TCM-HIN2Vec:A strategy for uncovering biological basis of heart qi deficiency pattern based on network embedding and transcriptomic experiment

Objective:To elucidate the biological basis of the heart qi deficiency(HQD)pattern,an in-depth understanding of which is essential for improving clinical herbal therapy.Methods: We predicted and characterized HQD pattern genes using the new strategy,TCM-HIN2Vec,which involves heterogeneous network embedding and transcriptomic experiments.First,a heterogeneous network of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)patterns was constructed using public databases.Next,we predicted HQD pattern genes using a heterogeneous network-embedding algorithm.We then analyzed the functional characteristics of HQD pattern genes using gene enrichment analysis and examined gene expression levels using RNA-seq.Finally,we identified TCM herbs that demonstrated enriched interactions with HQD pattern genes via herbal enrichment analysis.Results: Our TCM-HIN2Vec strategy revealed that candidate genes associated with HQD pattern were significantly enriched in energy metabolism,signal transduction pathways,and immune processes.Moreover,we found that these candidate genes were significantly differentially expressed in the transcriptional profile of mice model with heart failure with a qi deficiency pattern.Furthermore,herbal enrichment analysis identified TCM herbs that demonstrated enriched interactions with the top 10 candidate genes and could potentially serve as drug candidates for treating HQD.Conclusion: Our results suggested that TCM-HIN2Vec is capable of not only accurately identifying HQD pattern genes,but also deciphering the basis of HQD pattern.Furthermore our finding indicated that TCM-HIN2Vec may be further expanded to develop other patterns,leading to a new approach aimed at elucidating general TCM patterns and developing precision medicine.

Network pharmacology-based exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure with spleen Qi deficiency syndrome

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome.The Chinese herbal compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe has been used to treat chronic heart failure;however,the underlying molecular mechanism is still not clear.AIM To identify the effective active ingredients of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe and explore its molecular mechanism in the treatment of chronic heart failure.METHODS The effective active ingredients of eight herbs composing Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform.The target genes of chronic heart failure were searched in the Genecards database.The target proteins of active ingredients were mapped to chronic heart failure target genes to obtain the common drugdisease targets,which were then used to construct a key chemical componenttarget network using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the String database.Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed through the Metascape database.Finally,our previously published relevant articles were searched to verify the results obtained via network pharmacology.RESULTS A total of 227 effective active ingredients for Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe were identified,of which quercetin,kaempferol,7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone,formononetin,and isorhamnetin may be key active ingredients and involved in the therapeutic effects of TCM by acting on STAT3,MAPK3,AKT1,JUN,MAPK1,TP53,TNF,HSP90AA1,p65,MAPK8,MAPK14,IL6,EGFR,EDN1,FOS,and other proteins.The pathways identified by KEGG enrichment analysis include pathways in cancer,IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,cAMP signaling pathway,NF-kappaB signaling pathway,AMPK signaling pathway,etc.Previous studies on Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe suggested that this Chinese compound preparation can regulate the TNF-α,IL-6,MAPK,cAMP,and AMPK pathways to affect the mitochondrial structure of myocardial cells,oxidative stress,and energy metabolism,thus achieving the therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure.CONCLUSION The Chinese medicine compound preparation Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe exerts therapeutic effects on chronic heart failure possibly by influencing the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes,oxidative stress,energy metabolism,and other processes.Future studies are warranted to investigate the role of the IL-17 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,and other pathways in mediating the therapeutic effects of Jianpi Huatan Quyu recipe on chronic heart failure.

Observation on the Nursing Effect of Ginger Moxibustion on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Heart Failure Due to Yang Qi Deficiency

Objective:To evaluate the nursing measures and effects of ginger moxibustion in the treatment of heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.Methods:86 patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms who were admitted to the hospital between January 2023 and January 2024 were selected and divided into 43 cases in each group by random number table grouping;Group I implemented integrated care,while Group II adopted conventional care.The indicators of care were compared between the two groups.Results:After the nursing care,the digestive symptom scores of Group I were lower than those of Group I,and the psychological scores were lower than those of Group II(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ginger moxibustion can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and enhance the psychological health of patients with heart failure(yang qi deficiency type)with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Clinical Observation of the Therapeutic Effects of Wenzhong Hewei Formula in Treating Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency Syndrome in Internal Medicine Diseases

