title: Influence of moxibustion temperatures on blood lipids, endothelin-1, and nitric oxide in hyperlipidemia patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To observe the influence of moxibustion temperature on blood lipids, endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), and ET-1/NO in hyperlipidemia patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two primary hyperlipidemia patients were randomly divided into two groups of 21 and treated with moxibustion at different temperatures. Moxibustion was performed with the moxa roll 2.5-3.0 cm from the skin in the treatment group and 4 cm in the control group, 10 min per point, once every other day. Skin temperature was precisely measured with a thermometer during moxibustion. After a 12-week treatment, seven measurements of blood lipids, ET-1, and NO were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total cholesterol and triglyceride, were lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum ET-1 and ET-1/NO was obviously lowered in the treatment group (P < 0.001). Moxibustion regulated NO and ET-1/NO in the treatment group much better than in the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Moxibustion can regulate blood lipids and clear blood vessels. Moxibustion at 45 degrees C has a better effect than moxibustion at 38 degrees C on regulating blood lipids and protecting vascular endothelial function, indicating that suitable temperature influences the curative effect of moxibustion.
authors.forename: Xianfeng
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ye
authors.forename: Huifang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009071:Moxibustion / Q000379:methods; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D019332:Endothelin-1; D008055:Lipids; D009569:Nitric Oxide