Effect of serum from healthy individuals on the growth of melanocytes following moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of serum from healthy individuals obtained following moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point on melanocytes in vitro . Methods Ten healthy adults (five male and five female) were treated by moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point for 30 minutes once daily for 3 months. The effects of treatment with serum obtained following moxibustion on melanocyte proliferation, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, cell cycle progression, and c-kit mRNA and protein expression were assessed in vitro before and after moxibustion for 1, 2, and 3 months. Results Exposure to sera from healthy adults following moxibustion therapy promoted melanocyte proliferation, melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity, and c-kit mRNA and protein expression in vitro . Melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity increased in the first 2 months following moxibustion and a synchronous decline was observed during the third month. Serum also promoted melanocyte entry into the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Conclusions Serum treatment following moxibustion at the “Jiudianfeng” point promoted melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis. Further exploration of this intriguing phenomenon is essential.