Moxibustion on Carbonyl Stress and Expression of p19ARF and p53 mRNA in Livers of D-galactose-Induced Aging Rats

This study deals with the effect of moxibustion on carbonyl stress and the expression of p19ARF and p53 mRNA in livers of subacute aging rats. The SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, moxibustion group, and Vit E group. Subacute aging rats were prepared with continuous high-dose intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (D-gal). The moxibustion group received moxibustion at acupoint Shenshu (BL-23). Protein carbonyl content in livers was determined by biochemical chromatometry; p19ARF and p53 mRNA expressions were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The results showed that compared with the normal group, protein carbonyl content, p19ARF, and p53 mRNA expressions were significantly higher in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, protein carbonyl content, p19ARF, and p53 mRNA expressions were significantly lower in the moxibustion group and Vit E group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that moxibustion at acupoint BL-23 reduced the protein carbonyl content, as well as the expression of p19ARF and p53 mRNA in livers of D-galactose-induced aging rats.