Effects of Du Meridian Moxibustion on Ubiquitin Proteasome Pathway in Skeletal Muscle of Aging Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

@#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.