Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of endocrine therapyrelated osteoporosis among patients with breast cancer:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of combining traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),specifically Chinese herbal medicine(CHM),with Western medicine(WM),compared to WM alone to treat breast cancer endocrine therapy-related osteoporosis(BCET-OP)by meta-analysis.Methods Thirty-eight randomized controlled trials involving 2170 participants were analyzed.Eight databases were searched for articles published between inception and December 2023.Quality assessment was performed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool.Results Significant increases were observed in the TCM-WM group in lumbar vertebrae bone mineral density(BMD)(P<.001,mean difference(MD)=0.07,95%confidence interval(CI):0.06 to 0.08),lumbar vertebrae T-score(P=.0005,MD=0.21,95%CI:0.09 to 0.33)and collum femoris BMD(P=.01,MD=0.10,95%CI:0.02 to 0.19).No significant difference was observed between the groups in the collum femoris T-score and estradiol levels.Bone gla-protein levels were significantly increased in the TCM-WM group(P=.0002,MD=0.52,95%CI:0.25 to 0.79).Beta-CrossLaps decreased significantly in the TCM-WM group(P=.0008,MD=−0.10,95%CI:−0.16 to−0.04).No significant difference was observed between the TCM-WM and WM groups in alkaline phosphatase,in procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide,and in the Kupperman index.The visual analog score(VAS)was decreased in the TCM-WM group compared to the WM group(P<.001,MD=−1.40,95%CI:−1.94 to−0.87).No significant difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups.Conclusion Combining CHM with WM in patients with BCET-OP significantly improved BMD,T-score,and certain bone turnover markers and reduced the VAS score,indicating potential benefits for bone health and related pain.Adverse event analysis revealed no differences between the groups,supporting the feasibility of the combination therapy.However,further research,particularly in diverse populations,is required.

Re-evaluating the role of pelvic radiation in the age of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy

The efficacy of pelvic radiation in the management of locally advanced stage rectal cancer has come under scrutiny in the context of modern precision medicine and systemic therapy as evidenced by recent clinical trials such as FOWARC(J Clin Oncol 2019;37:3223-3233),NCT04165772(N Engl J Med 2022;386:2363-2376),and PROSPECT(N Engl J Med 2023;389:322-334).In this review,we comprehensively assess these pivotal trials and offer additional insights into the evolving role of pelvic radiation in contemporary oncology.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Modern Rehabilitation Training Improves the Spasticity and Motor Function of Hemiplegia after Stroke

Objective:To analyze the impact of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(based on modern rehabilitation training)on the spasticity and motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods:Seventy-nine stroke and hemiplegia patients admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a control group(39 cases)using modern rehabilitation training,and an observation group combined with comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy(40 cases),over 1 month.The clinical index data of the two groups were compared.Results:There were differences in the clinical index data between the two groups.The total effective rate after 2 treatment in the observation group(92.50%)was higher than that of the control group(74.36%)(χ^(2)=4.727,P<0.05).All central sensitization inventory(CSI)and stroke quality of life(PRO)scores in both groups were lower after treatment,with the observation group having lower scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).The scores of FMA(upper limbs,lower limbs),Barthel index scores,and Functional Ambulation Categories(FAC)scores of both groups increased after treatment,with the observation group having higher scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy had a significant therapeutic effect on patients with hemiplegia after stroke.It improved the patient’s spasticity,limb movement,and walking function.Their daily living abilities and quality of life were also enhanced.

The Application and Development of Music Therapy in Rehabilitation Medicine

Music therapy,as an ancient and continually evolving therapeutic approach,has demonstrated unique effects and extensive potential applications in the field of rehabilitation medicine.This paper first explores the physiological and psychological impacts of music and theoretical models of its therapeutic mechanisms.It further details the specific applications of music therapy in neurological rehabilitation,motor function recovery,psychological and emotional adjustment,and chronic disease and pain management.The article also investigates the prospects of integrating music therapy with modern technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy support in advancing this field.Through comprehensive analysis,the paper identifies future development directions and research needs for music therapy in rehabilitation medicine.

Mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of psoriasis with depression:A review

Psoriasis is a kind of immune-mediated, chronic, inflammatory skin disease, which is often associated with different degrees of psychological disorders. Specifically, there is a significant correlation between psoriasis and depression, and they show the relationships of reciprocal causation and mutual promotion. Psoriasis with depression is more harmful than simple psoriasis, and its prognosis is worse, which brings a huge burden to the family and society and is worthy of clinical attention. Based on the pathogenic factors of western medicine and pathogenesis of traditional Chinese medicine in psoriasis with depression, the paper summarized and elaborated the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of psoriasis with depression, in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Enhancing ulcerative colitis treatment with traditional Chinese medicine

Inflammatory bowel disease,particularly ulcerative colitis(UC),poses significant treatment challenges due to its chronic nature and potential for severe complications.This editorial reviews a recent network meta-analysis that evaluated the efficacy of and highlighted the superior outcomes achieved by combining each of five traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulations with mesalazine for the adjuvant treatment of UC.Clinical outcomes included enhanced mucosal healing,improved quality of life,and reduced recurrence rates.Additionally,the combination therapy resulted in a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with mesalazine monotherapy.Despite these promising results,limitations such as variability in study quality and TCM dosage highlight the need for further highquality,large-sample,multicenter randomized controlled trials.This editorial underscores the potential of TCM in enhancing UC management and calls for more rigorous research to substantiate these findings and refine clinical guidelines.

An investigation of the influence of intestinal flora in external traditional Chinese medicine therapy

External therapy,which has been used for millennia to treat disease,has now become the newest member of complementary and alternative therapies.A growing number of clinical studies and animal experiments have shown that external therapy exerts a positive effect on the intestinal flora.In this paper,we review the research related to external therapy on various systemic diseases and focus on changes in the intestinal flora.We found that studies on external therapy are dominated by acupuncture and tuina,primarily aimed at the treatment of digestive and neurological diseases.However,the deeper mechanism of regulation of the intestinal flora by external therapy has not yet been experimentally confirmed.

Research Progress on Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Intestinal Flora

In recent years,the World Health Organization has proposed the concept that only intes‐tinal health can lead to longevity.It can be seen that gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining human health,and gut microbiota has become a hot topic in medical research.With the change of Chinese residents'lifestyle,the incidence rate of diabetes is increasing rapidly.Research shows that the incidence of diabetes is closely related to intestinal flora imbalance.Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce blood sugar and improve clinical symptoms by regulating intestinal flora.Based on the theory of tradi‐tional Chinese medicine,this paper discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of intestinal flora imbalance,and provides a theoretical basis for traditional Chinese medicine to regu‐late intestinal flora to prevent and treat diabetes.Intestinal flora is a complex ecosystem,which plays an important role in maintaining human health.The imbalance of intestinal flora may lead to the occurrence of diabetes.The dynamic balance of gut microbiota is closely related to the kidneys,spleen,liver,and lungs.Traditional Chinese medicine monomer and compound can prevent and cure diabetes by regulating intestinal flora.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of endometrial thickening during endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention after breast cancer surgery

Objective:To systematically evaluate the endometrial thickening and Chinese herbal medicine intervention effects during endocrine therapy following breast cancer surgery.Methods:Computerized searches were performed on CNKI,CBM,Wanfang,VIP,Pub Med,Embase,and Cochrane to gather randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of endometrial thickening combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention during endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery.The meta analysis is done using Rev Man 5.4,and the retrieval range is from the database's creation to January 2023.Results:There were 710 patients enrolled in a total of 12 RCTs.The results of Meta-analysis were as follows:combined with Chinese herbal medicine treatment for 3 months of endometrial thickness(MD=-1.12,95%CI[-1.47,0.77],P<0.00001);6 months endometrial thickness(MD=-1.90,95%CI[-2.38,-1.42],P<0.00001);endometrial thickness at 12 months(MD=-2.24,95%CI[-2.96,-1.52],P<0.00001);modified Kupperman score(MD=-10.45,95%CI[-19.10,-1.80],P=0.02);TCM syndrome score(SMD=-1.53,95%CI[-1.84,-1.22],P<0.00001);KPS score(MD=3.75,95%CI[2.81,4.68],P<0.00001);there was no significant difference in CA153,CEA,FSH and E2 between the two groups.Conclusion:After breast cancer surgery,endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine can significantly lessen endometrial thickening and enhance patient quality of life.

