Effects of moxa smoke through olfactory pathway on learning and memory ability in rapid aging mice / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of moxa smoke through olfactory pathway on learning and memory ability in rapid aging (SAMP8) mice, and to explore the action pathway of moxa smoke.@*METHODS@#Forty-eight six-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an olfactory dysfunction group, a moxa smoke group and an olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group, with 12 mice in each group. Twelve age-matched male SAMR1 mice were used as the blank group. The olfactory dysfunction model was induced in the olfactory dysfunction group and the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group by intraperitoneal injection of 3-methylindole (3-MI) with 300 mg/kg, and the moxa smoke group and the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group were intervened with moxa smoke at a concentration of 10-15 mg/m3 for 30 min per day, with a total of 6 interventions per week. After 6 weeks, the emotion and cognitive function of mice was tested by open field test and Morris water maze test, and the neuronal morphology in the CAI area of the hippocampus was observed by HE staining. The contents of neurotransmitters (glutamic acid [Glu], gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA], dopamine [DA], and 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) in hippocampal tissue of mice were detected by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#The mice in the blank group, the model group and the moxa smoke group could find the buried food pellets within 300 s, while the mice in the olfactory dysfunction group and the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group took more than 300 s to find them. Compared with the blank group, the model group had increased vertical and horizontal movements (P<0.05) and reduced central area residence time (P<0.05) in the open field test, prolonged mean escape latency on days 1-4 (P<0.05), and decreased search time, swimming distance and swimming distance ratio in the target quadrant of the Morris water maze test, and decreased GABA, DA and 5-HT contents (P<0.05, P<0.01) and increased Glu content (P<0.05) in hippocampal tissue. Compared with the model group, the olfactory dysfunction group had increased vertical movements (P<0.05), reduced central area residence time (P<0.05), and increased DA content in hippocampal tissue (P<0.05); the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group had shortened mean escape latency on days 3 and 4 of the Morris water maze test (P<0.05) and increased DA content in hippocampal tissue (P<0.05); the moxa smoke group had prolonged search time in the target quadrant (P<0.05) and increased swimming distance ratio, and increased DA and 5-HT contents in hippocampal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and decreased Glu content in hippocampal tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the olfactory dysfunction group, the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group showed a shortened mean escape latency on day 4 of the Morris water maze test (P<0.05). Compared with the moxa smoke group, the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group had a decreased 5-HT content in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a reduced number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus with a disordered arrangement; the olfactory dysfunction group had similar neuronal morphology in the CA1 area of the hippocampus to the model group. Compared with the model group, the moxa smoke group had an increased number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus that were more densely packed. Compared with the moxa smoke group, the olfactory dysfunction + moxa smoke group had a reduced number of neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus, with the extent between that of the moxa smoke group and the olfactory dysfunction group.@*CONCLUSION@#The moxa smoke could regulate the contents of neurotransmitters Glu, DA and 5-HT in hippocampal tissue through olfactory pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice, and the olfactory is not the only effective pathway.

Consideration on development of the national standard: Pure Moxa Stick / 中国针灸

The paper gives a consideration on the development of the national standard, Pure Moxa Stick. It is proposed that the principle and requirements for the development of product standard should be adhered to, while focusing on the applicability and safety of pure moxa stick. In terms of quality, the specific requirements should be developed on the ratio of moxa floss, wrapping paper and adhesives. Regarding the specifications, either the market demands or the resource waste prevention should be considered. In safety, the combustion temperature and moxa smoke control are the key issues.

Effect of different concentrations of moxa smoke exposure on nasal mucosal injury and expression of serum IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α in rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of long-term moxa smoke exposure of different concentrations on olfactory function in rats, and provide experimental basis of safety study of moxa smoke produced by moxibustion.@*METHODS@#Forty SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a low-concentration moxa smoke group, a moderate-concentration moxa smoke group and a high-concentration moxa smoke group, 10 rats in each one. The rats in the moxa smoke groups were put into three plexiglass moxibustion boxes with different moxa smoke concentrations, 4 hours per times, twice a day for 90 days. The general state of rats was evaluated before and during the experiment. After the intervention, the olfactory function was evaluated by two-bottle experiment (TBE); the morphology of nasal mucosa was observed by HE staining; the apoptosis of olfactory epithelial cells in nasal mucosa was detected by TUNEL method; the serum levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA method.@*RESULTS@#In the late stage of moxa smoke exposure (45-90 days into intervention), the behavioral activity of rats in the moderate-concentration moxa smoke group and the high-concentration moxa smoke group was weaker than that in the normal control group, and their response to stimulation was strong, and their mental state was worse. After intervention, the drinking rate of vinegar-water mixture in the moderate-concentration moxa smoke group and the high-concentration moxa smoke group was higher than that in the normal control group and the low-concentration moxa smoke group (@*CONCLUSION@#The long-term exposure to low, moderate and high concentrations of moxa smoke could cause pathological changes in nasal mucosa and increase the serum levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α; the moderate and high concentrations of moxa smoke exposure could cause a series of damage to olfactory function and reduce olfactory sensitivity in rats.

