Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of moxibustion with medicine cake on mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2,9 (MMP-2，MMP-9)in artherosclerosis (AS) plaques of rabbits, and to explore the effect of moxibustion with medicine cake to the stability of artherosclerosis plaques of rabbits.MethodsAS rabbit models were established by feeding high-fat diet. 75 New Zealand big-eared rabbits were divided into 5 groups, blank group (blank control group), model group (AS model group), direct moxibustion group (AS model + moxa cone direct moxibustion), moxibustion on medicine cake group (AS model + moxibustion on medicine cake), western medicine group (AS model + atorvastatin), 15 rabbits in each group. Then the mRNA expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 was detected in the atherosclerotic plaques of rabbits with in situ hybridization.ResultsThe expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 in the atherosclerotic plaques of rabbits were all be controlled in direct moxibustion group, moxibustion on medicine cake group, western medicine group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the moxibustion on medicine cake group and western medicine group were obviously lower than those of the direct moxibustion group.ConclusionThe expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 in the atherosclerotic plaques of rabbits can all be controlled in direct moxibustion group, moxibustion on medicine cake group, and western medicine group; as well as the plaques can all be made stable. The efficacy in the moxibustion on medicine cake group and western medicine group is superior to that of the direct moxibustion group.

Key words: moxibustion, medicine cake, rabbit, artherosclerosis, matrix metalloproteinases-2, matrix metalloproteinases-9, mRNA