Yifei moxibustion to improve immune function in stable COPD via exosome miR-125b
Official title: Study on the Mechanism of Yifei Moxibustion in Enhancing Immune Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Plasma Exosomal miRNAs
Run by Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine · NCT07131020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether Yifei moxibustion helps people with stable COPD by boosting immune function through changes in exosomal miR-125b and macrophage polarization.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zhengzhou, Henan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 11, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 2025 |
| Study ends | September 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07131020 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–80 with stable COPD who meet the trial's TCM pattern criteria (lung qi deficiency, lung-spleen qi deficiency, or lung-kidney qi deficiency) and who can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute COPD exacerbations, serious unstable cardiac or other comorbid conditions, pregnant or lactating women, or those allergic to the moxibustion ingredients are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled study enrolls 90 patients with stable COPD and 30 healthy volunteers and randomizes patients to Yifei moxibustion, conventional Western medicine, or TCM syndrome-differentiation treatment for three months. Blood samples from patients and healthy volunteers will be analyzed for T cell subsets, immunoglobulins, exosomal microRNAs (including miR-125b), and markers of macrophage polarization. Techniques such as nanoparticle tracking and flow cytometry will be used to characterize exosomes and immune cell changes, and preliminary molecular targets will be explored. The design combines clinical immune readouts with mechanistic laboratory assays to link moxibustion treatment to potential molecular effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-drug complementary therapy that helps normalize immune responses and reduce airway inflammation in people with stable COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Some small studies report immunomodulatory effects of moxibustion, but using exosomal miR-125b to modulate macrophage polarization is a novel and not yet widely confirmed approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
* Patients who meet the TCM diagnostic criteria for lung qi deficiency, lung-spleen qi deficiency, and lung-kidney qi deficiency; ③ Aged 18 to 80 years old; ④ Voluntarily signed the informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant and lactating women;
* Patients with cognitive impairment, confusion, dementia, or various mental disorders;
* Patients with unstable angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction;
* Patients with a history of syncope after exercise or bone and joint diseases that affect exercise; ⑤ Patients with pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, or tumors;
* Patients known to be allergic to the ingredients of the moxibustion powder.
Where it's running
-
the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine
Zhengzhou, Henan, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yang Xie, Doctor — The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yang Xie, Doctor
- Email: xieyanghn@163.com
- Phone: 13526621325
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Comparing core, aerobic, and combined exercise during Phase II cardiac rehabilitation
This trial tests whether adding Pilates-style core exercises, standard aerobic exercise, or both to Phase II cardiac rehab improves fitness, balance, and quality of life for adults with recent myocardial infarction or stable heart failure.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.