To investigate the effect of mild moxibustion on transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel expression in primary dysmenorrhea (PD) rats and explore its mechanism in alleviating central pain sensitization. Thirty-two female non-pregnant Wistar rats were randomized into a blank group, a model group, a mild moxibustion group, and a capsazepine group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other three groups used estradiol benzoate, ice-water bath, and oxytocin to establish the rat PD model of cold-dampness stagnation pattern. The interventions began on day 1 of modeling, once a day, and lasted 10 d. The mild moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4), 20 min/time; in the capsazepine group, capsazepine was injected at a dose of 2 mg/(kg·bw). The abdominal pain threshold was measured 10–30 min after oxytocin injection on day 11; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) level; the expression of TRPV1, cluster of differentiation 11B (CD11B), and proto-oncogene c-Fos in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Compared to the blank group, the model group showed a decreased pain threshold (P<0.05) and an increased serum PGF2α level with elevated TRPV1, CD11B, and c-Fos protein expression in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, both the mild moxibustion group and capsazepine group showed significantly increased pain thresholds (P<0.05), along with decreased serum PGF2α levels and reduced protein expression levels of TRPV1, CD11B, and c-Fos in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus (P<0.05). Rat pain threshold in the capsazepine group was higher than that in the mild moxibustion group (P<0.05). Serum PGF2α level, the expression levels of CD11B and c-Fos proteins in the spinal dorsal horn, as well as TRPV1, CD11B, and c-Fos proteins in the hypothalamus of the capsazepine group were lower than those in the mild moxibustion group (P<0.05). Mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) may alleviate the central pain sensitization in PD rats by down-regulating TRPV1 channel expression in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus, thus playing an analgesic effect.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically analyze the molecular mechanism by which oxidative stress-regulated SIRT1/p53/Bax signaling inhibits apoptosis in H9C2 cardiomyocytes and to elucidate the potential therapeutic targets of traditional Chinese medicine moxibustion therapy for preventing exercise-induced cardiac myocardial injury through the regulation of this pathway. Methods: An oxidative stress injury model was established in H9C2 cardiomyocytes using oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The cells were organized into seven distinct groups: normal control (N), normal + blank serum (NC), normal + model serum (NMD), normal + moxibustion serum (NMOX), OGD-treated (OGD), OGD + blank serum (OGDC), and OGD + moxibustion serum (OGDM). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assays, and protein expression was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Results: Compared with the N group, the OGD group exhibited significantly increased LDH release (P < 0.01); an increased apoptosis rate (P < 0.01); upregulated expression of p53, acetyl-p53, Bax, Cyt-c, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 (all P < 0.01); and decreased levels of SIRT1 and Bcl-2 (both P < 0.01). In contrast, the OGDM group exhibited opposite trends, with reduced LDH release (P < 0.01), a lower apoptosis rate (P < 0.01), downregulated expression of apoptotic proteins (all P < 0.01), and increased expression of SIRT1 and Bcl-2 (both P < 0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion has potential protective effects against exercise-induced myocardial injury through the modulation of the SIRT1/p53/Bax pathway to inhibit apoptosis in heart cells.

Objective: Clinical studies have shown that moxibustion at CV8 can prevent pathological myocardial injury and improve heart function; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored how moxibustion at CV8 prevents and treats exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the SIRT1/p53/Bax pathway. Methods: A 12-week treadmill exercise regimen was implemented to develop a rat model of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia. The impact of moxibustion at CV8 on this condition was evaluated by analyzing serum biomarkers, myocardial cell mitochondria, and tissue-related indicators using ELISA, colorimetric assays, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and HE and TUNEL staining. Results: Moxibustion at CV8 effectively alleviated myocardial injury, improved pathological electrocardiograms, and lowered the serum levels of BNP, CK-MB, cTnI, and cTnT. It also reduced myocardial tissue levels of p53, acetyl-p53, Cyt-c, Bax, caspase-9, cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-3 while increasing the activity of myocardial mitochondria I-IV and the expression of SIRT1 and Bcl-2, thereby inhibiting myocardial cell apoptosis. Conclusions: Moxibustion at CV8 inhibits myocardial cell apoptosis and prevents exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmia by regulating the SIRT1/p53/Bax pathway.

