To observe the effect of fire-needle stimulation of "Neixiyan"(EX-LE4) and "Dubi"(ST35) on changes of motor function, structure of cartilage degradation and inflammatory factors in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving KOA.
Thirty-nine male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model and fire-needle groups (
After modeling, the gait and claw-pressure scores were significantly increased in the model group in comparison with the normal group (
Fire-needle can improve motor function and relieve impairment of articular cartilage of KOA rats, which may be related to its effects in reducing inflammatory factors and in increasing anti-inflammatory factor levels.