[Effects of moxibustion on intestinal ferroptosis, lipid peroxidation, and P53 in mice with Crohn's disease].

Researchers investigated how moxibustion, a traditional Chinese therapy that involves burning dried mugwort near specific acupuncture points, might help people with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition. The study used mice with experimentally induced Crohn's disease and applied moxibustion at the "Tianshu" acupuncture point (located near the navel) for 15 minutes daily over 14 days. The researchers discovered that moxibustion significantly reduced intestinal inflammation and improved multiple disease markers. Treated mice showed weight gain, reduced disease activity scores, and healing of damaged colon tissue. The treatment decreased inflammatory proteins in the blood and reduced harmful oxidative damage in intestinal tissue. Importantly, the study identified a specific biological mechanism: moxibustion appears to work by lowering levels of a protein called p53, which then activates a protective pathway (SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4) that prevents a type of cell death called ferroptosis. This cell death process involves iron accumulation and fat breakdown in cells. By blocking this pathway, moxibustion helped maintain proper iron balance in the intestines and protected colon cells from damage. The mice receiving moxibustion showed results comparable to those receiving a pharmaceutical p53 inhibitor, suggesting the treatment works through scientifically measurable mechanisms rather than placebo effects. While this research was conducted in mice and human studies are needed, it provides biological evidence for how moxibustion might benefit inflammatory bowel conditions. Patients interested in moxibustion for Crohn's disease should consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating digestive disorders.

This controlled animal study (n=50 C57BL/6 mice) investigated moxibustion's effects on intestinal ferroptosis in DSS-induced Crohn's disease via the p53/SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway. Mice received 15-minute bilateral ST25 moxibustion daily for 14 days. Results showed significant improvements in body weight, DAI scores (P<0.05), and histological architecture compared to model controls. Moxibustion reduced serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6) and colonic lipid peroxidation markers (4-HNE, MDA, Fe2+) while increasing antioxidant capacity (SOD, GSH). Western blot analysis revealed decreased p53 expression and upregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins (P<0.05). Comparative intervention with p53 activator (RITA) and inhibitor (Pifithrin-α) confirmed p53's regulatory role, with moxibustion producing effects similar to pharmaceutical p53 inhibition. Clinical significance: moxibustion at ST25 may ameliorate CD intestinal inflammation by downregulating p53, thereby enhancing the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 antioxidant pathway, reducing lipid peroxidation, maintaining iron homeostasis, and preventing colonic ferroptosis.