Influence of moxibustion on circadian rhythm of inflammatory factor TNF-αin rats with experimental rheuma-toid arthritis

MA Wen-bin; LIU Xu-guang; QIN Yong; ZHOU Hai-yan

Abstract：Objective To investigate the mechanism of of moxibustion on biological rhythm of TNF -αin treat-ment of rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods One hundred and forty -four health Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal group , RA model group, moxibustion treatment group , sham group, adrenalectomy group, adrenalectomy and moxibustion treatment ( AM) group.The RA model was established by footpad injection of Fre-und′s complete adjuvant (FCA).The 12:12 light-dark circles were given to all subjects .Adrenalectomized pretreatment was performed in adrenalectomy group and AM group .Moxibustion was performed on Shenshu ( BL23 ) and Zusanli (ST36) points in moxibustion group and AM group at the set time .The foot volumes and weights were recorded before and after modeling and after treatment .The plasma TNF -αlevels were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 o′clock.Results Comparing with control group , significant increased foot volume was recorded in model group , with maintained TNF -αcircadian rhythm.The peak phase was postponed , with significant increase amplitude and median (P<0.05).Comparing with model group , the foot volume was significantly reduced in moxibustion group , with maintained TNF -αcircadian rhythm.The peak phase was anticipated, with significant reduction in amplitude and median (P<0.05).Comparing with moxibustion group , the foot volume was significantly increased in AM group , with loss of TNF-αcircadian rhythm .The peak phase was anticipated , with significant reduction in amplitude and increase in median ( P<0.05 ) .Conclusion Experimental RA rats have circadian rhythm of TNF -α.HPA axis plays an important role in adjusting the rhythm in rats with RA, via which the anti -inflammatory effect was produced by moxibustion treatment .