艾灸治疗膝骨性关节炎:随机对照研究

目的:观察艾灸对膝骨性关节炎患者疼痛、僵硬、功能障碍等症状的疗效,评价艾灸疗法的有效性和安全性.方法:59例膝骨性关节炎患者随机分为艾灸组(31例)和安慰艾灸组(28例),分别将治疗艾炷和安慰艾炷粘贴在内膝眼、犊鼻、阿是穴处给予艾灸治疗,每次每穴3壮,隔日1次,每周3次,连续治疗6周,统计治疗3周、6周时的疗效,并于治疗结束后6周对患者进行随访.采用骨关节炎调查量表(WOMAC)、46 m最快步行时间评价关节功能恢复情况,使用UT-325数字温测仪记录膝关节疼痛最明显的治疗点艾灸前后温度变化.结果:艾灸组治疗3周、6周及随访时WOMAC量表各项评分均明显降低(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001);安慰艾灸组随访时僵硬评分较治疗前降低(P＜0.05);治疗6周及随访时,艾灸组较安慰艾灸组疼痛、僵硬、功能障碍评分下降更明显(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).艾灸组治疗6周后46 m最快步行时间较治疗前明显缩短(P＜0.01),而安慰艾灸组治疗后改善不明显(P＞0.05),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).艾灸组艾灸后治疗点温度为(49.81±3.10)℃,安慰艾灸组为(40.98±1.67)℃,两组均较治疗前局部皮肤温度明显升高(P＜0.001,P＜0.01),艾灸组温度升高更明显(P＜0.001).结论:艾灸可明显改善膝骨性关节炎患者疼痛、僵硬、功能障碍等临床症状,是一种安全、有效的治疗方法.     

艾灸光和热因素治疗膝骨关节炎：多中心随机对照研究

目的:探究艾灸的光因素和热因素在膝骨关节炎(KOA)治疗中发挥的临床疗效。方法:将216例KOA患者随机分为传统艾灸组(72例,脱落8例)、艾灸光组(72例,脱落9例)和艾灸热组(72例,脱落10例)。采用特制"光热分离灸罐",传统艾灸组患者接受全艾灸治疗,艾灸光组接受艾灸光治疗,艾灸热组接受艾灸热治疗,3组治疗取穴均为内膝眼、犊鼻、足三里,每次治疗20min,每周3次,连续治疗4周,并于治疗结束后4周及8周进行随访。观察3组患者治疗前,治疗2、4周及两次随访时西安大略和麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)和视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分,并于治疗4周及第2次随访时参照总体疗效评价(PGA)标准评定各组疗效。结果:3组患者治疗2、4周及第1次随访时WOMAC疼痛、僵硬、活动障碍评分及总评分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),第2次随访时传统艾灸组及艾灸热组WOMAC疼痛、僵硬、活动障碍评分及总评分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),艾灸光组WOMAC僵硬、活动障碍评分及总评分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05);治疗4周时传统艾灸组WOMAC疼痛、活动障碍评分及总评分均低于艾灸光组...     

推拿加易筋经治疗膝骨性关节炎的临床研究

目的:比较推拿手法加易筋经锻炼和单纯推拿手法治疗膝骨性关节炎的临床疗效。方法:将60例膝骨性关节炎患者随机分为两组,治疗组采用推拿手法配合患者易筋经锻炼,对照组采用单纯推拿手法,各治疗1个月。采用骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)量表分别在治疗前及治疗后进行疗效评定。结果:治疗后两组的总体症状、疼痛、僵硬和日常活动功能积分均较治疗前明显降低(P<0.01),且治疗组的各项积分低于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.01);治疗组的WOMAC总评分改善率明显高于对照组(P<0.01)。结论:推拿配合易筋经锻炼和单纯推拿手法治疗膝骨性关节炎疗效确切,且推拿配合易筋经组优于单纯推拿手法治疗组。     

