Low-frequency fluctuation amplitude analysis of resting-state fMRI for functional brain response differences between acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) in patient with functional dyspepsia

Objective

To compare and analyze functional brain response characteristics by applying acupuncture or moxibustion to Zusanli (ST 36) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and investigate the differences of central action mechanism resulting from acupuncture or moxibustion.

Methods

A total of eligible 24 FD cases were divided into two blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) sequences for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analyses were conducted on the data of location phase, structure phase, resting state before acupuncture/moxibustion, working state during acupuncture/moxibustion and resting state after acupuncture/moxibustion using Data Processing Assistant for Resting-State fMRI (DPARSF) software.

Results

Acupuncture and moxibustion produced significant differences in functional brain response. The working state during acupuncture/moxibustion mainly decreased ALFF values in the right supramarginal gyrus, right superior parietal lobule, right frontal gyrus, upper right occipital lobe, right precuneus and right cingulate gyrus. At the same time, it increased ALFF values in the left cerebellum, right caudate nucleus, right cerebellum and left inferior gyrus. The differences during the resting state after acupuncture/moxibustion were significantly smaller than the working state in intensity and size. It mainly resulted in decrease in ALFF values in the right postcentral gyrus and right supramarginal gyrus and increase in ALFF values in the left precuneus, orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus and right cerebellar peduncles.

Conclusion

Needling and moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) can produce significant differences in immediate functional brain response.

     

Clinical observation on the correlation between moxibustion sensation and distance of moxa stick

Objective

To explore the correlation between moxibustion sensation and distance of moxa stick and provide reference for clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 16 healthy volunteers aged 18-35 years old in college were recruited and given mild moxibustion at Shousanli (LI 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Shenshu (BL 23) and Tianshu (ST 25) with moxa stick, and the occurrence and frequency of moxibustion sensation were recorded at distances of 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm and 2 cm. Mild moxibustion scale was used to count the score.

Results

Warm was the main moxibustion sensation, burning pain and soreness decreased with the rise of distance; for the same acupoint, score of mild moxibustion scale increased with the decrease of distance; score ranged between 5.5 and 6.5 at distance 3 cm, which was the most comfortable distance for volunteers.

Conclusion

The distance of 3 cm is the most comfortable distance in mild moxibustion

     

Relationship between the sensor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion

Objective

To explore the relationship between the receptor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion, and provide evidence for clinical moxibustion distance.

Analysis of the differences in brain function response after acupuncture and moxibustion at Zúsānlĭ (足三里ST36) in the patients with functional dyspepsia based on fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation of rest functional magnetic resonance imaging

Objectiveto explore the differences in the central response after acupuncture and moxibusbution at Zúsānl? (足三里ST36) in treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) based on the analysis of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI).Methodsa total of 60 patients with FD were randomized into an acupuncture group and a moxibustion group, 30 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to bilateral ST36. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was exerted at bilateral ST36. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week, totally for 4 weeks in each group, including 20 treatments with acupuncture or moxibustion. Separately, before and at the end of treatment, rfMRI scanning was conducted in two groups. Using data processing assistant for resting-state fMRI (DPARSF) software and MATLAB data platform, rfMRI data were collected for preprocessing and fALFF analysis.Resultscompared with the data before treatment, after treated with acupuncture at ST36 in FD patients, fALFF value was reduced in the right superior frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right cuneus, left precuneus, right middle occipital gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, etc., and it was increased in the left parahippocampus, right parahippocampus, left cerebellum, etc (all P < 0.01). After treated with moxibustion, the remarkable increase of fALFF was not discovered in brain areas, but fALFF decreased significantly in the left superior parietal gyrus (P < 0.01). Compared with moxibustion at ST36, after acupuncture at ST36 in FD patients, the increase of fALFF appeared in the right putamen and the decrease of it occurred in the middle occipital gyrus, indicating the statistical significance (both P < 0.05).Conclusionthe differences in central function responses are induced in treamtent with acupuncture and moxibustion, which is probably related to the resting-state default network associated with targeted regulation and ventral attention of brain areas in functional dyspepsia.     