Epidemiological characteristics of acupuncturists who are sensitive to stimulation of moxa smoke: a face-to-face sectional survey based on 733 participants / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the epidemiologic characteristics of acupuncturists who are sensitive to stimulation of moxa smoke, which could provide further direction for safety protection of exerting moxibustion and to further verify the feasibility of internet survey.@*METHODS@#A self-made questionnaire regarding body response to moxa smoke was established, which was used to conduct a face-to-face survey among acupuncturists who had performed long-term moxibustion. The Logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the stimulation response of acupuncturists and the epidemiological characteristics of acupuncturists was obtained.@*RESULTS@#A total of 733 valid data was obtained. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the history of chronic respiratory disease was the main risk factor of stimulus response including cough, phlegm in the throat, asthma, dyspnea, shortness of breath and nasal dryness after exposure to moxa smoke (<0.05, <0.01). The risk of stimulus response such as cough, tearing and nasal dryness was higher in women than in men (<0.05, <0.01). The risk of dry eyes and eyes pain in smokers was higher than those in non-smokers (<0.05). The risk of shortness of breath in those who were exposed to second-hand smoke was higher than those who were not exposed to second-hand smoke (<0.05). The analysis of index trend line showed that the results of internet survey were similar to those of face-to-face survey.@*CONCLUSION@#The stimulus response of acupuncturist after long-term exposure to moxa smoke is related to the history of chronic respiratory disease, being female, smoking or exposure of second-hand smoke, therefore more attention should be paid to those populations. In addition, the internet survey can be used for the epidemiological investigation of safety of moxa smoke.

Characteristics and Thoughts of Epidemic Virus Prevention of Moxa Smoke / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Moxa smoke plays an indispensable role in traditional Chinese medicine with the functions of dispelling poison, exorcizing evil and avoiding filth, dispelling cold, etc. It has been used to prevent pestilence for thousands of years. This paper reviewed the clinical application, mechanism and existing shortcomings of moxa smoke for preventing epidemic diseases, and found that moxa smoke can effectively inhibit a variety of pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause infectious and epidemic diseases, and has good pharmacological effects of sterilization, antiviral and immunity enhancement, and has achieved remarkable effect in disease prevention, health care and plague prevention. It is suggested that attention should be paid to the air quality of moxibustion clinics in the future, it is urgent to establish a unified sanitary air quality standard system to create a good clinic environment. At the same time, the research on the clinical safe concentration range of moxa smoke should be strengthened to effectively avoid the occurrence of adverse reactions, give full play to the efficacy of moxa smoke in eliminating pathogenic factors and preventing epidemic, so as to provide the basis for the rational application and promotion of moxa smoke.

Design and application of a moxibustion device with separated moxibustion smoke and heat / 中国针灸

In the view of the defects of the commonly used moxibustion instruments and moxa heating instruments, such as the moxa ash cannot be removed automatically, the temperature of moxibustion and moxibustion smoke is difficult to be stabilized and adjusted, and the instruments are complex and expensive, a moxibustion device with separated moxibustion smoke and heat is designed. This device can automatically remove the moxa ash and keep it on the isolation net; the temperature of the moxibustion outlet is maintained at 43-48 ℃ (effective moxibustion temperature) for more than 40 minutes, and there is no visible moxa smoke; the temperature of the moxa smoke outlet is controlled between 28-75 ℃, and the effective discharge of moxa smoke can be realized without external power equipment. This device has the advantages of stable and controllable temperature of moxibustion outlet and moxa smoke outlet, automatic removal and collection of moxa ash, separation of moxa smoke without additional power, etc., which can be used in clinical and animal experiments for moxa heating, moxa smoke removal, etc.

The design and application of a moxibustion instrument with less harmful smoke and direction adjustment / 中国针灸

The design of a clip-on moxibustion instrument which could adjust the directions and absorb harmful granules of moxa smoke was introduced in this paper. It was designed to solve the problems in home health care and clinical treatment, such as the inconvenience of adjustment of moxibustion directions and temperature, more dust and granules of moxa smoke and inconvenience of moxibustion placement. The main part of moxibustion instrument was made up of moxibustion box, bracket and base clamp. The moxibustion box could fix moxa stick and absorb smoke granules; the bracket could be twisted to adjust the direction of moxibustion box; the base clamp was aimed to fix moxibustion box on the edge of the object to save space. This moxibustion instrument could be used for various indications of moxibustion, especially in the joints or body parts with less muscles; and it can significantly enhance the pertinence and safety of moxibustion, and reduce the labor intensity. This moxibustion instrument is original and unique, simple and reasonable, easy to operate, with low cost and good effect, which will increase new vitality for the popularization and development of moxibustion.

