Moxibustion delays ovarian aging by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and improving oocyte quality.

BACKGROUND

The growing trend of delayed childbearing in contemporary society has made fertility preservation a significant issue, prompting the search for diverse therapeutic options. Conversely, moxibustion is gaining increasing attention as a potential non-pharmacological therapy for supporting reproductive health.

METHODS

Mice aged 2 to 14 months were assessed for ovarian function detection to determine the age of reproductive senescence and to identify the optimal time for moxibustion intervention to delay senescence. Oocyte quality and mitochondrial function assessments were conducted to investigate the role of mitochondrial biogenesis in ovarian aging and the underlying mechanisms following moxibustion intervention.

RESULTS

Mice aged 10 months demonstrated ovarian dysfunction associated with aging. Moxibustion significantly elevated hormone levels, increased the number of growing follicles, enhanced embryo implantation and viable birth rates, and reduced embryonic mortality in aging mice. The most pronounced effects were observed in 10-month-old mice. These beneficial outcomes might be linked to improved oocyte quality. Crucially, moxibustion positively increased mitochondrial quantity, enhanced mitochondrial quality, and influenced mitochondrial biogenesis, an effect comparable to that of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) agonist valproic acid. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of moxibustion were partially attenuated by a PGC-1α inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

Moxibustion, as a non-pharmacological intervention, may mitigate ovarian aging and serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for extending human fertility.