[Effect of moxibustion on the PINK1/Parkin pathway and mitophagy in rats with rheumatoid arthritis].

Researchers investigated how moxibustion (a traditional therapy using heated mugwort) might help rheumatoid arthritis by studying its effects on damaged energy-producing structures called mitochondria inside joint cells. In this animal study, rats with arthritis-like symptoms received moxibustion treatment at two acupuncture points—Shenshu (BL23) on the lower back and Zusanli (ST36) on the leg—for 20 minutes daily over 15 days. The researchers compared these rats to untreated arthritic rats, healthy rats, and rats given standard medication (methotrexate). They found that arthritis caused significant damage to mitochondria in joint tissue, triggering excessive mitophagy (a cleanup process where damaged mitochondria are destroyed). This overactive cleanup process involved a specific cellular pathway called PINK1/Parkin. The moxibustion treatment improved mitochondrial structure and function, reduced harmful oxidative stress, and decreased the excessive mitophagy activity by calming down the PINK1/Parkin pathway. Both moxibustion and medication showed beneficial effects, though medication slightly outperformed moxibustion in one measure (mitochondrial membrane potential). These findings suggest that moxibustion may help rheumatoid arthritis by protecting the energy-producing machinery inside joint cells and preventing excessive cellular cleanup that can worsen inflammation. While this animal research is promising, human studies are needed to confirm these benefits. If you're considering moxibustion for arthritis, consult with a licensed acupuncturist trained in traditional Chinese medicine techniques.

This experimental study examined moxibustion's effect on PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty-four SD rats were divided into normal, model, moxibustion, and methotrexate groups (n=6 each). RA was induced via Freund's complete adjuvant with cold-dampness exposure. Suspended moxibustion was applied to BL23 and ST36 for 20 minutes daily for 15 days. Results showed that moxibustion significantly reduced mitochondrial structural damage, decreased ROS levels, increased ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05-0.01), and downregulated PINK1, Parkin, Beclin1 expression and LC3II/LC3I ratio while upregulating p62 (P<0.05-0.01). The medication group showed slightly superior mitochondrial membrane potential compared to moxibustion (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy confirmed reduced autophagosome formation and improved mitochondrial cristae structure. Clinical implications suggest moxibustion at BL23 and ST36 may ameliorate RA pathology by inhibiting excessive PINK1/Parkin pathway activation and protecting mitochondrial function in synovial tissue.