Study of the Effect of Zhuang Medicine Aponeurotic System Triple Therapy on Lumbar Disc Herniation and Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein Level

Objective:To analyze the application effect of Zhuang medicine aponeurotic system triple therapy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and its effect on the level of alpha-1 acid glycoprotein(alpha-1 AGP).Methods:200 patients with lumbar disc herniation were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,100 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional acupuncture,and the treatment group was treated with manipulation+fire needling+cupping.The alpha-1-AGP levels before and after treatment,as well as the lumbar spine function and pain scores before and after treatment,and the adverse reactions occurred during treatment between the two groups were compared.Results:Before treatment,there was no significant difference in alpha-1 AGP levels,lumbar function,and pain scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After treatment,the lumbar function scores of the two groups were significantly increased,with the treatment group having higher scores than the control group(P<0.05);the incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was 2.00%,which was much lower than the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Appropriate application of Zhuang medicine aponeurotic system triple therapy in the clinical treatment of lumbar disc herniation can promote the improvement of alpha-1 AGP index level,reduce the pain degree of patients,and improve their lumbar spine function.At the same time,Zhuang medicine also has significant advantages in terms of safety,while ensuring the efficacy and safety of the treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis:From Empirical Practice to Evidence-Based Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a common autoimmune condition with an elusive etiology.Conventional and biological disease-modifying drugs sometimes fail or produce only partial responses.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has long been used in China as a treatment for RA and is achieving everincreasing acceptance worldwide.TCM treatments are traditionally guided by the theory of treatment based on TCM syndrome differentiation;however,they remain a matter of empirical practice relying on TCM theories and doctors’own experience,which places severe restrictions on worldwide TCM application.Nevertheless,TCM is a treasure trove for drug discovery,particularly as a treatment for complicated human conditions.The discoveries of artemisinin as a treatment for malaria and of TCM–arsenic trioxide(As2O3)combination therapy as a treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL)are excellent examples of the great value of TCM.Regarding RA treatments,many Chinese medicinal herbs and their formulas,extracts,ingredients,and even single compounds have been used in clinical applications.Several Chinese proprietary medicines(CPMs)derived from TCM formulas or herbal bioactive components,such as the controlled-release ZhengQingFengTongNing(ZQFTN)Tablets,Tripterygium Glycoside Tablets,and Total Glucosides of Peony(TGP)Capsules,have been included in the National Health Insurance Directory of China,and show comparable therapeutic efficacies to those of western chemical drugs with fewer side effects.As TCM research has advanced,particularly in the use of multidisciplinary technologies,the scientific foundations and characteristics of the use of TCM to treat RA have been revealed,and the quality of TCM treatments have been increasingly enhanced.However,TCM generally lacks sufficient clinical and laboratory data to be consistent with international standards for quality,safety,and efficacy in order to support its application worldwide.Therefore,intensive basic and clinical studies on TCM are required.In particular,investigations that use cutting-edge technologies in analytical chemistry,biology,and biomedical sciences,and the development of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)and personalized pragmatic randomized controlled trials(PPRCTs)are necessary.Researchers should also collaborate to advance TCM from empirical practice to evidence-based therapy,thus consistently promoting TCM development and globalization in a vital,beneficial,and contributable manner.

Personalized immunotherapy in cancer precision medicine

With the significant advances in cancer genomics using next-generation sequencing technologies,genomic and molecular profilingbased precision medicine is used as a part of routine clinical test for guiding and selecting the most appropriate treatments for individual cancer patients.Although many molecular-targeted therapies for a number of actionable genomic alterations have been developed,the clinical application of such information is still limited to a small proportion of cancer patients.In this review,we summarize the current status of personalized drug selection based on genomic and molecular profiling and highlight the challenges how we can further utilize the individual genomic information.Cancer immunotherapies,including immune checkpoint inhibitors,would be one of the potential approaches to apply the results of genomic sequencing most effectively.Highly cancer-specific antigens derived from somatic mutations,the so-called neoantigens,occurring in individual cancers have been in focus recently.Cancer immunotherapies,which target neoantigens,could lead to a precise treatment for cancer patients,despite the challenge in accurately predicting neoantigens that can induce cytotoxic T cells in individual patients.Precise prediction of neoantigens should accelerate the development of personalized immunotherapy including cancer vaccines and T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell therapy for a broader range of cancer patients.

Summary and clinical application of Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion

Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion is a kind of external therapy with ethnic medicine characteristics that spreads in Guangxi Zhuang region.It has a wide range of clinical application and significant curative effect,and can be used to treat diseases such as internal medicine,surgery,dermatology,gynecology,pediatrics,and five sense organs.Through reviewing and combing the literature on the Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion in recent years,this paper summarizes and prospects its clinical application,with a view to further explaining the basic principles and application rules of Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion and digging its clinical value.