针刺太冲调节抑郁症脑功能的静息态功能磁共振研究

目的:探讨针刺太冲穴前后抑郁症患者脑功能变化的差异。方法:选取符合DSM-IV诊断标准的首发中度抑郁症患者26例及健康志愿者13名,运用3.0T磁共振分别在针刺前后进行静息态功能磁共振扫描,采用比率低频振幅(fALFF)和功能连接的分析方法,各组进行配对t检验比较。结果:与针刺前比较,针刺后正常对照组右侧额叶(BA11)fALFF值降低,抑郁太冲组右侧额叶(BA6)、右侧额中回(BA10)、左侧额上回中部(BA32)、双侧顶下小叶(BA40)、右侧楔前叶(BA7)fALFF值降低,抑郁非穴组左侧顶叶(BA42)、右侧顶叶(BA40)、左侧枕叶(BA17)fALFF值降低,抑郁太冲组左侧前扣带回皮质(BA32)与双侧额叶(BA8、BA46)、右侧颞叶(BA22)、左侧后扣带回(BA23)、双侧顶叶(BA40、BA7)、双侧尾状核功能连接增强。结论:针刺太冲可影响多个脑区功能的变化,并作用于与抑郁症情感调节相关的脑区,这可能是针刺治疗抑郁症的机制。     

足三里穴中枢神经网络作用机制的静息态脑功能磁共振成像研究

目的:应用静息态磁共振成像技术的局部一致性探讨足三里穴的中枢神经网络作用机制。方法:选择12名青年健康志愿者,于针刺足三里前及针刺足三里拔针后25 min分别进行静息态脑功能磁共振成像扫描,应用脑功能成像局部一致性(regional homogeneity,ReHo)方法处理功能磁共振(fMRI)成像数据。结果:针刺拔针后25 min后右侧额中回、左侧额上回、右侧颞上回、后扣带回、右侧中央旁小叶、右侧苍白球、右侧枕中回、左侧额内侧回等脑区的ReHo值较针刺前增高;双侧中央后回、左侧枕中回、左侧颞中回、左侧颞下回、左侧梭状回、左侧中央旁小叶、右侧额内侧回等脑区的ReHo值较针刺前减低(P0.05,K值≥10)。结论:针刺足三里后额叶、颞叶、枕叶、扣带回相关脑区局部一致性发生改变,提示足三里的认知影响、镇痛及胃肠功能调节的中枢神经网络作用机制存在。     

Warm needling moxibustion plus functional exercises for knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus functional exercises in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods

Totally 108 eligible KOA patients were intervened by warm needling moxibustion plus functional exercises. The warm needling moxibustion was given 3 times a week, successively for 4 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted to evaluate the pain intensity of the knee joint. After 4-week treatment, the change of VAS score, range of motion (ROM) of knee, and Lysholm score were observed, and the clinical efficacy was also estimated.

Results

After treatment, the VAS score dropped obviously, and the ROM and Lysholm score increased markedly; the total effective rate was 83.3%.

Conclusion

Warm needling moxibustion plus functional exercises is effective in treating KOA, as it can relieve the knee joint pain and improve the joint motion.

     

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.

     

Investigating the effects of moxibustion on serum metabolism in healthy human body based on the <Superscript>1</Superscript>H NMR metabolomics technology

Objective

To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the serum metabolism in healthy human body based on the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) metabolomics technology, and to find the differences in metabolites, as well as to elucidate the effects of moxibustion on healthy human body from the viewpoint of global metabolism.

Methods

Sixty subjects of healthy young men from the enrolled students were randomly divided into a moxibustion group and a control group using random number table, with 30 cases in each group. Subjects in the moxibustion group accepted mild moxibustion on the right Zusanli (ST 36), once a day, 15 min for each time, and continuous treatment for 10 d; those in the control group did not receive any intervention. There were 28 cases in the moxibustion group and 23 cases in the control group after interventions. On the 1st day, 5th day and 10th day of the intervention, serum samples were collected from subjects of the two groups, and metabolic spectra were obtained by the ¹H NMR technology.

