Effect of Chinese Herbs for Activating Blood Circulation,Removing Stasis and Supplementing Qi on the Circulating Endothelial Cells in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris

Objective: To observe the effect and clinical significance of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris (CHD-UAP), and to explore the protective effect of Chinese herbs for activating blood circulation, removing stasis and supplementing Qi (CH) on CHD-UAP patient's CEC. Methods: Sixty patients with diagnosis of CHD-UAP confirmed and differentiated to be Qi-deficiency and blood stasis by TCM were randomly divided into two groups and treated, on the basis of Western drug-therapy, with Tongxinluo capsule (通心络胶囊, TXL) and Huoxue Tongmai capsule (活血通脉胶囊, HXTM) respectively by way of oral taking three times a day, 3 capsules every time, with 1 month as one therapeutic course. The number of CEC in patients' blood circulation was counted before and after treatment. Besides, the number of CEC in 30 healthy persons was also counted for control. Results: The number of CEC in CHD-UAP patients was significantly higher than that in the healthy persons (P<0.01). After the patients were treated with CH, either TXL or HXTM, it significantly decreased (P<0.01)with insignificant difference between the two treated groups. Conclusion: CEC in CHD-UAP patients is severely damaged and endothelial function in disorder, Chinese herbs have protective effect on patients' CEC.

Clinical effect of enriching qi, activating blood circulation, clearing away dampness and heat combined with western medicine in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A meta-analysis

Objective:To systemically review the efficacy and safety about the method of enriching qi,activating blood circulation,clearing away dampness and heat combined with western medicine in the therapy of patients with idiopathy membranous nephropathy(IMN).Methods:We collected the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of enriching qi,activating blood circulation,clearing away dampness and heat for the treatment of IMN from Pub Med,The Cochrane Library,Medline,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Biology Medicine disc(CBM),Wanfang Data and Wiper Databases.Bias of risk of retrieval literature was evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration standard,and Review Manager 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:Fourteen trials(836 participants)were included in the meta-analysis.This kind of traditional Chinese method combined with western medicine in the treatment of IMN exerted statistical differences in reducing 24-hour urinary protein[WMD=-0.97,95%CI(-1.30,-0.65),Z=5.86(P<0.00001)]and elevating serum albumin[WMD=3.83,95%CI(2.10,5.57),Z=4.33,P<0.0001],lowering serum cholesterol[WMD=-0.82,95%CI(-1.08,-0.56),Z=6.18,P<0.00001],triglycerides[WMD=-0.39,95%CI(-0.67,-0.11),Z=2.77,P=0.006]and reducing the risk of adverse events[OR=0.29,95%CI[0.16,0.50],Z=4.35,P<0.0001]in the patients with IMN as compared with controls.However,there was no statistically significant difference between the method and controls when combining all trials in serum creatinine[WMD=-5.52,95%CI(-18.06,7.03),Z=0.86,P=0.39],when combining all trials in urea nitrogen[WMD=-0.90,95%CI(-2.22,0.41),Z=1.35,P=0.18].Conclusion:The method of enriching qi,activating blood circulation,clearing away dampness and heat combined with western medicine exerts certain advantages and better safety in treating patients with IMN.However,for the inferiority of the included studies,the conclusion still needs high-quality and large-sample prospective randomized controlled trials to verify.

Novel technologies and models for studying pharmacological activities of traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis