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Wenzhong Hewei Formula in treating spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome in internal medicine diseases.Methods:Sixty patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome admitted to the hospital from April 2022 to June 2023 were randomly divided into observation and control groups,with 30 patients in each group.The control group received conventional internal medicine treatment,while the observation group was additionally treated with Wenzhong Hewei Formula on the basis of conventional treatment.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.Results:The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of both groups were significantly lower than before treatment,with the observation group showing a more pronounced reduction(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Wenzhong Hewei Formula can effectively improve clinical symptoms in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome,enhance clinical efficacy,and have a high level of safety,making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Effect of Sijunzi Decoction on the Myonuclear Domain of Rat Soleus in Spleen Qi Deficiency

Objective: To study the mechanism of Sijunzi decoction treating limb weakness in spleen Qi deficiency (SQD) based on the myonuclear domain (MND) theory. Methods: 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal group, SQD model group (model group), SQD+ still water group (SW group) and SQD+ Sijunzi decoction group (CM group), 10 rats each group;Grip-Strength Meter was used to measure limb grip strength;transmission electron microscope was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of the myofibers, Image Pro 6.0 was used to measure the myonuclear numbers, cross-section area (CSA) and then their ratios (the MND sizes) were calculated, immunofluorescence assay was chosen to test the expressions of paired box gene 7 (Pax7) and myogenic differentiation antigen (MyoD). Results: Compared with those in the normal group, limb grip strength was decreased, sarcomeres were abnormal, and all the myonuclear numbers, CSA and MND sizes were reduced, but the Pax7+ cell numbers were increased, significantly, in the model and SW groups;Compared with those in the model and SW groups, limb grip strength was increased, sarcomeres were basically normal, the myonuclear number and CSA were both greater, and the Pax7+ and MyoD+ cell numbers were both increased, significantly, in the CM group. Conclusion: Sijunzi decoction might increase the myonuclear number by activating the MSCs to treat limb weakness in SQD.

Clinical effects of a traditional Chinese medicine nursing programme to intervene in gastric pain of the spleen and stomach with Qi deficiency

BACKGROUND Gastroparesis is a common digestive disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying,which can lead to symptoms such as nausea,vomiting,abdominal pain,and poor appetite.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal disorders,including gastroparesis.TCM theory suggests that spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome is one of the main pathogenic factors in gastroparesis.Nursing care plays an important role in the treatment of gastroparesis,and TCM nursing interventions have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes.However,there is limited research on the clinical effectiveness of TCM nursing interventions for gastroparesis with spleen stomach deficiency syndrome.This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of TCM nursing intervention in the treatment of gastroparesis with spleen stomach deficiency syndrome and to compare it with routine nursing interventions.AIM To analyze the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine nursing intervention in the treatment of gastric paraplegia with spleen stomach deficiency syndrome.METHODS From January 2020 to July 2021,80 patients with gastroparesis of spleen stomach qi deficiency type diagnosed in our hospital were selected for the study.The 80 patients were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group,with 40 cases in each group.During the treatment period,the control group received routine nursing interventions,while the experimental group received traditional Chinese medicine nursing procedures.Compare the nursing effects of the two groups and observe the changes in traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores,pain levels,and sleep quality before and after treatment.RESULTS After treatment,comparing the treatment effects of the two groups,the total effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the TCM symptom score,visual analogue scale(VAS)score,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).However,after treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,VAS scores,and PSQI scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION In the clinical nursing intervention of patients with mild gastroparesis due to spleen and stomach qi deficiency,the traditional Chinese medicine nursing plan has good clinical application value and nursing effect,and has a good effect on improving patients’pain and sleep quality.

