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ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine combined with indirect moxibustion plaster on corona virus disease 2019 （COVID-19） patients during recovery period. MethodNinety patients of COVID-19 during the recovery period were randomly divided into a Chinese medicine group， an indirect moxibustion plaster group， and a combination group，with 30 cases in each group. According to the 10th edition of COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol，patients in the Chinese medicine group received oral Chinese medicine based on syndrome differentiation，one dose per day， twice a day. Patients in the indirect moxibustion plaster group were treated with indirect moxibustion plaster at Zusanli （ST 36）， Pishu （BL 20）， Dazhui （GV 14）， Feishu （BL 13）， Kongzui （LU 6）， and Tiantu （CV 22），once a day，40 min each time. Patients in the combination group were treated with Chinese medicine combined with indirect moxibustion plaster. Treatment lasted two weeks. Before and after treatment，the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom score，pulmonary computed tomography （CT） score，St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire （SGRQ） score，blood routine indexes ［white blood cell count （WBC），neutrophil count （NEUT），and lymphocyte count （LYM）］， and inflammatory indexes ［C-reactive protein （CRP），serum ferritin， and interleukin-6 （IL-6）］ were observed in the three groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated. ResultAfter treatment，the scores of TCM symptoms，pulmonary CT， and SGRQ，CRP，IL-6，and ferritin in the three groups decreased（P<0.05），while WBC and LYM increased（P<0.05）， but there was no significant difference in NEUT. The above indexes in the combination group were better than those in the other two groups（P<0.05）. After treatment， the cured and markedly effective rate was 76.7% （23/30） in the combination group， 50.0% （15/30） in the Chinese medicine group， and 46.7% （14/30） in the indirect moxibustion plaster group. The cured and markedly effective rate of the combination group was significantly higher than that of the Chinese medicine group （χ2=4.593， P<0.05） and the indirect moxibustion plaster group （χ2=5.711， P<0.05）. The total effective rate was 96.7 % （29/30） in the combination group， 93.3% （28/30） in the Chinese medicine group， and 86.7% （26/30） in the indirect moxibustion plaster group. The total effective rate of the combination group was higher than that of the Chinese medicine group and the indirect moxibustion plaster group， but the differences were not statistically significant. ConclusionChinese medicine combined with indirect moxibustion plaster can effectively improve the clinical symptoms，promote pulmonary inflammation，blood routine indexes， and inflammatory indexes， and improve the quality of life of COVID-19 patients during the recovery period，which is more advantageous than Chinese medicine alone or indirect moxibustion plaster.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the plasma levels of trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS), as well as to explore the possible mechanism of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in treating AS. Methods: After 1-week adaptive feeding, 28 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into a blank group, a model group, an antibiotic group, and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group according to the random number table method, with 7 rabbits in each group. Rabbits were fed with a basic diet in the blank group, while with a basic diet plus 1％ choline in the remaining groups to prepare the AS model. Rabbits were given drinking water with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the antibiotic group, and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group for 12 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaques by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the blood lipid levels, the plasma TMA and TMAO levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were detected for rabbits in each group at the end of interventions. Liver FMO3 protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Liver FMO3 mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: HE staining showed that the arterial wall was rough, the intima was significantly thickened, and more foam cells and lipid deposits were seen in rabbits of the model group. Arterial wall thickening was not obvious with a few foam cells and lipid deposits in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were increased (P<0.01), the plasma levels of TMA and TMAO were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression levels of liver FMO3 protein and mRNA were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the LDL-C and TC levels were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the HDL-C levels were increased (P<0.01), the TMA and TMAO levels were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression levels of FMO3 were decreased without statistical significance in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the antibiotic group. Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can slow atherosclerotic plaque formation and regulate lipid levels in AS rabbits, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of TMA and TMAO expression in the plasma.
