PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF MOXIBUSTION AT SHENQUE(RN 8)ON GASTRIC MUCOSA

Male S.D rats weighing 200g were used(as experimental animals).Moxibus-tion at Shenque(RN 8)was performed for 15 minutes each day.The course lasted for weeks.In ratsundergoing oral infusion of taurocholate,index of gastric mucosal injury were 9.0±6.1 and 4.6±2.5 in two and four week groups respectively.Compared with control group(index:16.8±7.6),Pwas less than 0.05 and 0.01.This indicated that moxibustion had protective effect on gastric mucosalinjury.Time-effect relationship also existed.In experiment of analysis about mechanism of moxibustion,we found that moxibustion.1.stim-ulated the secretion of gastric mucus(P【0.001);2.increased the PGE 2 content in gastric mucosa(P【0.05);3.increased the number of β-endorphin-like immunoactive cells in gastric mucosa(P【0.05);4.enhanced the transformation of lymphocytes(P【0.01);5.reinforced the function of an-tibody-producing cells in the spleen.The results suggested that protective effect of moxibustion might result from the increase in mu-cus,the PGE 2 and the endogenous β-endorphin.It might also be related to the reinforcing effect ofmoxibustion on transformation of lymphocytes and antibody-producing function of spleen cells.

Effectiveness and Safety of Chinese Medicine at Shenque(CV 8)for Primary Dysmenorrhea:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background:Primary dysmenorrhea(PD)is the most common complaint associated with menstruation and affects up to three-quarters of women at some stage of their reproductive life.In Chinese medicine,navel therapy,treatment provided at Shenque(CV 8),is used as a treatment option for PD.Objective:To evaluate the effect of navel therapy on pain relief and quality of life in women with PD,compared with Western medicine(WM).Methods:China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Chinese Scientific Journal Database(VIP),Sino Med and Wanfang Database,MEDLINE,the Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,and the International Clinical Trial Registry of the U.S.National Institutes of Health were searched from their inceptions to April 1,2021.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)assessing therapeutic effects of navel therapy on PD were eligible for inclusion.Rev Man 5.4 software was used for data analyses.The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the online GRADEpro tool.Results:Totally 24 RCTs involving 2,614 participants were identified.Interventions applied to acupuncture point CV 8 included:herbal patching,moxibustion or combined navel therapy(using at least 2 types of stimulation).Compared to placebo,there was a significant effect in favor of navel therapy on reducing overall menstrual symptom scores at the end of treatment[mean difference:-0.82,95%confidence interval(CI):-1.00 to-0.64,n=90;1 RCT].As compared with Western medicine,navel therapy had a superior effect on pain intensity as assessed by Visual Analogue Scale at the end of treatment[standardized mean difference(SMD):-0.64,95%CI:-1.22 to-0.06,I^(2)=80%,n=262;3 RCTs];on symptom resolution rate at 3-month follow-up(risk ratio:1.94,95%CI:1.47 to 2.56,n=1527,I^(2)=38%;13 RCTs);and on global menstrual symptoms score at the end of treatment(SMD:-0.67,95%CI:-0.90 to-0.45,I^(2)=63%,n=990;12 RCTs).Subgroup analyses showed either a better or an equivalent effect comparing navel therapy with Western medicine.No major adverse events were reported.The methodological quality of included trials was poor overall.Conclusions:Navel therapy appears to be more effective than Western medicine in decreasing menstrual pain and improving overall symptoms of PD.However,these findings need to be confirmed by well-designed clinical trials with adequate sample size(Systematic review registration at PROSPERO,No.CRD42021240350).