Exploring the biological mechanism of qi deficiency syndrome with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)based on integrated pharmacology

Objective:To explore the potential biological mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)qi deficiency syndrome,we used the integrated pharmacology network computing platform and carried out experimental verification.Methods:Using an integrated pharmacology strategy to analyze the potential biological targets of COPD qi deficiency syndrome.Based on the established qi deficiency syndrome rat model of COPD,the biological targets of lung and skeletal muscle were detected by electron microscopy,adenosine triphosphate(ATP)content assays,and western blotting.Results:According to the integrated pharmacological results,it was found that the locations of cell components related to COPD qi deficiency syndrome were mainly mitochondria.Electron microscopy results using lung tissue showed that mitochondria in the lipopolysaccharide(LPS group)and pulmonary instillation of LPS combined with cigarette smoke(LPStCS group)were swollen,deformed,and fragmented,with disappearing or broken crista.Results also showed that the total content of ATP in the lung and skeletal muscle of both groups was significantly lower than that in the control group at the 12th week(P<.05).At the 12th week,the expression of dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1)and mitofusin 1(MFN1)protein was significantly difference than that of the control group(P<.05).At the 10th and 14th weeks,changes in fission and fusion proteins in mitochondria of the lung and skeletal muscle were further detected.There was also a significant difference in the expression between the two groups compared to that in the control group at the 10th week and 14th week(P<.05).Conclusion:These findings suggest that the changes in mitochondrial morphology and ATP content and the unbalanced expression of DRP1 and MFN1 might be the key mechanisms underlying qi deficiency syndrome in rats with COPD.

Study of Interference Treatment by Xuesaitong (血塞通) Soft Capsuleon Patients of Nephrosis Syndrome with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasisduring Dose Reducing Stage of Corticosteroid

Objective: To observe the effect of Xuesaitong (血塞通, XST) soft capsule in interference treatment on patients of nephrosis syndrome (NS) during corticosteroid (CS) dose reducing stage. Methods: Seventy-one NS patients applying prednisone and initiating dose reducing stage were randomized into trial group and control group. On the basis of conventional prednisone dose reduction of both groups, the trial group was given additionally XST, and the treatment course ended with the reduction to maintenance dose. In the course of observation, those who did not comply with the criteria of observation were excluded. Before and after the dose reduction, TCM syndrome scoring, 24 hrs urinary protein amount, blood β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), urinary β2-MG, blood fibrinogen (Fbg), plasma prothrombin time (PT), blood lipid, etc. were observed. Results: The trial group of XST could obviously lower their urinary protein amount and blood lipid level (P<0.05 or P<0.01), markedly improve the blood coagulation parameters (P<0.01), improve the TCM syndrome and CS induced adverse reaction (P<0.05 or P<0.01), also obviously reduced the recurrence rate of NS (P<0.05). Conclusion: XST could obviously improve the clinical symptoms and renal impairment parameters in NS patients during CS dose reduction stage, improve the CS induced adverse reaction and prevent the recurrence of NS.

Symptom characteristics and prevalence of qi deficiency syndrome in people of varied health status and ages: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Objective:Aging caused by a deficiency syndrome can be found in ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine literature.Qi deficiency syndrome(QDS)is a vital factor in the aging process.This study aimed to establish a full-scale trial to evaluate the prevalence,symptom severity,frequency,and distribution of QDS in different age groups and varying health status to elucidate the role of qi deficiency in the aging process and deterioration of health.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals in China,and data from 1220 participants were included.The participants,aged between 20 and 79 years,completed questionnaires that recorded prevalence of QDS and severity or frequency of relevant symptoms,then were interviewed by investigators.We used frequency analysis and chi-squared tests to perform comparative analysis of prevalence in different age and health groups;we used a ranksum tests for quantitative analysis of symptoms severity and frequency scores;we performed a regression analysis of correlation between syndrome occurrence and potential factors using nonconditional binary logistic stepwise regression of numerical variables.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:Prevalence,symptom severity and frequency scores of QDS showed a rising trend when physical condition worsened,rather than when age increased.Health status,fatigue,shortness of breath or no desire to talk,spontaneous sweating,swollen tongue with teeth marks on side,and deficient and weak pulse,rather than increasing age were contributing factors to this syndrome.Distribution of QDS in certain health and age stages showed remarkable irregularities.Conclusions:Qi deficiency may be a contributing factor for sub-health(sub-optimal health)and chronic diseases rather than aging.It may play a crucial role in chronic disease pathogenesis of young and middle-aged people,and in sub-health pathogenesis of older adults.Recognition of the warning signs and symptoms of QDS may lead to early intervention and prevention of subhealth,and chronic diseases.