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Objective: To observe the effects of ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) on the expression levels of endocrine-related molecules and their receptors in rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) due to cold-dampness stagnation, thus to explore their analgesic mechanisms. Methods: Thirty-two female Wistar rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a ginger-partitioned moxibustion group, and a Western medicine group according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Except for rats in the normal group, all other rats were treated with oxytocin combined with ice-water bath to establish the rat models of PD due to cold-dampness stagnation. After successful modeling, rats in the normal group and the model group did not receive treatment; rats in the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group received treatments with ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4); rats in the Western medicine group received ibuprofen by intragastric administration. The writhing response of rats was compared among groups, and the serum levels of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), estrogen (estradiol, E2), progesterone (P), and the mRNA expression of PGF2α and E2 receptors in the uterine tissues were detected. Results: No writhing behavior was observed in the normal group; compared with the normal group, the serum PGF2α and E2 levels in the model group were increased (P<0.01), while the P level was decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of the uterine PGF2α and E2 receptors were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the writhing behavior latency was prolonged, and the writhing response score was decreased in the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medicine group (P<0.01); the serum PGF2α and E2 levels in the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medicine group were decreased, while the P level was increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the mRNA expression levels of the uterine PGF2α and E2 receptors in the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medicine group were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the Western medicine group, the ginger-partitioned moxibustion group showed a prolonged writhing behavior latency, reduced writhing response score (P<0.05), and decreased serum E2 level (P<0.05), while no statistical differences in the serum PGF2α and P levels, or the mRNA expression levels of uterine PGF2α and E2 receptors (P>0.05).Conclusion: The analgesic effect of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on PD due to cold-dampness stagnation may be related to regulating the mRNA expression levels of PGF2α and E2 receptors in the uterine tissues.
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Objective: To observe the efficacy of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis and observe the influence of this method on lumbar functions and inflammatory factors in patients with this condition. Methods: A total of 120 LDH patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups, including a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a Western medication group, with 40 patients in each group. The patients in the Western medication group were treated with diflunisal tablets, 0.5 g per dose, 2 doses a day. Those in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with additional herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group at Back-Shu Points and Jiaji (EX-B2) Points once a day. Those in the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with the same methods as in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, except that the herbal cake was replaced by a flour cake. All the patients were treated for 10 d. After treatment, the scores of the visual analog scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and the changes of the interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and substance P (SP) levels were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. Results: After treatment, the VAS score and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SP were lower than those before treatment, and the JOA score was higher than that before treatment in the three groups, indicating intra-group statistical significance (P<0.05). The VAS score and the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and SP of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were lower than those of the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the Western medication group, while the JOA score of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was higher than that of the other two groups, indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was 92.5％, higher than that of the flour cake-partitioned moxibustion group (80.0％) and the Western medication group (72.5％), indicating inter-group statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of Western oral medication, additional herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can alleviate the pain and improve the lumbar functions in patients with LDH due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis. The efficacy of the integrated method is better than that of either flour cake-partitioned moxibustion or Western medication alone, which may be related to the reduction of serum inflammatory factors.
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We evaluated the effects of selfcare with indirect moxibustion (moxibustion group : MG) on hiesho (cold disorder) in mature females in a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial using leg warmers (leg warmers group : LG) as a control. Subjects were 49 women aged 18 to 39 years who were judged to suffer from hiesho as measured by the hiesho sensation scale (Kusumi and Emori). Subjects were sorted by age and block-randomized at each of the four facilities. Before going to bed, subjects in the MG (N = 25) performed two moxibustions on both sides of kI 1, SP 6, and ST 36. Subjects in the LG (N = 24) wore leg warmers while sleeping. Each intervention lasted for one month. The primary endpoint was the degree of hiesho by visual analogue scale (VAS) ; secondary endpoints were mainly suffering scores for comorbid symptoms and body temperature difference between forehead and peripheries. Two subjects in the LG dropped out due to pregnancy and skin pruritus, respectively. The change in VAS and suffering scores was larger in the MG, showing small ES in VAS and medium ES in suffering scores. Body temperature difference between the forehead and LI 4 on both sides was reduced in the MG, and medium ES was observed. It was suggested that self-care of indirect moxibustion for hiesho in mature females could reduce the degree of hiesho and comorbid symptoms, and could suppress the expansion of body temperature difference between forehead and peripheries compared to wearing leg warmers.
