Efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine for patients with rheumatic immune diseases

BACKGROUND Rheumatic immune diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases charac-terized by joint and systemic multi-organ involvement,including rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosus,and Sjogren’s syndrome,among others.The pathogenesis of these diseases is related to the abnormal activation and regulatory imbalance of the immune system.The prevalence and morbidity of rheumatic immune diseases are high,imposing a significant burden on patients'quality of life and socio-economic costs.Currently,the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases mainly relies on Western medicine,such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,glucocorticoids,disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs,and biologics.However,the therapeutic effects of Western medicine are not ideal,some patients poorly respond or are resistant to Western medicine,and long-term use often causes various adverse reactions.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii gly-cosides tablets combined with Western medicine in the treatment of patients with rheumatic immune diseases.METHODS This study conducted a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine for patients with rheumatic immune diseases.Chinese and English databases were searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the treatment of rheumatic immune diseases with Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine.The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.RESULTS The meta-analysis included 11 RCTs involving 1026 patients with rheumatic immune diseases.The combined treatment significantly reduced the risk of disease recurrence(relative risk=1.07,95%confidence interval:1.01-1.15,P<0.05)and showed no significant heterogeneity(I2=0%,P=0.53),indicating that Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine is an effective method to reduce the possibility of postoperative recurrence in patients with rheumatic immune diseases.However,due to the limited number and quality of the studies included,these results should be interpreted with caution.CONCLUSION Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides tablets combined with Western medicine is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with rheumatic immune diseases and can be considered a clinical choice.However,more high-quality research is needed to validate this conclusion and provide more solid evidence for clinical practice.

Cohort study on the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer with integrated Chinese and western medicine

BACKGROUND Patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC)have a low incidence rate,poor biological activity,suboptimal response to conventional treatments,and a poor prognosis.In the previous cohort study on mCRC conducted by our team,it was observed that integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment could significantly prolong the overall survival(OS)of patients with colorectal cancer.Therefore,we further explored the survival benefits in the population with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.METHODS A cohort study was conducted on patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer admitted to Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2016 to December 2022.The patients were divided into two cohorts.RESULTS A total of 34 cases were included,with 23 in Chinese-Western medicine cohort(cohort A)and 11 in Western medicine cohort(cohort B).The median overall survival was 19.9 months in cohort A and 14.2 months in cohort B,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.038,hazard ratio=0.46).The 1-3-year survival rates were 95.65%(22/23),39.13%(9/23),and 26.09%(6/23)in cohort A,and 63.64%(7/11),18.18%(2/11),and 9.09%(1/11)in cohort B,respectively.Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in median OS between the two cohorts in the right colon,liver metastasis,chemotherapy,and first-line treatment subgroups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Integrated Chinese and Western medicine can prolong the survival and reduce the risk of death in patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer,with more pronounced benefits observed in patients with right colon involvement,liver metastasis,combined chemotherapy,and first-line treatment.

Application of multidisciplinary team-based integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in rotator cuff injury patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a common surgical treatment for rotator cuff injuries(RCIs).Although this procedure has certain clinical advantages,it requires rehabilitation management interventions to ensure therapeutic efficacy.AIM To investigate the effect of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine(TCM-WM)under the multidisciplinary team(MDT)model on the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for RCIs.METHODS This study enrolled 100 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for RCIs at the Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and May 2024.They were divided into a control group(n=48)that received routine rehabilitation treatment and an experimental group(n=52)that received TCM-WM under the MDT model(e.g.,acupuncture,TCM traumatology and orthopedics,and rehabilitation).The results of the Constant–Murley Shoulder Score(CMS),Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI),muscular strength evaluation,and shoulder range of motion(ROM)assessments were analyzed.RESULTS After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly higher CMS scores in terms of pain,functional activity,shoulder joint mobility,and muscular strength than the baseline and those of the control group.The experimental group also exhibited significantly lower VAS and SPADI scores than the baseline and those of the control group.In addition,the experimental group showed significantly enhanced muscular strength(forward flexor and external and internal rotator muscles)and shoulder ROM(forward flexion,abduction,and lateral abduction)after treatment compared with the control group.CONCLUSION TCM-WM under the MDT model improved shoulder joint function,relieved postoperative pain,promoted postoperative functional recovery,and facilitated the recovery of muscular strength and shoulder ROM in patients with RCIs who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM,which then forms a unique modern medical system in China.Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China,and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.However,the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)limit its development.The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM.To realize the progression of"integration"to"organic integration",a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Introduction of Western Medicines into China and Improvement on Decoctions during Modern China

