Integrated causal inference modeling uncovers novel causal factors and potential therapeutic targets of Qingjin Yiqi granules for chronic fatigue syndrome

Objective:Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)is a prevalent symptom of post-coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and is associated with unclear disease mechanisms.The herbal medicine Qingjin Yiqi granules(QJYQ)constitute a clinically approved formula for treating post-COVID-19;however,its potential as a drug target for treating CFS remains largely unknown.This study aimed to identify novel causal factors for CFS and elucidate the potential targets and pharmacological mechanisms of action of QJYQ in treating CFS.Methods:This prospective cohort analysis included 4,212 adults aged≥65 years who were followed up for 7 years with 435 incident CFS cases.Causal modeling and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the potential causal determinants of CFS.A proteome-wide,two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis was employed to explore the proteins associated with the identified causal factors of CFS,which may serve as potential drug targets.Furthermore,we performed a virtual screening analysis to assess the binding affinity between the bioactive compounds in QJYQ and CFS-associated proteins.Results:Among 4,212 participants(47.5%men)with a median age of 69 years(interquartile range:69–70 years)enrolled in 2004,435 developed CFS by 2011.Causal graph analysis with multivariate logistic regression identified frequent cough(odds ratio:1.74,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.15–2.63)and insomnia(odds ratio:2.59,95%CI:1.77–3.79)as novel causal factors of CFS.Proteome-wide MR analysis revealed that the upregulation of endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule(ESAM)was causally linked to both chronic cough(odds ratio:1.019,95%CI:1.012–1.026,P=2.75 e^(−05))and insomnia(odds ratio:1.015,95%CI:1.008–1.022,P=4.40 e^(−08))in CFS.The major bioactive compounds of QJYQ,ginsenoside Rb2(docking score:−6.03)and RG4(docking score:−6.15),bound to ESAM with high affinity based on virtual screening.Conclusions:Our integrated analytical framework combining epidemiological,genetic,and in silico data provides a novel strategy for elucidating complex disease mechanisms,such as CFS,and informing models of action of traditional Chinese medicines,such as QJYQ.Further validation in animal models is warranted to confirm the potential pharmacological effects of QJYQ on ESAM and as a treatment for CFS.

Therapeutic effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency after routine surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the spleen and stomach are the basis of acquired nature and the source of qi and blood biochemistry.After surgery and chemotherapy,patients with colorectal cancer often develop spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome,leading to decreased immune function.Buzhong Yiqi decoction,a classic TCM prescription,has the effect of tonifying middle-jiao and invigorating qi,boosting Yang,and suppressing immune-related inflammation.Moreover,it is widely used in the treatment of spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome.AIM To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on spleen and stomach qi deficiency in patients with colorectal cancer.METHODS One hundred patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and laparoscopy at The First TCM Hospital of Changde from January 2022 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided equally into control and observation groups.Both groups underwent conventional rehabilitation surgery,and the observation group was supplemented with Buzhong Yiqi decoction.SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analyses.Theχ2 test was used for univariate analysis;independent sample t-tests were used in all cases.RESULTS No significant differences were observed preoperatively in the general characteristics of the two groups.Fourteen days post-surgery,the abdominal distension,emaciation,loose stool,loss of appetite,and vomiting scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Immune function and interleukin(IL)-10 levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group,whereas IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,and C-reactive protein levels,tumor biological indexes,and adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).One month after surgery,the patients’quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the patients in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Buzhong Yiqi decoction can regulate inflammatory responses and metabolic processes by enhancing immune function,thereby promoting overall immune nutrition and restoring the body’s balance.

Determination of Salvianolic Acid B in Yiqi Huayu Prescription by HPLC

[Objectives]To determine the content of salvianolic acid B in Yiqi Huayu Prescription by HPLC.[Methods]The chromatographic column was ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C 18(4.6 nm×250 nm,5μm);the mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid(21:79),the detection wavelength was 286 nm,the column temperature was 30℃,and the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min.A method for determination of salvianolic acid B in Yiqi Huayu Prescription was established.[Results]The linear relationship of salvianolic acid B was good in the range of 0.0214-0.4064 mg/mL.The regression equation was Y=5995.98984 X-0.07332,r=0.9999.The average recovery rate was 98.88%(RSD=1.6%).[Conclusions]The method is reliable,accurate and specific,and can be used for the determination of salvianolic acid B in Yiqi Huayu Prescription.

