Effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion on facial function score in patients with facial paralysis

Objective

To observe and compare the therapeutic efficacies of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Western medication, dry Western medication, and acupuncture plus TDP in treating peripheral facial palsy (FP).

Methods

Ninety FP patients were randomized into a Western medication group, a heat-sensitive moxibustion group, and an acupuncture group by using sealed envelope, 30 cases in each group. The Western medication group was intervened by conventional Western medication; the heat-sensitive moxibustion group was by heat-sensitive moxibustion in addition to the same Western medication; the acupuncture group was by the Western medication plus acupuncture and TDP radiation. For the three groups, 6-day treatment was taken as a treatment course, with a 2-day interval between 2 courses, and totally 4 treatment courses were observed.

Results

After intervention, the modified Portmann scores were changed significantly in the three groups (P<0.05), and the improvements in the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and the acupuncture group were both superior to that in the Western medication group. The recovery plus markedly effective rate of the acupuncture group was significantly different from that of the Western medication group (P<0.05), and there was a significant difference in comparing the recovery plus markedly effective rate between the heat-sensitive moxibustion group and acupuncture group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Heat-sensitive moxibustion is effective in treatment peripheral facial paralysis, and this method is free of pain, causing no adverse reactions, and worth promotion in clinic.

     

Clinical observation of tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion for temporomandibular disorders

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods

Fifty patients with TMD were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 25 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion, while the control group was by medication. The Fricton-Shiffman craniomandibular index (CMI) was observed before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies of the two groups were also evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference in comparing the CMI score between the two groups before intervention (P>0.05). After a treatment course, there were significant improvements in evaluating the CMI score in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvement was more significant in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion is effective in treating TMD, and it’s safe, without adverse reactions, thus worth promoting in clinic.

     

Effect of mild-warm moxibustion on fatigue,immune state and quality of life in sub-health population

Objective

To observe the effect of mild-warm moxa stick moxibustion on fatigue, immune state and quality of life (QOL) in sub-health population.

Methods

A total of 120 cases were randomly allocated into a moxibustion group ((n=60) and a Chinese patent medicine (CPM) group (n=60). People in the moxibustion group were intervened with mild-warm moxa stick moxibustion, once a day; while people in the control group took oral Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen/stomach-supplementing and Qi-boosting Pill), 3 doses a day. Two months made up a course of treatment. The fatigue, immune state and QOL were then observed after one treatment course, followed by a 12-month follow-up.

Results

A total of 115 cases completed the clinical trial. After intervention, the fatigue scores, immune parameters and QOL scores were significantly increased in both groups, showing statistical significances (P<0.05). There were between-group significant differences in fatigue score, levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, natural killer (NK) cell activity and QOL score (P<0.05). After the 12-month follow-up, there were still significant between-group differences in fatigue score, physical health, psychological, social relationships and overall perception of QOL and overall perception of health (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Mild-warm moxibustion can markedly improve the fatigue, immune state and QOL in sub-health population.

     

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.

     

Clinical observation on ginger-partitioned moxibustion plus manual repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of ginger-partitioned moxibustion combined with manual repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Methods

A total of 76 BPPV cases were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=38) and a control group (n=38). Patients in the observation group received ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Tinggong (SI 19) plus manual repositioning, whereas patients in the control group received the same manual repositioning alone.

Results

After 48 h of treatment, the total effective rate was 94.7% in the observation group, versus 86.8% in the control group; after 7 d of treatment, the total effective rate was 78.9% in the observation group, versus 73.7% in the control group, both showing between-group statistical differences (P<0.05). The follow-up after 3 months showed that 2 cases (6.7%) got relapse in the observation group, versus 8 cases (28.6%) in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate was 2.6% in the observation group, versus 21.1% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Tinggong (SI 19) plus manual repositioning can obtain better effect for BPPV than manual repositioning alone. In addition, this therapy has stable efficacy and causes less adverse reactions.

     

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.