During the late Qing dynasty(1840 A.D.-1912 A.D.),a large quantity of Western medicines entered China,which continuously impacted the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)market and revealed the shortcomings of Chinese medicines.Some personages in the TCM community followed the trend of learning from the West,and attempted to reform TCM,with the improvement on decoction becoming an important aspect of this effort.Through debates and trials,the improvement on decoction underwent three stages of conceptual evolution:“taking Chinese medicines as the foundation and referring to the dosage forms of Western medicines”,“introducing Western techniques to serve the preparation of decoctions”and“integrating the theories of TCM and Western medicine to improve decoctions”.The study highlights the effective complementarity between modern TCM and Western medicine in the field of pharmacy,and provides valuable experience and support for the reevaluation of the value of TCM in contemporary society.

Quality of life and survival analyses of breast cancer cases treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine

BACKGROUND Breast cancer(BC)is the second leading cause of tumor-related mortality after lung cancer.Chemotherapy resistance remains a major challenge to progress in BC treatment,warranting further exploration of feasible and effective alternative therapies.AIM To analyzed the quality of life(QoL)and survival of patients with BC treated with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine(TCM-WM).METHODS This study included 226 patients with BC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2023,including 100 who received conventional Western medicine treatment(control group)and 126 who received TCM-WM treatment(research group).The total effective rate,side effects(alopecia,nausea and vomiting,hepatorenal toxicity,and myelosuppression),QoL assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30),1-year overall survival(OS),recurrence and metastasis rates,and serum inflammatory factors[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor alpha]were comparatively analyzed.RESULTS The research group showed statistically better overall efficacy,EORTC QoL-C30 scores,and 1-year OS than the control group,with markedly lower side effects and 1-year recurrence and metastasis rates.Moreover,the posttreatment levels of serum inflammatory in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those in the control group.CONCLUSION Overall,TCM-WM demonstrated significantly improved therapeutic efficacy while ensuring drug safety in BC,which not only improved patients’QoL and prolonged survival,but also significantly inhibited the inflammatory response.

Research Progress of Dai and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Gouty Arthritis

This paper reviews the pathogenesis,diagnostic criteria,and treatment means of gouty arthritis from the perspectives of Western medicine and Dai medicine in order to provide a reference for clinical medication.

An Ultimate Approach to Retarding the Aging Process by Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

Aging and death are unavoidable in life. While immortality may be impossible, many people dream of living a long and healthy life. Throughout history, humans have searched for ways to stay young, but have not found an effective way. This may be because the methods used do not target the causes of aging directly. To address this, we investigated how to delay aging using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine approaches. In this article, we will explain the causes of aging in the context of TCM and Western medicine and suggest methods to delay it. By integrating TCM and Western medicine, I hope to help everyone age healthily and enjoy a long life.

Research Progress on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment of Tourette Syndrome in Children

Tourette syndrome is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that affects the physical and mental health of children.Early detection,diagnosis,and treatment are crucial to prevent serious impacts on the affected children,their families,and society.In recent years,there has been an increasing trend towards using a combination of methods in the clinical treatment of children with Tourette syndrome.This approach has achieved remarkable results,leading to a reduction in the rate of Tourette syndrome symptoms in children.In recent years,a combination of clinical methods has been used to treat children with Tourette syndrome,resulting in significant improvement in control rates.This article reviews the etiology of infantile Tourette syndrome and the progress made in Chinese and Western medicine treatments,providing a reference for further treatment of the condition.