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Objective: To observe the effects of acupoints, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion with different moxibustion methods on skin surface and inside temperature, and to provide references for the clinical standardization of moxibustion amount. Methods: The 42 big-ear white rabbits were divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method, a 1-cone direct moxibustion group, a 2-cone direct moxibustion group, a 3-cone direct moxibustion group, a 1-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, a 2-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, and a 3-cone herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, with 7 rabbits in each group. Shenque (CV 8), Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) were used in each group, but the moxibustion methods, cone numbers and durations of moxibustion were different. Rabbits in each group received moxibustion once every other day for 5 times in total. During the intervention, a thermoelectricity coupled probe and a temperature recorder were used to record the real-time acupoint skin temperature and the temperature at different time points, so as to observe, analyze and process the real-time changes in the temperature difference between the surface and inside of acupoint skin. Results: For herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion, the best temperature for cone changing was (46.38±0.51) ℃ when the highest surface temperature was (49.20±0.52) ℃; the multi-factor comparison of acupoint × cone number × time and acupoint × moxibustion method × time showed that time × acupoint, time × moxibustion method and cone number × acupoint had interactive effects (all P<0.05). Comparing skin temperature differences between different cone numbers at the same acupoint, Shenque (CV 8) on the 1st and the 5th days, Shenshu (BL 23) on the 3rd and the 7th days, Zusanli (ST 36) on the 1st and the 9th days of experiment showed statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The skin temperature comparison of different moxibustion methods at the same acupoint all had statistical differences (all P<0.05), except for Shenque (CV 8) before moxibustion, Shenshu (BL 23) before moxibustion and on the 5th day; Zusanli (ST 36) only showed statistical differences on the 5th and 7th days (both P<0.05). The skin temperature differences of different acupoints after moxibustion in the 1-cone, 2-cone and 3-cone groups were statistically different (all P<0.05); direct moxibustion and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion at different acupoints were all statistically different (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Cone changing temperature under the same specifications of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion was confirmed. Temperature difference between surface and inside of different acupoint skin at the same maximum temperature was significantly different due to the cone numbers and moxibustion methods, which showed the highest at Shenshu (BL 23), the second at Shenque (CV 8), and the lowest at Zusanli (ST 36). The influence of acupoint factor should be considered to determine the quantitative indicators of moxibustion.
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Objective: To explore the mechanism of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in Crohn disease (CD) treatment by observing the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on protein expressions of colonic M2 macrophage marker CD206, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 2. Methods: Twenty-six specific pathogen free male rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. The CD model was prepared by enema with the mixture of 5％ (W/V) 2,4,6- trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and 50％ ethanol at 2:1 (volume ratio). After the model was successfully prepared, rats in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion at Qihai (CV 6) and bilateral Tianshu (ST 25). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of rat colon; immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of colonic CD206 protein; Western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technologies were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of colonic AMPK and TSC2. Results: Compared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed damaged colonic mucosa, missing of the epithelial layer, thickened submucosa, vascular proliferation, massive infiltration of monocytes and lymphocytes, and cracked ulcers that reached the muscle layer. Rats in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group showed reduced intestinal inflammation and healing intestinal epithelium ulcers. Compared with the normal group, rat colonic CD206 protein expression, and the protein and mRNA expressions of colonic AMPK and TSC2 were decreased in the model group (all P<0.01); compared with the model group, rat colonic CD206 protein expression was increased (P<0.01), as well as the protein and mRNA expressions of AMPK and TSC2 in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can reduce intestinal inflammation in CD rats, increase colonic CD206 protein expression, and up-regulate the protein and mRNA expressions of colonic AMPK and TSC2.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of ginger-partitioned moxibustion plus pediatric massage (tuina) in treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency. Methods: Ninety infants were randomly divided into a massage plus moxibustion group, a massage group and a drug group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The intervention was conducted for two consecutive courses. The infants in the massage plus moxibustion group were treated with pediatric massage and ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). The infants in the massage group were treated with pediatric massage alone, while those in the drug group were treated with smecta. The primary and secondary symptom scales were assessed before and after treatment and at the follow-ups, and the total effective rate was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate in the massage plus moxibustion group was significantly different from that in the massage group and drug group (both P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of primary and secondary symptoms decreased in all three groups, with statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.05); the scores of primary symptoms were significantly different between the massage plus moxibustion group and the drug group (P<0.05); the scores of secondary symptoms in the massage plus moxibustion group and the massage group were significantly different from that in the drug group (both P<0.05). The differences in the time to recover normal bowel movement frequency among the three groups were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Ginger-partitioned moxibustion plus pediatric massage compared with pediatric massage or smecta monotherapy shows superior clinical efficacy in treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, and has the advantages of appetite improvement, physique strengthening and short course.