不同刺灸法治疗膝骨关节炎的临床疗效观察

目的:比较针刺、电针和艾灸治疗膝骨关节炎(KOA)的临床疗效差异。方法:84例KOA患者随机分为针刺组、电针组和艾灸组,每组28例。针刺组予毫针针刺,取穴为患侧的内膝眼、犊鼻、鹤顶、血海、梁丘、足三里、阿是穴,每次30 min;电针组予电针治疗,取穴同针刺组,采用电针治疗,每次30 min;艾灸组予艾灸箱进行膝关节局部治疗,每次60 min;各组治疗均为每两天1次,连续4周,共14次。于治疗前和治疗4周后观察3组患者疼痛数字评分(NRS)和西安大略和麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)并在治疗4周后进行疗效评定。结果:与本组治疗前比较,3组患者治疗后NRS评分、WOMAC疼痛评分、WOMAC僵硬评分、WOMAC功能评分及WOMAC总分均显著降低(P0.05);与针刺组比较,电针组和艾灸组上述评分显著下降(P0.05);与电针组比较,艾灸组上述指标显著下降(P0.05)。针刺组、电针组和艾灸组有效率分别是39.29%(11/28)、60.71%(17/28)和78.57%(22/28),电针组和艾灸组显著高于针刺组,艾灸组显著高于电针组(P0.05)。结论:3种刺灸法均可缓解患者膝关节疼痛、僵硬和功能障碍的症状,艾灸疗效优于电针,电针优于针刺。     

热针治疗肾虚寒凝型膝骨性关节炎的临床疗效观察

目的:观察热针治疗肾虚寒凝型膝骨性关节炎的临床疗效。方法:将80例入组患者随机分为热针组和电针组,观察治疗前、治疗3周后及治疗3个月后随访WOMAC量表评分及VAS评分。结果:WOMAC量表评分显示2组治疗均有效,治疗3周后热针组综合评分及疼痛、躯体功能评分均明显优于电针组(P0.01),疼痛、僵硬、躯体功能评分较治疗前有显著差异(P0.01),治疗3个月后随访热针组综合评分及疼痛、躯体功能评分明显优于电针组(P0.01),僵硬评分优于电针组(P0.05),疼痛、僵硬、躯体功能评分较治疗前有显著差异(P0.01);VAS评分显示治疗3周后2组治疗方法与治疗前相比均能显著缓解患者膝关节疼痛(P0.01),2组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05),治疗3个月后随访2组较治疗前差异有统计学意义(P0.01),热针组评分优于电针组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:热针对肾虚寒凝型膝骨性关节炎具有显著治疗作用,尤其在止痛和改善躯体功能障碍方面更为明显。     

齐刺法治疗风寒湿痹型膝骨关节炎的临床研究

目的观察齐刺法治疗风寒湿痹型膝骨关节炎的临床疗效,证实其可行性和有效性。方法将72例风寒湿痹型膝骨关节炎患者随机分为两组。治疗组与对照组均取患侧犊鼻和内膝眼穴。治疗组采用齐刺法,对照组采用普通针刺法,每次20 min,每周3次,治疗3周。比较两组治疗1周、2周、3周后,6周后随访时,视觉模拟评分法(VAS)疼痛程度评分及WOMAC骨性关节炎量表疼痛评分、关节僵硬评分、日常活动评分及总评分的变化。结果治疗前,两组一般资料、VAS疼痛程度评分和WOMAC量表评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗1周和2周后,治疗组和对照组VAS疼痛评分及WOMAC量表评分的差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗3周后,治疗组VAS疼痛评分明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗组WOMAC量表总评分明显低于对照组(54.80±9.24),差异有统计学意义(P0.01);WOMAC量表疼痛评分、关节僵硬评分和日常活动评分均低于对照组(P0.05或P0.01)。6周后随访时,治疗组VAS疼痛程度和WOMAC量表日常活动评分及总评分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论齐刺法能有效治疗风寒湿痹型膝骨关节炎,在降低VAS疼痛程度和WOMAC量表评分方面疗效优于单纯针刺。     