Lung injury caused by sports not only affects athletes' competitive careers but also may even cause permanent respiratory diseases that become lifelong health problems. Recent studies have shown that the pathogenesis of lung injury caused by exercise is related to changes in airway inflammatory mediators induced during exercise. Inflammation and abnormal autophagy play important roles in altering inflammatory mediator expression. In clinical practice, we found that moxibustion at CV8 can promote fatigue recovery and reduce the frequency of exercise-induced asthma attacks. To further explore the mechanism of action, we carried out an experiment. Long-term fatigue exercise can lead to decreased pulmonary function, alveolar wall thinning, and enlargement and rupture of some alveolar cavities; severe ultrastructural damage; severe mitochondrial swelling; increased serum inflammatory factors such as IL-1 beta, IL-18, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha; increased Beclin1, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1 beta and IL-18; and decreased p62 expression. Moxibustion at CV8 can effectively prevent long-term exercise fatigue-induced lung injury, possibly by activating autophagy to inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and promote the balance of proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory factors.

Objective: By observing the effect of moxibustion at Shenque（CV 8） on spleen immune function in rats with long-term exercise-induced fatigue, we explored the mechanism of relieving exercise-induced fatigue. Materials and Methods: The male rats were divided into five groups: normal group（no intervention）, control group（moxibustion at CV 8）, untreated group（treadmill training）, tail group（moxibustion at nonacupoint after treadmill training）, and CV 8 group（moxibustion at CV 8 after treadmill training）. We observed the general behavior of the rats, measured the levels of interleukin-1β（IL-1β）, IL-18, IL-6, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-10 in serum, and examined CD3 + , CD4 + , CD8 + , nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） p65, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β in spleen tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the spleen. Results: After 8 weeks of training, the results in the normal group and CV 8 group were significantly better than those in the untreated and tail groups. In the untreated group and tail group, body weight, spleen mass, spleen index, and serum IL-10 concentrations decreased significantly（P ? 0.05 or P ? 0.01）, whereas high expression was observed in other parts of the serum and spleen tissue（P ? 0.01）. The spleen corpuscle in the white pulp was reduced and necrotic without obvious germinal centers. Conclusions: Moxibustion at CV 8 could inhibit the NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 inflammatory pathway to improve immunity and relieve exercise-induced fatigue.