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.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) on immune system in rats with different degrees of exhaustive exercise

Objective: To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) on the immune system in rats with different levels of exhaustive exercise. Methods: Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n=8), an exhaustive group (n=24), and a moxibustion group (n=24). The exhaustive group was randomly divided into a 1-time exhaustive group, a 4-time exhaustive group and a 7-time exhaustive group, with 8 rats in each group. According to the treatment time, the moxibustion group was randomly divided into a 1-time moxibustion group, a 4-time moxibustion group and a 7-time moxibustion group, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in the exhaustive groups and the moxibustion groups were subjected to replicating the exhaustive swimming models. Rats in each moxibustion group received mild moxibustion for 15 min immediately after the exhaustive modeling, once every other day. Twenty-four hours after the corresponding exhaustive exercise, the rats in each group were tested for the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, IgM and acid phosphatase (ACP), and the morphological changes of spleen tissues were observed. The level of IgA was detected by immunoturbidimetric assay, and the levels of IgG, IgM and ACP were detected by en zyme-linked imm uno sorb ent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared with the 1-time exhaustive group, swimming time of rats in the 4-time exhaustive group was significantly proIonged (P<0.01), and swimming time of rats in the 7-time exhaustive group was significantly shortened (P<0.01). Compared with the 7-time exhaustive group, exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time moxibustion group was significantly proIonged (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the IgG level in the 1-time exhaustive group was significantly decreased (PvO.Ol), and the levels of IgG, IgA and IgM in the 4-time exhaustive group and the 7-time exhaustive group were all sign ifica ntly decreased (P<0.05 or PvO.Ol), while the ACP level was in creased sign ifica ntly (both P<0.01). Microscopically, the number of splenic corpuscles in the 1-time exhaustive group was reduced;the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 4-time exhaustive group was damaged;the number of splenic corpuscles in the 7-time exhaustive group was reduced, and there was no obvious germinal center. Compared with the 4-time exhaustive group, the IgA level in the 4-time moxibusti on group was sign ifica ntly in creased (P<0.01), and the ACP level was sign ifica ntly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the 7-time exhaustive group, the levels of IgG, IgA and IgM in the 7-time moxibustion group were sign ifica ntly in creased (all PvO.Ol), and the ACP level was sign ifica ntly decreased (P<0.01). Microscopically, the nu mber of splenic corpuscles in the 1-time moxibustion group was reduced;the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 4-time moxibustion group was damaged together with hyperplasia of some splenic corpuscles;blast cells were proliferated in the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 7-time moxibustion group. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the levels of IgG, IgA and IgM, reduce the ACP level, repair damaged spleen tissues, and enhance the immunity of the body to some extent in the Iong-term fatigue rats.

Clinical Study on Moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)for Chronic Urticaria

Objective:To observe the safety and efficacy of moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)for chronic urticaria.Methods:A total of 80 cases who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into a treatment group and a control group,40 in each.Cases in the treatment group were treated with thunder-fire moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8),whereas cases in the control group were treated with Mizolastine.Changes in clinical symptoms such as itching and skin lesion were observed before and after treatment and the therapeutic efficacies were assessed.Results:After treatment,the total scores of clinical symptoms in both groups were markedly reduced(P<0.05),and the reduction was more significant in the treatment group than that in the control group(P<0.05).The total effective rate in the treatment group was 77.5%,versus 65.0%in the control group,showing no significant difference(P>0.05).The Ridit analysis showed a between-group significant difference in therapeutic efficacy grades(P<0.05).There were no reports of adverse reactions in the treatment group and 2 cases experienced mild somnolence in the control group.Conclusion:With an exact effect for chronic urticaria,moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)obtained better results in overall efficacy and improving symptoms than oral administration of Mizolastine.

Identification and characterization of murine adipose tissue-derived somatic stem cells of Shenque(CV8)acupoint