A scoping review on traditional medicine for bruxism

Objective:To investigate the current evidence on traditional medicine in managing bruxism and its clinical efficacy.Methods:A search was conducted in nine databases to identify potential eligible articles published from the date of inception until August 3,2022.All clinical studies that used traditional medicine of any type in treating bruxism were eligible for inclusion.Two authors performed data extraction and quality as-sessments independently.Retrieved data were tabulated and discussed narratively.Results:A total of 16 clinical studies were included in this scoping review.Of the 16 studies,three studies were randomized controlled trials,one was a caseecontrol study,10 were case series,and two were case reports.Our review identified studies of interventions based on herbal medicine and acupuncture-related therapies.Most studies reported positive results,but the overall quality of the included studies was typically fair to poor.Conclusions:This study is the first scoping review on traditional medicine for bruxism despite the limited evidence.More research on traditional medicine in bruxism management should be conducted for better clarification and application in daily practice.

Efficacy of Yiqiyangxin Chinese medicine compound combined with cognitive therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Yiqiyangxin Chinese medicine compound combined with cognitive therapy on generalized anxiety disorders.Methods:A total of 202 generalized anxiety disorders patients were randomly allocated to a control condition(Paroxetine combined with cognitive therapy) or a treatment condition(Yiqiyangxin Chinese medicine compound combined with cognitive therapy).Subsequently,scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA), Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS) and blood routine,urine routine,liver function,renal function,electrocardiogram were detected before treatment,3 months,6 months after treatment and 6 months after medicine withdrawal,respectively.Results:HAMA and SAS scores were significantly reduced in two groups(P【0.001) after treatment,but the differences in HAMA and SAS scores,apparent effect and effectiveness were not significant(P】0.05).HAMA and SAS scores were significantly increased in two groups(P【0.05) after medicine withdrawal,and there were significant differences in HAMA and SAS scores,recurrent disease and adverse reaction(P【0.001). The incidence of recurrent disease and adverse reaction in treatment group was low.Both two groups showed no apparent abnormality in blood routine,urine routine,liver and renal function, and electrocardiogram.Conclusions:Yiqiyangxin Chinese medicine compound combined with cognitive therapy can significantly reduce the recurrence after medicine withdrawal and is effective on generalized anxiety disorders.Furthermore,the incidence of adverse reactions is low. The treatment program is worthy clinic application in the further.

Comprehensive Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer by Integrative Traditional and Western Medicine

In recent 20 years, there has been an increasing trend in the incidence of pancreatic cancer both at home and abroad. An estimated 31 860 new cases and 31 270 deaths are expected to occur in the United States in 2004 due to this disease, the 4th and 5th leading cause of cancer death for men and women respectively. In China, new cases of pancreatic cancer continue to increase and are 6

Study on Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome with Infertility by Combined Therapy of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Compound Cyproterone Acetate

Objective: To evaluate the effect of combined therapy of Chinese herbal medicine and compound cyproterone acetate (CPA) in treating non-obesity polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and to explore its mechanism in improving withdrawal ovulation. Methods: Eighty-six patients of non-obesity P-COS, typed as Shen-deficiency with blood stasis Syndrome or Shen-deficiency with Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome by Syndrome Differentiation in traditional Chines medicine, were randomly divided into three groups: (1) The TCM group (n = 26) was treated with Chinese drugs for 6 menstrual cycles; (2) The western medicine (WM) group (n=30) was treated with 1 tablet of CPA for 21 days, with the treatment beginning from the 5th day of menstruation. The treatment was given for 3 menstrual cycles by repetitious medication, which stopped and restarted on the 5th day of withdrawal bleeding. Then the ovulation promoting therapy was applied by using clomifene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin (CC/hCG) for 3 menstrual cycles; (3) The TCM-WM group (n=30) was treated with the medications used for the above two groups. The menstrual cycle, the volume and duration of the menstruation, as well as the improvement of acne and pilosis [Ferriman-Gallway (F-G) scoring] were observed after 3 cycles ended. Moreover, condition of ovulation was monitored by B-ultrasonography at the 4th- 6th cycle and status of pregnancy was observed. Results: Compared with before treatment, the blood level of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) in all 3 groups after treatment significantly decreased (P<0. 05), with its ratio to follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) recovered to normal, but without markedly change in levels of FSH, estradiol (E2) and prolactin (PRL). The menstrual cycle in most patients got regular and acne significantly alleviated (P<0. 05), and the improvement of infrequent menstruation and acne was better in the WM group and the TCM-WM group than that in the TCM group, but pilosis showed no significant improvement in all three groups. The periodical ovulation rate in the TCM-WM group (73. 1%) and the WM group (68. 3%) was significantly higher than that in the TCM group (40%). The pregnancy rate in the TCM-WM group (53. 8%) was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (26.1% and 25% respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusion: Using combined therapy of TCM and composite CPA followed by o-vulation promoting agents of TCM and WM to treat patients of non-obesity PCOS could relieve the clinical symptoms, improve the abnormal blood level of sex hormones and significantly elevate the pregnancy rate.