OBJECTIVE Our previous studies demonstrated that various ingredients from the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,as exemplified by cryptotanshinone and salvianolic acid B,exerted striking effects on modulating angiogenesis and vascular permeability,which suggests that they may be effective in treating vascular leak-driven diseases(e.g.tumor,cerebral cavernous malformation and diabetic retinopathy).However,the lack of reliable and advanced technologies and models sets up difficult hurdles for better understanding the role of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.To this end,this study is to outline numerous cutting-edge platforms that can be utilized for exploring the function of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in vascular leak-driven diseases.METHODS Two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the interactions between neutrophils and blood vessels in a real-time manner.Dynamic flow system was employed to mimic the in vivo behaviors of neutrophils.RIP1-Tag5 spontaneous pancreatic cancer model was used to study the function of tumor blood vessels.CCM2ECKO(deletion of CCM2 in endothelial cells)mice were employed to establish the cerebral cavernous malformation(CCM)animal model.Micro-computed tomography(micro-CT)was utilized to assess the CCM lesion.Müller cell-knockout mouse model was used to study the progression of diabetic retinopathy.Vascular permeability in this model was assessed by fluorescein angiography.RESULTS The interactions between neutrophils and endothelial cells involve a series of complicated processes,including rolling,adhesion,intraluminal crawling and transmigration,which were all monitored in vivo by two-photon laser scanning fluorescence microscopy in a real-time manner.Dynamic flow system was capable of recapitulating the biological behaviors of neutrophils in vitro.Tumor vascular function in particular vascular perfusion could be assessed in the RIP1-Tag5 spontaneous pancreatic cancer model.In terms of CCM studies,specific deletion of CCM2 in endothelial cells resulted in the initiation of CCM lesion.The size and number of CCM lesions could be visualized and quantified by micro-CT.Furthermore,the Müller cell-knockout mouse model was able to precisely reflect the clinical symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.Vascular leak could be monitored at different time points using fluorescein angiography.CONCLUSION An array of high technologies and animal models can be used in investigating the occurrence and progression of multiple vascular leak-driven diseases.The pre-clinical and clinical studies of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis provide fundamental support for the application of the above-mentioned platforms,with the purpose of uncovering the scientific basis of TCM for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

The Origin of Meridians

This article explores the origin of meridians. It suggests that the origin of meridians is closely related to the imageries derived by ancient physicians experiencing the circulation of Qi in their bodies during Qigong practice. Based on the cognitive experience from Qigong practice, as well as the symbolic analogy of the flow of rivers and the irrigation system of agriculture, the meridian theory has constructed a model of Qi and blood circulation. Such model is abstract and yet concrete, dialectic and yet intuitive, definite and yet vague, integrated and yet independent, having profound influence on the overall formation of traditional Chinese medicine theories.

Tonifying Qi and activating blood circulation in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: their effects in patients with myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tonifying Qi and activating blood circulation(SQABC), a method in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), on end-point events in patients with myocardial infarction(MI) in this retrospective cohort study.METHODS: Clinical data were obtained from the medical records of patients with acute MI(AMI),both during hospitalization and follow-up, and included general demographic information(age, gender, and contact information), TCM regimens used,and end-point events.RESULTS: A total of 1596 patients with AMI were enrolled to this study, but data of only 1210 casesare accessible till follow-up. We classified the patients based on the exposure levels of SQABC.When comparing the results between all exposure and non-exposure groups, significant differences were identified, both during hospitalization and follow-ups. During hospitalization, cardiac death(4.40% vs 21.55%, P < 0.05) and cardiac shock(3.04% vs 11.62%, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the exposure group than the non-exposure group. Similarly, during the follow-up, cardiac death(12.04% vs 20.49%, P < 0.05), acute heart failure(7.27% vs 11.81%, P < 0.05), composite endpoint of reinfarction and stroke(9.11% vs 15.28%,P < 0.05), and rehospitalization due to angina(25.49% vs 34.38%, P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the exposure group than the non-exposure group.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SQABC can significantly benefits the subjects in the management of high-risk AMI in them.

Summary of 32 Patients with Cardiac Syndrome X Treated by TCM Therapy of Regulating Qi Relieving Chest Stuffiness and Promoting Blood Circulation

Objective： To evaluate the clinical effect of Liqi Kuanxiong Huoxue method （宽胸活血,LKH, traditional Chinese medicine, TCM therapeutic method for regulating qi, relieving chest stuffiness and promoting blood circulation） in treating patients with cardiac syndrome X （CSX）. Methods： The prospective, non-randomized controlled study was conducted on 51 selected patients with CSX, who were non-randomly assigned to 2 groups, the treated group treated with LKH in addition to the conventional treatment （32 patients）, and the control group treated with conventional treatment （19 patients） like nitrate, diltiazem hydrochloride, etc. The treatment course was 14 days. The changes of such symptoms as angina pectoris, TCM syndrome and indexes of treadmill exercise test before and after treatment were observed. Results： After treatment, such symptoms as chest pain and stuffy feeling and palpitation in the treated group were improved more than those in the control group （P〈0.05）; the total effective rate on angina pectoris and TCM syndrome in the treated group was better than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. The treadmill exercise test showed that the maximal metabolic equivalent （Max MET）, the time of angina onset and ST segment depression by 0.1 mV were obviously improved after treatment in both groups, but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group respectively （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The LKH method could reduce the frequency of angina attacks and improve the clinical condition of patients with CSX.