     

Comparative study of electroacupuncture and moxibustion in influencing Tianshu (ST 25) regions mast cells in visceral hyperalgesia rats

Objective

To evaluate and compare electroacupunctures (EA) with different parameters and moxibustion at different temperatures influencing the activation of mast cells (MC) in Tianshu (ST 25) regions of visceral hyperalgesia model rats.

Methods

Rats (except for model group) respectively accepted 1 mA or 3 mA EA or moxibustion at 43 °C or 4 °C to stimulate Tianshu (ST 25) points after randomization of the fifty visceral hyperalgesia model rats, and then were compared with that in model and normal groups. Number, degranulation numbers, degranulation rates in Tianshu (ST 25) regions MC of rats in each group were observed using toluidine blue staining. Abdominal withdrawl reflex (AWR) score was used to evaluate the rat visceral hyperalgesia reactions.

Results

Compared with the normal group and the model group, MC numbers (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01), degranulation numbers and degranulation rates (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01) of Tianshu (ST 25) MC in regions tissues in 43 °C and 4 °C moxibustion groups, and 1 mA and 3 mA EA groups all increased significantly. Compared with the model group, AWR scores were significantly lower in 43 °C and 4 °C moxibustion groups, and 1 mA and 3 mA EA groups under the stimulation of 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 0 mmHg or 80 mmHg colorectal distension (CRD) (P<0.05 in 1 mA and 3 mA EA groups under the stimulation of 20 mmHg, P<0.01 in the other groups). AWR scores in 43 °C and 4 °C oxibustion groups under the stimulation of 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 0 mmHg or 80 mmHg CRD were not significantly different from those in the normal group (all P>0.05); AWR scores in 1 mA EA group under the stimulation of 0 mmHg or 80 mmHg were significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01); AWR score in 3 mA EA group under the stimulation of 0 mmHg was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01), and AWR scores in 3 mA EA group under the stimulation of 20 mmHg or 80 mmHg were also higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05). AWR scores were higher in 1 mA EA group under the stimulation of 40 mmHg or 80 mmHg than that in 4 °C moxibustion group (P<0.05); AWR score was higher in 3 mA EA group under the stimulation of 40 mmHg than that in 4 °C moxibustion group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

There are differences among EA of different parameters and moxibustion of different temperatures in activating on Tianshu (ST 25) regions MC of visceral hyperalgesia model rats, as well as in improving the visceral hyperalgesia reaction. The effect of 4 °C moxibustion is the most significant.

     

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.

     

Effects of different moxibustion times on TRPV3 ion channel protein and synovial cell apoptosis in rats with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

To observe the effects of different moxibustion times on proteins of transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) ion channel protein and synovial cell apoptosis in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to provide a new basis for the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion.

Methods

A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, moxibustion group I, moxibustion group II and moxibustion group III by complete randomization, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal group were bred routinely, and rats in the model group were also bred routinely after successful modeling. After successful modeling, rats in moxibustion group I, II and III accepted consecutive moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenshu (BL 23) for 15 d, once a day, respectively 5 min, 20 min and 30 min for each session. The degree of paw edema was observed and recorded. Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the protein expression of TRPV3 ion channel in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord dorsal horn. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptotic synovial cell number.

Results

At the end of treatment, paw circumference of rats in moxibustion group II and III were significantly reduced as compared with that in the model group (P<0.05). TRPV3 ion channel protein expression of dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord dorsal horn was higher in the model group than that in the normal group (P<0.05); the TRPV3 ion channel protein expressions of dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord dorsal horn in moxibustion group II and III were higher than that in moxibustion group I (P<0.05); apoptotic synovial cell number in the model group was larger than that in the normal group (P<0.05), and apoptotic synovial cell numbers in moxibustion group II and III were significantly higher than that in the model group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Moxibustion of appropriate time could induce TRPV3 expression, and promote synovial cell apoptosis.

     

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.

     

Observation on clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus Mulligan dynamic joint mobilization for cervical radiculopathy

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus Mulligan dynamic joint mobilization for cervical radiculopathy.