Yiqi Tongluo capsule has protective effects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via regulating PI3K/AKT signaling

Background:Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and Yiqi Tongluo capsule(YTC)have a variety of physiological activities which include antioxidant.The purpose of this investigation was to discover the potential mechanisms of YTC ameliorates NAFLD.Methods:In this investigation,a high-fat diet(HFD)was adopted to establish a NAFLD mouse model.Liver samples were stained for oil red O and hematoxylin and eosin staining.The levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),malondialdehyde(MDA),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in the tissues were also detected.Network pharmacology was analyzed to filter out the key ingredients and targets of effect of YTC for the therapy of NAFLD.Subsequently,free fatty acids(FFA)was applied to induce Aml12 cells for in vitro experiments,and the cell samples were stained with oil red O and assayed for TC,TG,MDA,and SOD contents.At last,the Western blot technique was used to illuminate the pathway by which YTC plays a protective role against NAFLD.Results:Histopathological results demonstrated that YTC ameliorated tissue damage in the HFD-induced mouse model.At the same time,it also reduced the contents of TC,TG,MDA and increased the expression of SOD in the liver tissue of NAFLD mouse model.All of these findings demonstrate that YTC can play a role in the treatment of NAFLD by ameliorating oxidative stress.Network analysis of YTC ameliorates NAFLD mainly by modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.Follow-up in vitro experiments revealed that FFA caused lipid accumulation in Aml12 cells,which was dramatically reduced by YTC.Meanwhile,YTC could remarkably reduce the FFA-induced elevation of TC,TG,and MDA contents,and reverse the FFA-induced reduction of SOD contents.Western blot was verified for the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.It was found that FFA could remarkably decrease the expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-GSK-3βproteins,which could be significantly increased after YTC treatment.Conclusions:The combination of network analysis prediction and experimental verification was used to identify the therapeutic effect of YTC on NAFLD.The protective effect was achieved by YTC through upregulation of PI3K-Akt-GSK-3βpathway.

Evaluating the effect and mechanism of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu decoction combined with FLOT regimen neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the patients with locally advanced gastric cancer:protocol for a prospective,double-arm,randomized controlled clinical trial

Background:Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays a vital role in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer(GC),however,optimizing its effectiveness remains an important research focus.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),a promising adjunctive therapy,has shown enhanced clinical outcomes when combined with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.Therefore,this study is designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu decoction combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy FLOT in the treatment of advanced GC.Methods:This study is a prospective,double-arm,randomized controlled trial.It involves a total of 260 patients diagnosed with advanced GC,who will be randomly assigned to two groups-a TCM treatment group and a control group,each comprising 130 patients.All patients will receive standard FLOT chemotherapy,and patients in the TCM treatment group will additionally receive TCM treatment with Yiqi Huayu Jiedu decoction.After four cycles of chemotherapy,GC D2 radical surgery will be performed.The primary objective is to evaluate the postoperative pathological response rate of the tumor.The secondary objectives include evaluating the perioperative nutritional status,the efficacy of TCM syndrome,and adverse events associated with both chemotherapy and surgery.Discussion:Currently,no trials have investigated the impact of TCM in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the preoperative treatment in patients with advanced GC.Accordingly,it is imperative to conduct this prospective study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of this regimen,meanwhile providing high-level clinical evidence for TCM combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and introducing an innovative regimen for preoperative comprehensive treatment of GC.

