OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of moxibustion with different temperatures on cholesterol and skin around "Shenque" (CV 8) in mice with acute hyperlipidemia, and to explore the correlation between moxibustion effect and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1).

METHODSEight mice among 32 mice of C57BL/6J wild type (WT) were selected into a blank group, and the remaining 24 mice were made into the acute hyperlipidemia model by injection of egg yolk. After model establishment, the mice were randomly divided into a model group, a 38 °C moxibustion group and a 46 °C moxibustion group, 8 mice in each group. The temperature was (38 ± 1) °C in the 38 °C moxibustion group and (46 ± 1) °C in the 46 °C moxibustion group. "Shenque" (CV 8) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) were selected in the two groups; moxibustion was given for 10 min per time, once a day for 2 times. Mice in the blank group and model group were treated with immobilization and moxibustion was not given. After treatment, the level of serum cholesterol was tested by oxidase method; the morphology of skin around "Shenque" (CV 8) was observed by HE staining; the expression of TRPV1 in skin was measured by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS(1) Compared with the blank group, the level of serum cholesterol was increased in the model group (P < 0.001); compared with the model group, the level of serum cholesterol was reduced in the 46 °C moxibustion group (P < 0.001); compared with the 38 °C moxibustion group, the level of serum cholesterol was reduced in the 46 °C moxibustion group (P < 0.01). (2) There was slight change of morphology and structure in skin tissue in the 38 °C moxibustion group, while obvious change was observed in the 46 °C moxibustion group, indicating specific change. (3) The difference of the expression of TRPV1 in skin was significantly different between 46 °C moxibustion group and blank group, model group (both P < 0.01); it was also different from the 38 °C moxibustion group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMoxibustion temperature is one of the important factors affecting the cholesterol and acupoint skin. The effects of moxibustion are related to TRPV1.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; blood ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Moxibustion ; Skin ; anatomy & histology ; metabolism ; TRPV Cation Channels ; metabolism ; Temperature