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.

Study on improving hematopoietic function of rats with blood deficiency syndrome by Shengxuebao mixture

Background:Shengxuebao mixture(SXBM)is a novel herbal drug approved by China State Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Leukopenia and iron deficiency anemia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Methods:To explore the mechanism of SXBM in treating blood deficiency syndrome(BDS).Firstly,network pharmacology and in vivo experiments were used to screen candidate targets and important signaling pathways of SXBM,GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed.Secondly,a BDS rat model was established to verify the results of the analysis of network pharmacological enrichment.Histopathology and routine peripheral blood examination were observed.The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin(IL)-6,HIF-1αand NF-κB were detected by Western blot,and the expressions of IL-6,IL-1βwere detected by ELISA.Results:62 bioactive components,66 potential targets and 131 signaling pathways of BDS were successfully identified by network pharmacology.Molecular docking simulation techniques showed that key targets tumor necrosis factor-α,IL-6,IL-1βcan dock well with crucial components,and the BDS-related signaling pathways HIF-1 and JAK-STAT play a vital role.The combined model experiment of acetylphenylhydrazine and cyclophosphamide showed that the model group had obvious blood deficiency,and the histopathology and blood routine were effectively restored after administration.Our findings indicate that SXBM’s therapeutic effect on BDS primarily involves the mediation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and the regulation of hematopoietic factor expression.Conclusion:This study not only affirmed the protective properties of SXBM against BDS but also provided insights into a potential mechanism for blood replenishment in the treatment of BDS using SXBM.

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.

Exploring the medication pattern and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on data mining and network pharmacology

Background:Using network pharmacology to explore the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Method:Collect the related literature materials of PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome treated by traditional Chinese medicine in four databases in recent ten years,extract the information of prescriptions and complete the frequency analysis.Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database was used to screen out the effective components.Use Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and other databases to screen PCOS disease targets.The intersection targets obtained by clustering prescription and PCOS disease targets were submitted to STRING database for protein-protein interaction network analysis,and Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were analysed by Metascape.Result:There are 155 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines used in the literature.The most commonly utilized ones are Cuscutae Semen,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata.The results of the cluster analysis indicated that the plants most commonly found throughout the prescription were Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.GO results show that biological processes include cell reaction to organic nitrogen compounds and cell reaction to nitrogen compounds.The functional display of GO molecule includes cytokine receptor binding,signal receptor regulator activity and so on.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes results show that the possible mechanisms of action are cancer pathway,an endocrine resistance signal pathway.Conclusion:Through data mining,the cluster prescription for PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.The network pharmacology research of cluster prescription shows that the main drug components for treating PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,tanshinone IIA,etc.,which act on PTGS2,NCOA2,and other targets,and treat PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome through cancer and endocrine resistance.

Clinical Nursing Intervention of Moxibustion on Abdominal Distension Symptoms in Heart Failure (Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome)

Objective:To investigate the clinical nursing intervention effect of moxibustion on abdominal distension symptoms in heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome).Methods:62 patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31)by using the random numerical table method.The control group adopted conventional nursing interventions,and the observation group received the nursing program of the control group with the addition of moxibustion nursing interventions.The nursing effectiveness,quality of life scores,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:The nursing effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of moxibustion nursing intervention in patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)can effectively relieve the symptoms of abdominal distension,improve patients'quality of life,and increase nursing satisfaction,which has promotion and application values.

Exosomes promote the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via an integrin-dependent manner in the spleen-deficient state

Background:To investigate the detailed mechanism underlying the pro-metastatic effect of spleen deficiency(SD)syndrome on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:In the present study,our model was established based on an HCC mouse model induced by diethylnitrosamine using reserpine to induce SD.Exosomes were isolated and purified from mouse plasma samples using an exosome isolation kit.Subsequently,we verified the pro-metastatic effects of exosomes from the HCC mice with SD on HCC cells by transwell assays,wound healing assays,phalloidin staining in vitro,and lung metastasis assay of mice in vivo.Finally,we further explored the detailed mechanism underlying the pro-metastatic effect of exosomes from the HCC mice with SD on HCC cells.Results:We found that SD promoted the malignant progression of HCC in mice.Exosomes from HCC mice with SD enhanced the invasion and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo.Mechanistically,upregulation of integrinα1,integrinβ1,and integrinβ5 seemed to play a key role in mediating the pro-metastatic effect of exosomes isolated from the HCC mice with SD,which was largely abrogated upon co-treatment with a broad-spectrum integrin inhibitor.Conclusion:Our findings demonstrated that exosomes promote the invasion and metastasis of HCC cells via an integrin-dependent manner in the spleen-deficient state that would contribute to our better understanding of the role of SD in HCC progression in traditional Chinese medicine,and thus management of the disease.

