Search JIM Advanced Search

Journal of Integrative Medicine ›› 2022, Vol. 20 ›› Issue (5): 453-462.doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.06.002

• Original Experimental Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Moxibustion regulates T-regulatory/T-helper 17 cell balance by modulating the microRNA-221/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 axis in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis

Chuang Zhaoa,b, Xiao-yan Lia,b, Zun-yuan Lia,b, Miao Lia,b, Zhi-dan Liua,b   

  1. a. Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Branch of Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
    b. Department of Acupuncture, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China
  • Online:2022-09-15 Published:2022-08-26
  • Contact: Zhi-dan Liu; E-mail address: liuzhidan@vip.163.com E-mail:liuzhidan@vip.163.com

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression is associated with the balance of T-regulatory (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, while the role of microRNAs (miRs) in regulating Treg/Th17 cell balance has not been clarified. This study aimed to assess whether moxibustion could regulate Treg/Th17 cell balance by modulating the miR-221/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) axis in the RA mouse model.

Methods

A mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established in male DBA/1J mice. Twenty-two days after CIA induction, the mice received daily treatment with moxibustion for 12 times. Pathological scores were assessed according to the levels of synovial hyperplasia. The expression levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-17 and IL-10 were analyzed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) splenocytes was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The expression levels of RA-related miRs and target genes were subsequently detected, and the target of miR-221 was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

It was revealed that moxibustion treatment decreased the pathological scores and downregulated the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17, while upregulated the expression level of IL-10. The Treg/Th17 cell balance was regulated by moxibustion treatment. The expression level of miR-221 was suppressed by moxibustion treatment. Furthermore, SOCS3 was found as the direct target of miR-221, which mediated the function of moxibustion by regulating the Treg/Th17 cell balance.

Conclusion

Moxibustion therapy regulated the Treg/Th17 cell balance by modulating the miR-221/SOCS3 axis in the RA mouse model.

Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis, Moxibustion, MicroRNA-221, Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, T-regulatory/T-helper 17 cell balance

