LU Mei, DU Xue yuan, TENG Ying chun, LI Jian wei, ZHAO Xixin, CAO Da ming

(1Henan University of Chinese Medicine, No.156, Jinshui East RD, Zhengzhou 450046,China; 2The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM, Zhengzhou 450003,China; 

3The Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM, Zhengzhou 450008,China)

Abstract: Objective: To explore the molecular biology mechanism underlying acupuncture and moxibustion in improving bone marrow suppression and periphery leucocyte by observation of effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on differentially expressed genes numb1, numb2 of Notch signaling pathway-related in bone marrow hematopoietic cells in cyclophosphamide-induced mice. Materials and Methods: 40 male Kunming mice(class SPF) were randomly divided into control group (group A), model group (group B), acupuncture group (group C) and moxibustion group (group  D).  The  models  of  myelosuppression  in  group  B,  C  and  D  were  induced  by cyclophosphamide, group A was given the same dose of saline. The protein and mRNA expression levels of differentially expressed genes numb1, numb2 of Notch signaling pathway-related were detected by immunohistochemical method, RT -PCR and Western-bolt Test after being treated by acupuncture  and  moxibustion.  Results:  Genes  numb1  and  numb2  which  belong  to  the  Notch signaling  pathway-related  genes  in  mice  bone  marrow  hematopoietic  cells  have  a  significant difference.  Acupuncture  and  moxibustion  can  increase  numb1  and  numb2  mRNA  expression, thereby promoting numb1 and numb2 protein content increased.  Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion  can  reduce  bone  marrow  suppression  caused  by  chemotherapy  of  CTX,  improve 

hemopoietic function. One of its micromechanism could be: Acupuncture and moxibustion can increase the expression of Notch signaling pathway-related genes numb1, numb2, thus inhibiting the  excessive  activation  of  Notch  signaling  pathway.  So  that  the  bone  marrow  hematopoietic function was enhanced.

Key words: Acupuncture and moxibustion,  Cyclophosphamide,  Bone marrow suppression,  Notch signaling pathway , Numb-Notch signaling pathway