ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the influence on IL-1β and IL-2 in rat models with rheumatoid arthritis after moxibustion on Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) points, and to discuss the mechanism of moxibustion. Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups,control group, model group, drug group, moxibustion group, and laser group, 10 for each. Four groups except the normal group were built on the model of rheumatoid arthritis. The changes of body weight and plantar circumference were measured and the level of IL-1β、 IL-2 in sera were examined by ELISA. Results: Compared with the model group, the weight and plantar circumference of rats in the moxibustion group were improved significantly after treatment (P＜0.01), and the improvement of plantar circumference also had significant differences compared with the drug group and the laser group (P＜0.05). The level of IL- 1β、 IL-2 in sera were down regulated in the moxibustion group and the laser group, which had statistical differences compared with the model group (P＜0.05), but no statistical differences were found when comparing with the drug group. Conclusion: Moxibustion obviously improves the toe tumefaction of the rats with rheumatoid arthritis, which is better than CO2 laser of 10.6μm. On the aspect of decreasing the amount of IL-1β、 IL-2, CO2 laser of 10.6 μm is similar with moxibustion.
ABSTRACT
Objective:There is a better therapeutic effect in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by moxibustion,doing a literature review to explore the mechanism in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by moxibustion.Methods:The literature on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the recent ten years were categorized and analyzed.Results and Conclusion:Mainly by its anti-inflammatory and immune effects,moxibustion therapy can be supposed to improve immune functions,inhibit the secretion of the synovial cells factors in the joints,control the proliferation of the synovial cells,and induce apoptosis of the synovial cells in the synovitis,and promote the apoptosis of the fibroblast,so as to play a therapeutic role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.The therapeutic effect ia obtained by the comprehensive effect created from integration between the physical factors and herbal factors in burning moxa wool and the special functions of the acupoints and meridians.