Influence of Moxa Smoke on Indoor Air Quality and Strategies for Its Control / 针刺研究

Moxibustion is an effective therapy for treatment of a lot of clinical problems, but the ignited moxa-induced smoke containing harmful substances may bring about indoor air pollution to affect both patients' and medical workers' health. However, there is no standards about controlling indoor air quality (IAQ) for moxibustion rooms in China. In the present study, the authors reviewed newly-published articles about some substances released from moxa smoke as inhalable particles (PM 10 and PM 2.5), formaldehyde, benzene, methylbenzene, xylene, bene[α]pyrene, total volatile organic compounds, CO, CO2, NO, SO2, NH3, O3, etc. some of which affect IAQ. On this account, the authors put forward some strategies for controlling IAQ in moxibustion clinics including setting united safe standards, enhancing ventilation, controlling moxibustion material quality and strengthening scientific research on the safety of moxa smoke control, fully playing the superiority of moxibustion therapy and reducing its unfavorable aspects in clinical practice in the future.

Safety test of air quality in simulated moxibustion clinic / 中国针灸

The air quality of simulated moxibustion clinic was tested, which could provide references for the evaluation on air pollution in moxibustion clinic. After the clinical environment of moxibustion was established,the contents of CO,NO, PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the air at 5 different time points (0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h after 10 moxa sticks were ignited as well as 5 min ventilation after 0.5 h moxibustion burning and 5 min ventilation after 1 h moxibustion burning) were measured by testing organizations.0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h after 10 moxa sticks were ignited, the content ranges of CO,NO, PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the air were 15.9 to 37.0 mg/m,0.012 6 to 0.022 4 mg/m,0.22 to 1.28 mg/mand 0.13 to 0.53 mg/m, respectively; the contents of CO, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were higher than national standard. With 5 min ventilation after 0.5 h moxibustion burning and 5 min ventilation after 1 h moxibustion burning, the content ranges of CO,NO,PM 10 and PM 2.5 were 0.3 to 0.4 mg/m,0.015 5 to 0.018 0 mg/m,0.11 to 0.13 mg/mand 0.04 mg/m, respectively; the contents of CO, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were lower than national standard. It is concluded that long-time moxibustion could cause relatively high concentration of moxa smoke, and the contents of CO, PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the air will exceed the national standard. However, by keeping good ventilation, the contents of CO,NO,PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the air can be controlled within safe ranges.

Effects of Moxibustion and Moxa Smoke on Blood Lipids, and Hepatic Pathologic Morphology and CD36 and ABCA1 Expressions in ApoE-/-mice / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effects of moxibustion and moxa smoke on blood lipids,hepatic pathological changes and intrahepatocytic molecules related to cholesterol metabolism and analyze the regulating effects of moxibustion and moxa smoke on cholesterol metabolism and explore the mechanisms of actions of moxibustion and moxa smoke. MethodFifty-one 8-week-old ApoE-/-mice were randomized into model, moxa smoke and moxibustion groups, 17 mice each. Twenty C57BL/6 mice comprised a blank control group. The normal and model groups of mice were routinely grabbed and fastened. The moxa smoke group of mice was exposed to 10-15 mg/m3moxa smoke circumstances. The moxibustion group of mice was given moxibustion on point Guanyuan(CV4). All interventions were made 20 min daily, 6 times a week, for 12 consecutive weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hepatic pathologic morphology was observed by HE staining. Hepatic CD36 and ABCA1 expressions were determined by immunohistochemical method.ResultIn the model group of mice, serum TG and LDL-C contents were significantly higher than in the normal group (P=0.003;P=0.001);HDL-C content was significantly lower than in the normal group (P=0.007); TC content had no significant difference compared with the normal group (P>0.05). In the moxibustion group of mice, serum TG and LDL-C contents were significantly lower than in the model group (P=0.03;P=0.001) and HDL-C content had no significant difference compared with the model group (P=0.11). In the moxa smoke group of mice, serum TG and LDL contents were significantly lower than in the model group (P=0.01;P=0.008) and HDL content had no significant difference compared with the model group (P=0.11). There were no significant differences in various blood lipid indicators between the moxibustion and moxa smoke groups (P>0.05). There were hepatic cell cord and sinusoid derangement and obvious hepatocytic swelling in the model group of mice. In the moxa smoke and moxibustion groups, hepatocytic swelling subsided significantly, and inflammatory cell infiltration reduced compared with the model group. In the model group,CD36 expression was significantly higher than in the normal group (P=0.004) and ABCA1 expression was significantly lower than in the normal group (P=0.001). In the moxibustion group, CD36 expression had no significant difference compared with the model group (P=0.09) and ABCA1 expression was significantly higher than in the model group (P=0.03). In the moxa smoke group, CD36 expression was significantly lower than in the normal group (P=0.02) and ABCA1 expression was significantly higher than in the model group (P=0.002). There were no significant differences in CD36 and ABCA1 expressions between the moxibustion and moxa smoke groups (P>0.05).ConclusionEarly moxibustion on point Guanyuan can regulate disorders of blood lipid metabolism, delay the occurrence of hepatic lesions and reduce intrahepatic accumulation of cholesterol to a certain extent in an ApoE-/-mouse model of atherosclerosis. That may be one of the mechanisms by which moxibustion therapy prevents atherosclerosis. Moxa smoke as the product of moxibustion is an effective factor in moxibustion producing a therapeutic effect.