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Objective: To explore the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) on tight junctions (TJs) of intestinal epithelial cells in Crohn disease (CD) mediated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-myosin-light- chain kinase (MLCK) pathway. Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal control (NC) group, a model control (MC) group, an HPM group and a mesalazine (MESA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was administered to establish CD models. When the model was confirmed a success, the HPM group rats were treated with HPM at Tianshu (ST 25) and Qihai (CV 6), while the MESA group rats were given MESA solution by lavage. When the intervention finished, the colonic epithelial tissues were separated, purified and cultured in each group to establish the intestinal epithelial barrier model in vitro, and TNF-α was added (100 ng/mL) in the culture medium and maintained for 24 h to establish an increased epithelial permeability model. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was used to examine the permeability of the barrier; Western blot was used to observe the expressions of the proteins related to TJs of intestinal epithelial cells mediated by TNF-α-NF-κB-MLCK pathway; immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expressions and distributions of tight junction proteins in the intestinal epithelium. Results: After TNF-α induction, compared with the MC+TNF-α group, the TEER value increased significantly in the HPM+TNF-α and MESA+TNF-α groups (both P<0.001); the expressions of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and receptor interaction protein-1 (RIP1) decreased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the expression of zinc finger protein A20 (A20) increased significantly (P<0.01); the expressions of occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) and F-actin also increased significantly (all P<0.01). Compared with the MESA+TNF-α group, the expressions of MLC, occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1 and F-actin increased significantly in the HPM+TNF-α group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion: HPM can protect or repair the damage of intestinal epithelial barrier in CD rats, which may be achieved through modulating the abnormal TJs in intestinal epithelium mediated by TNF-α-NF-κB-MLCK pathway.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion for dysmenorrhea due to deficiency cold. Methods: A total of 70 patients with dysmenorrhea who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a mild moxibustion group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group by the random number table, with 35 cases in each group. Shenque (CV 8), Zhongji (CV 3) and bilateral Zigong (EX-CA 1) were selected for both groups. The treatment continued for 3 menstrual cycles. The visual analog scale (VAS) and COX menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) were scored in both groups before treatment, after treatment and at the end of the 3rd menstrual cycle after treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated at the end of the 3rd menstrual cycle after treatment. Results: After treatment, the clinical efficacy of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group had the tendency to be superior to that of the mild moxibustion group, while there was no statistically significant difference in the overall efficacy between the two groups (P>0.05). The VAS and CMSS scores after treatment and at the follow-up were significantly lower than those before treatment in both groups (all P<0.05). At the follow-up, the VAS scores in both groups had no significant intra-group differences from those after treatment (both P>0.05). The CMSS scores in both groups were significantly lower than those after treatment (both P<0.05). The VAS scores at the follow-up of both groups had no statistical differences from those after treatment (both P>0.05). After treatment, the CMSS score in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group was significantly lower than that in the mild moxibustion group (P<0.05). At the follow-up, there were no statistical differences in the CMSS score between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion has the same therapeutic efficacy for dysmenorrhea as the mild moxibustion; the two moxibustion methods can significantly improve the concomitant symptoms of dysmenorrhea, and the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion is little better.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) plus long-snake moxibustion for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to kidney deficiency and cold coagulation. Methods: A total of 60 patients in active stage of RA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the control group took methotrexate tablets and nimesulide dispersible tablets orally for treatment, while those in the observation group received additional treatment of EA plus long-snake moxibustion. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The post-treatment changes in symptomatic grading and quantifying score, disease activity score with 28 joint counts (DAS28), and inflammatory indicators erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. Results: The total effective rate in the observation group was 89.9％, versus 76.6％ in the control group, and there was a significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the symptomatic grading and quantifying score and DAS28 in both groups were significantly improved (all P<0.05), and the improvements in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (both P<0.05). Besides, there were 11 cases with low disease activity index (DAI) and in remission in the observation group versus 5 cases in the control group, showing a statistically significant between-group difference (P<0.05). The ESR and CRP scores in both groups were significantly reduced after treatment (all P<0.05), also showing statistically significant between-group differences (both P<0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of additional EA plus long-snake moxibustion based on oral medications for RA due to kidney deficiency and cold coagulation is better than that of the oral medications alone.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of herb-partitioned spreading moxibustion at Baliao points plus climen for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Methods: A total of 60 patients with DOR were randomized into a spreading moxibustion group and a Western medicine group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The Western medicine group was treated with climen, starting from the 5th day of the menstrual cycle for 21 d. The spreading moxibustion group was treated with herb-partitioned spreading moxibustion at Baliao points on the basis of the medication in the Western medicine group, 1 h per time, once a week. The treatment was performed for 1 month as one treatment course in both groups, for 3 courses in total. The serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) in the patients were measured before and after treatment. The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistance index (RI) were also detected. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score was evaluated. The clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate in the spreading moxibustion group was 93.3％, which was significantly higher than 80.0％ in the Western medicine group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom scores, the serum FSH levels, FSH/LH ratios and RI in both groups decreased, and the intra-group differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). The serum E2 level and PSV increased compared with those in the same group before treatment, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom score, the serum FSH level, FSH/LH ratio and RI in the spreading moxibustion group were lower than those in the Western medicine group, while the serum E2 level and PSV were higher than those in the Western medicine group, and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Herb-partitioned spreading moxibustion at Baliao points plus climen can produce valid therapeutic efficacy for DOR. It can improve the clinical symptoms, regulate serum hormone levels and increase ovarian blood perfusion, thus improving ovarian reserve function, producing more significant efficacy than climen alone.