Serum protein profiles suggest a possible link between qi deficiency constitution and Pi-qi-deficiency syndrome of chronic superficial gastritis

Objective:To identify potential serum protein candidates involved in linking the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)-defined qi deficiency constitution(QDC)to Pi-qi-deficiency syndrome(PQDS)of chronic superficial gastritis(CSG).Methods:Using participants with the TCM-defined balanced constitution as a control population,labelfree quantitative proteomics was adopted to identify differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in serum samples from two case populations:case population 1(participants with QDC)and case population 2(patients with PQDS of CSG).The DEPs discovered in both case populations were analyzed to identify common DEPs as potential candidates for proteins involved in the link between QDC and PQDS.Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway(KEGG)and Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analysis and analysis of proteineprotein interaction networks,we evaluated the possible functions of these potential serum candidates.Results:We discovered 24 and 28 proteins that were differentially expressed in case populations 1 and 2,respectively,compared with the control population.Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the expression profile of DEPs of individuals from the same population clustered well,while those from different populations were segregated.Furthermore,GO analysis revealed the 10 DEPs that were common to both case populations to be mainly associated with negative regulation of cellular metabolic and immune system processes while KEGG analysis indicated these proteins to be associated with complement and coagulation cascades and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling.Notably,serum levels of C4b-binding protein beta chain,glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D1 and MS-F1 light chain variable region proteins were notably higher in the two case populations compared with the control,particularly in the case of CSG with PQDS.Conclusion:The results presented here provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying development of PQDS of CSG from QDC,and suggest candidate serum biomarkers for future application in integrative medicine.

Serum proteomic approach in patients with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in coronary heart disease:to explore therapeutic mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue decoction

OBJECTIVE To explore the curative effect and mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue decoction in the treatment of coronary heart disease with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.METHODS The patients with coronary heart disease of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were treated with Yiqi Huoxue decoction for 3 months,and the changes of cardiac function were observed.61 serum samples(including 29 cases of disease group and 32 cases of Yiqi Huoxue expression group)were analyzed by non labeled proteomics.The disease group was used as the control group,and the protein with expression level difference of more than 1.2 folds(P<0.05)was screened.The molecular function,biological pathway and protein interaction of the different proteins were analyzed by bioinformatics,so as to identify the molecular and biological pathway of Yiqi Huoxue decoction in the treatment of coronary heart disease with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.RESULTS Clinical treatment found that Yiqi Huoxue decoction can improve TCM syndrome score and left ventricular ejection fraction,regulate blood glucose and blood lipid levels,prolong thrombin time,and improve heart function.The results of proteomic quantitative analysis showed that there were 69 proteins with different expression levels in the disease group.Bioinformatics analysis results showed that Yiqi Huoxue decoction may regulate ApoA1,alpha-2 and other proteins to act on HDL assembly,platelet degradation,PI3K Akt signaling pathway,and then play a therapeutic role in coronary heart disease with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.CONCLUSION Yiqi Huoxue decoction can effectively improved the heart function decline caused by Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome of coronary heart disease.It mainly act on energy metabolism and platelet activation pathway by activating HDL assembly and platelet degradation signal pathway proteins.This study can provide reference for the follow-up treatment mechanism of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome of coronary heart disease.

Effect of Chanfukang(Chinese Medicine)on Endothelin and Nitric Oxide in Postpartum Cows with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis

[ Objective] To observe effect of Chanfukang on vascular endothelial cells of postpartum cows with Oi deficiency and Blood stasis, and to explore the treatment mechanism of Chanfukang. [Method] A total of 58 cows were assigned to four groups. The cows in group 1 and group 2 suffered from Qi deficiency and Blood stasis. The cows in group 1 were gavaged with Chanfukang （0.5 g/kg-BW, 5 d） at 12 h post partum, but the cows in group 2 were not treated. The cows in group 3 were healthy and gavaged with Chanfukang （0.4 g/kg.BW, 5 d） at 12 h post partum. Cows in group 4 were healthy control cows. The plasma endothelin （ET） concentration and serum nitric oxide （NO） concentration were determined before and after parturition, respectively. [ Result ] The plasma ET concentration and serum NO concentration were significantly higher in the cows with Qi deficiency and Blood stasis than in the healthy control cows （P 〈 0.05）. The NO concentration decreased on Day 10 post partum in the cows with Qi deficiency and Blood stasis, but it was still higher than that in the healthy control cows. After taking Chanfukang for 7 d, the ET concentration and NO concentration decreased, and no significant difference was found between the cows with Qi deficiency and Blood stasis treated with Chanfukang and the healthy control cows. [ Conclusion] Chanfukang may relieve Qi deficiency and Blood stasis of postpartum cows through decreasing plasma ET concentration and serum NO concentration.