Study on the correlation between CD80/CD163 and clinical prognosis and the syndrome differentiation in patients with colorectal cancer

Background:To analyze the expression of cluster of differentiation 80(CD80)/cluster of differentiation 163(CD163)in colorectal cancer(CRC)patients and their correlation with the syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine,pathology and prognosis.Methods:(1)The correlation between the pathological characteristics of 232 postoperative CRC patients and the deficiency and excess syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine was analyzed using the chi-square test,Spearman’s correlation,and Cox regression methods.(2)Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of CD80 and CD163 in cancer and paracancer tissues of CRC patients.(3)The relationships between the changes of CD80 and CD163 and the prognosis of CRC patients with deficiency syndrome.Patient survival were analyzed using cardinality and Cox regression proportional-hazards model regression.Results:(1)The degree of differentiation and tumor node metastasis stage of CRC were statistically different between patients with deficiency and excess syndromes(P<0.05);carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were highly expressed in the excess syndrome group,and both were significantly correlated with the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes(P<0.001);deficiency and excess syndromes,and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were all independent factors affecting the postoperative survival of CRC patients.(2)The distribution of post-operative survival in CRC patients was significantly correlated with the distribution of the disease type(P<0.001).(3)The expression levels of CD163 protein and message RNA were significantly higher in CRC cancer tissues than in paraneoplastic tissues(P<0.001);whereas the expression of CD80 was significantly higher in paraneoplastic tissues than in cancer tissues(P<0.001).(4)The expression levels of CD80/CD163 were significantly different in different parts of the tissues of patients with deficiency and excess syndromes(P<0.001).(5)CRC patients with high CD80 expression and low CD163 expression had longer survival cycles(P<0.001).Conclusion:The malignant progression of CRC patients with deficiency syndrome is faster than that with excess syndrome.The correlation between deficiency and excess syndromes and the expression levels of CD80 and CD163 could be an independent risk factor for the survival prognosis of patients with CRC.

Factors Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy Defaulting among Adult Patients Receiving Care at Chikankata Mission Hospital, Chikankata District, Zambia

Background: Defaulting on antiretroviral therapy has been identified as the most important factor contributing to the antiretroviral therapy failure rate. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with defaulting on antiretroviral therapy among adult patients receiving care at Chikankata Mission Hospital antiretroviral therapy clinic. Method: Cross-sectional analytical study on 385 participants selected by a computer generated random numbers technique of simple random sampling from among the patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Chikankata Mission Hospital. Data collected were processed and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 27. Univariate and backward multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with antiretroviral therapy defaulting. The level of significance was set at 5% with a confidence level of 95%. Results: Over half (58.4%) of the study participants defaulted on antiretroviral therapy. About 65.8% of study participants indicated improved health as the reason they defaulted on antiretroviral therapy. Most participants indicated that it was important to always go for antiretroviral therapy services (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.95;95% Confidence Interval: [1.14 - 3.33], p = 0.015). Very few participants indicated poor family support for antiretroviral therapy services (Adjusted Odds Ratio 4.08;95% Confidence Interval: [2.02 - 8.23], p Conclusion: Defaulting on antiretroviral therapy continues to be a significant problem and needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. More counselling and awareness-raising programmes are required to improve knowledge and understanding on the importance of attending scheduled antiretroviral therapy clinics and services as well as the consequences of defaulting on antiretroviral therapy.

Gut microbial diversity analysis using Illumina sequencing for functional dyspepsia with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome and the interventional Xiaoyaosan in a rat model

AIM To investigate gut microbial diversity and the interventional effect of Xiaoyaosan(XYS) in a rat model of functional dyspepsia(FD) with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome. METHODS The FD with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome rat model was established through classic chronic mild unpredictable stimulation every day. XYS group rats received XYS 1 h before the stimulation. The models were assessed by parameters including state ofthe rat, weight, sucrose test result and open-field test result. After 3 wk, the stools of rats were collected and genomic DNA was extracted. PCR products of the V4 region of 16 S rD NA were sequenced using a barcoded Illumina paired-end sequencing technique. The primary composition of the microbiome in the stool samples was determined and analyzed by cluster analysis.RESULTS Rat models were successfully established, per data from rat state, weight and open-field test. The microbiomes contained 20 phyla from all samples. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Tenericutes were the most abundant taxonomic groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria in the model group was higher than that in the normal group. On the contrary, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the model group was lower than that in the normal group. Upon XYS treatment, the relative abundance of all dysregulated phyla was restored to levels similar to those observed in the normal group. Abundance clustering heat map of phyla corroborated the taxonomic distribution. CONCLUSION The microbiome relative abundance of FD rats with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome was significantly different from the normal cohort. XYS intervention may effectively adjust the gut dysbacteriosis in FD.