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Objective:To observe the clinical effect of tuina plus Baixiao moxibustion in the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TJDS). Methods: A total of 70 TJDS patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into an observation group and a control group by flipping a coin, with 35 cases in each group. Patients in the observation group were treated with tuina plus Baixiao moxibustion, while patients in the control group received oral intake of diclofenac potassium (75 mg/pill), 1 pill after every dinner. Both tuina and Baixiao moxibustion were done once a day during treatment. The therapeutic evaluation was evaluated after 10 treatments in both groups. The maximum mouth opening distance and visual analog scale (VAS) were observed before and after treatment, and the therapeutic efficacy was also compared. Results: After treatment, the maximum mouth opening distance and VAS improved in both groups (all P＜0.05); both items in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (both P＜00.05). The total effective rate was 91.4% in the observation group, versus 74.3% in the control group, and the between-group comparison of the total effective rate showed statistical significance (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Tuina plus Baixiao moxibustion can effectively improve TJDS patient’s temporomandibular joint function and alleviate pain, with better efficacy than oral intake of diclofenac potassium.
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Objective:To observe the lipid-lowering effect of different transdermal absorption enhancers applied to the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in hyperlipidemia model rabbits, and to explore the possible mechanism. Methods:Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Rabbits in the blank group were fed routinely with normal diet; rabbits in the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Rabbits in the blank and the model groups were not treated. After the model was prepared, rabbits in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion without transdermal absorption enhancer; rabbits in the laurocapram group and the borneol group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with laurocapram or borneol respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, serum was collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the liver tissues were isolated for immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western-blotting (WB) detection. Results: Serum ELISA results showed that leptin was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the blank group (P＜0.05); compared with the model group, leptin was significantly increased in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer, the laurocapram and the borneol groups (all P＜0.05); compared with the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group, leptin was significantly increased in the laurocapram group and the borneol group (both P＜0.05); there was no significant difference in leptin between the laurocapram and the borneol groups (P＞0.05). The qPCR results of rabbit liver tissues showed that the mRNA expressions of leptin, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the model group were significantly lower than those in the blank group (all P＜0.05); compared with the model group, the mRNA expressions of leptin, leptin receptor (LR), JAK2 and STAT3 in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer, the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly increased (all P＜0.05); compared with the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group, the mRNA expressions of leptin, LR, JAK2 and STAT3 in the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly increased (all P＜0.05); compared with the laurocapram group, the mRNA expressions of leptin, LR, JAK2 and STAT3 in the borneol group were significantly increased (P＜0.05). The trend of immunohistochemistry and WB detection results was basically consistent with the qPCR assay results. The immunohistochemistry and WB detection results of phosphorylated JAK2 (phospho-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (phospho-STAT3) were basically consistent with those of JAK2 and STAT3. Conclusion: The molecular expression of Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in the hyperlipidemia model rabbits was decreased. The molecular expression of Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 pathway was significantly increased after the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion. The application of laurocapram and borneol, as transdermal absorption enhancers, in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion could more obviously up-regulate the factors of the Leptin/JAK2/STAT3 lipid-regulating pathway than the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion alone.
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Objective:To observe the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) in rabbits with atherosclerosis.Methods:Thirty-six male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and a simvastatin group according to the random number table method,with 9 rabbits in each group.Rabbits in the model group,the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group were modeled by high fat feeding method which took 12 weeks.After verification of the successful model,rabbits in the normal group were not treated,in the model group were bundled,in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion,and those in the simvastatin group were treated with simvastatin,all for a total of 4 weeks.At the end of the experiment,the aorta and liver were observed for pathological changes;serum and liver were used to detect lipid levels;Western blot (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect LXRα protein and mRNA expression levels,respectively.Results:Compared with the normal group,the structure of aorta was disordered,the wall was rough and thick,the intima was unsmooth,and the vascular smooth muscle cells were arranged closely and disorderly in the model group,which was consistent with the characteristics of the rabbit model of aortic atherosclerosis.Compared with the model group,the aortic structure was clear,the degree of hepatocyte degeneration was reduced,the serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly decreased (all P＜0.01),the high-density lipoprotein level was elevated (P＜0.01),and the total liver cholesterol was decreased significantly (P＜0.01) in the rabbits of the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group;compared with the model group,the protein (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05) and mRNA (P＜0.01) expressions of rabbit LXRα in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group were increased.Conclusion:Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can improve the aortic and hepatic lesions,regulate blood lipid and liver lipid levels,increase the expression of liver cholesterol reverse transport nuclear receptor LXRα,promote reverse cholesterol transport in the rabbits with aortic atherosclerosis,therefore produces an antiatherogenic effect.
