Objective: To investigate the mechanism of in alleviating colonic mucosal inflammation in ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein 2 gene knockout (TET2-/-) mice with ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and DNA hydroxymethylase. Methods: Male specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice (n = 8) and TET2-/- mice (n = 20) were used to establish UC models by freely drinking 3% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 d. After UC model validation through histopathological examination in two mice from each type, the remaining mice were divided into four groups (n = 6 in each group): WT model (WT + UC), TET2-/- model (TET2-/- + UC), TET2-/- mild moxibustion (TET2-/- + MM), and TET2-/- electroacupuncture (TET2-/- + EA) groups. TET2-/- + MM group received mild moxibustion on Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6) for 10 min daily for 7 d. The TET2-/- + EA group also applied electroacupuncture (1 mA, 2/100 Hz) at the same acupoints for 10 min daily for 7 d. The disease activity index (DAI) scores of each group of mice were accessed daily. The colon lengths of mice in groups were measured following intervention. The pathological changes in the colon tissues were observed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, C-C motif chemokine 17 (CCL17), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of DNMT proteins (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) in the colon tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), and DNA hydroxymethylase family proteins (TET 1 and TET3) was detected using immunofluorescence, which also determined the co-localization of TET1 and IL-6 protein. Results: Compared with WT + UC group, TET2-/- + UC group exhibited significantly higher DAI scores and shorter colon lengths (P < 0.01). Both mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture significantly decreased DAI scores and ameliorated colon shortening in TET2-/- mice (P < 0.001). Histopathological scores of TET2-/- + UC mice were significantly higher than those of WT + UC group (P < 0.001) and were significantly reduced after both mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture interventions (P < 0.001). Serum levels of IL-6, CCL17, and CXCL10 were significantly elevated in TET2-/- + UC group compared with WT + UC group (P < 0.001). Mild moxibustion significantly reduced IL-6, CCL17, and CXCL10 levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.01, respectively), while electroacupuncture also significantly reduced IL-6, CCL17, and CXCL10 levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). TET2-/- + UC mice showed increased expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3A , DNMT3B, and 5-mC (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), with decreased expression levels of TET1, TET3, 5-hmC, and HDAC2 (P < 0.001). Mild moxibustion significantly reduced DNMT1, DNMT3B, and 5-mC levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively), while increasing expression levels of TET1, TET3, 5-hmC, and HDAC2 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively). Electroacupuncture significantly decreased 5-mC and DNMT3B levels (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) and increased 5-hmC and HDAC2 levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively), but did not significantly affect TET1 and TET3 expression (P > 0.05). Compared with TET2-/- + MM group, TET2-/- + EA group showed significantly higher 5-mC expression (P < 0.001). TET2-/- + UC group exhibited markedly increased IL-6 expression and higher co-localization of TET1 and IL-6 in mucosal epithelium, whereas minimal IL-6 expression was observed in the other groups. Conclusion Mild moxibustion and electroacupuncture significantly ameliorate colonic inflammation exacerbated by TET2 deficiency in UC mice via epigenetic modulation. Distinct mechanisms exist between the two interventions: mild moxibustion regulates both DNMT and hydroxymethylase, whereas electroacupuncture primarily affects DNMT.

The shaoyang meridian is an important pivot between the internal organs and meridians system， with the functions of regulating qi and blood， balancing yin and yang， and coordinating the ascending and descending movement of qi. Dysfunction of the shaoyang pivot can lead to spleen and kidney deficiency， impaired liver and gallbladder qi regulation， and stagnation of qi and blood. It is believed that the onset and progression of Crohn's disease are closely related to shaoyang pivot dysfunction， with the core pathogenesis characterized by shaoyang disharmony， spleen deficiency， dampness retention， and blood stasis. Based on this understanding， the treatment principle centers on harmonizing the shaoyang pivot， supplemented by methods such as warming and nourishing the spleen and stomach， tonifying shaoyang， and soothing the liver and benefiting the gallbladder. Acupuncture is employed to target key acupoints along the shaoyang meridian to restore its regulatory functions， improve spleen and stomach transformation and transportation， facilitate liver and gallbladder qi flow， and promote the circulation of qi and blood. This provides a practical therapeutic approach for acupuncture-based treatment of Crohn's disease.

Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in Crohn disease(CD)-associated intestinal fibrosis by observing its effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R)axis in CD mouse models.Methods:Six randomly selected male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal group,while the remaining mice were administered 0.1 mL of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid via enema to establish a CD intestinal fibrosis model.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medication group,with 6 rats in each group.The normal group and the model group only received grabbing without intervention.In the moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied to Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25)once a day for 10 min each time over 7 consecutive days.The Western medication group was administered mesalazine suspension via oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days.At the end of the intervention,the general condition,disease activity index(DAI)score,and gross colon score of mice in each group were evaluated.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe and score the histological changes in the colon tissue in each group.Masson staining was used to observe colonic fibrosis and the ratio of collagen-positive areas was analyzed;the expression of Ang Ⅱ in the colon tissue was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the colon tissue,respectively;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in the colon tissue.Results:Compared to the normal group,the DAI score,gross colon score,colonic histological score,collagen-positive area ratio,ACE protein and mRNA,Ang Ⅱ protein,AT1R protein and mRNA,TGF-β1 protein,and CTGF protein in the colon tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,the above indicators in both the moxibustion group and the Western medication group reduced significantly compared to the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in these indicators between the moxibustion group and the Western medication group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate intestinal fibrosis in CD mice,and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the regulation of colonic ACE/AngⅡ/AT1R axis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the research history, hotspots and development trends of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease（GERD）based on knowledge graph technology, and to provide references for clinical and basic research in this field. METHODS: The literature of acupuncture and moxibustion for gastroesophageal reflux disease was searched from the CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed, from the establishment of the databases to December 31th, 2023. CiteSpace 6.2.R6 Advance was used to draw the knowledge graph of authors, institutions, keywords and other elements, and then perform the visual analysis. RESULTS: A total of 341 articles were included, with the number of publications showing an upward trend and the research types continually diversifying. A total of 832 authors and 308 institutions were analyzed, with XIE Sheng from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of CM and BAI Xinghua from the Beijing University of CM as representative figures, forming core research teams. However, there was a lack of close collaboration between institutions, and no significant cross-regional research networks had been formed. A total of 192 keywords were included, forming 8 cluster labels, which mainly included 4 categories：treatment methods, disease types, TCM syndrome types, and literature types. The burst analysis showed that the methods of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease had gradually become more integrated, the treatment methods had transitioned from simple acupuncture therapy to combined therapies with proton pump inhibitors or TCM decoctions, the disease types had become more refined, the focus of mechanism research had shifted from lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal motility to changes in gastrointestinal hormone levels, and the research hotspots had gradually shifted from improving clinical symptoms to considering both mental and psychological states. Twenty-three high-frequency acupoints were obtained, forming 8 clusters of "acupuncture techniques-acupoints" for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with acupuncture and moxibustion, indicating a gradual enrichment of acupuncture and acupoint treatment protocols. CONCLUSION The research on acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease has gradually deepened, in the future, the cooperation among research teams should be strengthened, the quality of clinical research should be improved, more multi-dimensional mechanism research and horizontal comparative research of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods should be made, to provide a basis for clinical promotion and deeper exploration.
Humans ; Moxibustion/trends* ; Gastroesophageal Reflux/therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy/trends*

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in inhibiting peripheral sensitization of visceral pain in mice with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)based on TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway.Methods Totally 28 male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group.The IBS visceral hypersensitivity model was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema.Four weeks post-modeling,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group were given electroacupuncture at bilateral"Zusanli"and intraperitoneal injection of the TRPV1 receptor inhibitor respectively for consecutive 7 d.Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)score was used to evaluate visceral pain in mice,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TRPV1,p-p38,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the Ras-GTP content in colonic tissue,and RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV1 and p38 in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly increased(P<0.001),the expression of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly increased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly decreased in electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),and the expressions of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).There was no significant change in the morphology of colonic tissue in each group of mice.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS mice,and its analgesic effect may be related to the inhibition of the TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway in colonic tissue.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.

Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in Crohn disease(CD)-associated intestinal fibrosis by observing its effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R)axis in CD mouse models.Methods:Six randomly selected male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal group,while the remaining mice were administered 0.1 mL of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid via enema to establish a CD intestinal fibrosis model.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medication group,with 6 rats in each group.The normal group and the model group only received grabbing without intervention.In the moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied to Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25)once a day for 10 min each time over 7 consecutive days.The Western medication group was administered mesalazine suspension via oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days.At the end of the intervention,the general condition,disease activity index(DAI)score,and gross colon score of mice in each group were evaluated.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe and score the histological changes in the colon tissue in each group.Masson staining was used to observe colonic fibrosis and the ratio of collagen-positive areas was analyzed;the expression of Ang Ⅱ in the colon tissue was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the colon tissue,respectively;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in the colon tissue.Results:Compared to the normal group,the DAI score,gross colon score,colonic histological score,collagen-positive area ratio,ACE protein and mRNA,Ang Ⅱ protein,AT1R protein and mRNA,TGF-β1 protein,and CTGF protein in the colon tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,the above indicators in both the moxibustion group and the Western medication group reduced significantly compared to the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in these indicators between the moxibustion group and the Western medication group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate intestinal fibrosis in CD mice,and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the regulation of colonic ACE/AngⅡ/AT1R axis.

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in inhibiting peripheral sensitization of visceral pain in mice with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)based on TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway.Methods Totally 28 male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group.The IBS visceral hypersensitivity model was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema.Four weeks post-modeling,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group were given electroacupuncture at bilateral"Zusanli"and intraperitoneal injection of the TRPV1 receptor inhibitor respectively for consecutive 7 d.Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)score was used to evaluate visceral pain in mice,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TRPV1,p-p38,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the Ras-GTP content in colonic tissue,and RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV1 and p38 in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly increased(P<0.001),the expression of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly increased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly decreased in electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),and the expressions of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).There was no significant change in the morphology of colonic tissue in each group of mice.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS mice,and its analgesic effect may be related to the inhibition of the TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway in colonic tissue.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.

Objective:To explore the inhibitory mechanism of herb cake-partitioned moxibustion on tumor growth in colitis-associated colorectal cancer(CAC)based on histone lysine demethylase 4D(KDM4D). Methods:Inbred male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a CAC group,a herb cake-partitioned moxibustion group,and an inhibitor group.Except the normal group,rats in the other three groups were treated with azoxymethane(AOM)combined with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)to make CAC rat models.Rats in the normal group and the CAC group did not receive interventions;rats in the herb cake-partitioned moxibustion group received moxibustion at Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25),2 cones for one point each time,once a day for 30 d with 1-day rest every week;rats in the inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of KDM4D inhibitor,5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline(5-c-8HQ),once a day for 30 d.After intervention,the general condition,colon length,tumor number and volume,and histopathological colon changes were observed.The expression of adenomatous polyposis coli(APC),axis inhibitor(Axin),cyclin D1,matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-7 and MMP-9 mRNAs were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cleaved caspase3,KDM4D,APC,and Axin proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results:Compared with the normal group,the general condition was poor,the colon length was significantly shortened(P<0.01),the number and volume of colonic tumors were increased(P<0.01),the structure of glandular duct was obviously disordered with"back-to-back"and cowall phenomenon,and also high-grade adenocarcinoma formed;the protein expression levels of PCNA and KDM4D were significantly increased(P<0.01),while cleaved caspase3,APC,and Axin were significantly reduced(P<0.01);the mRNA expression levels of cyclin D1,MMP-7,and MMP-9 were significantly increased(P<0.01),while APC and Axin were significantly reduced(P<0.01)in the CAC group.Compared with the CAC group,the general condition was improved,the length of colon was significantly increased(P<0.01),the number and volume of the colonic tumors were reduced(P<0.05),and the colon tissues showed epithelial cell proliferation with enlarged and deep staining nuclei,dysplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration;the protein expression levels of PCNA and KDM4D were significantly reduced(P<0.01),while the cleaved caspase3,APC,and Axin were significantly increased(P<0.01);the mRNA expression levels of cyclin D1,MMP-7,and MMP-9 were reduced(P<0.05),while the APC and Axin were increased(P<0.05)in the colon tissues of rats in the herb cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the inhibitor group. Conclusion:Herb cake-partitioned moxibustion regulated abnormally expressed KDM4D in CAC rats,activated APC and Axin,the upstream molecules of Wnt/β-catenin pathway,inhibited abnormally activated downstream molecules of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.This may be a key mechanism of herb cake-partitioned moxibustion in inhibiting CAC tumor growth.