Background:Shenque(CV8)acupoint is located on the navel and has been therapeutically used for more than 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM).However,clinical research on the underlying therapeutic molecular mechanisms of the CV8 acupoint lags far behind.This study aimed to study the mechanisms of umbilical acupoint therapy by using stem cells.Methods:The morphological characteristics of CV8 acupoint were detected under a stereomicroscope using hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining.Oil Red,Masson,and immunohistochemical staining on multi-layered slices were used to identify the type of cells at the CV8 acupoint.Cell proliferation was measured by a cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method.Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used for cell identification.Induced differentiation was used to compare the differentiation of cells derived from CV8 acupoint and non-acupoint somatic stem cells into other cell types,such as osteogenic,adipogenic,and neural stem cell-like cells.Results:Morphological observations showed that adipose tissues at the linea alba of the CV8 acupoint in mice had a mass-like distribution.Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the distribution of stem cell antigen-1(Sca-1)positive cells in the multi-layered slices of CV8 acupoint tissues.Cells isolated from adipose tissues at the CV8 acupoint exhibited high expression of Sca-1 and CD44 and low expression of CD31 and CD34,and these cells possessed osteogenic,adipogenic,and neurogenic stem cell-like cell differentiation ability.The cell proliferation(day 4:0.5138±0.0111 vs.0.4107±0.0180,t=8.447,P=0.0011;day 5:0.6890±0.0070 vs.0.5520±0.0118,t=17.310,P<0.0001;day 6:0.7320±0.0090 vs.0.6157±0.0123,t=13.190,P=0.0002;and day 7:0.7550±0.0050 vs.0.6313±0.0051,t=42.560,P<0.0001),adipogenic([9.224±0.345]%vs.[3.933±1.800]%,t=5.000,P=0.0075),and neurogenic stem cell-like cell differentiation(diameter<50 mm:7.2000±1.3040 vs.2.6000±0.5477,t=7.273,P<0.0001;diameter 50–100 mm:2.6000±0.5477 vs.1.0000±0.7071,t=4.000,P=0.0039;and diameter>100 mm:2.6000±0.5477 vs.0.8000±0.8367,t=4.025,P=0.0038)were significantly enhanced in somatic stem cells derived from the CV8 acupoint compared to somatic stem cells from the groin non-acupoint.However,cells possessed significantly weaker osteogenicity([2.697±0.627]%vs.[7.254±0.958]%,t=6.893,P=0.0023)in the CV8 acupoint group.Conclusions:Our study showed that CV8 acupoint was rich with adipose tissues that contained abundant somatic stem cells.The biological examination of somatic stem cells derived from the CV8 acupoint provided novel insights for future research on the mechanisms of umbilical therapy.

Effect of Warming Moxibustion on Shenque Acupoint for the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children with Infantile Cerebral Palsy

Objective:To observe the effect of warming moxibustion on Shenque acupoint(RN8) for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children with infantile cerebral palsy(ICP).Methods:Clinical observation was performed on 60 ICP children suffering from acute diarrhea,who were randomly assigned to two groups equally.The Mox group was treated with warming moxibustion on Shenque acupoint(RN8) and the control group treated with Smecta.The efficacy was evaluated by markedly effective rate and total effective rate after a 6-d...

Observation of therapeutic effects of point application at Shenque(CV 8)plus moxa-salt hot compress for prevention of gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin Iymphoma

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of point application with De Huang(Rhizome Rhei Crude)powder at Shenque(CV 8)plus moxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus for preventing gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL).Methods:A total of 60 cases with NHL under chemotherapy were divided into two groups by hospitalization order,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine nursing and the observation group was additionally given point application with Da Hueng(Rhizome Rhei Crude)powder plus moxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus,to compare the effect in preventing gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy between the two groups.Results:The occurrence rates of constipation,nausea,vomiting and poor appetite on the second day and fifth day after chemotherapy were obviously lower in the observation group than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences between the two groups(all P〈0.05).Conclusion;The point application with De Hueng(Rhizome Rhei Crude)powder at Shenque(CV 8)plus maxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus can produce more significant efficacy in preventing the gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for NHL than routine nursing.Moreover,it is simple and easy to be used and popularized.

Clinical observation of Da Huang (Rheum Officinale) application at Shenque(CV 8) for constipation after operation for lumbar vertebral fracture

Objective： To observe the effect of Da Huang（Rheum Officinale） application at Shenque（CV 8） on constipation after operation for lumbar vertebral fracture.Methods： Seventy-four patients with constipation after operation for lumbar vertebral fracture were divided into an observation group and a control group by the random number table, 37 cases in each group. The two groups both received ordinary treatment（including healthcare guidance, emotional care, diet arrangement, and defecation nursing）, while the observation group was additionally given Da Huang（Rheum Officinale） application at Shenque（CV 8） for 6 h each day. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after successive 3-day treatment. Results： After 3-day treatment, it took significantly less time for the observation group to conduct the first flatulence and defecation than for the control group（P〈0.05）; the therapeutic efficacy of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group（P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Da Huang（Rheum Officinale） application at Shenque（CV 8） is effective in treating constipation after lumbar vertebral fracture operation, and it＇s easy-to-operate and well accepted by patients, hence it＇s proper to promote this method in clinic.