Traditional medicine in cancer:what is new in 2022

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in most countries and regions,accounting for about ten million deaths each year worldwide.Despite the endeavors and achievements made in treating cancer during the past decades,rapid resistance to the current clinically used targeted drugs or targeted chemotherapeutic agents continues to be a major problem in cancer therapies.Moreover,many cancer patients are suffering from tumor complications or cancer-related symptoms.Traditional medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and is also currently diffusely used worldwide as an alternative therapy for cancer.Areas of investigation of traditional medicine in cancer treatment,such as traditional formulas,chemical components derived from herbal medicines,and acupuncture,have received increasing attention,especially in recent years.Here,we included selected studies reported last year regarding traditional medicine for cancer treatment in an attempt to summarize the most relevant findings,providing a valuable reference for the future investigation of traditional medicine in the cancer field.

Traditional Chinese medicine ointment combined with tuina therapy in treatment of pain and swelling after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND The most effective treatment for knee joint pain is total knee arthroplasty(TKA),but the risk of pain and swelling in patients after surgery is high.Ice application,ankle pump exercise and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers are the primary clinical treatments after surgery.However,long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers can easily cause gastrointestinal damage.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)ointments and tuina therapy integrate TCM and manipulation,which effectively promotes the penetration of TCM into the skin lesions,improves local blood circulation and inflammatory reaction and has good long-term effects on patients.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of TCM ointment combined with tuina therapy in the treatment of pain and swelling after TKA.METHODS The randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 80 patients who underwent TKA via the same procedure.The patients were randomly divided among the treatment group(n=40)and the control group(n=40).The control group was given an analgesia pump in addition to oral painkillers as the postoperative intervention.The treatment group received TCM ointment with tuina therapy in addition to the analgesia pump and oral painkillers in the postoperative period.The following variables were recorded 3 d before surgery and 3 d,7 d and 14 d after surgery:Visual analogue scale(VAS)score;skin temperature;circumferences at 15 cm above and below the patella;maximum active knee flexion angle;and the knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score(KOOS).RESULTS After treatment,VAS was significantly lower in the treatment group than the control group at 7 d(t=7.536,P<0.001)and 14 d(t=8.563,P<0.001).The skin temperature of participants in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 7 d(t=2.968,P=0.004)and 14 d(t=4.423,P<0.001).The circumference values of the two positions in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group at 7 d[t=2.315,P=0.023(above);t=2.121,P=0.037(below)]and 14 d[t=2.374,P=0.020(above);t=2.095,P=0.039(below)].After 14 d of treatment,the maximum active knee flexion angle and KOOS of the two groups were significantly improved but were significantly higher in the treatment group(P<0.05 for both).CONCLUSION TCM ointment and tuina therapy have significant advantages over standard care in the treatment of pain and swelling after TKA.This additional treatment may improve knee function but additional studies are needed to confirm our observations.

Integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of a patient with podocyte infolding glomerulopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy(PIG)is a newly described and rare glomerular disease.To date,only approximately 40 cases have been reported globally.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with a complaint of intermittent edema of both lower limbs over the past 2 years.The patient was diagnosed with PIG.She was prescribed corticosteroid therapy in other hospitals during the initial stage,to which she had responded poorly and had developed femoral head necrosis.Therefore,we administered immunosuppressants,reninangiotensin system inhibitors,combined with traditional Chinese medicine.The patient was followed for 1 year,during which her clinical condition improved.CONCLUSION Integrated Chinese and Western medicine may be effective for PIG treatment,which requires active intervention to improve prognosis.