Penicillium marneffei chylous ascites in acquired immune deficiency syndrome:A case report

Penicillium marneffei （R marneffei） infection usually occurs with skin, bone marrow, lung or hepatic involve- ment. However, no cases of P. mameffei infection with chylous ascites have been reported thus far. In this re- port, we describe the first case of acquired immune de- ficiency syndrome （AIDS） which has been complicated by a P. marneffei infection causing chylous ascites. We describe the details of the case, with an emphasis on treatment regimen. This patient was treated with am- photericin B for 3 mo, while receiving concomitant ther- apy with an efavirenz-containing antiretroviral regimen, but cultures in ascitic fluid were persistently positive for P. marneffei. The infection resolved after treatment with high-dose voriconazole （400 mg every 12 h） for 3 too. R marneffei should be considered in the differential di- agnosis of chylous ascites in human immunodeficiency virus patients. High-dose voriconazole is an effective, well-tolerated and convenient option for the treatment of systemic infections with R marneffei in AIDS patients on an efavirenz-containing antiretroviral regimen.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus: Nevirapine hepatotoxicity revisited

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) refers to a group of disorders characterized by prolonged cholestasis as a result of destruction and disappearance ofintrahepatic bile ducts. Multiple etiologies have been indentifi ed including infections, neoplastic disorders, autoimmune conditions and drugs. The natural history of this condition is variable and may involve resolution of cholestasis or progression with irreversible damage. VBDS is extremely rare in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and anti-retroviral therapy has never been implicated as a cause. We encountered a young pregnant female with HIV and VBDS secondary to anti-retroviral therapy. Here, we report her clinical course and outcome.

Serum Levels of Interleukin-1 Beta, Interleukin-6 and Melatonin over Summer and Winter in Kidney Deficiency Syndrome in Bizheng Rats

Objective To observe the seasonal changes in serum levels of interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6) and melatonin(MT) in Bizheng rat model, and explore the relationship between MT and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods One hundred and sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups in summer(n=80) and winter(n=80) respectively: normal group, collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model group, operation group, and sham-operation group(n=20 in each group). The CIA model group was injected with collagen emulsion at the base of the tail to induce arthritis. The rats in the operation group received pineal gland resection, and 7 days after the first operation, underwent testectomy or oophorectomy. The rats in the sham-operation group were operated to ligature the sagittal sinus, without extracting the pineal gland. After the operations, the operation group and the sham-operation group both were immunized as the CIA group was. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and MT in different groups were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results Compared with the normal group, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 increased in the CIA model, operation, and sham-operation groups both in summer and in winter(IL-1β in summer, P=0.008, P<0.01, P=0.012; IL-1β in winter, P=0.019, P<0.01, P=0.027; IL-6 in summer, P=0.028, P<0.01, P=0.024; IL-6 in winter, P=0.006, P<0.01, P=0.008). In the operation group, the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in winter were higher than in summer, but with no statistically significant differences(P=0.844, 0.679). Compared with the normal group, the serum level of MT significantly increased in summer and winter in both the CIA model group(P=0.002, 0.008) and the sham-operation group(P=0.003, 0.007), while significantly decreased in the operation group(P=0.023, 0.003). There was no significant difference in MT level in the operation group between summer and winter(P=0.947). Conclusions The increase of serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 may exacerbate the inflammatoryreaction and cause a more severe condition in the rheumatoid arthritis. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and MT correspond with the change of seasons, confirming that there are connections between nature and human body.

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.