Analysis on the Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Improving ICU-Acquired Debility in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of Yiqi Huoxue decoction combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on improving intensive care unit(ICU)acquired debility in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods:50 patients who were admitted to the ICU and received mechanical ventilation treatment in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 and were complicated with ICU-acquired neurasthenia were selected,and randomly grouped using the randomized envelope method into two groups:control group with 25 patients who received neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone;observation group with 25 patients who received the traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue decoction.Comparison indexes:treatment efficiency,degree of emotional recovery(APACHEⅡscore),muscle strength status(MRC score),motor status(FAC rating),and self-care ability(BI index score).Results:The treatment efficiency of patients in the observation group patients was higher as compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the comparison of the results of the scores(ratings)of each index between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After the treatment,the APACHEⅡscores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower as compared to those in the control group,while the MRC scores,FAC ratings,and BI index scores were higher in the observation group than those of the control group patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined application of Yiqi Huoxue decoction and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with ICU-acquired neurasthenia complicated by mechanical ventilation significantly enhanced the clinical efficacy,the patient’s muscle strength,motor status,and ability of self-care.Hence,it has high application value and is worthy to be popularized.

Yiqi Qingre Xiaozheng formula protects against diabetic nephropathy by restoring autophagy in mice

Objective:To evaluate the protective effect of Yiqi Qingre Xiaozheng formula(YQQRXZF)via the regulation of autophagy in diabetic nephropathy(DN)mice induced by injection of streptozotocin(STZ)after high fat diet(HFD).Methods:The composition of YQQRXZF was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographyelectrospray ionization/mass spectrometry(HPLC-ESI/MSn).The DN model was induced by intraperitoneally injection of 50 mg/kg STZ within 5 days,followed by HFD feeding for 8 weeks in C57BL/6J mice.Mice were randomly separated into DN group,YQQRXZF group,irbesartan group,and control group.Blood glucose was calculated,and body weight was measured every 2 weeks.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio(uACR)before and after treatment,and the serum concentrations of total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein(LDL),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein(HDL),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and serum creatinine(Scr)were measured.In addition,hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining,periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)staining,Masson's trichrome staining,and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)were used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue.Autophagy levels were determined by immunofluorescence staining.Results:In this study,21 dominant chemical constituents were identified in YQQRXZF.The treatment group reduced u ACR in a more significant way than the DN group(P=.018).The treatment group reduced TC,TG,and LDL concentrations after YQQRXFF treatment(P=.021,P=.014 and P=.026,respectively).H&E,PAS,and Masson staining showed that pathological damage to mice kidneys improved,the volume of renal glomeruli was reduced,and glomerular sclerosis and fibrosis were reduced.Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that expressions of LC3-Ⅱprotein increased in the treatment group(P=.013).In contrast,the protein expressions of P62 were reduced after treatment(P=.025).

Effect of sitagliptin combined with Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction on clinical efficacy and hemorheology in early diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND Early diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a complication of diabetes mellitus.It mainly affects kidney microvessels and glomerular function,and its timely and effective treatment is critical for early DN.However,the effects of treatments comprising simple Western medicine are not optimal.With the promotion and implementation of integrated Chinese and western medicine treatments,remarkable results have been achieved for many diseases.To this end,we explored the clinical efficacy of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicines for the treatment of early DN.AIM To investigate the effect of sitagliptin tablets combined with Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction on clinical efficacy and hemorheology in patients with early DN.METHODS Through a retrospective analysis,123 patients with early DN were admitted to the endocrinology clinic of the Changzhou NO.7 People’s Hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 and were selected as study subjects.After rigorous screening,100 patients with early DN were enrolled.The control group(CG,n=50)and the observation group(OG,n=50)were divided according to the treatment method.The CG were treated with sitagliptin,and the OG were treated with sitagliptin plus the Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction.Both groups were treated for 3 mo.For both groups,the baseline data and clinical efficacy were compared,and changes in blood glucose levels,lipid levels,renal function,and hematological indicators before(T0)and after(T1)treatment were assessed.RESULTS The total effective rate for the OG was 94.00%and that of the CG was 80.00%(P<0.05).After treatment(T1),the levels of fasting blood glucose,2 h postprandial glucose,total cholesterol,triacylglycerol,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in OG patients were obviously lower than those in the CG(P<0.05),and cystatin C,homocysteine,urinary microalbumin,and blood creatinine values in OG patients were also obviously lower than those in the CG(P<0.05);erythrocyte deposition,plasma viscosity,whole blood high shear viscosity,and whole blood low shear viscosity were markedly lower in OG patients than in the CG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Sitagliptin combined with Yiqi yangyin huoxue decoction has a remarkable effect when used to treat patients with early DN.Further,it is helpful in improving hemorheological indices and controlling disease progression.

