Objective To observe the effect of “lingguibafa” moxibustion at “opening” time on the level of superoxide dismutase(SOD)

malondialdehyde(MDA)

the protein expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) in aging model rats. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into blank control

model and lingguibafa groups

with 8 rats in each group. The aging model was established by daily intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose(500 mg/kg) for 42 consecutive days. After successful modeling

moxibustion intervention was applied at“lingguibafa” acupoints

3 moxa-cone for each acupoint

once a day for 28 consecutive days. The contents of SOD and MDA in serum were detected by ELISA. Morphological changes of testicular tissue and the number of Leydig cells were observed after HE staining. Apoptosis rate of testicular cells was detected by TUNEL staining. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in testis were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with the blank control group

the SOD content in the serum

the number of testicular Leydig cells

the expression level of Bcl-2 protein in testis were significantly decreased(P<0.01) in the model group

while the MDA content in the serum

the apoptosis rate of testicular cells and the expression level of Bax protein in testis were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group

the SOD content in serum

the number of testicular Leydig cells

the Bcl-2 protein expression in testis were significantly increased(P<0.01)

while the MDA content in serum

the apoptosis rate of testicular cells

the expression level of Bax protein in testis were significantly decreased(P<0.01) in the lingguibafa group. Conclusion Moxibustion on acupoints at “opening” time can delay testicular aging

and the mechanism may be related to balancing the metabolism of free radicals

reducing oxidative damage

and inhibiting the apoptosis of testicular cells.