摘要Objective:To explore the effects of natural moxibustion on inhibition of airway remodeling in bronchial asthmatic rats.Materials and Methods:Sprague Dawley rats were treated with ovalbumin to establish an asthma model.The ancient prescription of natural moxibustion,named Bai-Jie-Zi pulvis,was applied by pasting acupoints in combination with budesonide suspension inhalation to treat the asthmatic models for a consecutive period of 14 days.Histopathological changes were then observed and assessed.The cytokines involved in airway remodeling progression,namely matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9)and transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1)in lung tissue,were measured using immunohistochemistry and western blotting.The positive control group received treatment solely by inhalation of budesonide.Results:Combination therapy with budesonide suspension inhalation and natural moxibustion demonstrated significant improvements in inflammatory cell infiltration,bronchial mucus plug secretion,terminal bronchial obstruction,and edema in the lung tissue compared with the model(MOD)group(P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.01,respectively).In addition,an enhanced effect in relieving branchial mucous plug secretion was observed in the BUD+BJZ group(P<0.01).Both MMP-9 and TGF-β1 expression were downregulated compared to the group treated solely with budesonide suspension inhalation(P<0.05,P<0.01,respectively).Conclusions:The combination therapy of natural moxibustion and budesonide inhalation demonstrated a synergistic effect in asthmatic rats,effectively inhibiting the airway remodeling process.This traditional external therapy exhibited effcacy in asthmatic rats and may potentially serve as a complementary approach in the treatment of asthma.