Methods

A total of 60 cases with cervical radiculopathy were randomly divided into group A, group B and group C by random digital table, 20 cases in each group. The patients in three groups were treated with similar warm needling moxibustion. Group A only received warm needling moxibustion; group B was treated with warm needling moxibustion plus Mulligan dynamic joint mobilization; group C was treated with warm needling moxibustion plus cervical traction. Before the treatment and after 12 sessions of treatment, the patients in the three groups were assessed for score of pain and range of motion (ROM).

Results

By 12 sessions of the treatments, the scores of pain were obviously decreased in the three groups, with statistical significances (all P<0.05), and the pain scores of group B and group C were significantly different from the score of group A (both P<0.05). ROM of the neck was increased than before the treatment in the three groups, with statistical significances (all P<0.05), and the ROM of the neck of group B was significantly different from those of group A and group C (both P<0.05).

Conclusion

Warm needling moxibustion plus Mulligan dynamic joint mobilization can effectively improve the neck ROM and relieve pain in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

     

Experimental study on the effect of different moxibustion durations on rats with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

To observe the effect of different moxibustion durations on rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate the relationship between moxibustion amount and moxibustion efficacy.

Methods

Eight rats were randomly selected as a normal group from the 40 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and the other 32 rats were used to establish type II collagen-induced RA models. After successful modeling, the 32 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion for 20 min group, a moxibustion for 40 min group and a moxibustion for 60 min group, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in the normal group did not receive modeling and moxibustion intervention; rats in the model group did not receive moxibustion after modeling; rats in the moxibustion for 20 min group, the moxibustion for 40 min group and the moxibustion for 60 min group were treated with moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) for 20 min, 40 min and 60 min, respectively. Six days were a course of treatment, with a total of 3-course treatments and a 1-day rest between the courses of treatment. After treatment, the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, arthritis index (AI) scores, toe volumes and pathological score of synovitis were evaluated in the rats.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and the toe volumes in the model group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01), before the treatment. Compared with the model group, the serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels, toe volumes and arthritis index (AI) scores were significantly decreased in the moxibustion for 20 min group, the moxibustion for 40 min group and the moxibustion for 60 min group (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Compared with the moxibustion for 20 min group and the moxibustion for 60 min group, serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels, toe volumes and AI scores were decreased more significantly in moxibustion for 40 min group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no significant differences in serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels, AI scores and toe volumes between the moxibustion for 20 min group and the moxibustion for 60 min group (all P>0.05). The synovial histopathological improvement was the most obvious in the moxibustion for 40 min group, when the synovial histopathological changes were compared among the moxibustion for 20 min group, moxibustion for 40 min group and moxibustion for 60 min group.

Conclusion

The therapeutic efficacy of moxibustion for 40 min in RA rats was more significant than that of moxibustion for 20 min and moxibustion for 60 min, indicating that the duration of moxibustion is the main factor affecting its therapeutic efficacy.

     

Regulatory effect of moxibustion for rats with ulcerative colitis on the macrophage functional phenotype protein of lung tissue

Objective

To observe the regulatory effect of moxibustion on the expression of CD86 and CD163, which are the important functional phenotypes of macrophage differentiation in lung tissue of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats. The mechanism of the regulatory effect of moxibustion for macrophage differentiation based on the key cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis death factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin- 4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) was also explored.

Methods

Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group (NG), a model group (MG), a normal moxibustion group (NMG) and a smokeless moxibustion group (SMG). The model of UC was made by antigen immunization combined with enema with topical formalin. The rats in the normal moxibustion group accepted moxibustion at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), while the rats in the smokeless moxibustion group with smokeless moxibustion at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), each 10 min, once a day for 8 d. After treatments, the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colonic tissue, the Western blotting (WB) was used to observe the expression of CD86 and CD163, two important functional phenotypes of macrophage differentiation in lung tissue of UC rats, while the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the content of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-13, the key cytokines of macrophage differentiation in micro environment of the lung tissue.