Effect of long-acting testosterone undecanoate treatment on quality of life in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome： a double blind randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intramuscular injection of testosterone undecanoate on overall quality of life （QoL） in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome （TDS）. A randomized controlled trial over a 12-month period was carried out in 2009. One hundred and twenty men aged 40 years and above with a diagnosis of TDS （serum total testosterone 〈12 nmol 1-1 and total Aging Male Symptom （AMS） scores ≥ 27） were invited to participate. Interventions comprised intramuscular injection of either placebo or 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate, given at weeks O, 6, 18, 30 and 42. This paper presents the secondary analysis of QoL changes measured in the scores of Short-Form-12 （SF-12） scale at baseline, weeks 30 and 48 after the first injection. A total of 56/60 and 58/60 men from the active treatment and placebo group, respectively, completed the study. At week 48, before adjusting for baseline differences, the QoL of men in the treatment group improved significantly in five out of the eight domains on SF-12. The physical health composite scores improved 4.0 points from a baseline of 41.9±7.0 in the treatment group compared to 0.8 point from a baseline of 43.7--7.1 in the placebo group （F=3.652, P=0.027）. The mental health composite scores improved 4.4 points from a baseline of 37.1±9.0 in the treatment group compared to 1.0 points from a baseline of 37.6±7.9 in the placebo group （F=4.514, P=-0.018）. After adjusting for baseline differences, significant improvement was observed in mental health composite scores, but not in physical health composite scores. LQng-acting testosterone undecanoate significanUy improved the mental health component of QoL in men with TDS.

Recent topics related to testosterone deficiency syndrome n Japan

Androgens, the levels of which decrease with ageing, play many physiological roles in various organs. Testosterone deficiency syndrome （TDS） has received widespread attention in the last several years. First-line treatment for TDS should be testosterone replacement therapy （TRT）, which is reported to improve several TDS symptoms. Recently, a clinical practice manual for TDS was written and published by a collaborative team from the Japanese Urological Association and the Japanese Society for the Study of the Aging Male to recommend standard procedures for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and monitoring of adverse reactions to TRT and for post-treatment assessment. In this manual, intramuscular injection of testosterone enanthate or human chorionic gonadotropin and the testosterone gel ＇Glowmin＇ were recommended as TRT. Currently, two topics related to TDS are being focused on in Japan： the relationship between TDS and metabolic syndrome and treatment options for eugonadal patients with TDS symptoms. In this review, the possibility of TRT for metabolic syndrome as well as the relationship between testosterone and adiponectin, which is a key molecule in metabolic syndrome, is discussed. Finally, the possibility of herbal medicines as a treatment option for patients with TDS is addressed, especially for eugonadal patients, because eugonadal men with TDS symptoms account for approximately 30% of the general population. The increase in the levels of several cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-13, interferon.y and tumor necrosis factor-α, after herbal medicine treatment may be the reason for this efficacy.

High Density Lipoprotein Phospholipids as a Marker of Coronary Heart Disease of Shen-Yang Deficiency Syndrome

Objective: To seek a new biochemical index for diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) of shen-Yang deficiency syndrom (CHD-SYD). Methods: Sixty-one patients with CHD were divided into 3 groups according to their TCM Syndrome type, 10 patients in the group without Xin-Qi deficiency (Group A), 25 in the group with Xin-Qi deficiency but without Shen-Yang deficiency (Group B) and 26 in the group both with Xin-Qi deficiency and Shen-Yang deficiency (Group C). Levels of 17-hydroxy-corticoste-roid in urine (urinary 17-OHCS) per 24 hrs, and serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high density lipoprotein phospholipid (HDL-PL) in them were determined in synchrostep and compared with those in the control group of 23 healthy aged persons, urinary 17-OHCS per 24 hrs was taken as the diagnostic standard to screen a new index for diagnosis of Shen-Yang deficiency Syndrome, and preliminary appraisal to the index was made. Results: Serum HDL-PL in the CHD-SYD patients( Group C) was 616+157 mg/L, which was obviously lower than that in the patients of Group A and B. With low HDL-PL(<650 mg/L) used as the index to diagnose CHD-SYD, the sensitivity was 73%, the specificity 86% and the accuracy 80%. Conclusion: HDL-PL <650 mg/L could be adopted as an index for CHD-SYD diagnosis, which is simple and practical.

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.