Effect of Huoxue Yiqi recipe on proliferation,migration and tube formation of miR-484 overexpressed umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Huoxue Yiqi recipe promoting angiogenesis by targeting VEGF with miR-484.Methods:The model of miR-484 overexpressed in HUVEC was prepared and intervened with Huoxue Yiqi Recipe Freeze-dried powder.The effects of Huoxue Yiqi Recipe on proliferation,migration and tubular forming ability of HUVEC were separatly detected by CCK-8 method,cell scratch test and Matrigel three-dimensional forming test in vitro.The effect of Huoxue Yiqi Recipe on VEGFA mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.Results:Compared with the control group,the proliferation and migration area of cells in miR-484 overexpression model group decreased,the length,number of branches and nodes involved in tube formation decreased,the tube formation ability decreased significantly,and the expression level of VEGFA mRNA decreased,with statistical significance.Compared with the model group,the cell proliferation ability,migration area,length,number of branches and nodes involved in tube formation,tube formation ability and expression level of VEGFA mRNA in the Huoxue Yiqi Prescription group were up-regulated,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:MiR-484 inhibits the expression of VEGFA and the proliferation,migration and formation of HUVEC,and Huoxue Yiqi recipe has a certain negative regulation effect on this process,which may be a new target of Huoxue Yiqi recipe to promote angiogenesis.

Effect of Yiqi Jianpi plus anticancer herbs on spleen deficiency in colorectal cancer and its anti-tumor role

Objective:To observe the effect of Yiqi Jianpi plus anticancer herbs on spleen deficiency in colorectal cancer and its anti-tumor role.Methods:Human intestinal cancer cell HT29 xenograft of nude mice model was established.The expression of ECF,VEGF,gastric cancer tumor growth in mice were observed.Results:Protein kinase C expression in in the Yiqi Jianpi group and Yiqi Jianpi anti-tumor group was significantly better than the model group(P<0.01,P<0.05).There was significantly more apoptotic cells in Yiqi Jianpi anti-tumor group than Yiqi Jianpi group and model group(P<0.01).Epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in Yiqi Jianpi group was significantly lower than Yiqi Jianpi group and model group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Tumor can inhibit the expression of PKC inhibition.Yiqi Jianpi and anticancer treatment can reduce this inhibition.Besides this treatment can also inhibit expression of tumor related genes such as epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor.

Effect of Bushen Yiqi Huoxue Recipe on Placental Vasculature in Pregnant Rats with Fetal Growth Restriction Induced by Passive Smoking

Interactions of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） with receptors VEGFR1/Fltl and VEGFR2/Flk1, and those of angiopoietins （Ang-1, Ang-2） with receptor Tie2 play important roles in placental angiogenesis. This study investigated vascular morphology and expression of these angiogenic factors in rat placenta on the day 15, 18, 21 of gestation （D 15, D 18 and D21）. The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups： normal group, model group [fetal growth restriction （FGR） model], and Bushen Tqi Huoxue （BYHR） recipe treatment group （BYHR group, the pregnant rats with FGR were treated with BYHR recipe）. Morphological analysis indicated that during initial villous formation, fetal nucle- ated erythrocytes （FNEs） appeared in maternal blood sinus （MBS）. Subsequently, FNEs were sur- rounded by endothelial cells to form fetal capillary （FC） and then by trophoblast cells to form villi. As pregnancy proceeded, FC density increased progressively with increasing endothelial identification staining （EIS） in normal and BYHR groups. Whereas, villous formation was suppressed, normal in- crease in FC density was impaired and EIS was weakened in model group. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that VEGF and Flkl mRNA increased over gestation in all groups, indicating that VEGF might play a pivotal role in FC growth during late gestation. VEGF mRNA was increased on D15, while de- creased on D21 in model group as compared with normal group and BYHR group. Immunohistochemi- cally, Ang-2 protein was highly expressed in FNEs, gradually disappeared as villi matured, and decreased over gestation in all groups, indicating that Ang-2 might play a pivotal role in villous formation, which was further supported by decreased Ang-2 mRNA and protein expression in model group on D 15. Ang-1 mRNA, Tie2 mRNA and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio increased from D15 to D18 in all groups as placenta matured. Ang-1 mRNA, Tie2 mRNA and Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio were decreased on D18 in model group as compared with normal and BYHR groups, indicating delayed maturity of FGR placenta. Alterations in angiogenic factors may result in altered placental vasculature and cause placental insufficiency. BYHR recipe could balance the angiogenic factors to promote the formation and maturation of FGR placental vasculature.