Results

Compared with the NG, the colons of rats in MG were injured more seriously, and the scores of gross observation and histological examination were significantly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the MG, the pathological changes of the two groups of rats with moxibustion treatment were improved, which presented with ulcer repair, inflammation dissipation, and the general score and histological score of the two groups were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the NG, the expression of CD86 in the lung tissue of rats in the MG was increased (P<0.05), and CD163 expression was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the MG and the SMG, the expression of CD86 in the lung tissue of the rats in the NMG was significantly lower than those in the MG and SMG, and CD163 was higher (P<0.05), while the differences were not statistically significant between the MG and the SMG (P>0.05). Compared with the NG, the expression of key cytokines in lung tissue of MG was abnormal, the contents of IFN-γ and TNF-α increased (P<0.05), while the IL-4 and IL-13 decreased (P<0.05). The IL-4 and IL-13 were significantly increased in lung tissue of rats in the NMG (P<0.05), and the IFN-γ and TNF-α were reduced (P<0.05), compared with those in the MG and the SMG, while the differences were not statistically significant between the MG and the SMG (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Moxibustion can increase the expression of CD163, the important functional phenotype of macrophages in lung tissue of UC rats, and the differentiation critical cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. It can also reduce activated phenotype CD86 and its differentiation critical cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α in the lung tissue of UC rats.

     

Efficacy observation on acupuncture-moxibustion at Ciliao (BL 32) for primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus moxibustion at Ciliao (BL 32) for primary dysmenorrhea (PD) due to cold-dampness.

Methods

A total of 58 cases with PD due to cold-dampness were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=29) and a control group (n=29). Patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture and suspended moxibustion at Ciliao (BL 32), whereas patients in the control group were treated with routine acupuncture alone. After three courses of treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results

After treatment, the symptom scores were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.05), but there were no significant between-group differences in clinical efficacy and symptom scores (P>0.05).

Conclusion

With fewer points and less pain, acupuncture-moxibustion at Ciliao (BL 32) can obtain similar effect as routine acupuncture therapy for PD due to cold-dampness.

     

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.

     

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 10th 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 7th and the 10th 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 warm needling moxibustion for erectile dysfunction

Objective

To observe the therapeutic effect of warm needling moxibustion for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

A total of 46 eligible ED patients were randomized into a treatment group (n=24) and a control group (n=22). The treatment group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion while the control group by conventional acupuncture treatment, for a total of 4 courses. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by the international index of erectile function 5 (IIEF-5).

Results

After 4 courses of treatment, the overall effective rate was 91.3% in the treatment group (23 completed), versus 75.0% in the control group (20 completed), with a significant difference (P<0.05). After the treatment, the change of IIEF-5 score in the treatment group was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Warm needling moxibustion can produce a more significant efficacy than conventional acupuncture in the treatment of ED.

     

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture plus tuina for chronic tension-type headache

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with tuina for chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).

Methods

A total of 97 CTTH cases were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=52) and a control group (n=45). Patients in the observation group were treated with EA plus tuina based on pattern identification, whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral amitriptyline and oryzanol. Patients in both groups were treated for 8 weeks. A follow-up was conducted 3 months after the treatment. The intensity, duration, and frequency of the headache were recorded and compared before and after the treatment. Additionally, the patients’ psychological state and quality of life (QOL) were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were intra-group statistically significant differences in headache intensity score, headache duration, and headache frequency after the treatment and during the follow-up compared with those before the treatment (all P<0.05); and there were between-group statistically significant differences during the same time frame (all P<0.05). The Hamilton depression scale-17 items (HAMD-17) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) scores were significantly reduced in both groups after the treatment or during the follow-up (all P<0.01); and there were no between-group statistical significances during the same time frame (all P>0.05). The World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores were significantly reduced in both groups after the treatment or during the follow-up (all P<0.05); and the scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05) during the same time frame. The total effective rate was 88.0% in the observation group, versus 71.4% in the control group, showing a significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion

EA combined with tuina can significantly decrease the frequency of chronic tension-type headache, alleviate headache intensity, shorten headache duration, and improve the patients’ wellness. It is better than amitriptyline plus oryzanol.