Résumé
@#Objective To study the role of ubiquitin proteasome pathway in Du Meridian moxibustion for skeletal muscle aging. Methods A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into control group (n=10), model group (n=10) and moxibustion group (n=10). The model group and the moxibustion group were subcutaneously injected D-galactose 125 mg/kg daily for six weeks, while the control group was injected the same volume of saline. Then the moxibustion group was cauterized on Du Meridian 20 minutes a day for 20 days. The expression of ubiquitin, muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) in erector spinae were tested with Western blotting. Results The expression of ubiquitin, MuRF1 and MAFbx increased in the model group compared with that of the control group (P<0.05), decreased in the moxibustion group compared with that of the model group (P<0.05).Conclusion The Du Meridian moxibustion may regulate ubiquitin proteasome pathway to inhibit the degradation of protein, and delay muscular atrophy.
Résumé
Objective To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at “Weizhong” (BL40) on expressions of Fas and FasL in rat models with lumbar disc degeneration; To discuss its mechanism of action.MethodsThirty SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operationgroup, model group and EA group, with 10 rats in each group. The sham-operation group was treated with sham operation to incide local skin; the model and EA groups established rat model of lumbar disc degeneration by puncturing the annulus fibrosus. Four weeks after modeling, rats in the sham-operation and model groups received fixed treatment under identical condition, and rats in the EA group were treated with EA at “Weizhong” (BL40) in 20 minutes, once a day, for 4 weeks. After treatment, Western blot and RT-PCR technology were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels of Fas and FasL.ResultsThe expressions of Fas and FasL in the model group were higher than those in the sham-operation group (P<0.05); protein and mRNA expression levels of Fas and FasL in the EA group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionEA at “Weizhong” (BL40) can reduce the expressions of Fas and FasL to inhibit the development of lumbar disc degeneration.
Résumé
@#Objective To explore the effect of electroacupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) acupoint on the expression of Bcl-xL and Bax in rats with lumbar disc degeneration. Methods Thirty male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n= 10), model group (n=10), and electroacupuncture group (n=10). The lumbar disc degeneration model was established by puncturing the annulus fibrosis in the model group and electroacupuncture group. One month after modeling, the electroacupuncture group was electroacupunctured at Weizhong acupoint for four weeks. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of Bax in the lumbar disc tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Bcl-xL and Bax protein. Results HE staining showed that the degrees of lumbar disc degeneration from light to severe was ranged as: the sham-operated group, the electroacupuncture group and the model group. The expression of Bcl-xL was lower (P<0.05), and the expression of Bax was higher (P<0.01) in the model group than in the sham-operated group, which was opposite (P<0.01) in the electroacupuncture group than in the model group. Conclusion Electroacuponcture at Weizhong may upregulate the expression of Bcl-xL and downregulate the expression of Bax in rats with lumbar disc degeneration.