Anti-hemorrhoidal activity of Lian-Zhi-San,a traditional Chinese medicine,in an experimental hemorrhoidal model in rats

Objective:Hemorrhoidal disease(HD)is the most common proctological disease,with an estimated prevalence rate of 4.4%,and a peak in individuals between 45 and 65 years of age.This study was done to evaluate whether Lian-Zhi-San(LZS),a clinically used anti-hemorrhoidal ointment could alleviate the inflammatory injury,with its associated changes of inflammatory cytokines and morphology of anorectal tissues,in an experimental model of HD in rats.Methods:HD was induced by croton oil preparation(COP)applied to the anorectal region.Rats were then treated with cotton swabs soaked in LZS ointment,water or white vaseline,twice a day for 7 d.At the end of the experiment,HD was evaluated by measuring hemorrhoidal and biochemical parameters along with histopathological observations.Results:In this study,COP induced a significant increase in the macroscopic severity score,anorectal coefficient and Evans blue extravasation,compared to normal rats.Additionally,it greatly enhanced the expression and secretion levels of some important inflammation-related cytokines along with marked histological damage,compared to normal rats.Rats treated with LZS ointment experienced significantly ameliorated Evans blue extravasation(P<0.05),decreased macroscopic severity score(0.86±0.14 vs.1.65±0.16)and the anorectal coefficient(P<0.01);its use also attenuated tissue damage and inhibited the expression and secretion levels of inflammation-related cytokines(interleukin-1 b,interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a).Conclusion:This study validates a preliminary understanding of the use of LZS ointment to treat inflammatory factors and tissue damage in an experimental model of HD in rats.

Association between atmospheric concentration of particulate matters and inpatient and outpatient visits for chronic respiratory diseases in Xiamen, China

Exposure to airborne particulate matters(fine particulate matter[PM2.5]and inhalable particulate matter[PM10])causes acute exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases and even death in some patients.[1,2]Here,we studied the association between airborne pollutants(PM2.5,PM10,ozone[O_(3)]),weather conditions(mean air temperature,wind force),and outpatient and inpatient visits for chronic respiratory diseases(bronchitis,emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[COPD],bronchiectasis)in Xiamen,China.