Effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of thyroid autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rats with autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract Objective To observe the anti-inflammatory effect, as well effect on expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) and Beclin-1 herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). Methods Female Sprague-Dawley were randomly divided into a normal group modeling group. The EAT rat model was prepared by combination antigen immunization plus iodine agent induction. After prepared, equally In group, alternately applied to two groups points [Dazhui (GV14)-Mingmen (GV4) Tiantu (CV22)-Guanyuan (CV4)], treatment continued for 30 d. Rats only fixed identically without intervention. Histopathological manifestations thyroid glands observed hematoxylin-eosin staining; concentrations peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin (TGAb), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) detected enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase reaction immunohistochemistry used detect mRNA autophagy-related factors LC3B tissue. Results There massive follicular destruction, lymphocytic infiltration, interstitial fibrous tissue hyperplasia Some follicles destroyed few lymphocyte infiltrations Compared serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α increased ( P <0.05); levels reduced <0.05). negatively correlated TPOAb TGAb. Conclusion Herbal reduces inflammatory response lowers This may be related regulation autophagy-associated