Objective To observe the effect of grain-moxibustion on serum interleukin-6(IL-6)and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT 3)in inflammatory microenvironment of Lewis lung cancer mice

so as to explore its possible mechanism underlying relieving Lewis lung cancer.Methods C 57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank control group

model group

and moxibustion group(n=10in each group).Lewis lung cancer model was established by hypodermic injection of Lewis tumor cell suspension.Mice in the moxibustion group were treated by grain-moxibustion at bilateral"Housanli"(ST36)

5 zhuang each acupoint

once a day for 10 days.The body weight

survival state score

volume of tumor

and survival rate were observed.Serum IL-6level was detected by ELISA

and the expression of STAT 3in tumor tissue was determined by Western blot.Results Compared with the blank control group

the body weight was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05).The volume of tumor increased significantly in the model group

while it markedly decreased in the moxibustion group after 8and 10 days treatment compared with the model group(P<0.05).The survival state of mice deteriorated companied with decreased survival rate in the model group

however

after 6

8or 10 days treatment

the survival state scores were increased in the moxibustion group than in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the blank control group

both serum IL-6level and STAT 3expression in tumor tissue were increased significantly in the model group(P<0.001).Compared with the model group

both serum IL-6level and STAT 3expression in tumor tissue were decreased significantly in the moxibustion group(P<0.001).Conclusion Grain-moxibustion has remarkable effect on Lewis lung cancer

by improving survival state

reducing death rate

and controlling growth rate of tumor

which might be associated with its function of inhibiting the activation of IL-6and STAT 3in inflammatory microenvironment.