Results

Before and after the intervention, serum ¹H NMR of the moxibustion group was significantly different, while the difference was insignificant in the control group. Metabolite changes in the moxibustion group were mainly in low density lipoprotein (LDL)/very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), valine, isoleucine, leucine, lactic acid, glutamine, citric acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, creatine, glycine, glycerol, glucose, tyrosine, histidine, formic acid, alanine, lysine, acetic acid, and glutamic acid.

Conclusion

Moxibustion can cause changes of serum metabolic patterns in healthy human by influencing the concentrations of branched-chain amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other metabolites to strengthen body's metabolisms of amino acids and fatty acid.

     

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.

     

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.

     

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.

     

Reflection and prospect on acupuncture-moxibustion in treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Objective

To categorize and summarize the clinical and mechanism studies of the past 30 years on the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) with moxibustion, moxibustion plus medication, and acupuncture plus medication, etc., and to analyze the current problems.

Methods

The clinical and laboratory studies related to the treatment of HT with acupuncture-moxibustion therapies published before June 2015 were retrieved from MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang) and Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP).

Results

Moxibustion, moxibustion plus medication, and acupuncture plus medication can produce certain therapeutic effects in treating HT.

Conclusion

The research on the treatment of HT with acupuncture-moxibustion therapies is rather limited in the amount and content. In the future, standardization should be fortified, specific moxibustion research needs deepening, and the action mechanism of moxibustion should be emphasized.

     

Determination of temperature-time curve of two mild moxibustion methods: Reinforcing and reducing

Objective:To observe the specificity of reinforcing and reducing methods of mild moxibustion and explore its clinical significance.Methods:Thirty healthy students were selected and given reinforcing of mild moxibustion on the left Neiguan(PC 6)and reducing on the right Neiguan(PC 6)respectively.Temperature of the acupoint skin surface and the temperature-time curve were recorded by a digital thermometer.Results:In application of mild moxibustion on Neiguan(PC 6),there was a statistical difference in the temperature-increase section between reinforcing and reducing methods(P<0.01).The temperature-increasing section of the temperature-time curve in the reducing method was obviouslysteeper than that in the reinforcing method.In the period of0.5-3 min during moxibustion,the temperature of Neiguan(PC 6)was remarkably higher in the reducing than in the reinforcing(P<0.01).In the application of the reducing,the time for the temperature of Neiguan(PC 6)to increase to 40℃was remarkably advanced(P<0.05)and the rate of burning pain in the subjects was remarkably higher in the reducing method than in the reinforcing method(P<0.001).Conclusion:In comparison with the reinforcing method,the acupoint temperature increased more quickly in the application of reducing method and can produce obvious hot stimulation in a short period of time.In the application of the reinforcing method,the acupoint temperature increased mildly and could enhance the tolerance of the organism to the high temperature.     

Effect of moxibustion on expressions of HO-1 and MCP-3 protein in colon of rats with Crohn’s disease

Objective

To observe the effect of moxibustion therapy on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3) protein expressions in the colonic mucosa of rats with Crohn’s disease (CD), and to explore the intestinal mucosal immune mechanism of moxibustion therapy in treating CD.

Methods

The CD rat model was established using the internationally accepted Morris method. The rats were randomly divided into a model group, a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a mild moxibustion group, a cigarette moxibustion group and a hot compress group, which were compared with the normal group. Except the normal group and the model group, rats in the other groups accepted different moxibustion therapies on bilateral Tianshu (ST 25). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted and the pathological changes of the colon were observed under light microscope; the expressions of HO-1 and MCP-3 protein in rat’s colonic mucosa were determined by immunohisto-chemistry.

