Effect of moxibustion for "nourishing the kidney and benefiting the marrow" on knee osteoarthritis.

Objectives: To compare the clinical effect between two acupoint regimens of moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and observe the influences on the serum content of interleukin 1α (IL-1α), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), bone gla protein (BGP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG).

Methods: KOA patients were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (40 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the observation group, moxibustion was applied to Xiyan (EX-LE5), Dubi (ST35), Zusanli (ST36), Dazhu (BL11), Xuanzhong (GB39) and Yongquan (KI1) on the affected side.