To observe the effects of preventative moxibustion on analgesia, substance P (SP), prostaglandin (PG) F2α and PGE2 in rats with dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness stagnation, and to explore the analgesic mechanism. Sixty-four female Wistar non-pregnant rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Western medicine group, and a preventative moxibustion group, with 16 rats in each group. Eight qualified diestrus rats were selected from each group. Except for the blank group, the other three groups established models of dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness stagnation using an ice water bath combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin. On the 8th day after modeling, the preventative moxibustion group was treated with gentle moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4), and the Western medicine group was given ibuprofen solution for 4 consecutive days. On the 11th day, the intervention groups (i.e. the Western medicine group and the preventative moxibustion group) were treated once again after being injected with oxytocin. The writhing score and the pain threshold of rats were determined; the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), SP, PGF2α, and PGE2 were measured; the mRNA and protein expression levels of BDNF and its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus were detected. Compared with the blank group, the writhing score increased (P<0.01), the pain threshold decreased (P<0.01), the serum levels of BDNF, SP, and PGF2α increased (P<0.01), while the PGE2 decreased (P<0.01); the protein and mRNA expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the writhing score decreased, the pain threshold increased, the serum BDNF, SP, and PGF2α levels decreased significantly, the serum PGE2 level increased, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus decreased significantly in the preventative moxibustion group and the Western medicine group, while the inter-group differences were significant (P<0.01). Compared with the Western medicine group, the writhing score decreased, the pain threshold increased, the serum BDNF, SP, and PGF2α, levels decreased, the serum PGE2 level increased, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus in the preventative moxibustion group decreased significantly, while the inter-group differences were significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Preventative moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) can improve the pain sensitization state of rats with dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness stagnation, down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression levels of BDNF and TrkB in the spinal dorsal horn and hypothalamus; regulation of the serum SP, PGF2α, and PGE2 levels may be part of the mechanism.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceShengxian decoction (SXD) is a classic Chinese medicinal formula that can effectively improve clinical symptoms and quality of life and delay disease progression in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Aim of the studyThis study aimed to observe PANoptosis in bleomycin-induced IPF and to assess the efficacy and mechanism of action of SXD in the treatment of IPF.Materials and methodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into the sham, IPF, IPF + pirfenidone (PFD), IPF + SXD-medium dose (SXD-M), and IPF + SXD-low dose (SXD-L) groups. Lung function analysis and microcomputed tomography imaging of the rats with IPF treated with oral pirfenidone or oral SXD for 28 days were performed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to observe pathological lung damage. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to determine the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis were assessed using TUNEL, TUNEL/caspase-1, and PI fluorescence staining, respectively. GSDMD, caspase-3, and MLKL were examined by immunohistochemistry. The expression of fibrin-, ZBP1-, pyroptosis-, apoptosis-, and necroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue was determined by western blotting.ResultsSXD normalized lung function in rats with bleomycin-induced IPF and reduced serum inflammatory factor levels and lung tissue fibrosis. The underlying mechanism of action involves the inhibition of pyroptosis pathway proteins, such as NLRP3, caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD; apoptotic pathway proteins, such as Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and caspase-3; and necroptosis pathway proteins, such as RIPK1, RIPK3, p-MLKL and MLKL. These pathways are modulated by the PANoptosis initiator ZBP1. Notably, the efficacy of SXD is concentration dependent, with a medium dose exhibiting superior effectiveness compared to a low dose.ConclusionBleomycin induced PANoptosis in the lung tissue of rats with IPF. Additionally, SXD effectively delayed or reversed the early pathological changes in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting PANoptosis.

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of acupuncture combined with bloodletting on the expression of inflammatory factors in serum, the morphology of sensitized skin tissue and the mast cell degranulation in urticaria rats, and to explore the potential mechanism of this therapy for urticaria. METHODS:Among 42 SD rats of SPF grade, 6 rats were randomly collected for the preparation of sensitized antiserum; and the rest 36 rats were randomized into a blank group, a model group, a positive drug group, an acupuncture group, a bloodletting group and a combined treatment group (acupuncture + bloodletting), 6 rats in each one. The rat model of urticaria was established by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In the positive drug group, loratadine (1 mg•kg-1) by gavage was administered once a day. In the acupuncture group, 1 h after gavage with 0.9% NaCl (1 mL), acupuncture was delivered at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), and bilateral "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Xuehai" (SP 10) for 15 min, once daily . In the bloodletting group, 1 h after gavage with 0.9% NaCl (1 mL), bloodletting was operated at "Dazhui" (GV 14) and bilateral "Geshu" (BL 17), around 0.1 mL of bleeding volume at each point, once daily. In the combined treatment group, 1 h after gavage with 0.9% NaCl (1 mL), the interventions as the acupuncture group and the bloodletting group were adopted, once daily. All the interventions started on day 6 of modeling, lasting 2 weeks. After intervention completion, antigenic stimulation was performed in the rats of each group. Using ELISA, the levels of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), tryptase (TPS), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected. The diameter of the blue spots of the sensitized skin on the back was measured with ruler in each rat. The morphology of sensitized skin tissue was observed using HE staining, and the degranulation of mast cells was observed using Toluidine blue staining. RESULTS:Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the levels of serum IgE, TPS, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α increased (P<0.01), the diameter of blue spot on the sensitized part of the rat back was larger (P<0.01), the degranulation rate of mast cells was elevated (P<0.01), and there were obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and edema in the dermis of sensitized skin tissue on the rat back. Compared with the model group, the serum levels of IgE, TPS, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α were reduced in the positive drug group, the acupuncture group, the bloodletting group and the combined treatment group (P<0.01, P<0.05); skin blue spot diameter was smaller in the positive drug group and the combined treatment group (P<0.05); the degranulation rate of mast cells decreased in the positive drug group, the acupuncture group, the bloodletting group and the combined treatment group (P<0.01); and the dermal edema, inflammatory infiltration were attenuated in the positive drug group, the acupuncture group, the bloodletting group and the combined treatment group. Compared with the acupuncture group and the bloodletting group, the serum levels of IgE, TPS, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α, as well as the degranulation rate of mast cells in the sensitized tissue were lower in the positive drug group and the combined treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Acupuncture combined with bloodletting effectively suppress mast cell degranulation in the sensitized skin tissue on the back of urticaria rats, and ameliorate the histopathological morphology. Its effect mechanism may be related to inhibiting the differentiation and proliferation of helper T cells 2 and regulating the humoral immune response.

