Objective To observe the effect of moxibustion at"Zusanli"(ST36)on metabolites of gastric tissue in chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)rats

so as to explore the correlation between Yangming Meridian and stomach based on metabolomics.Methods Fifty-six SD rats were randomly divided into normal

normal+ moxibustion

model and model+ moxibustion groups(n=14 rats/group).The CAG model was established by gavage of N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine(MNNG)solution and irregular diet for 12 weeks.Moxibustion was applied to ST36 and"Zhongwan"(CV12)for 15 min

once daily for two weeks in the normal+ moxibustion group and model+moxibustion group.The histopathological changes of the gastric tissue were observed by H.E.staining.1 H nuclear magnetic resonance(1 H NMR)spectroscopy was used to detect gastric tissue metabolites and the data were analyzed using the Chenomx NMR Suite software.Results After modeling

the regional gastric tissue showed pale thinner gastric wall

and reduction of regional glands with necrosis and disordered arrangement

epithelial cell exfoliation

lymphocyte infiltration as well as scattered punctate hemorrhage

which was evidently milder in the model+ moxibustion group.The metabolites of lactic acid

glutathione

N-acetylaspartate

uridine diphosphate glucose and muscle sugar in the gastric tissue in the model group were increased compared with those in the normal group(P<0.05)

and the metabolites of leucine

betaine

phosphorylcholine

and uracil were decreased(P<0.05).The glutathione

N-acetylaspartate

phosphorylcholine and uracil in the model+moxibustion group were significantly reversed relevant to the model group(P<0.05).The inositol in gastric tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05)

3-hydroxybutyric acid

serine and uridine diphosphate glucose were significantly decreased(P<0.05)in the normal+ moxibustion group than in the normal group.Conclusion Moxibustion has a good efficacy in regulating some metabolic substances such as glutathione

N-acetylaspartic acid

choline phosphate and uracil of CAG rats

suggesting a specific relationship between the Stomach Meridian and the stomach.