Objective To investigate the effect of moxibustion on the proteins related with apoptosis and nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB) in hippocampus of diabetic rats with cognitive impairment(CI)

so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of learning-memory ability. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into normal

model and moxibustion groups(n=10 rats/group). The diabetic model was established by i.p. injection of streptozotocin solution(25 mg·kg

(-1)

·d(-1)·d

(-1)

)

followed by high-fat diet raising for 4 weeks

and the CI model was confirmed by Morris water maze test. The rats in the moxibustion group were given moxibustion at “Shenting”(GV24)

“Baihui”(GV20) and “Dazhui”(GV14) for 20 min each time

the treatment was conducted 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test

the random blood glucose of rats was measured by glucometer and test strips. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2

Bax

Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR

separately. Results After modeling

the random blood glucose

escape latency

and the expression levels of Bax

Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs in the model group were significantly increased

while the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were decreased(P

<

0.001

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.05) in comparison with the normal group. Following the treatment

the modeling induced increase of blood glucose

escape latency

and the expression levels of Bax

Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs

as well as decrease of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression levels were reversed(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.001). Conclusion Moxibustion can improve learning-memory ability in diabetic rats with cognitive impairment

which may be related to its function in regulating the expression levels of hippocampal Bcl-2

Bax

Caspase-3 and NF-κB.