Objective To observe the effect of warm-needle-moxibustion on behavior changes and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP-3)in the knee cartilage tissue of rabbits with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)so as to explore its mechanisms in relieving KOA.Methods Thirty male Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into normal

model and treatment groups(n=10in each group).The KOA model was established by using immobilization method.The internal and external"Dubi"(ST 35)

"Xuehai"(SP 10)and "Yanglingquan "(GB 34)were punctured with filiform needles first

followed by attaching an ignited moxa column to the handle of each inserted needles.The treatment was conducted for 20 min every time

once daily for 4weeks.The behavioral scores were assessed according to the pain severity

gait

joint motion range and articular swelling severity in reference to the modified Lequesne's methods.The TNF-αand MMP-3contents in the knee joint cartilage tissue were assayed by radioimmunoassay

and pathological changes of the articular cartilage tissue were observed under microscope after sectioning and H.E.staining.Results The Lequesne total score

and the cartilage TNF-αand MMP-3contents were significantly increased in the model group than in the normal group(P<0.05)

and obviously down-regulated after warm-needle-moxibustion intervention(P<0.05).Under light microscope

the inflammatory infiltration of the articular cartilage and the disordered arrangement of chondrocytes in KOA rabbits were improved in the treatment group.ConclusionWarm-needle-moxibustion intervention can improve the motor function of rabbits with KOA

which may be related to its effects in reducing the level of TNF-αand MMP-3in articular cartilage tissue.