[1] Hong-xiao Li, Ling Shi, Shang-jie Liang Chen-chen Fang, Qian-qian Xu, Ge Lu, Qian Wang, Jie Cheng, Jie Shen, Mei-hong Shen. Moxibustion alleviates decreased ovarian reserve in rats by restoring the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(2): 163-172.
[2] Ye-juan Jia, Tian-yu Li, Peng Han, Yu Chen, Li-jia Pan, Chun-sheng Jia. Effects of different courses of moxibustion treatment on intestinal flora and inflammation of a rat model of knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(2): 173-181.
[3] Li-jun Li, Yu-chong Shi, Min-xiang Luo, Chang-lin Zhao. Effects of moxibustion on Treg cells in sarcoma microenvironment. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(3): 251-257.
[4] Ju-Yeon Park, Young-Won Kwon, Sun-Ah Kim, Sun-Dong Park, Chang-Hyun Kim, Jin-Hee Kim, Ju-Hee Lee. Polyherbal formula SC-E3 inhibits rheumatoid arthritis activity in a mouse model of type-II collagen-induced arthritis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(3): 265-273.
[5] Bing-rong Li, Shi-yun Shao, Long Yuan, Ru Jia, Jian Sun, Qing Ji, Hua Sui, Li-hong Zhou, Yi Zhang, Hui Liu, Qi Li, Yan Wang, Bi-meng Zhang. Effects of mild moxibustion on intestinal microbiome and NLRP3 inflammasome in rats with 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(2): 144-157.
[6] Susana Seca, Sebastian Kirch, António S.Cabrita, Henry J.Greten. Evaluation of the effect of acupuncture on hand pain, functional deficits and health-related quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis—A study protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(3): 219-227.
[7] Min Yee Lim, Jian Huang, Bai-xiao Zhao, Hui-qin Zou, Yong-hong Yan. Influence of storage duration and processing on chromatic attributes and flavonoid content of moxa floss. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016, 14(1): 69-76.
[8] Bin Huang, Zhang-ling Zhou, Li-li Wang, Cong Zuo, Yan Lu, Yong Chen. Electrical response grading versus House-Brackmann scale for evaluation of facial nerve injury after Bell’s palsy: A comparative study. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2014, 12(4): 367-371.
[9] Bai-xiao Zhao, Hai-Yong Chen, Xue-yong Shen, Lixing Lao. Can moxibustion, an ancient treatment modality, be evaluated in a double-blind randomized controlled trial? — A narrative review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2014, 12(3): 131-134.
[10] Jian Liu, Chuan-bing Huang, Yuan Wang, Gui-qin Xu, Yuan-yuan Cheng, Yun-xia Feng, Lei Liu, Ya-jun Qi. Chinese herbal medicine Xinfeng Capsule in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Study protocol of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2013, 11(6): 428-434.
[11] Chung-wah Cheng, Shu-fei Fu, Qing-hui Zhou, Tai-xiang Wu, Hong-cai Shang, Xu-dong Tang, Zhi-shun Liu, Jia Liu, Zhi-xiu Lin, Lixing Lao, Ai-ping Lü, Bo-li Zhang, Bao-yan Liu, Zhao-xiang Bian. Extending the CONSORT Statement to moxibustion. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2013, 11(1): 54-63.
[12] Hanjo Lehmann. Acupuncture in ancient China: How important was it really?. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2013, 11(1): 45-53.
[13] Zheng Ying. Research and application progress of the infrared effects of moxibustion. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(2): 135-140.
[14] Gui-lin Ouyang, Xiao-hui Feng, Lian-bo Xiao, Zheng Huang, Qing Xia, Da-peng Han, Fei Zhu . Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Qianggu Capsule on patients with rheumatoid arthritis-induced osteoporosis: a report of 82 cases. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(12): 1394-1399.
[15] Yan Wang, Hong-yan Zhao, Mei-jie Liu, Cheng Xiao, Cheng Lü, Yong Tan, Qing-lin Zha, Yan Li, Hong Liu, Ai-ping Lü, Da-hong Ju. Establishment of a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis with kidney deficiency syndrome. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2011, 9(9): 973-982.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Wei-xiong Liang. Problems-solving strategies in clinical treatment guideline for traditional Chinese medicine and integrative medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 1-4
[2] Zhao-guo Li. Discussion on English translation of commonly used sentences in traditional Chinese medicine: part one. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 107-110
[3] Xue-mei Liu, Qi-fu Huang, Yun-ling Zhang, Jin-li Lou, Hong-sheng Liu, Hong Zheng. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. saponion on apoptosis of cortical neurons induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in rats. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 45-50
[4] Daniel Weber, Janelle M Wheat, Geoffrey M Currie. Inflammation and cancer: Tumor initiation, progression and metastasis,and Chinese botanical medicines. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1006-1013
[5] Hong Liu , Guo-liang Zhang, Li Shen , Zhen Zeng, Bao-luo Zhou, Cheng-hai Liu, Guang Nie . Application and evaluation of a pseudotyped virus assay for screening herbs for anti-H5Nl avian influenza virus. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1036-1040
[6] Zhao-guo Li . A discussion of English translation of 1995 and 1997 Chinese National Standards of Traditional Chinese Medical Terminologies for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1090-1096
[7] Hui-min Liu, Xian-bo Wang, Yu-juan Chang, Li-li Gu. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of integrative medicine therapy for treatment of chronic severe hepatitis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1211-1228
[8] Ming-qing Wei , Jin-zhou Tian , Jing Shi , Fu-yun Ma , Ying-chun Miao , Yong-yan Wang. Effects of Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in treating patients with mild to moderate vascular dementia: a randomized, double-blind and parallel-controlled trial. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1240-1246
[9] Xiao Zhang , Bing-bing Ning , Shuang Ren , Li-jun Zhang , Wen-meng Zhang , Jia-mei Chen , Gao-feng Chen , Hua Zhang , Yong-ping Mu , Ping Liu. Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Xiaopi Pill in preventing rats from dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1286-1292
[10] Xiao-yan Li , Ze-huai Wen, Wei-xiong Liang , Wei-hua Xu, Su-yun Li, Xue-qing Yu , Hai-feng Wang. Evaluation of consistency of tongue and pulse signs observed by traditional Chinese medicine clinicians. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(12): 1153-1158