针灸治疗膝关节骨性关节炎45例临床观察

目的:观察针灸治疗膝关节骨性关节炎的临床疗效和安全性。方法:将86例(126膝)膝关节骨性关节炎患者随机分为治疗组45例(63膝)和对照组41例(63膝),治疗组予针灸治疗,对照组予硫酸氨基葡萄糖片和塞来昔布胶囊口服,疗程均为3周,观察治疗后两组症状分级评分及WOMAC评分,评价疗效及安全性。结果:两组治疗后症状分级评分和WOMAC评分均较治疗前降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01),且治疗后治疗组较对照组改善明显(P<0.05);两组疗效比较,总有效率治疗组为90.5%,对照组为84.1%,治疗组优于对照组(P<0.05);两组均未出现明显不良反应。结论:针灸治疗膝关节骨性关节炎有较好疗效及安全性,可有效改善膝关节骨性关节炎患者疼痛等症状。     

金氏膝三针疗法治疗膝关节骨性关节炎疗效观察

目的:观察金氏膝三针疗法治疗膝关节骨性关节炎(OA)的临床疗效。方法:将60例膝关节OA患者随机分两组。金氏膝三针组采用金氏膝三针疗法进行治疗,诺福丁组予口服诺福丁片。采用WOMAC调查量表进行评估。结果:治疗后,金氏膝三针组的WOMAC总积分、僵硬与功能积分下降明显(P<0.05),疼痛积分下降无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论:金氏膝三针治疗膝关节骨性关节炎有显著疗效,值得临床推广。     

骨痹灵片治疗膝关节骨性关节炎临床疗效观察

目的:观察自制中成药骨痹灵片治疗膝关节骨性关节炎的临床疗效。方法:将60例膝关节骨性关节炎患者随机分为治疗组和对照组。治疗组口服骨痹灵片,对照组口服盐酸氨基葡萄糖片,连服4周。结果:1)两组患者治疗后疼痛症状均较治疗前明显减轻,两组治疗前后VAS评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),治疗组和对照组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).2)与治疗前相比,两组在疼痛、僵硬、功能以及WOMAC总评分上均有明显改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。在疼痛评分差值上,两组治疗前后相比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),表明治疗组与对照组在改善疼痛方面疗效相近。两组治疗前后僵硬、功能活动以及WOMAC总评分差值比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),说明在改善僵硬、功能方面,治疗组具有优势,且总的治疗效果治疗组优于对照组。3)两组患者停药4周与治疗前WOMAC评分差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),停药4周与治疗后WOMAC评分比较,治疗组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),对照组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),说明两种药物对于本病均有治疗效果,但治疗组的近期及远期疗效均优于对照组。4)治疗组的总有效率为93.3%,对照组为83.3%,说明治疗组疗效明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论:骨痹灵片可以治疗膝关节骨性关节炎,在改善膝关节疼痛症状方面,与盐酸氨基葡萄糖片效果相近,而在改善膝关节僵硬及功能活动方面,骨痹灵片具有更明显优势。     

中医特色二联疗法治疗膝骨性关节炎临床观察

目的:观察中医特色二联疗法对膝骨性关节炎患者功能的影响。方法:将符合纳入标准的72例膝骨性关节炎患者随机分为观察组(特色二联组)和对照组(常规组),每组各36例。对照组主要包括口服抗骨增生胶囊每次5粒,早中晚各1次/d;口服维生素C片,2片/次,早中晚各1次/d;注射玻璃酸钠在膝关节每次2 m L,1次/周。观察组是在对照组基础上进行中药溻渍和艾灸,溻渍一般控制在30 min左右,1次/d;艾灸选取内外膝眼、阴陵泉、足三里等穴位,每个穴位1次3壮,一般控制在30 min左右。两组均每周连续治疗5 d,疗程4周。分别于治疗前、治疗4周后进行骨性关节炎指数the Western Ontario and Mc Maste universities(WOMAC)评分,统计治疗效果,并于治疗后3个月随访1次。结果:治疗4周及随访3个月时观察组较对照组疼痛、僵硬、功能障碍评分均明显下降(均P0.05)。4周后观察组有效率为91.6%,对照组有效率为72.2%,观察组有效率明显优于对照组(P0.05);3个月随访时观察组有效率为88.8%,对照组有效率为69.4%,观察组有效率明显优于对照组(P0.05)。结论:中医特色二联疗法可提高膝骨性关节炎患者临床疗效,有效改善关节功能。     

Effect of direct moxibustion on blood pressure and clinical symptoms in elderly patients with essential hypertension

Objective

To assess the effects of direct moxibustion on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) and clinical symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in elderly patients with essential hypertension, and to explore the antihypertensive effect and influencing factors of moxibustion.

