Moxibustion Alleviates Injury in a Rat Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Model.

Yi Li,Jin Zhang,Wen Ma,Liqun He,Yuxia Sun,Lin Li,Peicheng Shen,Chunling Zhang,Ke Wang,Di Huang

doi:10.1155/2017/7169547

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the therapeutic effects of moxibustion at Shenshu (BL-23) and Geshu (BL-17) acupoints in a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) model in rats. Methods A FSGS rat model was established by single nephrectomy and repeated injection of doxorubicin. The FSGS rats were randomly divided into the model group, losartan (positive control) group, Shenshu moxibustion group, and Geshu moxibustion group. Molecular indicators of kidney function and renal pathological changes were monitored. Results Urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and serum uric acid were significantly reduced after 12-week intervention with losartan, Shenshu, or Geshu moxibustion. Renal α-SMA, FN, and TGF-β were also decreased, while podocin and nephrin protein and mRNA were increased. The pathological damage in renal tissue was obviously alleviated by all three treatments, which suggests that moxibustion may have similar efficacy to losartan in the treatment of FSGS. Conclusion Moxibustion alleviates podocyte injury and inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in the FSGS rat model, thereby minimizing the progression of glomerular sclerosis and improving renal function.

Highlights

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is characterized by scarring to a subset of the glomeruli of the kidney and can occur as a result of infection, drugs, or systematic diseases such as diabetes or lupus or other glomerular diseases
The urinary protein levels for all FSGS rats were more than 100 mg/24 h, indicating FSGS model was successfully replicated
Because urinary protein is a primary indication of kidney function, these results indicate that Shenshu moxibustion and Geshu moxibustion protected the rats from the damaging effects of FSGS on the kidneys

Summary

Introduction

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is characterized by scarring to a subset of the glomeruli of the kidney and can occur as a result of infection, drugs, or systematic diseases such as diabetes or lupus or other glomerular diseases. The main clinical manifestation of FSGS is proteinuria. The severity of the proteinuria and the response to treatment are closely associated with the kidney prognosis, and patients with nephrotic syndrome are prone to develop end stage renal disease [1,2,3]. The primary goal of FSGS treatment is to reduce proteinuria in a short time to protect the kidney [4, 5]. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been considered as effective treatments for a variety of different physical conditions, including renal diseases. Acupuncture and moxibustion are thought to contribute to disease treatment by stimulating the surface of meridian acupoints. Moxibustion is motivated by “warm stimulation.” The main material for moxibustion

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