Therapeutic Duration and Extent Affect the Effect of Moxibustion on Depression-Like Behaviour in Rats via Regulating the Brain Tryptophan Transport and Metabolism

Author:

Li Hao1,Sang Lan2,Xia Xing1,Zhao Ruirui1,Wang Mingyue1,Hou Xiaofei1,Xiong Jiawei1,Cao Tiemin1,Liu Xiaoquan2,Zhang Jianbin1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Jiangsu Provincial Second Chinese Medicine Hospital/The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210017, China

2. Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China

Abstract

Moxibustion has been widely accepted as an alternative therapy for major depressive disease (MDD). However, the efficacy of moxibustion treatment on MDD is highly variable because of its irregular operation. This study was designed to investigate how therapeutic duration and extent influence the anti-depression effect of moxibustion and the underlying mechanism involved. Rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced depression-like behavior were treated by moxibustion treatment. The anti-depression effect was determined by forced swimming test and open field test. Tryptophan (Trp) transport and its metabolism to serotonin (5-HT) and kynurenine (Kyn) were evaluated to explore the anti-depression mechanism. The results showed that moxibustion treatment could alleviate the depression-like behavior in rats. Trp transport and 5-HT generation were significantly increased, and the Trp-Kyn pathway was moderately inhibited by moxibustion. Prolonged therapy could be beneficial to the anti-depression effect by promoting the brain uptake of Trp and shifting the Trp metabolism to 5-HT. An enhanced therapeutic extent could increase 5-HT generation. In conclusion, this study determined that the anti-depression effect of moxibustion involves improved Trp transport and metabolism. The therapeutic duration benefits antidepressant effects, but the complex influence of the therapeutic extent on moxibustion efficacy requires further studies.

Funder

Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Publisher

Hindawi Limited

Subject

Complementary and alternative medicine

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