Methods

A total of 101 elderly hypertension patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a direct moxibustion I group (n=33), a direct moxibustion II group (n=34), and a control group (n=34). The treatment of calcium antagonist (CCB) or angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB) was adopted in the control group. The treatment of direct moxibustion I plus the same medicine as the control group were adopted in the direct moxibustion I group, five cones per acupoint and three times per week, for 5 weeks in total. The treatment of direct moxibustion II plus the same medicine as the control group were adopted in the direct moxibustion II group, five cones per acupoint and three times per week, for 5 weeks in total. The changes of 24-hour ABP and clinical symptoms of TCM after treatment were compared in the three groups.

Results

The mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (mean 24 h ASBP), night ASBP, percentage of mean 24-hour ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (mean 24 h ADBP)>90 mmHg, and percentage of day ADBP>90 mmHg in the control group were elevated after treatment (P<0.05). The percentage of night ADBP>80 mmHg in the direct moxibustion I group was reduced by treatment (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the other outcome measures of 24 h ABP, such as day ASBP, percentage of mean 24 h ASBP>140 mmHg, percentage of day ASBP>140 mmHg, percentage of night ASBP>120 mmHg, mean 24 h ADBP, day ADBP, night ADBP, 24 h ambulatory pulse pressure (APP), after treatment in all groups (P>0.05). The degree of improvement of the clinical symptoms of TCM showed significant differences among the three groups of patients (P<0.01). The total effective rate in the direct moxibustion I group was 73.3%, which was superior to those in the direct moxibustion II group and control group (13.3% and 10.0%, respectively).

Conclusion

The direct moxibustion has benign regulative effect on blood pressure of elderly patients with essential hypertension, and improves their clinical symptoms. The direct moxibustion method I (burning the next moxa cone after the previous one had totally burnt out) was superior to method II (burning the next moxa cone when the previous one had not totally burnt out ) in lowering blood pressure and improving symptoms of elderly patients with essential hypertension.

     

Therapeutic observation of warm needling moxibustion plus tuina for knee osteoarthritis due to cold-dampness blocking collaterals

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus tuina in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) due to cold-dampness blocking collaterals.

Methods

Forty-eight KOA patients were randomized into 2 groups by their visiting sequence, 24 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion plus tuina, while the control group was treated with acupuncture plus tuina. The two groups were both treated once a day, 30 min for each session, 10 d as a treatment course, totally for 3 treatment courses. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS) were observed before and after the treatment to evaluate the clinical efficacy.

Results

After 3 treatment courses, the VAS and LKSS scores were significantly changed in the two groups (P<0.01), and the between-group differences were also statistically significant (P<0.01). The markedly-effective rate was 83.3% in the treatment group versus 66.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Warm needling moxibustion plus tuina can produce a more significant efficacy than acupuncture plus tuina in treating KOA due to cold-dampness blocking collaterals.

     

Effect of moxibustion plus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Duhuo Jisheng</Emphasis> decoction on hs-CRP,IL-1β and TNF-α levels in middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To observe the clinical effect of moxibustion combined with Duhuo Jisheng decoction for middle-aged and elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and its impact on serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels.

Methods

A total of 90 eligible KOA patients were randomized into an observation group (n=45) and a control group (n=45). Cases in the observation group received moxibustion plus oral administration Duhuo Jisheng decoction, while cases in the control group received Duhuo Jisheng decoction. Then the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were examined and the clinical effect was evaluated.

Results

Before treatment, the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels showed no between-group statistical differences (all P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels all dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the treatment group showed more substantial changes than the control group (all P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.8% in the treatment group, versus 86.7% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Moxibustion plus Duhuo Jisheng decoction has a good clinical effect for middle-aged and elderly KOA patients, and the effect may relate to the decreased hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNF-α levels.

     

Effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on MMP-3, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in rats with knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To observe the effect of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion on the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in cartilage of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion in the treatment of KOA.