Results

Compared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed mucosal defect, villus destruction or loss, submucosal congestion and edema, glandular destruction or disappearance, reduced goblet cells, ulcer formation, significantly increased positive target area and positive target integral optical density of HO-1 and MCP-3 protein expression (all P<0.01). After treatment, compared with the model group, colonic mucosa was significantly improved in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the mild moxibustion group, which mainly showed that the intestinal glands were arranged regularly, ulcer surfaces were covered by the neoformative epitheliums, or intestinal ulcers were replaced by the nascent granulation tissue, and submucosal edema was alleviated, with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. The total areas and the integral optical densities of the positive targets for rat’s colonic mucosa HO-1 and MCP-3 protein expressions were decreased (all P<0.01). Compared with the cigarette moxibustion group and the hot compress group, the total areas and the integral optical densities of the positive targets for rat’s colonic mucosa HO-1 and MCP-3 protein expressions were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the mild moxibustion group.

Conclusion

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and mild moxibustion can significantly improve the inflammatory response of colonic mucosa in CD rats. It can down-regulate the expressions of HO-1 and MCP-3 proteins in the colonic mucosa of CD rats, which may be one of the mechanism in intestinal mucosal immunity caused by moxibustion therapy.

     

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.

     

Observation on the efficacy of moxibustion for chronic gastritis and a clinical study of moxibustion’s effects on serum brain-gut peptides

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of moxibustion-based treatment of chronic gastritis (CG), and to provide an objective basis for treating CG using moxibustion.

Methods

A total of 61 CG patients were divided into an herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and a mild-warm moxibustion group. In both treatment groups, bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Qihai (CV 6) were selected for moxibustion. Before and after treatment, all the enrolled patients’ gastrointestinal disease-related traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were measured, and the changes in the serum levels of the brain-gut peptides ghrelin, somatostatin (SS) and motilin (MTL) were observed.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the clinical efficacy rate (P>0.05). After treatment, the gastrointestinal disease-related TCM syndrome scores and VAS scores were reduced to varying extents in both groups, the intra-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). In both groups, the serum levels of ghrelin and MTL increased and the serum levels of SS decreased after treatment (all P<0.01). And there were no serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Both herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion and mild-warm moxibustion are effective for CG; these two therapies exhibited similar therapeutic efficacy of epigastric discomfort or pain. And both the two therapies act to anti-inflammation, promote the recovery of gastric mucosa and improve the gastric motility, which is possibly their crucial action mechanism in treating CD.

     

Effects of different doses of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on trefoil factor 1, mucin 5AC and epidermal growth factor receptor in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome

Objective

To observe the effects of different doses of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on serum trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) levels, as well as the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in gastric mucosa of rats with spleen deficiency syndrome, therefore, to explore the possible mechanism and the dose-effect characteristics of ginger-partitioned moxibustion in spleen deficiency syndrome.

Methods

Seventy-five SPF grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (group A), a model group (group B), a 3 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C1), a 6 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C2) and a 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion group (group C3) using random number table method, 15 rats in each group. Except group A, rats in the other groups received intragastric administration of 4 °C 200% concentrated Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) to prepare spleen deficiency syndrome model. After successful modeling, rats in group B received no treatment; rats in group C1, C2 and C3 were treated with 3, 6 and 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) respectively for 8 continuous days. The general symptom score of rats was observed. The serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of EGFR protein in gastric mucosa was detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

After the treatment, compared with group A, the spleen deficiency symptom score was increased in group B, the levels of serum TFF1 and MUC5AC, the EGFR protein expression in gastric tissues of group C1, C2 and C3 were significantly increased (all P<0.01); compared with group B, the spleen deficiency scores were decreased in group C1, C2 and C3, and the serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC, as well as EGFR protein expression in gastric tissues were increased (all P<0.01). Compared with group C1, the spleen deficiency scores were decreased in group C2 and C3, the serum levels of TFF1 and MUC5AC, and the expression of EGFR protein in gastric tissues were increased (all P<0.01), however, there was no significant difference between group C2 and C3 (all P>0.05). The mechanism may be related to the increase of serum TFF1 and MUC5AC levels and activation of EGFR protein.

Conclusion

Ginger-partitioned moxibustion can improve the symptoms, as well as promote the proliferation and repair of gastric mucosa in rats with spleen deficiency. The therapeutic efficacy of 6 or 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion is better than that of 3 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion, while the efficacies are equivalent between 6 and 9 moxa-cone ginger-partitioned moxibustion groups.

     

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.