Effects of Chinese herbs capable of replenishing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation and their compatibility on differentially expressed genes of ischemic myocardium

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Chinese herbs capable of replenishing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation and their compatibility on differentially expressed genes of ischemic myocardium which were selected from differential expression profile we had established before, and to explore the underlying mechanism. The acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model was established by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, then the model rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Metoprolol group, the replenishing qi nourishing yin (RN) group, the activating blood circulation (AB) group, and the replenishing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation (RA) group. In addition, the normal group and the sham group were set up. The rats of medication groups were administered by intragastric gavage with corresponding drugs on the second day after operations, and the rats of the normal group and the sham group were given normal saline as the same time.Then the ischemic hearts were harvested on the 8th day after operation. The myocardial pathomorphological changes were observed under a light microscope. The mRNA changes of target genes such as COX5a and ATP5e were detected using Realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR (QPCR), and the activities of related enzymes were detected by colorimetric assay. The main results were as follows: the histological changes were observed by HE staining, and cardiocyte swelling, inflammatory cell infiltration and cytolysis were showed in regional ischemic myocardium of the model group, while the pathomorphological changes in all medication groups did not show obvious changes. Two genes related to energy metabolism, COX5a and ATP5e, were selected as the target genes which were downregulated at the mRNA level in the medication groups. The activities of correlative functional enzymes also decreased in the RA group compared to that in the model group accordingly (P<0.05). The results indicated that the abnormal expression of genes involved in energy metabolism pathways could be one of the molecular mechanisms of AMI. The compatibility of Chinese herbs capable of replenishing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation affects the expression of energyrelative gene COX5a, ATP5e, which is probably the mechanism of myocardial preservation, and is more effective than single herb of replenishing qi and nourishing yin or activating blood circulation.

Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation method to treat vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia with posterior circulatory watershed infarction:a case report of two patients

Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia(VBD),a rare posterior circulation vascular variant disease,is an important risk factor for many acute cerebrovascular diseases.An insufficient understanding of VBD often leads to misdiagnose.Two cases of VBD that were initially diagnosed as posterior circulation watershed infarction are reported here.Absence of common causes of stroke including hypoperfusion,blood system diseases,carotid and aortic dissection,and eosinophil elevation,the symptoms of the 2 patients met the diagnostic criteria of VBD.Both patients displayed symptoms that were in line with the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)syndrome pattern of"Qi deficiency and blood stasis".Accordingly,they were comprehensively treated with Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation method.The clinical manifestations of the 2 patients were remarkably improved and no recurrence of watershed infarction was found in a 1-year follow-up.A detailed medical history and laboratory examination are capable of improving diagnostic accuracy of VBD.TCM treatment based on syndrome identification might be a promising candidate for VBD management.

Effect of Danggui Shaoyao San with Huangqi on adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome in rats

Objective:To determine the therapeutic effect of Danggui Shaoyao San with Huangqi on rats with nephrotic syndrome(NS)was discussed,and the scientific connotation of TCM treatment principle was elaborated,so as to provide experimental basis for its clinical application.Methods:The NS rat model was established by iv administration of adriamycin;The rats were divided into model group,Danggui Shaoyao San group,Danggui Shaoyao San with Huangqi group,Huangqi group and positive drug group,with 10 rats in control group;The best dosage ratio of Danggui Shaoyao San and Huangqi was screened by Excel;24 h urine protein was measured by BCA method;The electrolyte level was detected by automatic biochemical analyzer;In serum Urea nitrogen(BUN),Creatinine(SCr),Total cholesterol(TC),Triglyceride(TG),Total protein(TP),Albumin(ALB),Immunoglobulin M(Ig-M)and Immunoglobulin G(Ig-G)were detected by the kit;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the renal morphology;The Total water content(TBW),Extracellular water content(ECF)and Intracellular water content(ICF)were measured by experimental animal body composition analyzer.Results:Compared with the model group,the urine protein in the modified Astragalus group of Danggui Shaoyao Powder was significantly decreased(P<0.01);Urine electrolytes were significantly decreased and serum electrolytes were significantly increased(P<0.01);Serum BUN,SCR,TC and TG were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while TP,ALB,TBW and ICF were significantly increased(P<0.01);The levels of Ig-M and Ig-G were significantly increased(P<0.01),TBW and ICF were significantly increased,and ECF was significantly decreased(P<0.01);Histopathology showed that the pathological changes of renal tissue were obviously alleviated;The improvement of each index was better than that of Danggui Shaoyao San group and Huangqi group.Conclusion:Danggui Shaoyao San with Huangqi group can significantly improve the edema,proteinuria,blood lipid and immune function of NS rats,and the effect is better than that of Danggui Shaoyao San group and Huangqi group.It has the best therapeutic effect on NS,which indicates that Huangqi plays a key synergistic effect on Danggui Shaoyao San,which verifies the scientific connotation of"Yiqi Huoxue Lishui"in the treatment of NS.

