Experimental Research of Acupuncture at Zusanli （ST 36） for Anti-aging

目的：研究针刺足三里对D-半乳糖所致衰老小鼠抗衰老作用的机制。方法：三十只28周龄ICR系雌性小白鼠，随机分成对照组、模型组和针刺组。在光学显微镜下观察小肠粘膜形态学变4L；分别测定血清中超氧化物歧化酶（Superoxide Dismutase，SOD）活性和丙二醛（Malondialdehyde，MDA）含量。结果：针刺组SOD活性高于模型组和对照组，MDA含量低于模型组和对照组。模型组正常型绒毛比率减少，上皮细胞脱落再生加剧，肠绒毛萎缩；针刺组肠绒毛形态改善，肠上皮细胞异常减少。结论：针刺足三里能提高血清中SOD活性，减少MDA含量，改善肠绒毛形态，有助于延缓衰老过程。

Experimental research of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) for anti-aging

Objective  To explore the mechanism of anti-aging effect of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36). Methods  Thirty mice of 28 weeks old were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, model group and acupuncture group. Sub-acute aging model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose. The activity of Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and content of serum Malondialdehyde(MDA) were measured. Morphological changes of jejunal mucosa were observed with light microscope. Result  SOD activity in the acupuncture group was highest among the three groups, whereas, MDA content was the lowest. In the model group, the ratio of normal intestinal villus was decreased, the intestinal villus was shrunk, and there were more epithelial cells desquamated. In acupuncture group, there were less abnormal intestinal villus and epithelial cell. Conclusion  Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) has an effect in resisting aging by increasing the activity of serum SOD, decreasing the MDA contents, and improving the intestinal villus. Author: XIE Yi-cong (1969–), female, master, associate chief physician.