Effects of Moxa Smoke Versus Tobacco Smoke on Autonomous Behaviors and Hippocampal GFAP Expression in Apolipoprotein E Gene Knockout Mice / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of moxa smoke versus tobaccosmoke on autonomous behaviors and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.Method Thirteen 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice constituted a blank control group. Twenty-seven ApoE-/-mice of the same age were randomized into ApoE-/-model, moxa smoke and tobacco smoke groups. The tobacco smoke and moxa smoke groups of mice were exposed to smoke 5-15 mg/m3circumstances. Every group of mice was intervened in 20 min. daily, six days a week, for atotal of 12 weeks. A behavioral test was conducted in week 13. The animals were then sacrificed to take the materials. Hippocampal GFAP in the brain was measured by an immunohistochemical method.ResultAutonomous activities were significantly more in theblank group than in the model group (P0.05). Moving distance was longer in the moxa smoke group than in the model group (P<0.05). Standing-up number was smaller in the moxa smoke group than in the blank group (P<0.05). Integral optical density of GFAP immune reaction products in the hippocampus was significantlyhigher in the model group of mice than in the blank and moxa smoke groups (P<0.05). Hippocampal GFAP expression was significantly higher in the group of mice than in the moxa smoke and blank groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Moxa smoke can increase the excitability of central nervous system in mice and reduce hippocampal GFAP expression in a mice model of Alzheimer disease.

Effect of PM10 in Moxa Smoke on Apoptosis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line-A549 Cells / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effect of PM10 (inhalable particles) in moxa smoke on apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line-A549 cells, and explore the possible mechanisms of inducing apoptosisMethods The A549 cells were studied in vitro experiment method, which were stained by Hoechest33258 staining method. Their morphological changes of apoptosis were observed by the fluorescence microscopy. The levels of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of NF-κB p65 were also measured.Results Some apoptotic cells were observed after treated with moxa smoke PM10 in the concerntration of 400μg/mL. After 4 hours intervention by moxa smoke PM10 in A549 cells, the intracellular Ca2+ level increased significantly (P0.05). Compared with the blank control group, ROS level was significantly lower (P<0.05) in A549 cells after intervention of moxa smoke PM10.Conclusion PM10 in moxa smoke could induce apoptosis of A549 cells, could increase cytosolic Ca2+ level.

Effect of Moxa Smoke on Amino Acids Neurotransmitters in Brain of Senescence Accelerated Mice / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effect of moxa smoke (Artemisia vulgaris) on amino acids neurotransmitters in the brain of senescence accelerated mouse (SAMP8) and explore the anti-aging effect of moxa smoke. Methods Totally 70 SAMP8 were randomized into one model control group and 6 intervention groups, and 10 SAMR1 mice were used as normal control group. There were low, medium and high concentrations of moxa smoke during intervention. Moxa smoke intervention was performed 15 min/30 min each day for 28 days. High performance liquid chromatographic method was used to determine the levels of Glu, Asp and GABA in the brain of the mice. Results Compared with the normal control group, the levels of Asp and Glu in the model control group were significantly higher, while the GABA was significantly lower. The levels of Asp and Glu in 6 intervention groups were significantly lower than those in the model control group, while GABA was significantly higher than or the same as the model control group. There was no significant difference among different intervention groups in the levels of Asp and Glu, while the 30 min-medium concentration moxa smoke had the most significant effect in increasing the level of GABA. Conclusion Moxa smoke intervention could decrease the high level of Asp and Glu, and increase the low level of GABA in SAMP8. It could achieve the effect of anti-aging through adjusting the abnormal metabolism of amino acids in the brain.