Objective To observe the effects of sparrow-pecking moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) on the writhing reaction and score, the temperature and blood flow perfusion of moxibustion point area and uterus, the serum levels of arginine vasopressin (AVP), prostaglandin (PG) F 2α , and thromboxane (TX) B 2 in rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) due to cold-dampness stagnation, and to explore the possible mechanism of sparrow-pecking moxibustion in treating PD. Methods Thirty-two healthy non-pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an ibuprofen group, and a sparrow-pecking moxibustion group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the other three groups were subjected to modeling with cold water bath combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin injection. Rats in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group were treated with sparrow-pecking moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4) on the 8th day of modeling, 30 min/time, once a day for 3 d; those in the ibuprofen group were treated with 0.8 mL ibuprofen solution (a specification of 125 mg in 10 mL) on the 8th day of modeling, once a day for 3 d; those in the normal group and the model group were given 0.8 mL normal saline, once a day for 3 d. On the 11th day, rats in each group were intraperitoneally injected with oxytocin (2 U/rat), and the writhing incubation period and writhing score in 20 min were observed; the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), and uterus in vivo were detected; the serum levels of AVP, PGF 2α , and TXB 2 were determined. Results The writhing incubation period was significantly longer ( P <0.01) and the writhing score was significantly lower ( P <0.01) in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group and the ibuprofen group than in the model group; compared with the ibuprofen group, the writhing incubation period was prolonged ( P <0.01) and the writhing score was decreased ( P <0.01) in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group; compared with the normal group, the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), and uterus were significantly decreased, while the serum PGF 2α , AVP, and TXB 2 levels were significantly increased ( P <0.01) in the model group; compared with the model group, the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), and uterus were significantly increased, and the serum levels of PGF 2α , AVP, and TXB 2 were significantly decreased in the ibuprofen group and the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group ( P <0.05 or P <0.01); compared with the ibuprofen group, the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), and uterus were significantly increased ( P <0.05), the serum AVP and TXB 2 levels were significantly decreased ( P <0.05), while the serum PGF 2α level had no statistical difference in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group ( P >0.05). Conclusion Sparrow-pecking moxibustion had a remarkable analgesic effect on the rats with PD due to cold-dampness stagnation, and the mechanism may be related to the increased temperature and blood perfusion of the moxibustion point area and uterus, as well as the decreased serum PGF 2α , AVP, and TXB 2 levels.

Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of moxibustion in myocardial protection of rats undergoing long-term fatigue exercise based on observing the classical pyroptosis pathway mediated by nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1).Methods: A total of 50 specific-pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were bought. Ten unqualified rats were excluded, and the remaining 40 rats were divided into a normal group, a normal + Shenque (CV8) group, a model group, a model + non-meridian non-point group, and a model + Shenque (CV8) group according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Except for rats in the normal group and the normal + Shenque (CV8) group, rats in the other three groups were trained with an incline running table exercise protocol to create a long-term fatigue exercise model, 1 h/time, once a day for 5 d with 2 d off, for a total of 8 weeks. Rats in the normal group received no modeling or intervention. Rats in the normal + Shenque (CV8) group were not modeled but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV8); those in the model group were modeled only without intervention; those in the model + non-meridian non-point group received moxibustion at non-meridian and non-point spots after the modeling; those in the model + Shenque (CV8) group received moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) after modeling. The above moxibustion interventions were performed for 15 min/time once daily, for 5 d with 2 d off per week and a total of 8 weeks. Blood was collected from the femoral artery 4 h after the last exercise, and the serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels were measured. The NF-κB, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression levels were detected by Western blotting. Myocardial morphology and pyroptosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and electron microscopy. Results: The HE staining results showed that the myocardial cells in the model group and the model + non-meridian non-point group were disorganized with blurred transverse lines, widened interstitial spaces, interstitial edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The structure of myocardial cells in the model + Shenque (CV8) group was clearly visible, with slightly widened interstitial spaces and occasional infiltration of inflammatory cells in the interstitium. Compared with the normal group, the serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were increased, and myocardial NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression levels were elevated in the model group and the model + non-meridian non-point group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators did not change significantly in the model + non-meridian non-point group, while all the above indicators were decreased in the model + Shenque (CV8) group (P<0.01). Compared with the model + non-meridian non-point group, all the above biochemical indicators were decreased in the model + Shenque (CV8) group (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria number was increased in the model group and the model + non-meridian non-point group, some of the mitochondrial lumen was irregularly enlarged, the cell membrane structure was unclear, and chromatin was aggregated. The mitochondria number was increased, the swelling was reduced, and the nuclear membrane structure was more intact in the model + Shenque (CV8) group. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) regulates the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and reduces the pyroptosisin the myocardium of rats with long-term fatigue exercise, thus reducing the myocardial injury caused by long-term fatigue exercise.

Objective: To observe the immediate effect of small-angle Tui-Pushing and An-Pressing anti-rotation bone-setting manipulation in improving the correction of braces for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A total of 50 cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were selected and given brace correction first. The whole spine anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were taken, the Cobb angle was measured, and the visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain caused by brace wearing was recorded. After removal of the brace, small-angle Tui-Pushing and An-Pressing anti-rotation bone-setting manipulation was performed once. After treatment, the same brace was put on again to take a whole spine anteroposterior radiograph, the Cobb angle was measured, and the VAS score was recorded. The changes in Cobb angle and VAS score after manipulation were compared, and the immediate efficacy was evaluated. Results: After the manipulation, the Cobb angle was significantly smaller than that before treatment (P<0.01) and the VAS score was significantly lower than that before treatment (P<0.01). Conclusion: Small-angle Tui-Pushing and An-Pressing anti-rotation bone-setting manipulation can improve the immediate efficacy of brace in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and relieve the pain caused by brace wearing at the same time.

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. 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. 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). 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.

Background: Physiological exercise-induced fatigue is a potential risk factor to human body in motion which can restrict the effectiveness of training and resulting muscle and joint strain. Both ancient texts and modern clinical reports have shown that moxibustion at CV8 alleviates exercise-induced fatigue. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of action is still unclear. Objective: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on mitochondrial energy metabolism in skeletal muscle of fatigued rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, rats treated with moxibustion for 8 weeks to assess its efficacy in enhancing energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), prohibitin-1 (PHB1), FoF1-ATPase and mitochondrial morphology of the biceps femoris were analyzed to explore evidence of moxibustion in long-term exercise. Results: Our research indicated that moxibustion could reduce the levels of biceps MDH, PHB1 and FoF1-ATPase in fatigued rats, and increased SDH and ATP levels. The electron microscopy showed that the mitochondrial morphology in the untreated and non-acupoint groups swollen, the cristae either decreased or fractured, but the degree of CV8 group was significantly lower than the other two groups. Conclusions: Moxibustion at CV8 relieves motor fatigue by regulating the energy metabolism of skeletal muscle and is a safe and effective non-drug treatment.

