Study on the Regulation of ROS by Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Relieve Inflammation in the Treatment of Sciatica

To observe the analgesic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model rats, and to investigate the mechanism of constriction constriction injury. Methods: 32 SPF SD rats were divided into Control Group, Sham Surgery Group, Model Group and Acupuncture and moxibustion Group, with 8 rats in each group. The Model Group, Acupuncture and moxibustion Group and sciatic nerve ligation were used to establish the CCI pain rat model. The sham operation group only separated the nerve, and the control group did not do any treatment. After modeling, the Acupuncture and moxibustion Group was given acupuncture treatment, while the control group and the Model Group did not do any intervention. 7 days for 1 course of treatment, continuous treatment for 3 courses of sampling and detection. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were observed. Biochemical detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH); Serum, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected by ELISA. Results: Compared with the control group, PWMT and PWTL in the Model Group were decreased (P < 0.05), ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were increased (P < 0.05), SOD and GSH contents were decreased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Compared with Model Group, PWMT and PWTL in acupuncture and moxibustion group were increased (P < 0.05), ROS, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were decreased (P < 0.05), SOD and GSH contents were increased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce the ROS level, enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body, reduce the damage of sciatic nerve caused by inflammation, and relieve sciatic pain.