Methods

Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group and an acupuncture-moxibustion group by random digits table, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the acupuncture-moxibustion group were injected with papain in the right posterior knee joint to prepare the models. The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in rat synovium of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after 2 weeks of treatment. The level of TGF-β1 was determined by Motic B5 Micro-camera system.

Results

The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the cartilage of the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (all P<0.01); the levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The levels of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The level of TGF-β1 in cartilage tissues of the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.01); the level of TGF-β1 in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but it was lower than that in the blank control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Acupuncture plus thunder-fire moxibustion can effectively recover the abnormal expressions of MMP-3 and TIMP-1 in KOA model rats and somewhat up-regulate TGF-β1, which may be one of its mechanisms of acupuncture plus thunder-fire for KOA.

     

电针与温针灸治疗肾虚髓亏型膝骨关节炎疗效比较

目的:探讨电针与温针灸对肾虚髓亏型膝骨关节炎(KOA)的作用效能,比较两种方法的临床效果。方法:将74例KOA患者随机分为电针组与温针组,每组37例。均穴取犊鼻、内膝眼、血海、足三里、阳陵泉等,电针组行电针治疗,频率5Hz,连续波;温针组行温针灸治疗,每次每穴2壮,每周治疗3次,4周为一疗程。运用骨关节炎指数(WOMAC)评分、病情严重指数及综合疗效等指标,于治疗前、1疗程后和2疗程后进行疗效评估。结果:两组治疗措施均有效,电针组的临床愈显率为64.7%(22/34),温针组为40.0%(14/35),两者之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但两者总有效率差异不大(P>0.05)。电针组对关节疼痛症状的缓解作用明显(P<0.01),温针组对患者关节僵硬症状的缓解较有优势(P<0.01),两组患者平均治愈时间相当(P>0.05)。结论:电针和温针灸对肾虚髓亏型KOA的治疗各有侧重,电针偏向于镇痛,温针偏向于缓解关节僵硬,电针总体疗效优于温针灸。     

Effects of different courses of moxibustion treatment on intestinal flora and inflammation of a rat model of knee osteoarthritis

Objective: This study was done to determine the effects of different courses of moxibustion on a rat knee osteoarthritis(KOA) model, and explore the dose–effect relationship of moxibustion on KOA from the perspectives of intestinal flora and inflammatory factors.Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, moxibustion for 2 weeks,moxibustion for 4 weeks and moxibustion for 6 weeks groups(n = 5 each group). A KOA rat model was induced by monosodium iodoacetate, and ...     

针灸治疗排卵障碍性不孕症40例疗效观察

目的:探讨针灸诱导排卵的临床效果.方法:对40例排卵障碍性不孕症患者采用子宫、关元、中极等穴电针及艾灸,配合灵龟八法开穴,每次30 min,每日治疗1次,持续15d,1个月经周期为一疗程,共观察3个疗程.比较治疗前后血清卵泡刺激素(follicle stimulating hormone,FSH)、黄体生成素(luteinizing hormone,LH)和雌二醇(estradiol,E2)水平,采用B型超声监测治疗前后卵泡、子宫内膜生长发育情况,随访治疗后的自然妊娠率.结果:治疗后血清FSH、LH、E2水平显著升高(P＜0.05),子宫内膜厚度和卵泡直径均明显增大(P＜0.05).随访治疗后的自然妊娠率,痊愈9例,有效25例,无效6例,总有效率为85.0％结论:针灸促排卵治疗排卵障碍性不孕症有较好的临床疗效.     

Effects of different directions of moxibustion therapy on hemorheology in rats with blood stasis due to cold retention

Objective

To investigate the effects of different directions of moxibustion therapy on hemorheology in rat models with blood stasis due to cold retention.

Methods

A total of 32 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, based on the random digits table, including a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion along the meridian group, and a moxibustion against the meridian group, with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group, the other 3 groups were used to make the rat models with blood stasis due to cold retention. Rats in the moxibustion along and against the meridian groups accepted moxibustion therapy in different directions on the trunk segment of the Bladder Meridian after successful modeling. Moxibustion for 10 min every day, and 7 d as a course of treatment. Two courses of treatment (a total of 14 d) were carried out. Quantitative score of signs and symptoms change was observed once a week, with a total of 7 times. Hemorheological indexes of rats were detected when the treatment finished.