Effect of moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)on myocardial remodeling and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats

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.

Acupoint Sticking at Shenque(CV 8) with Ginger-prepared Ban Xia(Rhizoma Pinelliae) for Nausea and Vomiting Induced by Amifostine

Objective： To observe the treatment effect of acupoint sticking at Shenque （CV 8） with ginger-preparedBan Xia （Rhizoma Pinelliae） on nausea and vomiting induced by Amifostine for myelodysplastic syndromes （MDS）. Methods： Totally 124 eligible subjects intervened by Amifostine were randomized into 2 groups by the visiting order,an observation group and a control group,62 in each group. The control group was intervened by conventional treatment, while the observation group was by acupoint sticking at Shenque （CV 8） with ginger-preparedBan Xia （Rhizoma Pinelliae） in addition to the same conventional treatment. The occurrence rate of nausea and vomiting in the two groups were observed. Results： After intervention, the occurrence rate of nausea and vomiting in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group （P＆lt;0.01）. Conclusion： Acupoint sticking at Shenque （CV 8） with ginger-prepared Ban Xia （Rhizoma Pinelliae）can produce a content effect on nausea and vomiting induced by Amifostine for MDS.

Mechanism of Guangdong Shenqu in regulating intestinal flora in mice with food stagnation and internal heat based on 16S rDNA sequencing Author links open overlay panel

Objective To investigate the effect of Guangdong Shenqu(GSQ)on intestinal flora structure in mice with food stagnation through 16S rDNA sequencing.Methods Mice were randomly assigned to control,model,GSQ low-dose(GSQL),GSQ medium-dose(GSQM),GSQ high-dose(GSQH),and lacidophilin tablets(LAB)groups,with each group containing 10 mice.A food stagnation and internal heat mouse model was established through intragastric administration of a mixture of beeswax and olive oil(1:15).The control group was administered normal saline,and the model group was administered beeswax and olive oil to maintain a state.The GSQL(2 g/kg),GSQM(4 g/kg),GSQH(8 g/kg),and LAB groups(0.625 g/kg)were administered corresponding drugs for 5 d.After administration,16S rDNA sequencing was performed to assess gut microbiota in mouse fecal samples.Results The model group exhibited significant intestinal flora changes.Following GSQ administration,the abundance and diversity index of the intestinal flora increased significantly,the number of bacterial species was regulated,andαandβdiversity were improved.GSQ administration increased the abundance of probiotics,including Clostridia,Lachnospirales,and Lactobacillus,whereas the abundance of conditional pathogenic bacteria,such as Allobaculum,Erysipelotrichaceae,and Bacteroides decreased.Functional prediction analysis indicated that the pathogenesis of food stagnation and GSQ intervention were primarily associated with carbohydrate,lipid,and amino acid metabolism,among other metabolic pathways.Conclusion The digestive mechanism of GSQ may be attributed to its role in restoring diversity and abundance within the intestinal flora,thereby improving the composition and structure of the intestinal flora in mice and subsequently influencing the regulation of metabolic pathways.