Efficacy of Yiqi Jianpi anti-cancer prescription combined with chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer after operation

BACKGROUND At present,colorectal cancer is routinely treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy postoperatively.The adverse effects(AEs)of chemotherapy usually interrupt the treatment of chemotherapy.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has demonstrated great potential in improving patients'clinical symptoms,regulating the immune function,improving the life quality,and reducing the AEs of chemotherapy.AIM To observe the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Jianpi anti-cancer prescription combined with chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer after operation.METHODS Data from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between January 2019 and February 2021 were collected from Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Patients receiving the chemotherapy regimen of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin(CAPOX)after radical resection of colorectal cancer were prospectively collected and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group.The experimental group was given Yiqi Jianpi anti-cancer prescription combined with the CAPOX regimen,while the control group was given the CAPOX regimen alone.After six cycles of chemotherapy,the scores of TCM symptoms,Karnofsky performance scale(KPS)score,levels of T-cell subsets,and AEs after chemo therapy of the two groups were compared.RESULTS A total of 70 patients were randomly divided into either an experimental group(n=35,no dropout)or a control group(n=33,with 2 dropouts).Compared with the control group,the experimental group improved significantly(P<0.05)in scores of TCM symptoms,KPS score,levels of T-cell subsets,and AEs of chemotherapy.CONCLUSION Yiqi Jianpi anti-cancer prescription can effectively improve spleen deficiency,regulate the immune function,and alleviate the AEs of chemotherapy,so as to improve the life quality of patients with good therapeutic effects and application prospect in clinical practice.

Effect of Bushen Yiqi Hexue Recipe (补肾益气和血方) on Pinopodes Expression on Endometrial Surface in Embryo Implantation Dysfunctional Mice

Objective: To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe (补肾益气血方, BYHR), and observe its effect on pinopodes expression on endometrial surface in mifepristone induced embryo implantation dysfunctional mice. Methods: Pregnant Kunming mice were randomly divided into the normal group, the control group and the treated group. Mice in the treated group were administered with BYHR, and those in the normal group and the control group were administered with normal saline, starting from the very first day of pregnancy (Pd1). On the Pd4, mifepristone (RU486) was subcutaneously injected into mice in the control group and the treated group. Pinopodes expression on endometrial surface at 09:30-10:00 pm on Pd4 (regarded as time point 1, T1) and at 09:30-10:00 am on Pd5 (as time point 2, T2) was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Pregnancy rate and average implanted embryos were observed on Pd7. Results: Pregnancy rate and average implanted embryos in the control group were obviously lower than those in the normal group (all P<0.01), while the two parameters were significantly higher in the treated group (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively) than those in the control group. In the normal group, abundant developing pinopodes were distributed over the whole endometrial surface in T1, and they were altered to a great deal of fully developed pinopodes in T2. But in the control group, only a few pinopodes were expressed locally on endometrial surface in T1, showing a nonsynchronous figure of development, and they completely disappeared in T2. In the treated group, a lot of developing pinopodes were expressed like those in the normal group but somewhat lagged behind, whereas many fully developed pinopodes were expressed in T2. Conclusion: The decrease of the pinopodes in T1 and the cleaning up of them in T2 is possibly the partial mechanism of mifepristone in inducing embryo implantation dysfunction. It is indicated that BYHR could improve pinopodes expression on endometrial surface, eventually better the uterine receptivity and improve the embryo implantation.

