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Moxibustion ameliorated age-related alterations in neurological behavior and gut microbiota in mice
Yao Lin1, Min Xing2,3, Nan Liu4
1School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Beijing 102488, PR China.
Objective:
To observe the anti-aging effects of moxibustion on age-related alterations in middle-aged mice.
Methods:
Thirty, 9-month-old, male ICR mice were randomly divided into the moxibustion and control groups (N = 15). Mice in the moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion at the Guanyuan acupoint for 20 minutes every other day. After 30 treatments, neurobehavior tests, lifespan, gut microbiota composition and splenic gene expression were observed in the mice.
Results:
Moxibustion improved the locomotor activity as well as motor function, activated the SIRT1-PPARα signaling pathway, ameliorated age-related alterations in gut microbiota, and affected the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in spleen.
Conclusion:
Moxibustion ameliorated age-related alterations in neurobehavior and gut microbiota in middle-aged mice.
Insights
Moxibustion, a traditional therapy, shows anti-aging benefits in middle-aged mice by improving neurobehavior and gut health. This study highlights its potential for age-related condition management.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Aging is associated with progressive decline in physiological functions.
- Middle-aged mice exhibit age-related alterations in neurobehavior and gut microbiota.
- Moxibustion is a traditional therapy with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-aging effects of moxibustion on middle-aged mice.
- To evaluate moxibustion's impact on neurobehavior, lifespan, gut microbiota, and splenic gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Thirty 9-month-old male ICR mice were divided into moxibustion and control groups.
- Moxibustion was applied at the Guanyuan acupoint for 20 minutes every other day for 30 treatments.
- Neurobehavioral tests, lifespan, gut microbiota, and splenic gene expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Moxibustion significantly improved locomotor activity and motor function.
- The SIRT1-PPARα signaling pathway was activated by moxibustion.
- Age-related changes in gut microbiota were ameliorated, and splenic gene expression related to energy metabolism was affected.
Conclusions:
- Moxibustion demonstrated anti-aging effects in middle-aged mice.
- It effectively ameliorated age-related alterations in neurobehavior and gut microbiota.
