Investigating the Effects of Moxibustion on Gastrointestinal Function and Gut Microbiota in Chronic Renal Failure: A CARE Non-Placebo Randomized Controlled Study in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Moxibustion is regarded as a complementary and alternative treatment for chronic renal failure (CRF) patients.

METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial, and we collected case data from 52 CRF patients who received moxibustion combined with PD treatment (moxibustion group) and 50 CRF patients who only received PD treatment (control group) in our hospital from March 2020 to February 2022. After a 12-week treatment cycle, the changes in blood routine test indicators, blood electrolytes, routine biochemical indicators, 24 h urinary protein quantification, and gastrointestinal function indicators before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, indicative of kidney function.

RESULTS: Fifty two patients remained in the moxibustion group and 50 in the control group. After 12 weeks of treatment, the moxibustion group demonstrated significantly lower serum potassium and phosphorus levels than before treatment. Regarding biochemical blood analysis, the moxibustion group had significantly lower BUN levels, 24 h urinary protein quantification, and parathyroid hormone after treatment compared with the control group. However, although the serum creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were numerically lower in the moxibustion group, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. The moxibustion group had improved gastrointestinal function, in terms of increased motilin and cholecystokinin levels, compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION: Moxibustion combined with PD can improve renal and gastrointestinal functions and regulate the structure of the gut microbiota to in CRF patients.