive duration for each time was recorded,the levels of serum Ig A,Ig G,Ig M and ACP were detected 24 h after the 10 th exhaustive exercise,and the histomorphological changes of spleen were observed.Immunoturbidimetry was adopted for detecting the Ig A level,and ELISA method was used for detecting the levels of Ig G,Ig M and ACP.Results The common exhaustive duration in moxibustion group was longer than that in model group,however,the time difference was statistically significant after the 5th exhaustive exercise（P0.01）.The levels of serum IgG and IgM in model group were lower than that in blank group（all P0.01）,and the serum ACP level in model group was higher than that in blank group（P0.01）,indicating that the splenic histomorphology was damaged.The levels of serum Ig G and Ig M in moxibustion group were higher than that in model group（all P0.01）,and the serum ACP level in moxibustion group was lower than that in model group,showing that the splenic histomorphology was repaired.Conclusion Moxibustion at CV 8 can improve the levels of immunoglobulin（Ig G,Ig A,Ig M） of tired body for a long time,decrease the ACP level,and repair the damaged spleen tissues.

Clinical efficacy of catgut embedment combined with moxibustion and bloodletting in the treatment of androgenic alopecia

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of catgut embedment combined with moxibustion and bloodletting in the treatment of androgenic alopecia and to probe into its therapeutic mechanism. Methods Eighty-four patients with androgenic alopecia were divided into catgut embedment group （group A） and western medicine group （group B） on the basis of random number table and according to the order of treatment. For the pateints in group A, Shenguan （肾关） on both sides, Minghuang （明黄） and Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） were selected to receive catgut embedment therapy, once every month, combined with moxibustion on the lower abdomen and local bloodletting treatment. For the patients in group B, finasteride 1mg/d was orally administrated. The treatment period for two groups was 3 months, and the follow-up visit lasted for 3 months. Serum testosterone （T） and estradiol （E2） contents were detected respectively before treatment, after i month and 3 months of treatment and after 3 months of follow-up visit, and the specific values were calculated to make statistical analysis of T, E2, T/E2 and curative effects of the two groups after i month and 3 months of treatment and after 3 months of follow-up visit. Results There was no statistical significance in curative effect between the two groups after i month of treatment （P〉0.05）, and the curative effect in group A were better than that in group B after 3 months of treatment or after 3 months of follow-up visit （both P〈0.05）; E2 level in group A was lower than that in group A after 3 months of treatment （P〈0.05）; T, E2 and T/E2 in group A were all lower than that in group B after 3 month of follow-up visit （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion The curative effect of treating androgenic alopecia with catgut embedment, moxibustion and bloodletting is definite, and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of T levels and T/E2 values.

Effect of moxibustion at Shénquè(神阙 CV 8) on anti-exercise-induced fatigue in exhaustive rats in varying degrees

Objective To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque （神阙 CV 8） on the anti-exercise-induced fatigue in rats after exhaustive exercise in varying degrees. Methods Seventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the random number table method, including blank group, model group and moxibustion group. The model group and moxibustion group were divided into 4 subgroups respectively, that was 1 time, 4 times, 7 times and 10 times subgroup. There were 9 groups with 8 rats in each group. Except blank group, all the rats were established into exhaustive models through swimming. Mild moxibustion at CV 8 was carried out for 15 min in the rats in moxibustion group after modeling for once every other day. The concentration of serum glucose （GLU）, malonaldehyde （MDA） and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） as well as the activity of aspartate transaminase （AST）, alanine transaminase （ALT） and lactic dehydrogenase （LDH） were detected 24h after the exhaustive exercise by adopting full-automatic analyzer. Results The exhaustive time of rats were long at first but shorter later. The exhaustive time of rats in the model group （4 times） were obviously longer than that in the model group （1 time） （P〈0.01）, the exhaustive time of rats in the model group （7 times） and model group （10 times） were obviously shorter than that in the model group （1 time） （P〈0.01）, and the exhaustive time of rats in the moxibustion group （7 times） and moxibustion group （10 times） were obviously longer than that in the model group with the same number of times （P〈0.01）, the serum GLU level of rats in the model group （7 times） and model group （10 times） increased when compared with the blank group （P〈0.01）, and the serum MDA and BNU levels as well as the activity of AST, ALT and LDH of rats in the model group （4 times）, model group （7 times） and model group （10 times） increased when compared with the blank group （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, the serum GLU, MDA and BNU levels as well as the activity of AST and ALT of rats in the moxibustion group （7 times） and moxibustion group （10 times） reduced when compared with the model group with the same number of times （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, and the serum LDH activity of rats in the moxibustion group （4 times）, moxibustion group （7 times） and moxibustion group （10 times） reduced when compared with the model group with the same number of times （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Conclusion Moxibustion at CV 8 can reduce the serum MDA and BNU levels as well as the activity of AST, ALT and LDH of organism in a status of long-term fatigue, effectively improve the symptom of long-term fatigue, providing a certain experimental basis for the clinical application of moxibustion at CV 8 in the process of anti-exercise-induced fatigue in the future.