Effect of acupoint sticking at Shenque （CV 8） for preventing spleen-stomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of acupoint sticking of Chinese medicine at Shenque （CV 8） for preventing spleenstomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump. Methods： A total of 120 post-surgery patients using venous analgesia pump and also conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups by the random number table. There were 58 patients in the control group who received conventional post-surgery nursing care, and there were 62 patients in the treatment group who received acupoint sticking at Shenque （CV 8） on the basis of conventional nursing care. After treatment, the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and abdominal bloating were measured. Results： The total incidence of nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating in the treatment group was 11.3%, versus 39.7% in the control group, and the difference of the incidence between the two groups showed a statistical significance （P〈0.05）. In comparison of the severity of spleen-stomach dishormony which happened during 72 h after surgery, cases in the treatment group showed lower severity than those in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupoint sticking at Shenque （CV 8） can effectively prevent spleen-stomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump, which will alleviate sufferings of the patients.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Herb-Partitioned Moxibustion in the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the clinical effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion on patients with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials of herb-partitioned moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea published from the year the database was established to November, 2017 were searched from CNKI,Wanfang Database, VIP database, CBM, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed in papers meeting inclusion criteria. The outcomes measurements included clinical effect rate, visual analogue score(VAS), plasma PGF2α, adverse events, recurrence rate, and quality of life. The Rev Man 5.3 software was applied for meta-analysis. RESULTS:(1) A total of 16 studies were eligible and included in the meta-analysis involved1126 patients.(2) A statistically significant increasing in clinical effective rate was found in HMP group compared with control group [OR=3.49, 95%CI(2.25, 5.39), P<0.00001].(3) There was significant difference between two groups in visual analogue score [MD=–7.48, 95%CI(–9.93, –5.02), P<0.00001], which suggested the patients who received HPM had lower VAS scales than those who received no HPM.(4) There was significantly difference in serum PGF2α between the groups receiving HPM and the control group [MD=–4.61, 95%CI(–9.19, –0.03), P=0.05].(5) 2 trials reported followup duration, and all included studies did not mention the recurrence of PD during the follow-up stage, and all included studies did not mention the improvement of quality of life of PD during period of management and follow-up stage.CONCLUSIONS: Herb-partitioned moxibustion is beneficial for primary dysmenorrhea. However, the conclusion is not completely accurate with limitations of the current RCTs. The safety of herb-partitioned moxibustion remains to be defined by future studies. Attention should be paid to long-term effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion in clinical research. High-quality RCTs are required to confirm the effectiveness of herb-partitioned moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea.

Influence of moxibustion at Shénquè (神阙 CV 8) on senile symptoms and melatonin

Objective To observe the influence of moxibustion at Shenque （神阙 CV 8） on senile symptoms and its machenism. Methods Sixty three patients were divided into moxibustion group and control group. Suspend moxibustion over CV 8 with moxa stick was used in moxibustion group for 30 min, the frequency was once two days and the course lasted for 2 months. No therapeutic measure was used in control group. The senile symptom score before and after treatment were evaluated, and the serum meletonin content before and after treatment was detected through radioimmunoassay. Results The senile symptom score after moxibustion decreased obviously than that before moxibustion （P〈0.001）, and the change was more obvious than that in control group （P〈0.01）. The effect of relieving symptoms such as lumbar debility and insomnia in moxibustion group was better than that in control goup （P〈0.05）. The total effect in moxibustion group was also better than that in control group （P〈0.05）. The serum meletonin content was increased obviously than that before moxibustion （P〈0.001）, and the content was higher than that in control group obviously （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Suspend moxibustion over CV 8 with moxa stick can improve senile symptoms, and this effect is related to the increase of the content of serum meletonin.

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.

Effects of moxibustion at different times on prostaglandin and vasopressin levels in uterine tissues of rats with dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention

Objective： To observe the effects of moxibustion at different times on prostaglandin E_2（PGE_2）, prostaglandin F2α（PGF_（2α））and arginine vasopressin（AVP）, in the uterine tissues of rats with dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention, and to explore the differences and possible mechanisms of moxibustion at different times in easing pain in dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention.Methods： Forty-three female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group（n=7）, a model group（n=9）,a pre-moxibustion group（n=9）, an immediate-moxibustion group（n=9） and a pre-moxibustion plus immediatemoxibustion group（n=9）. Rat models of primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention were established using（0±1） ℃ ice water immersion method combined with injection of estradiol benzoate for 10 d, followed by injection of oxytocin on the 11 th day. Rats in the 3 intervention groups received moxibustion to Shenque（CV 8） and Guanyuan（CV 4）, 10 min for each acupoint, once a day. Rats in pre-moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion, beginning on the 8th day during modeling, for 3 continuous days; rats in immediate-moxibustion group were given one time mild moxibustion, immediately after injection of oxytocin on the 11 th day during modeling; rats in pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion, beginning on the 8th day during modeling till immediately after injection of oxytocin on the 11 th day during modeling, for 4 continuous days. The level of PGF_（2α） in the rat uterine tissues was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）, and the levels of PGE_2 and AVP in rat uterine tissues were measured by radioimmunoassay.Results： Compared with the blank control group, the levels of PGF_（2α） and AVP, the PGF_（2α）/PGE_2 ratio in the model group were significantly increased（P〈0.01）, and the PGE_2 level was significantly decreased（P〈0.01） in the rat uterine tissues in the model group. Compared with the model group, the writhing latency was significantly prolonged, the writhing number and the total writhing score were all decreased in the pre-moxibustion group, the immediate-moxibustion group and the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group（all P〈0.01）; the levels of PGF_（2α） and AVP, and the PGF_（2α）/PGE_2 ratio were all significantly decreased（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, and the PGE_2 level was significantly increased（P〈0.01） in the rat uterine tissues of the 3 treatment groups. Compared with the pre-moxibustion group, the writhing number and the total writhing score were all decreased in the immediate-moxibustion group and the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group（all P〈0.01）, the writhing latency was significantly prolonged in the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group（P〈0.01）; the levels of PGF_（2α） and PGF_（2α）/PGE_2 ratio were significantly decreased（P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, and the PGE_2 level was significantly increased（P〈0.01） in rat uterine tissues in the immediate-moxibustion group and the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group. Compared with the immediate-moxibustion group, the writhing latency was significantly prolonged and the writhing number wasdecreased（all P〈0.05）, and the total writhing score was decreased（P〈0.01） in the pre-moxibustion plus immediatemoxibustion group; the PGF_（2α） level and the PGF_（2α）/PGE_2 ratio were significantly decreased（P〈0.01）, and the PGE_2 level was significantly increased（P〈0.01） in rat uterine tissues in the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group.Conclusion： Moxibustion at different times all can produce obvious analgesic effects on dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention in rats, and pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion ranks the top. The mechanism of this analgesic effect may be via the regulation of abnormal PGF_（2α）, PGE_2 and AVP levels, to effectively inhibit the spastic contraction of uterine smooth muscle in dysmenorrhea rat, thereby improving the ischemia and hypoxia in uterus.

Clinical observation on heat-sensitive moxibustion plus lactulose for postoperative constipation of mixed hemorrhoid due to spleen deficiency

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.

Antioxidant effect of indirect moxibustion on healthy subjects:a pilot study

OBJECTIVE:Moxibustion has long been thought to promote vital energy or immunity through clinical experience.This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of indirect moxibustion on antioxidant and immunomodulation in a normal population.METHODS:Twenty-five healthy volunteers with no objective or subjective disorders were recruited.The participants were treated with indirect moxibustion on acupoints Guanyuan(CV 4) and Shenque(CV 8) three times per week for 4 weeks.The serum levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malondialdehyde(MDA),the total antioxidant capacity(TAC),the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase(SOD),and the total glutathione content were determined before and after the 12th moxibustion.Lymphocyte subpopulations and 42 cytokines in the peripheral blood were analyzed using flow cytometry and antibody array,respectively.RESULTS:Compared with the initial time point,the serum levels of ROS and MDA were significantly lowered by moxibustion,while TAC was increased(P<0.01 for all).A significant increase was observed in catalase activity(P<0.05),but not in SOD or total glutathione.There were no significant changes in lymphocyte subpopulations or cytokines in the peripheral blood.Fifteen of 25 participants reported at least one symptom in which they felt subjective improvement after moxibustion.CONCLUSION:Indirect moxibustion on acupoints CV 4 and CV 8 improved the antioxidant defense system,which may be a mechanism explaining the clinical effects of moxibustion.