Therapeutic efficacy of moxibustion at different distances on type Ⅱ collagen-induced arthritis

Wang Yang; Wu Xin-yu; Sun Zhi-ling; Zhang Yong-yi; Xue Lian; Qin Xue

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2017.08.016

Abstract：BACKGROUND: Moxibustion can improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce inflammation, but there are no uniform operation standards. The moxibustion distance becomes one of factor influencing the therapeutic efficacy.OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of different moxibustion distances on rheumatoid arthritis, and to explore the optimal distance.METHODS: The 8 of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected as controls. The other 32 were used to make animal modes of collagen type Ⅱ-induced ankle arthritis, and then given moxibustion at Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36) at an interval of 1, 2 and 3 cm, respectively, once daily, 10 minutes at each point, 6 days per course for three courses, with a course interval of 1 day. Model rats with no treatment acted as model group.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, the toe volume, arthritis index and serum levels ofinterleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α except the body mass were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.01).After moxibustion treatment, these indexes were significantly decreased in the three treatment groups (P < 0.01), especially in the 1 and 2 cm groups (P < 0.01). Narrowed articular cavity, intra-articular inflammation and pannus formation were observed in the model group, while only moderate inflammatory cell infiltration and few pannus formation were found in the 1,2, 3 cm groups. These results indicate that moxibustion improves joint functions and regulates immune reaction by downregulating the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as reducing synovial hyperplasia. In addition,the optimal distance for moxibustion is 1 or 2 cm, which is a momentous proposition to improve therapeutic efficacy.