目的:通过探讨燕赵医家窦材使用艾灸中脘穴、命关穴的临证特点,为临床应用提供参考.方法:以窦材所著《扁鹊心书》为检索源,将符合标准的临证医案纳入,提取临床症状信息,并用Excel软件建立原始数据库文件;应用SPSS Statistic23进行频数、聚类分析.结果:中脘穴共纳入医案15条,提取临床症状22个,出现总频次44次.经聚类分析,得到呕吐、泄泻为一组,发热、头痛、痞满、倦怠为一组,头晕、拘挛为一组,烦躁、不食为一组的4个中脘穴核心临床症状群;命关穴共纳入医案19条,提取临床症状20个,出现总频次45次.经聚类分析,得到身黄、小便不利、食少、水肿为一组,泄泻、呕吐为一组的2个命关穴核心临床症状群.结论:本研究分析发现窦材灸中脘穴、命关穴主要治疗太阴病症,固护脾阳以达到扶正祛邪的目的.

当前人才队伍建设滞后的问题已成为制约深化医改的重要因素,通过了解学生思想动态,完善研究生阶段的教学机制,以培养符合岗位胜任力目标、具有中医思维的合格中医人才.根据276名研究生的调研结果,结合医教协同发展的时代背景,提出统一研究生复试入口、优化中医住院医师规范化培训方案、修订中医学术学位研究生培养方案等方面建议,探索构建多途径的高层次中医学人才培养体系.

目的 探析燕赵医家窦材《扁鹊心书》使用艾灸关元的应用规律,为临床应用提供参考.方法 以窦材所著《扁鹊心书》为检索源,将符合标准的临证医案纳入,提取临床症状信息,并用Excel 2016软件建立原始数据库文件;应用SPSS Statistic 23进行频数、聚类分析.结果 共纳入医案36条,300壮以下17条,300壮及以上19条.提取临床症状36个,出现总频次92次,以"肢冷"最高;300壮以下涉及临床症状27个,出现频次51次,以"倦怠""肢冷"最高;300壮及以上涉及临床症状27个,出现频次41次,以"肢冷"最高.经聚类分析,发现皮肤紫斑、噫气、口干为一组,发热、咳嗽、食少为一组,肢冷、谵语、头昏为一组,倦怠、痞满、泄泻、呕吐为一组的4个艾灸关元穴核心临床症状群,按照经脉病候,分别为少阴病证、太阴病证;发现咳嗽、食少、发热为一组,倦怠、痞满为一组,泄泻、呕吐、肢冷为一组的3个灸量300壮以下核心临床症状群,为太阴病证;发现噫气、耳聋、皮肤紫斑、肢冷为一组,食少、泄泻为一组的2个灸量300壮及以上核心临床症状群,属少阴、太阴并病.结论 窦材善用艾灸关元穴治疗太阴病证和少阴病证,且与灸量关系密切,300壮以下以治疗太阴病证为主,300壮及以上则治疗少阴、太阴并病.

目的 观察艾灸神阙穴对一次性力竭大鼠能量物质代谢及血清睾酮、皮质醇水平的影响.方法 将50只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、对照组、力竭组、非经非穴组和神阙组,每组10只.除空白组、对照组外,其余组采用游泳实验建立一次性力竭模型.力竭游泳结束后,力竭组不予治疗干预,神阙组即刻给予温和灸神阙穴15 min,非经非穴组即刻给予温和灸非经非穴点15 min.对照组温和灸神阙穴15 min,空白组不给予任何干预.力竭运动后4 h,检测各组大鼠血清乳酸(BLA)、肌酐(Cr)、尿素氮(BUN)、肌酸激酶(CK)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、皮质醇(C)、睾酮(T)水平并计算睾酮/皮质醇值.结果 力竭组大鼠血清BLA、BUN、CK、LDH、皮质醇水平均明显高于空白组(P均<0.05),血清Cr、睾酮水平及睾酮/皮质醇值均明显低于空白组(P均<0.05);神阙组大鼠血清BLA、BUN、CK、LDH、皮质醇水平均低于力竭组和非经非穴组(P均<0.05),血清Cr、睾酮水平及睾酮/皮质醇值均明显高于力竭组和非经非穴组(P均<0.05).结论 艾灸神阙可通过调节能量物质代谢及睾酮、皮质醇水平,改善机体的疲劳状态.

Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque(CV8) on myocardial structure and function in rats with exercise-induced fatigue. Methods: A 12-week treadmill training program was used to establish a rat model of exercise-induced fatigue. Fifty-six male SD rats removed six rats that did not reach the molding condition, Remaining rats were randomly divided into the following five groups: a normal group (n=10) that did not under go the exercise routine and were not treated, a control group (n=10) that did not under go the exercise routine, but received a mild dose of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV 8) for 15 min, an untreated group (n=10) that received no treatment after exercise, a CV 8 group (n=10) that received a mild dose of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV 8) for 15 min after exercise, a non-acupoint(tail) group(n=10) that received a mild dose of moxibustion at "non-acupoint" for 15 min after exercise. At one hour after the end of the 12-week training program, the left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDV), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSV), peak early diastolic mitral blood flow velocity (E), and peak late diastolic mitral blood flow velocity (A) were measured,and the E/A ratio were calculated. The serum myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) levels were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: When the values obtained before and after treatment were compared within the same groups, the LVDV, LVSV, E, and A were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the E/A were decreased (P<0.01) in the untreated group and the tail group. Regarding inter-group comparisons, the LVDV, LVSV, E, and A were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the E/A were decreased (P<0.01) in the untreated group and the tail group compared to the normal group and control group. Compared to the untreated group and the tail group, the LVDV, LVSV, E, and A were decreased (P<0.01) and the E/A were increased (P<0.01) in the CV 8 group. Compared to the normal group and the control group, the serum Mb, CK-MB, and cTnI levels were increased (P<0.01) in the untreated group and the tail group, and the serum Mb and CK-MB levels were also increased (P<0.01) in the CV 8 group. Compared to the untreated group and the tail group the serum Mb, CK-MB, and cTnI levels in the CV 8 group were decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions: Moxibustion at Shenque(CV8) can effectively prevent cardiac structural changes caused by exercise-induced fatigue and enhance heart function. This treatment does not have side effects in healthy rats and is a safe and effective technique..

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on the expression of c-Jun terminal kinase(JNK)signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus of vascular dementia (VD) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of VD. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model and EA groups (n＝10 rats per group). The VD model was prepared by repeated occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries for 10 min and reperfusion for 10 min (3 times in total). The rats in the EA group received EA (2 Hz, 2 mA) at "Dazhui"(GV14)，"Baihui"(GV20), and bilateral "Housanli"(ST36) ，"Geshu"(BL17) for 10 min, once daily for 14 days. The learning-memory abi-lity was detected by Morris water maze tests, the distribution of hippocampal neurons detected by Nissl staining, and the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons detected by using TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. The expressions of JNK, phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), cysteine-containing aspartate-specific proteases-8 (Caspase-8) and Caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot. RESULTS After modeling and compared with the sham operation group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged (P<0.01) and the number of safe-platform quadrant crossing obviously decreased (P<0.01), suggesting a reduction of learning-memory ability. The number of hippocampal neurons was considerably reduced (P<0.01), and that of hippocampal apoptotic neurons remarkably increased in the model group (P<0.01). Whereas, the expression levels of hippocampal apoptosis-related proteins as JNK, p-JNK, Caspase-8 and Caspase-3, as well as the apoptotic index were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). Following EA intervention, the learning-memory ability was apparently improved (P<0.01), and the number of hippocampal neurons was considerably increased (P<0.01), the hippocampal apoptotic cell number, apoptosis index and the expression levels of JNK, p-JNK, Caspase-8 and Caspase-3 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). CONCLUSION EA intervention can improve the learning-memory ability of VD rats, which may be associated with its effects in reducing hippocampal apoptosis by suppressing JNK signaling pathway.