Effect of Yiqi Bushen prescription on hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in diabetic rats

This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of Yiqi Bushen prescription （YQBS, supplementing qi and tonifying kidney） on neuronal cell apoptosis. Following YQBS treatment, the number of surviving hippocampal neurons increased, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression increased and pro-apoptotic Bax expression decreased. In addition, diabetic rats exhibited improved learning and memory. YQBS treatment also increased Bcl-2 mRNA expression and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, but decreased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mRNA and Bax mRNA expression after high-glucose/hypoxia-induced injury. Results demonstrated that YQBS inhibited hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by decreasing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression, thereby improving cognitive impairment in diabetic rats.

Clinical Observation of Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in the Treatment of Obese Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

[Objectives] To observe the clinical efficacy of Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS).[Methods]Obese patients with PCOS were recruited for the study in September 2014-December 2016 from Chinese medicine gynecological clinic in the affiliated hospital of Hubei University of Medicine.All these patients were given one dose of Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction one time a day for three months.Body mass index(BMI) was measured before and after treatment.Sex hormone levels and ovulation were measured,and the improvement of clinical symptoms was compared before and after treatment.[Results] After treatment,the levels of BMI and serum luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T) were significantly decreased,and the level of serum estradiol(E2) was significantly higher than that before treatment.Ovarian enlargement and polycystic changes,menstrual cycle,menstrual flow and menstrual period were improved in varying degrees.[Conclusions] Jiawei Buzhong Yiqi Decoction has a good clinical effect in the treatment of obese PCOS.

Effect of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) on Murine Liver Damage Induced by Food Allergy

Objective: To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction (补中益气汤, BZYQD) on liver damage induced by food allergy in mice. Methods: Nc/Jic strain mice with high levels of serum IgE were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA), and then divided into two groups and respectively treated with BZYQD (treated group) or normal saline (model group). Samples of serum, liver tissues and small intestine were collected two weeks later, and another group of non-sensitized mice was set as the normal group. The levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured with spectrophotometry. The liver tissue and small intestine were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for pathologic analysis. The liver samples were also subjected to analysis of CD4-T helper cell and cytokine (interleukin-4, IL-4, interleukin-6, IL-6) expression with immunohistochemical (avidin-biotin complex, ABC) method. Results: Serum ALT levels decreased and obvious pathologic improvements were seen in the mice treated with BZYQD. And compared with the model mice, the number of positive cells of IL-4, IL-6 and CD4 cell decreased significantly in those treated with BZYQD. Conclusion: BZYQD can effectively decrease the production of cytokines associated with allergic reaction in the liver of mice thus effective in treating liver damage caused by food allergy.

Yiqi Huoxue Decoction attenuates ischemia/hypoxia-induced oxidative stress injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

Objective:Yiqi Huoxue Decoction (YQHX) has been widely used for clinical treatment of ischemic heart disease.While oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease,the function and molecular mechanism underlying antioxidative protective effects of YQHX on H9c2 cardiomyocytes against ischemia/hypoxia (I/H) have yet to be well clarified.Methods:H9c2 cells were subjected to 12 h of hypoxia with serum-free conditions and then treated with or without YQHX (100-400 μg/mL).Cell viability was examined using a CCK-8 assay.Maleic dialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected using commercial kits.Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured using fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser-scanning microscopy,respectively.Ultrastructural details of mitochondria in H9c2 cells were observed using transmission electron microscopy.The antioxidative protective pathway was assessed by measuring mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1,as well as AMPK activation.Results:I/H injury gradually induced oxidative stress.Treatment with YQHX significantly increased cell viability and reversed I/H-induced oxidative stress,including reducing the production of oxidative stress products (ROS and MDA),increasing SOD levels,improving mitochondrial morphology,and increasing mitochondrial membrane potential.YQHX was also observed to increase I/H-induced expression of Nrf2 and HO-1,and the activation effects of YQHX were blocked by an AMPK inhibitor.In addition,HPLC analysis showed that YQHX contained two active antioxidative constituents (calycosin and ferulic acid).Conclusion:The results suggest that anti-oxidative effects exerted by YQHX in H9c2 cardiomyocytes may be linked to upregulation of the AMPK-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Clinical efficacy of angina pectoris after pci in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with type 2 diabetes by Yiqi Yangyin and Huatan Tongluo recipe

