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[Effects of moxibustion on the function of MDR gene product, P-glycoprotein (P-170)]
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
Abstract:
The experiments were performed on BABL/c mice with S-180R adriamycin resistant tumor cells. This animal model was used to analyze the drug accumulation in the S-180R cells by flow cytometer. The drug accumulation presents the pump activity of multidrug resistance (MDR) gene product P-glycoprotein (P-170) in the cell membrane, A weak inhibition was found when moxibustion at Guan-Yan point alone. And a very significant inhibition was observed in the presence of low-dosage of verapamil, but not at high dose. This study may develop a new way to research the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion at molecular level, and may be useful to overcome the anticancer drug resistance.
Insights
Moxibustion combined with low-dose verapamil shows promise in overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. This approach may offer new insights into acupuncture mechanisms at a molecular level for enhanced cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer limits chemotherapy efficacy.
- P-glycoprotein (P-170) is a key mediator of MDR, pumping drugs out of cells.
- Acupuncture and moxibustion are traditional therapies with potential anticancer effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of moxibustion on P-glycoprotein activity in adriamycin-resistant tumor cells.
- To explore the combined efficacy of moxibustion and verapamil in overcoming MDR.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Experiments utilized a BABL/c mouse model with S-180R adriamycin-resistant tumor cells.
- Drug accumulation in tumor cells was quantified using flow cytometry.
- Moxibustion was applied at the Guan-Yan point, with and without verapamil.
Main Results:
- Moxibustion alone showed weak inhibition of P-glycoprotein activity.
- A significant inhibition of P-glycoprotein activity was observed with low-dose verapamil and moxibustion.
- High-dose verapamil did not show significant inhibition when combined with moxibustion.
Conclusions:
- Combined low-dose verapamil and moxibustion can effectively inhibit P-glycoprotein activity, suggesting a strategy to overcome MDR.
- This study provides a molecular basis for understanding acupuncture and moxibustion's role in cancer therapy.
- Findings may contribute to developing novel approaches for overcoming anticancer drug resistance.