Clinical observation of Guipi Decoction Combined with non steroidal drugs on sleep in elderly patients with acute traumatic pain and Qi deficiency constitutionabortion

Objective:To explore the effect of Guipi Decoction Combined with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on sleep time of elderly patients with traumatic pain and Qi deficiency constitution during hospitalization.Methods:A total of 52 elderly patients hospitalized in the orthopedic(trauma)ward of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from November 2020 to may 2021 were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.Patients in the control group were treated with loxoprofen sodium tablets immediately after admission,and placebo was added to loxoprofen sodium tablets from the second day of admission;The patients in the treatment group were treated with loxoprofen sodium tablets after admission.Guipi Decoction was added on the basis of loxoprofen sodium tablets from the second day of admission.Before and after admission,all patients used the TCM constitution classification judgment table to evaluate the score of qi deficiency and VAS;From the first day to the fourth day after admission,the bracelet was worn to monitor the sleep time(total sleep time,deep sleep time,light sleep time and awakening times)every night.The patients were scored by VAS after taking drugs every morning.Results:Finally 25 patients in the control group and 24 patients in the treatment group completed the experiment.There was no significant difference in gender,age,fracture location,chronic medical history VAS score and TCM Qi deficiency constitution score,between two groups at admission(P>0.05).At the time of discharge,the score of qi deficiency constitution in the treatment group was 33.724±12.634;The TCM Qi deficiency constitution score of the control group was 42.25±15.912,and there was significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05);and there was significant difference in VAS score between the two groups at discharge(P<0.05).There were significant differences in total sleep time,light sleep time,deep sleep time and night awakening times between the two groups on the second,third and fourth day of admission(P<0.05).Conclusion:1.Guipi Decoction can significantly improve the sleep time of patients with Qi deficiency acute traumatic pain.2.Guipi Decoction can not only improve the constitution of patients with Qi deficiency bias,but also improve the VAS score at discharge.

Chinmedomics facilitated quality-marker discovery of Sijunzi decoction to treat spleen qi deficiency syndrome

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is a Chinese classical formula to treat spleen qi deficiency syndrome (SQDS) and has been widely used for thousands of years.However,the quality control (QC) standards of SJZD are insufficient.Chinmedomics has been designed to discover and verify bioactive compounds of a variety of formularapidly.In this study,we used Chinmedomics to evaluate the SJZD's efficacy against SQDS to discover the potential quality-markers (q-markers) for QC.A total of 56 compounds in SJZD were characterized in vitro,and 23 compounds were discovered in vivo.A total of 58 biomarkers were related to SQDS,and SJZD can adjust a large proportion of marker metabolites to normal level and then regulate the metabolic profile to the health status.A total of 10 constituents were absorbed as effective ingredients that were associated with overall efficacy.We preliminarily determined malonyl-ginsenoside Rb2 and ginsenoside Ro as the q-markers of ginseng;dehydrotumulosic acid and dihydroxy lanostene-triene-21-acid as the q-markers of poria;glycyrrhizic acid,isoglabrolide,and glycyrrhetnic acid as the q-markers of licorice;and 2-atractylenolide as the q-marker of macrocephala.According to the discovery of the SJZD q-markers,we can establish the quality standard that is related to efficacy.