苏筋通络方结合“行气活血”针刺法治疗急性踝关节扭伤临床观察

目的观察苏筋通络方结合“行气活血”针刺法治疗急性踝关节扭伤临床效果。方法将医院创伤骨科门急诊就诊的102例急性踝关节扭伤患者(2020年5月—2022年7月)纳入研究,以随机数字表法将患者分为两组,每组51例,对照组采取西医常规治疗,观察组采取西医常规治疗同时结合苏筋通络方及“行气活血”针刺法治疗。数据比较:临床治疗效果、中医症状(踝关节疼痛肿胀、皮下瘀斑、关节活动受限等)积分变化、踝关节跖屈活动度与背伸活动度变化、视觉模拟评分(Visual Analogue Scale,VAS)变化、美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝-后足评分变化、血清疼痛物质(神经生长因子、神经肽、P物质)水平变化、白细胞介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)、白细胞介素-1β(Interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、超敏C反应蛋白(Hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)变化。结果观察组患者与对照组患者治疗总有效率相比[98.04%(50/51)vs86.27%(44/51)],P<0.05;治疗后各组患者中医症状(踝关节疼痛肿胀、皮下瘀斑、关节活动受限等)积分、踝关节跖屈活动度与背伸活动度、VAS评分、AOFAS踝-后足评分、神经生长因子、神经肽、P物质、IL-6、IL-1β、hs-CRP等指标均改善,观察组患者治疗后中医症状(踝关节疼痛肿胀、皮下瘀斑、关节活动受限等)积分、踝关节跖屈活动度与背伸活动度、VAS评分、AOFAS踝-后足评分、神经生长因子、神经肽、P物质、IL-6、IL-1β、hs-CRP等指标均明显优于对照组患者,P均<0.05。结论苏筋通络方结合“行气活血”针刺法治疗急性踝关节扭伤临床效果显著,患者经治疗后临床症状显著改善,疼痛缓解,踝关节功能改善,值得应用。

4种治疗糖尿病周围神经病变补气活血类中成药的卫生技术评估

目的为临床选择糖尿病周围神经病变(DPN)治疗用补气活血类中成药提供参考。方法参考《医疗机构中成药遴选专家共识(第一版)》,结合临床实际,制订药物卫生技术评估细则,参考药品说明书、临床指南和文献,对4种中成药的安全性、有效性、经济性、适宜性、创新性、可及性、传承性进行评分,并计算总分。结果通心络胶囊、木丹颗粒、糖脉康颗粒、芪蛭降糖胶囊的评分分别为74.5分、72分、64.5分、57分。结论临床在选择治疗DPN的补气活血类中成药时,相对于糖脉康颗粒、芪蛭降糖胶囊,建议优先使用木丹颗粒、通心络胶囊。

益气活血方药治疗原发性肝癌的免疫学机制概述

归纳总结具有益气和/或活血功效的中药单体、单味中药以及中药复方治疗原发性肝癌的免疫学机制,包括对T淋巴细胞亚群、巨噬细胞、髓源性抑制细胞(myeloid-derived suppressor cell,MDSC)、肿瘤细胞表面受体、细胞因子以及红细胞免疫在数量和功能上的调节,阐述其抗肿瘤作用,为进一步的基础研究和临床应用提供思路。

Effect of Chinese Drugs for Supplementing Qi,Nourishing Yin and Activating Blood Circulation on Myocardial Perfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Revascularization

Objective:To observe the effects of Chinese drugs for supplementing qi,nourishing yin and activating blood circulation on the myocardial perfusion in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients after revascularization.Methods:Eighty patients with anterior or inferior ventricular wall AMI,who had received revascularization by intravenous thrombolysis or coronary bypass,were randomized into the treated group and the control group equally,both treated with conventional Western medical treatment,but combined,resp...

