Ling Hu

Analgesic effect of different moxibustion durations in rheumatoid arthritis rats.

OBJECTIVE To observe the influence of different moxibustion durations on hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and prodynorphin (PDYN) mRNA expressions and plasma beta-endorphin (beta-EP) content in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, to understand the mechanism of moxibustion analgesia and its dose-effect relationship. METHODS Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly selected from 48 male Wistar rats as a normal control group. The RA model was created by raising rats in a windy (blowing with electric fan), cold (6 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C), and wet (80%-90% humidity) environment for 20 days, 12 h each day. This was followed by injection of Freunds complete adjuvant (0.15 mL) into the ankle. Then, rats were randomly divided into a model group, moxibustion group I, and moxibustion group II, with 12 rats in each group. In moxibustion groups I and II, moxibustion was given at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) for 20 and 40 min, respectively, once daily for 15 days. Hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma beta-EP content were determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the pressure pain threshold decreased, while the hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma beta-EP content increased in the moxibustion groups (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the pressure pain threshold, hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma beta-EP content in the moxibustion groups increased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared the moxibustion group I, the pain threshold, hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma beta-EP content in moxibustion group II significantly increased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Moxibustion has an analgesic effect and increases hypothalamic POMC and PDYN mRNA expression levels and plasma beta-EP content in RA rats.The analgesic effect in moxibustion group II is betterthan that in moxibustion group I.

Meridian–Viscera Correlationship

Meridians and collaterals are considered to be objective entities in the human body. Meridian theory is a foundational component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In traditional acupuncture, doctors are guided by the theory of meridian–viscera correlativity (MVC). In fact, MVC theory is multifaceted and explains the physiology of organ systems, the pathophysiology of disease processes, and the potential management of illness. With respect to physiology, the function of the meridians and their corresponding organs are related closely. Secondly, pathological changes in an organ system can be reflected in the associated meridian, and disease processes can be deduced by the analysis of affected meridians. Based on studies of meridian theory, we published the view that correlation between meridians and viscera is the essential concept that should guide future research. It is our belief that ultimately meridian theory will be the key to understanding TCM. In this chapter, we discuss the basic concepts of meridian theory, how these concepts apply to clinical situations, current understanding of MVC, future directions for MVC research, and the perceived barriers to furthering our understanding.

Study on the effect of moxibustion in treating rhreumatoid arthritis rats and its mechanism

摘要目的观察艾灸对类风湿关节炎大鼠的治疗作用及其机制。方法将100 只雄性Wistar 大鼠随机分为5 组。 每组20 只, 除正常组外, 其余4 组大鼠制备类风湿关节炎模型。 造模成功后, 正常组和模型组不予任何治疗。 艾灸组予艾条悬灸; 香烟组予香烟悬灸, 艾油组予艾叶精油穴位涂抹。 连续治疗15 d 后, 比较各组大鼠体重、 趾围、 胸腺指数及脾指数变化, 免疫组化方法检测大鼠关节滑膜中Fas/FasL 蛋白的表达。结果艾灸组大鼠体重增加, 关节肿胀减轻, 胸腺指数提高、 脾指数下降, 关节滑膜中Fas/FasL 蛋白的表达增加。 在改善上述指标方面, 艾灸组、 香烟组较艾油组明显; 艾灸组在Fas/FasL 蛋白表达方面优于香烟组。结论艾灸治疗能显著改善大鼠类风湿关节炎症状, 调节关节滑膜中Fas/FasL 蛋白的表达, 诱导滑膜细胞凋亡, 这可能是艾灸发挥温通作用的有效机制之一。AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of moxibustion in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its mechanism.MethodsA hundred male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups, 20 in each group. RA models were developed in all groups except for the normal group. When the models were successfully prepared, the rats in the normal group and the model group didn’t receive any treatment. Those in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion by moxa stick, those in the cigarette group received fumigation by cigarette; while those in the moxa oil group were treated by applying moxa essential oil to acupoints. After consecutive 15-day treatment, body weight, paw circumference, thymus and spleen indexes were compared among the five groups, and the expression of Fas/FasL protein in synovium of rat’s joint was detected by using immunohistochemical (IHC) method.ResultsAfter treatment, the moxibustion group had body weight increased, joint swelling relieved, thymus index enhanced, spleen index dropped, and the expression of Fas/FasL protein raised. Regarding the above indexes, the moxibustion group and the cigarette group showed more significant improvements than the moxa oil group; the moxibustion group had more significant effect on the expression of Fas/FasL than the cigarette group.ConclusionMoxibustion obviously improves the symptoms of RA rats, regulates the expression of Fas/FasL protein in synovium of rat’s joint, and induces apoptosis of synovial cells, which maybe one of the mechanisms of moxibustion in achieving the warming and unblocking effect.