Effects of moxibustion on serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF- α in rats with experimental rheumatoid arthritis

Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can reduce the joint swelling degree and inflammation in synovial tissue of RA model rats, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF- α in RA model rats; the decreases of IL-6 and TNF-α are more significant than the decrease of IL-8; TLR4 agonist and antagonist can significantly attenuate the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, so that the change in TLR signaling pathway affects the effect of m oxibustion in inhibiting the releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α.
Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research