[Wheat-grain moxibustion improves sleep in perimenopausal insomnia rats by regulating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway].

Researchers in China studied whether wheat-grain moxibustion could help improve sleep in perimenopausal insomnia by examining its effects on brain chemistry. They worked with 32 female rats divided into four groups, creating an insomnia model through surgery and medication. The treatment group received wheat-grain moxibustion at three specific acupuncture points: Guanyuan (CV4), Mingmen (GV4), and bilateral Xuanzhong (GB39), with 6 moxa cones per point daily for 14 days. The researchers measured sleep quality, activity levels, and examined brain tissue for signs of oxidative stress and inflammation. Rats receiving moxibustion showed significant improvements compared to untreated animals: they fell asleep faster, slept longer, and were more active during waking hours. The treatment appeared to work by activating a specific cellular pathway (SIRT1/Nrf2) that protects brain cells from oxidative damage and reduces inflammation in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates sleep. When researchers blocked this pathway with an inhibitor drug, the benefits of moxibustion disappeared, confirming the mechanism. Brain tissue examination showed that moxibustion-treated rats had healthier neurons with better structure compared to untreated insomnia rats. This animal study suggests moxibustion may help perimenopausal insomnia by protecting brain cells and reducing oxidative stress through specific biological pathways. If you're considering moxibustion for sleep issues, consult with a licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating perimenopausal symptoms.

This animal study (n=32 female SD rats) investigated wheat-grain moxibustion's effects on perimenopausal insomnia via the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway. Researchers induced insomnia through bilateral ovariectomy plus p-chlorophenylalanine injection. Treatment consisted of 6 moxa cones at CV4, GV4, and bilateral GB39 daily for 14 days. Results showed significant improvements in sleep latency and duration (P<0.01), plus increased spontaneous activity compared to model and SIRT1-inhibitor groups. Western blot and qPCR analyses revealed moxibustion upregulated SIRT1, Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, SOD, and CAT expression while downregulating pyroptosis markers (NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, GSDMD) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) in hypothalamic tissue (P<0.01). Histological examination confirmed reduced neuronal damage. Administration of SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 blocked moxibustion's therapeutic effects, confirming pathway specificity. Clinical implications suggest moxibustion at these points may ameliorate perimenopausal insomnia by reducing hypothalamic oxidative stress and pyroptosis through SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling modulation.