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin and Huatan Tongluo Recipe in improving the symptoms of angina pectoris and cardiac function in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with type 2 diabetes after PCI.Methods Sixty-two patients with coronary heart disease complicated with type 2 diabetes after PCI were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,with 31 patients in each group.Both groups were treated with western medicine.The treatment group added Yiqi Yangyin and Huayu Tongluo Recipe granules.The changes of metabolic equivalent(METs),angina symptoms,TCM symptoms,BNP,hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),Interleukin-6(IL-6),Tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-α)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)were analyzed after 1 course of treatment and Corrected TIMI Frame Count(CTFC)after six month.Results The improvement of METS and LVEF in the treatment group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05);the improvement of BNP,hs-CRP,IL-6,TNF-αand CTFC in the treatment group was better than that in the control group;the curative effect of angina pectoris in the treatment group was better than that in the control group;the effective rate of TCM syndrome improvement in the treatment group was better than that in the control group.Conclusion Yiqi Yangyin and Huatan Tongluo Recipe can effectively alleviate angina pectoris symptoms in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with type 2 diabetes after PCI,suggesting cardiac function,inhibiting inflammatory response,and improving microcirculation disturbance.

Effect of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills combined with trimetazidine on the treatment of chronic heart failure: A meta-analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Qishen Yiqi dripping pills combined with trimetazidine in the treatment of chronic heart failure.Methods:A total of four English and Chinese electronic databases were searched:CNKI,VIP,CBM,PUBMED.Cochrane bias risk tools were used to assess the methodological quality of qualified studies.Meta-analysis was conducted by Review Manager 5.3.A total of 9 articles were included,with a total sample size of 855 cases,443 cases in the observation group and 412 cases in the treatment group.Results:Qishen Yiqi dripping pills combined with trimetazidine in the treatment of chronic heart failure has a total effective rate(RR=1.22,95%CI[1.15-1.30];p<0.00001),LVEF(MD=6.03,95%CI[5.39,6.67],P<0.00001),BNP(MD=-101.87,95%CI[-109.90,-93.83],P<0.00001),E/A(MD=-4.32,95%CI[-5.70,-2.93],P<0.00001),SYP(MD=-10.32,95%CI[-13.32,-7.32],P<0.00001),LVESD(MD=-5.50,95%CI[-6.03,-4.96],P<0.00001),6-MWT(MD=110.13,95%CI[96.89,123.36],P<0.00001)Adverse reactions occurred less frequently and did not affect treatment.Conclusion:This study shows that QYDP combined with TMZ can improve various indicators of CHF patients.However,due to the small sample size and the generally low quality of research,a more rigorous and reasonably designed RCT is needed to confirm these findings.

Clinical observation of treatment with Yiqi Jianpi decoction combined with FOLFOX4 for the postoperation patients of colorectal cancer

Objective: The aim of the study was to observe the clinical efficacy with Yiqi Jianpi decoction combination with FOLFOX4 for the postoperative patients of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Eighty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups. The treated group (n = 41) received Yiqi Jianpi decoction combined with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy and the control group (n = 44) received FLOFOX4 chemotherapy alone. A treatment course of 6 months was applied to both groups. Results: The life quality, symptomatic improvement and adverse side effects reducing in the treated group were better than those of the control group. Conclusion: Yiqi Jianpi decoction combination with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of the postoperative patients with colorectal cancer.