Clinical observation on spleen-invigorating and qi-benefiting pediatric massage for treating recurrent respiratory tract infection in children with cerebral palsy due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of spleen-invigorating and qi-benefiting pediatric massage(tuina)for treating recurrent respiratory tract infection in children with cerebral palsy due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung.Methods:A total of 70 children with cerebral palsy who suffered from recurrent respiratory tract infection due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with conventional rehabilitation training,while the observation group was given additional spleen-invigorating and qi-benefiting pediatric massage,and the control group additionally took oral Yu Ping Feng granule.The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the total effective rate,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom score,and serum levels of immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgM and IgG.Results:The difference in total effective rate between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM symptom scores in both groups decreased to varying degrees than those before treatment,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01);the differences in the scores of various TCM symptoms between the two groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of IgA,IgM and IgG of the children in both groups increased to varying degrees,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The between-group differences in the IgA,IgM and IgG levels after treatment were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Spleen-invigorating and qi-benefiting pediatric massage can effectively treat recurrent respiratory tract infection due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung in children with cerebral palsy,relieve the clinical symptoms and improve immune function,and thus is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Correlation between slow transit constipation and spleen Qi deficiency, and gut microbiota: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of slow transit constipation(STC)and spleen Qi deficiency on gut microbiota,and the mechanism underlying the action that the positive drug Maren Runchang(MR)alleviates STC.METHODS:STC was induced,using the cathartic method of Senna and the hunger-fullness disorder method,in ICR mice;one group of model mice was treated with MR(6.24 g/kg).The changes in the general condition,fecal parameters,D-xylose content in the serum,intestinal propulsion rate,and histopathology of the colon were assessed after STC induction in the control,model,and MR groups.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)was performed from STC mice into pseudo germ-free mice.Changes in the contents of substance P(SP),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),and gut microbiota in STC mice and pseudo germ-free mice were assessed after FMT.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the model mice showed the following results:the time of the first black stool was significantly longer(P<0.01),the number and weight of black stools were significantly reduced within 6 h(P<0.05),the D-xylose content in the serum was significantly reduced(P<0.05),the intestinal propulsion rate decreased(P<0.01),the content of VIP in colon tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),and SP content in the colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01);moreover,the colon showed significant inflamemation and injury.Furthermore,the abundance of Firmicutes was increased,the abundance of Bacteroides decreased,and the abundance of Alistipes,unclassified_o_Bacteroidales,Alloprevotella,Bilophila,and Anaerotruncus decreased,while the abundance of the conditional pathogenic bacteria Escherichia and Klebsiella increased.However,after treatment with MR,the time of the first black stool decreased(P<0.01),the number of black stools within 6 h increased,and the intestinal propulsion rate increased(P<0.05).Moreover,the content of D-xylose in the serum and the content of VIP in colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),the content of SP in colon tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and colon inflammation significantly improved.Additionally,the abundance of Firmicutes decreased,and the abundance of Bacteroides increased.The abundance of unclassified_o_Bacteroidales and Bilophila increased,and the abundance of Klebsiella decreased.In the model+FMT group,compared with control+FMT group,the content of VIP in colon tissue decreased(P<0.05),the content of SP in colon tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the abundance of probiotics,such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia,decreased.In the MR+FMT group,compared with the model+FMT group,the content of VIP in colon tissue increased,the content of SP in colon tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the abundance of probiotics increased.CONCLUSIONS:STC mice with spleen Qi deficiency show a decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria,such as Alistipes,unclassified_o_Bacteroidales,Alloprevotella,Bilophila,and Anaerotruncus,and an increased abundance of the conditional pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella.Furthermore,the mechanism of action of MR in treating STC may involve the regulation of intestinal movement,reduction of intestinal inflammation,elevation of intestinal absorption,and regulation of gut microbiota.

Mechanisms of Qi-blood circulation and Qi deficiency syndrome in view of blood and interstitial fluid circulation

OBJECTIVE: Based on comparison between fundamental theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine (WM) and modern scientific research on meridians, we find that "Qi" in TCM is closely related to tissue fluid. In this study, the essence of Qi is explored in the view of circulation of blood and interstitial fluid. METHODS: Because the concept of Qi is complicated, Qi deficiency syndrome (QDS) is chosen to probe the relationship between of Qi deficiency and Qi-blood circulation (QBC). We analyze Qi-blood theory in terms of WM, set up a hemodynamic model to describe QBC, and review clinical research on QDS in the view of blood-interstitial fluid circulation. RESULTS: QDS is caused by imbalances of substance exchanges between blood and interstitial fluid, leading to an increase in the interstitial liquid volume or a decrease in nutrients and retention ofmetabolic wastes in interstitial fluid. CONCLUSION: This study describes the essence of Qi, providing support for further research on theories of Qiand Qi-blood circulation inTCM.