Effect of moxibustion on the nailfold microcirculation of young and middle-aged people in sub-health status

Objective To explore the mechanism of moxibustion for people in sub-health status. Methods Thirty-nine young and middle-aged sub-health volunteers were enrolled, including 13 males and 26 females. Mild moxibustion was adopted, and Shenque （神阙 CV 8）, Guanyuan （关元 CV 4）, Zusanli （足三里 ST 36, bilateral）, Pish0 （脾俞 BL 20, bilateral） and Shenshu （肾俞 BL 23, bilateral） were selected. The moxibustion was performed once every other day, 20 min at each time, and moxibustion for ten times was needed. The changes in morphology, flow velocity and pefiloop of nailfold microcirculation were detected by adopting microcirculation detector before moxibustion, after moxibustion for three times, six times, ten times, and on the 15th day after moxibustion, respectively. Results After moxibustion, the abnormal blood capillary morphology of microcirculation gradually turned into normal pattern along with the increase of the number of times of moxibustion, according to the comparison of the number of capillary loop, the diameter of input limb, the diameter of output limb/the diameter of input limb, flow pattern integral, pefiloop integral and total integral with those before moxibustion, the differences were all statistically significant （all P〈0.01）. Conclusion Moxibustion changs the microcirculation of nailfold of body, improves the blood flow pattern, makes the pefiloop status clear, accelerats the blood flow and increases the microcirculation perfusion amount, thus regulating the sub- health status of human body.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenshu(BL 23) on the ethology,corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptor in aging rats

Objective：To observe the effect of moxibustion on learning and memory abilities,corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptor（GR） in subacute aging rats.Methods：Twenty four Sprague-Dawley（SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group and a moxibustion group,8 rats in each group.Rats in the model group and the moxibustion group were subcutaneously injected with 25% D-galactose [125 mg/（kg·bw）] for 40 d continuous;rats in the normal group were injected with saline at the same position for 40 d continuous.Rats in the moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu（BL 23） at the same time of modeling;rats in the normal group and the model group were only identically grabbed without moxibustion for 40 d.The learning and memory abilities of rats were observed using the Morris water maze at the end of the experiment.Abdominal aorta blood and thymus were collected after water maze experiment.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to detect serum corticosterone level,and immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of thymus GR.Results：Compared with the normal group,rats in the model group showed that a significantly longer escape latency time（P〈0.01） on the third and the fourth days;number of times crossing the platform in 70 s significantly reduced（P〈0.01）;activity times in the fourth quadrant significantly decreased（P〈0.05）;serum corticosterone levels increased（P〈0.01）;thymus GR expression decreased（P〈0.05）.Compared with the model group,rats in the moxibustion group showed that the escape latency times were significantly shorter on the third,the fourth and the fifth days（P〈0.01,P〈0.05）;number of times crossing the platform in 70 s significantly increased（P〈0.05）;activity times in the fourth quadrant significantly increased（P〈0.05）;serum corticosterone levels decreased（P〈0.05）;thymus GR expression increased（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：Moxibustion could improve the learning and memory abilities of subacute aging rats,down-regulate serum corticosterone levels,and increase thymus GR content.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） on free radical metabolism in rat＇s hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise

Objective： To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） on free radical metabolism in rat＇s hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise. Methods： A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a normal group （n=8）, a model group （n=32） and a moxibustion group （n=32）. According to the times of modeling or treatment, the model group was further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time model subgroup, a 4-time model subgroup, a 7-time model subgroup and a 10-time model subgroup （n=8）; the moxibustion group was also further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time moxibustion subgroup, a 4-time moxibustion subgroup, a 7-time moxibustion subgroup and a 10-time moxibustion subgroup （n=8）. Rats in both model and moxibustion subgroups were subjected to establishing the swimming exhaustive model. Rats in each moxibustion subgroup received mild moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） for 15 min immediately after modeling, once every other day. The concentration of malic dialdehyde （MDA）, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） in rat＇s hippocampus in each group were detected 24 h after the exhaustive exercise. Results： Compared with the 1-time model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats was significantly prolonged in the 4-time model subgroup （P〈0.01）, while it was significantly shortened in the 7-time and 10-time model subgroups （both P〈0.01）. Compared with the matched model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups was significantly prolonged （both P〈0.01）. Compared with the normal group, the MDA concentration was increased significantly （P〈0.01）, and the activities stress response of SOD and T-AOC were increased in the 1-time model subgroup （both P〈0.05）; the MDA concentration was increased （all P〈0.01）, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were decreased differently （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01） in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time model subgroups. Compared with the matched model subgroup, the concentration of MDA was significantly reduced （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were significantly increased in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups （all P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） can improve the fatigue status of the body after long-term exhaustive exercise by regulating free radical metabolism in rat＇s hippocampus. To some extent, this provides an experimental basis for moxibustion at Shenque （CV 8） against exercise-induced fatigue.

Experimental study on the effect of moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8) for long-term exercise-induced fatigue

Objective:To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)on fatigue in rats with chronic exercise-induced exhaustion.Methods:Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group and a moxibustion group,10 rats in each group.Except rats in the blank group,the remaining rats were subjected to create long-term exhaustion models by repeated swimming.After successful modeling,rats in the moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)for 15 min,once every other day with a total of 10 times.Rats in the model group and the blank group did not receive moxibustion.At the end of the treatment,the exhausted times,and the body weight of rats before and after the experiment were compared among groups.The levels of blood malondialdehyde(MDA)and urea nitrogen(BUN),as well as the activities of aspartate transarninase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were also measured by the automatic biochemical analyzer,24 h after the exhausting excise.Results:The 10 th swimming time was significantly longer in the moxibustion group than that in the model group(P〈0.01).The increase rate of the body weight was lower in the rats of the moxibustion group than that in the model group before the 7 th and the 10 th exhausting excise(P〈0.05,P〈0.01).The levels of serum MDA and BUN,as well as the activities of AST,ALT and LDH in the model group were higher than those in the blank group(all P〈0.01).The levels of serum MDA and BUN,as well as the activities of AST,ALT and LDH in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group(P〈0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)can decrease the serum levels of MDA and BUN,as well as activities of AST,ALT and LDH in the long-term fatigue rats,thus to improve the symptoms of fatigue.

Clinical observation on the time-effect relationship of moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea due to stagnation and congelation of cold-damp

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.

Difference in the anti-fatigue effect of moxibustion at different acupoints in one-off exhausted rats