从气血同治探讨慢性气道疾病的异病同治

支气管哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病(简称慢阻肺)同属慢性气道炎症疾病,在病机和治法上有一定的相似性,其都可通过调节气血以恢复肺气宣肃,行使正常生理功能。针对肺的生理功能和气血的关系,探讨支气管哮喘和慢阻肺的共同病机:支气管哮喘的基本病机是痰伏于肺,外邪引动,痰气互结,肺失宣降,并可兼有瘀血阻络之象;慢阻肺的病机以久病肺虚为本,加之痰浊、水饮、瘀血等病理产物,使得肺失宣降,本虚标实的病机随病程持续进展;进而从气血同治角度探讨支气管哮喘和慢阻肺2种慢性气道疾病的异病同治,得出“气血同治,畅通气道”的治疗理念。结合成药的应用,分析以此病机为指导的丹龙口服液组方特点和功效主治,为丹龙口服液异病同治2种气道疾病提供理论依据。

Protective Effect of Chinese Herbs for Supplementing Qi,Nourishing Yin and Activating Blood Circulation on Heart Function of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective： To investigate the effects of Chinese herbs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation on heart function of patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） after successful percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI）. Methods： One hundred patients with ACS after successful PCI were randomly assigned to a Western medicine （WM） treatment group （WMG） and a combined treatment group （CMG） treated by Chinese herbs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation, besides Western medicine treatment, with 50 cases in each group. Both treatment courses were 6 months. The follow- up was scheduled at baseline, 6 months and 1 year after PCI, and New York Heart Association （NYHA） functional class, Chinese medicine （CM） symptom scores, blood stasis syndrome scores, and major adverse cardiovascular events （MACE） were observed, serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and hyper-sensitivity C-reactive protein （Hs-CRP） were measured, an echocardiogram was conducted to examine left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）, left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV）, left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV）, inter-ventricular septal thickness （IVST）, left ventricular posterior wall thickness （LVPWT）, and ventricular wall motion index （VWMI）. Results： Compared with the baseline, LVEF significantly increased （P〈0.01）, and CM symptom scores, blood stasis syndrome scores, VWMI, LVEDV, LVESV, NT-proBNP, and Hs-CRP all decreased （P〈0.01） in both groups at 6 months and at 1 year after PCI. There were no significant differences in all the above parameters at 1 year vs those at 6 months after PCI （P〉0.05）. VWMI, LVEDV, LVESV, NT-proBNP, Hs-CRP, LVEF, and CM symptom and blood stasis syndrome scores were all improved obviously in CMG than those in WMG （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01） at 6 months and at 1 year after PCI. There were no significant differences in NYHA functional class between CMG and WMG at different follow-up timepoints; it was notable that P value was 0.054 when comparing the cases of NYHA functional class between the two groups at 1-year follow-up. During the 1-year follow-up, 3 MACE and 11 MACE occurred in CMG and WMG, respectively; the MACE rate in CMG was lower than that in WMG （6% vs 22%, P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Chinese herbs for supplementing qi, nourishing yin and activating blood circulation could improve heart function, reduce the CM symptom scores and blood stasis syndrome scores, and decrease the incidence of MACE in patients with ACS after successful PCI.

Traditional Chinese Medicines alleviated myocardial ischemia by regulating Qi and promoting blood circulation

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the efficacy of Chinese medicines on Qi stagnation and blood stasis in rats with myocardial ischemia.METHODS:Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups(n=10)as follows:(a)sham operation(Sham),(b)myocardial ischemia(Model),(c)treatment that regulates Qi(Qi),(d)treatment that promotes blood circulation(Blood),(e)treatment that both regulates Qi and promotes blood circulation(QB).The rat model was established via activities restriction for 6 h followed by tail clamp stimulation for 5 mins every day for 7 d and occlusion left coronary anterior descending artery.Afterwards rats were treated with medicines that regulate Qi and/or promote blood circulation via gavage for 14 d.Behavioral parameters were evaluated using open field and elevated plus-maze tests.The tongue color and sublingual vein were visually examined.Blood flow perfusion of tongue and auricle were detected using PIMⅡ.The mesenteric microcirculation was examined via capillaroscopy,and hemodynamics was assessed using a polygraph system.Serum homocysteine(Hcy),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CKMB)levels and endothelin-1(ET-1)were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were employed to detect the myocardial morphology and ultrastructure,respectively.RESULTS:Compared with findings in Sham group,rats in model group had coarse hair,dark mucosa of the lips and claw,low activity,and increased anxiety.Compared with findings in Model group,rats in the three treatment groups exhibited a lighter tongue color without an extended and varicose sublingual vein.There were significant increases of auricle blood flow perfusion in the Qi group and tongue bottom blood flow perfusion in the QB group.Compared with findings in Model rats,rats in Blood group exhibited improved mesenteric microcirculation associated with increased mesenteric blood flow and a larger arteriole diameter.Moreover,compared with findings in Model rats,Qi and QB rats exhibited increased left ventricular±dp/dtmax,decreased serum CKMB,Hcy,ET-1 levels,and reduced myocardial ultrastructural damage.CONCLUSION:Myocardial ischemia damage was suppressed by Traditional Chinese Medicines that regulate Qi and promote blood circulation.