Energy Metabolism Disorder and Myocardial Injury in Chronic Myocardial Ischemia with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on 2-DE Proteomics

Objective： To inquire the characteristic proteins in chronic myocardial ischemia by testing twodimensional electrophoresis （2-DE） map to explore the possible inherent pathological mechanism and the therapeutic intervention of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Methods： Ameroid constrictor ring was placed on the first interval of left anterior descending coronary artery to prepare chronic myocardial ischemia model on Chinese miniature swine. Animals were randomly divided into sham group and model group with 10 animals in each group, respectively. The dynamic symptoms observation of the four diagnostic information was collected from 0 to 12 weeks. Echocardiography was employed to evaluate cardiac function and the degree of myocardial ischemia, 2-DE and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） were used to carry out proteomics research on animals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to identify the relevant differential proteins on chronic myocardial ischemia with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Results： The preliminary study found that at the 12th week, chronic myocardial ischemia with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome model was established stably. Compared with the sham group, there were 8 different proteins down-regulated, 22 proteins up-regulated significantly. After validated by MALDI- TOF-MS/MS, 11 protein spots were identified. Distinct proteins were mainly associated with energy metabolism and myocardial structural injury, including isocitrate dehydrogenase 3 （NAD＋） alpha, NADH dehydrogenase （NAD） Fe-S protein 1, chain A （crystal structure of aidose reductase by binding domain reveals a new Nadph）, heat shock protein 27 （HSP27）, oxidoreductase （NAD-binding protein）, antioxidant protein isoform, cardiac troponin T （cTnT）, myosin （myosin light polypeptide）, cardiac alpha tropomyosin, apolipoprotein A- I and albumin. Conclusion： Down-regulated energy metabolism disorder mediated by NADH respiratory chain and myocardial injury may be the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. These proteins may be the potential diagnostic marker（s） for qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, finally provided new clues for new therapeutic drug target of Chinese medicine

Variations of energy metabolism and adenosine Triphosphatase activity in gastric mucosa in chronic atrophic gastritis rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and effect of Zhiweifangbian capsule

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Zhiweifangbian (ZWFB) capsule on lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and ATPase activities in gastric mucosa of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. METHODS: Totally 90 rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: normal group (n=10) and modelgroup (n=80). The CAG rat model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type was induced by synthetic methods. After modeling for 12 weeks and the successful CAG model was determined, the CAG model rats were divided by random number table into model group (MG), ZWFB high-dose group (ZWFBH), ZWFB middle-dose group (ZWFBM), ZWFB low-dose group (ZWFBL) and Weimeisu group (WM), 9 rats in each group. The rats in the normal and model groups were intragastrically administrated with distilled water, 10 mL/kg every day; the ZWFB high-dose group with ZWFB, 0.6 g/ kg -1 · d -1 ; the ZWFB middle-dose group with ZWFB, 0.3 g/kg -1 · d -1 ; the ZWFB low-dose group with ZWFB, 0.15 g/kg -1 · d -1 , and the WM group with suspension of WM , 0.25 g/kg -1 · d -1 . The treatment was given for 90 consecutive days. Then general survival states were observed and the activities of LDH, SDH, Na + -K + -ATPase and Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATPase in gastric mucosa tissue were detected. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, activity of LDH in the gastric mucosa (P<0.05) and activities of SDH, Na + -K + -ATPase and Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATPase significantly decreased in the normal group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group the activity of LDH decreased and activities of SDH, Na + -K + -ATPase and Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATPase significantly increased in the high dose ZWFB group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: ZWFB capsule can promote energy metabolism and ATPase activity in the gastric mucosa cell, so as to protect the function of the gastric mucosa cell.

Clinical observation on moxibustion therapy plus tuina in treating children with recurrent respiratory tract infections due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion therapy plus Liu's pediatric massage(tuina)for children with recurrent respiratory tract infections due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung.Methods:A total of 60 children who met the inclusion criteria were divided into an observation group and a control group according to the visiting sequence,with 30 cases in each group.Children in the observation group were treated with moxibustion therapy plus Liu's pediatric massage,and those in the control group were treated with Liu's pediatric massage alone.The incidence of respiratory tract infections and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms score were observed and recorded in both groups before and after treatment.And the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups・Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3%,and that of the control group was 83.3%.The differenee between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the TCM symptoms score and total times of infections in both groups were all statistically different from those before treatment(all P<0.05).The differences in TCM symptoms score and infection frequency before and after treatment in the observation group were statistically different from those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion therapy plus Liu's pediatric massage has a better effect in improving the clinical symptoms and reducing the frequency of respiratory tract infections for children with recurrent respiratory tract infections due to qi deficiency of spleen and lung than the pediatric massage alone.