Objective:To explore the difference in the anti-fatigue effect of moxibustion at different acupoints through observing the impacts of moxibustion at"Shènshù(肾俞BL23)","Zúsānlǐ(足三里ST36)","Guānyuán(关元CV4)"and"Shénquè(神阙CV8)"on energy metabolic indexes in the one-off exhausted rats.Methods:A total of 56 SPF male rats were randomized into 7 groups,named a blank group,a model group,a non-acupoint group,a"BL23"group,a"ST36"group,a"CV4"group and a"CV8"group,8 rats in each group.The one-off exhaustion model was established by weight-bearing swimming experiment.Right after the exhaustive swimming of rats in each intervention group,the mild moxibustion was applied at the corresponding acupoints for 15 min immediately.4 h after the exhaustive swimming,the blood was collected from the femoral artery and the quadriceps femoris of the left hindlimb was stripped.The levels of blood lactate(BLD),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),creatine kinase(CK)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN),the expressions of adenosine triphosphatease(ATP),fructose-6-phosphofructokinase(PFK)and malomdialdehyde(MDA)in the quadriceps femoris and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)were detected.Results:Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group,the levels of serum BLD,LDH,CK and BUN were all lower those in the"BL23"group,the"ST36"group,the"CV4"group and the"CV8"group,indicating a statistical significance(all P<0.05).Compared with the model group and the nonacupoint group,PFK was higher in the"BL23"group,indicating a statistical significance(both P<0.05).Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group,PFK was higher in the"ST36"group and the"CV4"group,indicating a statistical significance(all P<0.05).Conclusion:It was found in the research that moxibustion at"BL23""ST36""CV4"and"CV8"regulated the energy metabolism in the one-off exhausted rats so as to bring the anti-fatigue effect into play and the effect was different among the acupoints.Moxibustion at"CV8"may work on the prevention of the protein decomposition in the skeletal muscle and moxibustion at"BL23"may be against the oxidation in the skeletal muscle.

Effects of moxibustion on miRNA-133b,Pitx3/TH,and neurotransmitters in the midbrain of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D),by observing the effects of moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Shangjuxu(ST37)on microRNA-133b(miRNA-133b),pituitary homeobox family factor 3(Pitx3)/tyrosine hydroxylase(TH),and neurotransmitters in the brain tissue of IBS-D rats.Methods:Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medicine group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,the IBS-D rat model was established by mother-offspring separation and acetic acid enema combined with restraint stress stimulation in all the other groups.No intervention was performed in the normal and model groups.Mild moxibustion was applied to both Tianshu(ST25)and Shangjuxu(ST37)in the moxibustion group.Rifaximin was given by gavage in the Western medicine group.The physical status of rats in each group was observed at different periods.After the intervention,hematoxylineosin staining was performed to observe the histopathological morphology of rat colon;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of dopamine(DA),noradrenaline(NE),and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)in plasma,colon,and midbrain tissue of rats;the relative expression levels of miRNA-133b,Pitx3 mRNA,and TH mRNA in the midbrain tissue were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction,and the relative expression levels of Pitx3 and TH proteins in the midbrain tissue were measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence.Results:The body weights of rats among groups and at different time points were statistically different(P<0.01).The body weight of the normal group was higher than that of the other groups over time(P<0.01).After modeling,the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)was significantly lower(P<0.01)and the loose stool rate was significantly higher(P<0.01)in the model,moxibustion,and Western medicine groups compared with the normal group;the miRNA-133b expression in the midbrain tissue was significantly lower(P<0.01),the expression levels of Pitx3 and TH in the midbrain tissue were significantly higher(P<0.01),and the levels of DA,NE,and 5-HT in plasma,colon and midbrain tissue were significantly higher(P<0.01).After the intervention,the minimum volume threshold of AWR was significantly higher(P<0.01),the loose stool rate was significantly lower(P<0.01),the miRNA-133b expression was significantly increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05)and the expression levels of Pitx3 and TH were significantly decreased(P<0.01)in the midbrain tissue,the levels of DA,NE,and 5-HT in plasma,colon,and midbrain tissue were significantly reduced(P<0.01)in the moxibustion and Western medicine groups compared with the model group;the levels of 5-HT in the colon and midbrain tissue of the moxibustion group were significantly lower than those in the Western medicine group(P<0.05),and there was no statistical difference compared with the remaining groups(P>0.05).Linear correlation analysis showed that miRNA-133b was negatively correlated with Pitx3(r<0,P<0.01);Pitx3 with TH,TH with DA,and NE with 5-HT were positively correlated(r>0,P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Shangjuxu(ST37)improves diarrhea symptoms and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats.The mechanism may be related to up-regulating miRNA-133b,inhibiting Pitx3/TH,and reducing neurotransmitter expression levels in the midbrain tissue.