Effects of moxibustion on expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and matrix metalloproteinases-9 mRNA in artherosclersis rabbits

Objective: To observe the effects of direct moxibustion on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ) and matrix metallop-roteinases-9 mRNA(MMP-9mRNA)in atherosclerotic-plaques of atherosclerosis(AS) rabbits and to explore the influence of moxibustion on formation and stability of atherosclerotic-plaque of rabbit. Methods: AS model of rabbit was established by using high-fat diet combined with immunologic injury. 60 New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 groups: blank group(control group), model group(AS model group), direct moxibustion group(AS model plus direct moxibustion) and western medicine group(AS model plus atorvastatin), 15 rabbits in per group. The expressions of PPARγ and MMP-9 mRNA in atherosclerotic plaque of rabbits were measured after intervening for 16 weeks. Results: Compared with the model group, expressions of PPARγ in western medicine group and direct moxibustion group were higher with significant difference(P0.05 or P0.01). Compared with the model group, expressions of MMP-9 mRNA in direct moxibustion group and western medicine group were lower with significant difference(P0.05 or P0.01). There were significant differences in the comparison of MMP-9 mRNA expression between the direct moxibustion group and western medicine group(P0.01). Conclusion: Direct moxibustion can activate the protein expression of PPARγ, and inhibit the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and have certain protective effects on aortic endothelial cells of AS rabbits. But for the effects of inhibiting the expression of MMP-9 mRNA, western medicine group is better than direct moxibustion group.