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.

Mechanism of'Invigorating Qi and Promoting Blood Circulation'Drug Pair Ginseng-Danshen on Treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease Based on Network Pharmacology

Objective:Using network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of the'invigorating qi and promoting blood circulation'drug pair Ginseng-Danshen(Salvia miltiorrhiza)on treatment of ischemic heart disease(IHD).Methods:The chemical constituents of ginseng and Danshen drug pair were identified by searching the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),and the potential targets of the pair were identified.The pharmacodynamics of the pair was analyzed using network pharmacology.The targets of IHD were identified by database screening.Using protein-protein interaction network,the interaction targets of Ginseng-Danshen on IHD were constructed.A"constituent-target-disease"interaction network was constructed using Cytoscape software,Gene Ontology(GO)term enrichment analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis were carried out,and the mechanism of improving myocardial ischemia by the Ginseng-Danshen drug pair was investigated.Results:Seventeen active constituents and 53 targets were identified from ginseng,53 active constituents and 61 targets were identified from Danshen,and 32 protein targets were shared by ginseng and Danshen.Twenty GO terms were analyzed,including cytokine receptor binding,cytokine activity,heme binding,and antioxidant activity.Sixty Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathways were analyzed,including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-serine-threonine kinase(PI3 K-AKT)signaling pathway,p53 signaling pathway,interleukin 17 signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,and the advanced glycation end product(AGE)-the receptor for AGE(RAGE)signaling pathway in diabetic complications.Conclusion:The specific mechanism of Ginseng-Danshen drug pair in treating IHD may be associated with improving the changes of metabolites inbody,inhibiting the production of peroxides,removing the endogenous oxygen free radicals,regulating the expression of inflammatory factors,reducing myocardial cell apoptosis and promoting vascular regeneration.

Efficacy and safety of a sequential treatment with clearing heat and eliminating phlegm and tonifying Qi and activating blood circulation in treating acute ischemic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety outcomes following a sequential treatment with clearing heat and eliminating phlegm(CHEP)formula and tonifying Qi and activating blood circulation(TQABC)formula in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)within a 72 h time window.METHODS:In this randomized,multicenter,doubleblinded,placebo-controlled trial,500 participants will be randomly assigned in a ratio of 1∶1 to the CHEP+TQABC group or control group.In addition to guidelinebased standard medical care,participants in the treatment group will receive the CHEP formula for the first 5 consecutive days followed by the TQABC formula for another 10 consecutive days,while those in the control group will receive CHEP formula placebo and TQABC formula placebo consecutively.The primary outcome measure will be the comparison of the change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score from baseline to 15 days after randomization.The secondary outcome measures will include the scores on the modified Rankin Scale,Barthel Index,Patient-Reported Outcomes,TCM symptom pattern(Zheng-hou)evaluation Scale,and the incidence of in-hospital complications.Safety assessment will include the physical examination,laboratory detection,any adverse events or serious adverse events,and the proportion of any complications during hospitalization.DISCUSSION:The results of this study will provide objective and scientific data with which to assess the efficacy and safety of a sequential treatment based on“integrating disease and symptom pattern”for patients with AIS.

单味中药有效成分治疗溃疡性结肠炎研究进展

研究表明,中药治疗溃疡性结肠炎不良反应少且复发率低,临床常用益气健脾、清热祛湿、活血化瘀、补血养阴类中药组方治疗,其主要药物的有效成分具有减轻炎症反应、修复黏膜损伤、调节肠道微生态、调节免疫反应等作用。本文对常用单味中药有效成分治疗溃疡性结肠炎的作用机制进行综述,为其临床治疗与中药新药研发提供参考。