Results

The quantitative scores of signs and symptoms in the model, moxibustion along the meridian and against the meridian groups were significantly higher than those in the normal group after modeling (P<0.05). When the treatment finished, the quantitative score of signs and symptoms in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05); the quantitative scores of signs and symptoms of rats in the moxibustion along and against the meridian groups were significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05); the quantitative score of signs and symptoms in the moxibustion along the meridian group was significantly lower than that in the moxibustion against the meridian group (P<0.05); the whole blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation index in the model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05), however the increases of erythrocyte hematocrit and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were not obvious (P>0.05); whole blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation index in the moxibustion along and against the meridian groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences between the moxibustion along the meridian group and moxibustion against the meridian group (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Moxibustion along and against the meridian both showed different degrees of improvement for hemorrheology and symptoms of blood stasis due to cold retention. Improvement for symptoms of blood stasis due to cold retention was better in the moxibustion along the meridian group than that in the moxibustion against the meridian group. The influence on rat hemorrheology showed no significant difference between moxibustion along the meridian and moxibustion against the meridian.

     

Clinical efficacy observation on treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zigong (EX-CA 1)

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zigong (EX-CA 1) for primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

A total of 112 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomized into an observation group and a control group according to their visiting sequence, 56 cases in each group. Patients in the observation group received ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zigong (EX-CA 1), while patients in the control group received oral intake of analgesic. For both groups, treatment started 1 week before menstruation and lasted for 3 menstrual cycles, continued by a 3-month follow-up visit, then the clinical efficacy was evaluated.

Results

By the end of treatment, symptom score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05). After 3 months of treatment, the value of prostaglandin F_2a (PGF_2α), systolic-to-diastolic peak velocity ratio (S/D), resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, showing statistical significances (all P<0.01).The recovery rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zigong (EX-CA 1) for primary dysmenorrhea is a combination of the merits of warming function of moxibustion, dissipating function of ginger and stimulation of acupoint, and is better than oral intake of analgesic.

     

Influence of moxa smoke on mitochondrial transmembrane potential and Bax/Bcl-2 in alveolar type II epithelial A549 cells

Objective

To investigate the influence of moxibustion products on mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) and mRNA expression of Bax/Bcl-2 in alveolar type II epithelial A549 cells, and to further explore influence of moxibustion products on the oxidative damage of A549 cells.

Methods

Smoke and particles generated by moxibustion were collected using the filter box for gas sampling. The moxa smoke extract (MSE) was diluted sequentially to the final concentrations of 0.05 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 0.3 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL using the cell culture medium, and A549 cells were then intervened by the above MSE solution. Cell MTP was detected by JC-1 staining. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA expression of A549 cells.

Results

Compared with cells in the normal control group, MTP was significantly decreased in cells of 0.3 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL MSE intervention groups (P<0.01); while MTP showed no significant changes in cells of 0.05 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL MSE intervention groups (P>0.05); compared with cells in 0.05 mg/mL MSE intervention group, MTP was decreased significantly in cells of 0.1 mg/mL, 0.2 mg/mL, 0.3 mg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL MSE intervention groups (P<0.05 ); compared with cells in 0.1 mg/mL MSE intervention group, MTP was decreased significantly in cells of 0.4 mg/mL MSE intervention group (P<0.01). Bax mRNA expression of cells in each concentration of MSE intervention group all showed no significant difference compared to that in the normal control group; Bcl-2 mRNA expression of cells was reduced with the increase of MSE intervention concentration. Wherein, Bcl-2 mRNA expressions of cells in 0.4 mg/mL and 0.3 mg/mL MSE intervention groups were significantly reduced compared with that of cells in the normal control group (P<0.05); Bcl-2 mRNA expression of cells in 0.4 mg/mL MSE intervention group was significantly reduced compared to that in 0.05 mg/mL MSE intervention group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Certain higher concentration of moxa smoke could reduce MTP and mRNA expression of the anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-2 in alveolar type II epithelial A549 cells. Oxidative damage may be the important mechanism of apoptosis caused by the high concentration of moxa smoke solution, and further studies are necessary on the specific mechanisms.