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Objective To explore the action mechanism of moxibustion in treating Crohn's disease (CD) by observing the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC and Caspase-1) and IL-1β. Method Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of clean conventional grade were randomized into a normal control group (NG), a model control group (MG), a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion control group (MoxG), and a sham moxibustion control group (SMG). The CD rat models were developed by using the mixture of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and alcohol via enema. When the models were successfully developed, the MoxG received moxibustion intervention at bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6), and the SMG were administered by unlighted moxa cones. At the end of treatment, the length of each rats' colon and the colon macroscopic damage index (CMDI) score were recorded, the histopathological variations of rats' colons were observed by adopting HE staining and light microscope, and the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β in rats' colons were determined by using immunohistochemical technique. Result Compared to the NG, the MG had its rats' colons present with severe damages, fissured ulcers and inflammatory cell infiltration with edema, and granulomas in submucosa of some colons, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β increased significantly (P<0.05);compared to the MG, the MoxG had rats' colons present with improved structures and reduced intestinal inflammation, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β dropped significantly (P<0.05); the SMG had its rats' colon inflammation present similarly to the MG, and its expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 and IL-1β had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Herbal Cake-partitioned moxibustion can down-regulate the expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β in CD rats' colons to promote the repair of colon damage.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) at umbilicus in treating chronic prostatitis due to kidney-qi insufficiency. Method Sixty patients with chronic prostatitis due to kidney-qi insufficiency were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 cases each. The treatment group was intervened by HPM, and the control group was treated with oral medication. The two groups were evaluated by using the National Health Institute-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and the count of white blood cell of expressed prostatic secretion (EPS-WBC) before and after the intervention, and the clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared. Result The total effective rate was 90.0％ in the treatment group versus 75.9％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The NIH-CPSI component scores were significantly changed in both groups after the treatment (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the component scores of NIH-CPSI between the two groups after the treatment (P>0.05). The EPS-WBC count changed significantly in both groups after the treatment (P<0.01). After the intervention, the EPS-WBC count in the treatment group was significantly different from that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion HPM at umbilicus is an effective method in treating chronic prostatitis due to kidney-qi insufficiency.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of herbal cake moxibustion plus acupuncture in treating post-stroke urinary incontinence.Methods Fifty patients with post-stroke urinary incontinence were randomized to a treatment group (26 cases) and a control groups (24 cases). The treatment group received herbal cake moxibustion plus acupuncture and the control group, acupuncture alone. Twenty-four-hour urine void number, incontinence severity and the clinical symptom score were recorded in the two groups before and after treatment.Results There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in twenty-four-hour urine void number and the clinical symptom score in the two groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in pre-/post-treatment twenty-four- hour urine void number difference value and clinical symptom score difference value between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in incontinence severity in the two groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant post-treatment difference in incontinence severity between the treatment and control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Herbal cake moxibustion plus acupuncture is an effective way to treat post-stroke urinary incontinence.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus indirect moxibustion treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation of blood stasis type. Method Sixty patients diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (blood stasis type) were randomized to treatment and control groups, 30 cases each. The treatment group received electroacupuncture plus medicine separated moxibustion and the control group, electroacupuncture alone. treatment was given once daily, 10times as a course. Pre- and post-treatment JOA lumbar scores were compared in the patients after two courses of treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated in the patients using the TCM Criteria of the Diagnosis of and Therapeutic Effect on Diseases. Result Lumbar function was improved significantly in both treatment and control groups of patients (P<0.01) but improved more significantly in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 96.7% in the treatment group and 83.3% in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference in the total efficacy rate between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture plus indirect moxibustion is a better way to treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation of blood stasis type. Its therapeutic effect is better than that of electroacupuncture alone.
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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 F2a (PGF2α), 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.