Objective To observe the effects of "lingguibafa" moxibustion performing at the appropriate acupoints at their "opening" time on telomere length

expressions of p53 of tumor supressor genes and retinoblastoma gene(Rb)in the liver of aging rats

so as to explore its mechanisms underlying delaying senescence. Methods Forty male SD rats were randomly divi-ded into normal

model

prevention and treatment groups

with 10 rats in each group. The rat model was established by intrape-ritoneally injection of D-galactose(200 mg/kg) once a day for 42 days. The rats in the prevention group were given "lingguibafa" moxibustion during modeling

while those in the treatment group were given "lingguibafa" moxibustion after modeling. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the telomere length and the mRNA expressions of p53 and Rb

ELISA was used to detect the protein contents of p53 and Rb in the liver tissues. Results Compared with the normal group

the relative telomere length of the model group was significantly shortened(P<0.01)

the mRNA expressions and protein contents of p53 and Rb were significantly increased(P<0.01). After intervention and in comparison with the model group

the relative telomere length of the prevention group and the treatments group were significantly increased(P<0.01)

and the expressions of p53 and Rb mRNA and protein contents were significantly reduced(P<0.01

P<0.05). There were no significant difference between the prevention and the treatment groups in the abovementioned indexes(P>0.05). Conclusion Moxibustion on acupoints at "opening" time can inhibit the shortening of telomere length and the down-regulation of the expressions of p53 and Rb in aging rats

which may contribute to its function in delaying the process of cell senescence.