Effects of Lycii Fructus and Salviae Miltiorrhizae on the Syndrome of Deficiency with Blood Stasis in RCS(rdy-/-, p-/-) Rats with Retinitis Pigmentosa: An Intervention Study

Objective To investigate the effects of Lycii Fructus(LF,Gou Qi Zi,枸杞子)and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Ex Rhizoma(SM,Dan Shen,丹参)on the syndrome of deficiency with blood stasis in the RCS(rdy-/-,p-/-)rats with retinitis pigmentosa(RP).Methods A total of 32 RCS(rdy-/-,p-/-)rats were divided into 4 groups(equal amounts of female and male rats in each group):model group treated with 0.9%normal saline,LF group treated with LF formula granules,SM group treated with SM formula granules,and LF and SM(L·S)group treated with LF and SM formula granules.Eight RCS(rdy+/+,p+/+)rats(4 males and 4 females)were treated with 0.9%normal saline to serve as blank group.The contents of E2,PG,P-Selectin,plasma viscosity,whole blood relative index of the high shear rate and fibrinogen content in plasma,and the content of cAMP and cGMP in retinal homogenate were detected.The retina was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining.Results The contents of E2,PG,P-Selectin,plasma viscosity,whole blood relative index of the high shear rate,and fibrinogen content in the plasma of L·S group significantly differed from those of model group(P<0.01),but were similar to those of blank group.The contents of cAMP and cGMP in the retinal homogenate of L·S group significantly differed from those in model group(P<0.01)but were similar to those in blank group(P>0.05).Conclusions LF and SM can effectively treat retinitis pigmentosa by ameliorating the syndrome of deficiency with blood stasis.

Analysis on Characteristics of Typical Syndromes of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Based on the Feature Selection Method

Objective:To discover the population characteristics of the syndrome types of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.Methods:Data mining method for feature selection was used.Results:Main symptoms based on feature selection are as follows,deficiency of both qi and blood(pale complexion,fear of cold,easy to catch a cold,pale tongue,weak pulse);liver depression and qi stagnation with effulgent fire(anxiety,insomnia,chest and hypochondrium,irregular menstruation,thin and whitish coating on the tongue,stringy pulse);dual deficiency of qi and yin(low-grade fever and night sweating,yellow urine,pale complexion,dysphoria with feverish sensation in chest,dry cough with less phlegm,weakness,dizziness,dry and red tongue,little coating,thread and rapid pulse);deficiency of spleen and kidney,dampness pathogen blockage(diarrhea,loose stool,eat less and abdominal nausea,abdominal pain,sallow complexion,nausea,vomiting,loss of hair,deafness and tinnitus,pale tongue with whitish coating,deep and thready pulse,slippery and rapid pulse);qi deficiency with blood stasis(weakness,spontaneous sweating,dry mouth without desire to drink,easy to catch a cold,shortness of breath,sallow complexion,eat less and loose stools,dim tongue quality,hesitant pulse).Conclusion:Based on the feature selection method,we can find the main characteristics of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,and provide objective reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Age-related changes in prevalence and symptom characteristics in kidney deficiency syndrome with varied health status:a cross-sectional observational study

Objective:This study aimed to reveal the age-related changes in prevalence and symptom characteristics in kidney deficiency syndrome(KDS)with varied health status.Methods:This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in6 hospitals.Investigators queried participants aged 20e79 about their health,including symptoms if any,and completed questionnaires to collect participants responses.Prevalence,severity,and frequency of KDS and other relevant parameters were observed and recorded.Comparative analysis of countable variables,including prevalence,was performed by frequency analysis and c2 test and expressed as a composite ratio.Comparative analysis of quantitative scores of the severity and frequency of symptoms was performed by the rank-sum test.Regression analysis of the correlation of KDS with potential contributing factors was performed by non-conditional binary logistic stepwise regression of numerical variables.Results:Prevalence of KDS in healthy and unhealthy participants correlated with increasing age(P<0.05).In those with chronic disease,KDS prevalence was comparatively high,but the trend was not obvious.KDS prevalence in participants age 20e39 showed an increasing trend with deteriorating health(P<0.05).Compared to healthy individuals,KDS prevalence in subhealthy persons and those with chronic disease showed an increasing trend(P<0.05)in the 40e59 and 60e79 age groups,whereas there was no difference between subhealthy persons and those with chronic disease age 40e59 and 60e79.Symptom severity scores of KDS showed an increasing trend with increasing age and deteriorating health status(P<0.05).Higher symptom frequency scores were also positively correlated with increasing age(P<0.05),but health status deterioration was not significantly correlated(P>0.05).Age,health status,lower back pain,shin soreness or heel pain,tinnitus or deafness,hair loss or loose teeth,incomplete bladder emptying or incontinence,and sexual dysfunction or infertility were potential factors contributing to KDS(P<0.05),but age was the only independent variable for which OR>1.Moreover,the distribution of typical KDS-related symptoms showed dramatic regularities.Conclusion:Prevalence and symptom characteristics of KDS were found to increase consistently with increasing age and deteriorating health status.Kidney deficiency may be an important mechanism of aging in the subhealthy and chronic disease states.