A Case Report on Treating Progressive Supranuclear Palsy with a Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine

A case of progressive supranuclear palsy in a 66-year-old woman is presented.The patient complained of“progressive stiffness of both lower limbs for five years,accompanied by choking and coughing for more than 1 year,”and was diagnosed with paralysis in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),which was characterized by a deficiency of liver and kidney,and phlegm and blood stasis blocking the collaterals.Western medicine diagnosed it as progressive supranuclear palsy.The patient was diagnosed with“Parkinson’s disease”several times in the past and was given“polybasic hydrazide”and“amantadine hydrochloride tablets,”etc.The patient did not have significant symptomatic relief,so she sought further treatment with a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.Based on the concept of deficiency and excess,this disease is categorized as a paralytic disease in Chinese medicine,and the onset of the disease is closely related to the deficiency of the body after a long period of illness,with wind,phlegm,blood stasis,and deficiency as the main pathogenetic mechanism.The treatment is based on the combination of disease and evidence,with traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture as the main treatments,supplemented by intermediate-frequency pulsed electrical stimulation,transcranial repetitive magnetic stimulation,medicated canisters,wax therapy,traditional Chinese medicine guasha,and acupoint injections.Western medicine is based on symptomatic treatment,and the patient’s symptoms were relieved significantly after the combination of Chinese and Western medicine.

Research Progress on Combined Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children

With the continuous development of medical technology,combined treatment of Chinese and Western medicine has gradually become a research hotspot.As a common disease in pediatrics,the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children is also being explored and improved.This article summarizes the research progress of combined Chinese and Western medicine treatment of MPP in children in recent years,aiming to provide a useful reference for the combined treatment of MPP in children.The article firstly introduces the etiology and pathogenesis of MPP in children,thereafter briefly introduces the Western anti-infective treatment and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)diagnosis and treatment of MPP in children,and lastly introduces the methods of combined treatment of TCM and Western medicine in detail.The article points out that the combination of Chinese and Western medicine can give full play to the overall regulation of Chinese medicine and the precise treatment advantages of Western medicine,improve the therapeutic effect,reduce the use of antibiotics,and lower the recurrence rate of the disease,which is worthy of further research and promotion.

Research Progress in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Health Management for School-Age Children with Asthma

Objective:The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of Chinese and Western medicine in the health management of school-age children with asthma and its research progress,with a view to providing a more comprehensive and effective management strategy for the clinic.Methods:Using the method of literature review,this study systematically searched and analyzed the relevant studies on the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in the health management of school-aged children with asthma in recent years,focusing on Chinese medicine treatment,Western medicine treatment,and the combined health management of Chinese and Western medicine.Results:Chinese medicine treatment,Western medicine treatment,and the health management mode of combining Chinese and Western medicine showed unique advantages in school-age asthmatic children.Through the comprehensive use of Chinese medicine’s diagnosis and treatment,Chinese medicine conditioning,Chinese medicine characteristic therapy,and Western medicine’s modern medical methods,it not only effectively relieved asthma symptoms but also significantly improved the quality of life of the children.At the same time,this management mode also focuses on the psychological guidance and family care of the children,forming an all-round and multi-level health management system.Conclusion:The health management strategy of combining Chinese and Western medicine has a broad application prospect in school-age asthmatic children,and its specific interventions and mechanisms of action should be further studied to provide more scientific and systematic guidance for clinical practice.

Effects of Integrated Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine on Swine Toxoplasmosis

[ Objective] To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Chinese herbs and western medicine on the treatment of swine toxoplasmosis, in order to increase cure rate and lower recurrence rate. [ Method] Pigs artificially infected by Toxoplasma gondii were treated with compound suffonamide and a self-designed Chinese herbs formula, and the quantities of toxoplasma in ascites were determined. Animal regression experiment was per- formed after mice were inoculated with pathological samples of the pigs infected with toxoplasma. After treatment with integrated Chinese herbs and western medicine, the clinical manifestations of pigs were observed and the level of circulating antigen （CAg） in sera was detected. Curative effect indexes of integrated Chinese herbs and western medicine-treated group were compared with that of Chinese herbs-treated group, western medi- cine-treated group and positive control group. [ Result] All the toxoplasma trophozoites were killed by integrated and westem medicine. Regression expedment results showed that toxoplasma appeared only in one mouse that was inoculated with brain of pig. The treated pigs had nonsignificant clinical symptoms; the peak of serum CAg was lower than that of the positive control group and CAg turned negative faster than that of Chinese herbs-treated group, westem medicine-treated group, and positive control group. [ Conclusion] The integrated Chinese herbs and western medicine has good effect on the treatment of swine toxoplasmosis.

Current Status of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diabetic peripheral vascular disease(PVD)is one of the common chronic complications of diabetes.The main clinical manifestations of PVD are numbness and coldness of the limbs,resting pain,intermittent claudication,and other symptoms.The combined treatment involving Chinese and Western medicine for PVD has various clinical methods and definite curative effects.It is worthy of in-depth clinical research and application.

Rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery

BACKGROUND During the perioperative period, the characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine is effective in improving postoperative rehabilitation. In large-scale hospitals practicing traditional Chinese medicine, there is accumulating experience related to the promotion of fast recovery in the perioperative period.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique.METHODS This prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study included two groups: Treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group and control group received Yikou-Sizi powder hot compress on Shenque acupuncture point combined with rapid rehabilitation technique and routine treatment, respectively. Clinical observation regarding postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function was performed, including the times to first passage of flatus, first defecation, and first normal bowel sounds. The comparison between groups was conducted through descriptive analysis, χ~2, t, F, and rank-sum tests.RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the time to postoperative first defecation between the treatment and control group(87.16 ± 32.09 vs 109.79 ±40.25 h, respectively;P < 0.05). Similarly, the time to initial recovery of bowel sounds in the treatment group was significantly shorter than that in the control group(61.17 ± 26.75 vs 79.19 ± 33.35 h, respectively;P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the time to initial exhaust between the treatment and control groups(51.54 ± 23.66 vs 62.24 ± 25.95 h, respectively;P >0.05). The hospitalization expenses for the two groups of patients were 62283.45 ±12413.90 and 62059.42 ± 11350.51 yuan, respectively. Although the cost of hospitalization was decreased in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant(P > 0.05). This clinical trial was safe without reports of any adverse reaction or event.CONCLUSION The rapid rehabilitation technique with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine promotes the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function and is significantly better than standard approach for patients after colorectal surgery.

Therapeutic Evaluation on Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated by Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine──Clinical Analysis of 56 Cases

Objective: In comparison with chemotherapy, to evaluate therapeutic effects on advanced pancreatic cancer treated by integrative Chinese and western medicine (ICWM) therapies. Methods: Based on the retrospective study of 56 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, life table was applied to the analysis of patients' survival rate and Xz test to the comparison of therapeutic response between ICWM and chemotherapy groups. Results: The results showed that 1-year survival rate in the ICWM group was 55. 37%±3.24%; 2-year survival rate 34. 61%±16. 31%; 3-year survival rate 25. 96%±24. 64%; 5-year survival rate 25. 96%±24.64%; and median survival period 16. 3 months. However 1-year survival rate in the chemotherapy group was 21. 95%±27. 54% ; 2-year survival rate 7. 31%±27. 54% ; 3-year survival rate 0 % ; and median survival period 7. 5 months. The therapeutic effects between two groups were significantly different (P=0. 004). Further analysis suggested that the reduction of cancer mass in the ICWM group was more than that in chemotherapy group (P=0.049) and the improvement of advanced pancreatic cancer related-symptoms better than that of chemotherapy group (P = 0. 002). Conclusion: The ICWM comprehensive therapy is of important value in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Research progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

Gastric cancer(GC)is a malignant tumor originating from the gastric epithelium,and its incidence and mortality rates rank third among all malignant tumors worldwide.It is also one of the most common cancers in China and is treated predominantly by Western medicine in clinical practice.However,with the advancements in medical technology and informatics,the values of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in preventing and treating GC and improving prognosis have increasingly been recognized.According to TCM,clinical manifestations of GC can be divided into Yege(dysphagia),regurgitation,stomach pain,and Zhengxia(abdominal mass).Due to the unbalanced distribution of health care resources in China,most GC patients already have progressive or advanced-stage disease at the first diagnosis.As a result,most GC patients have poor physical function,and surgery or chemotherapy alone will aggravate the impairment to the immune function and seriously affect the quality of life.In contrast,TCM therapies have shown promising efficacy in the management of these patients.Here we review the role of the integrated TCM and Western medicine in treating advanced GC.

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

Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine in acute severe stroke patients

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common and frequently occurring disease of the nervous system and one of the three major diseases leading to human death.The incidence and mortality of stroke in China increase with age.Overall,70%of patients with stroke have serious disability,which results in heavy burden to their families and the society.AIM To analyze the effects of Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine on immune indexes and digestive tract function in patients with acute severe stroke.METHODS A total of 68 patients with acute severe stroke admitted to Lanzhou Second People’s Hospital between March 2018 and September 2021 were selected and divided into the control and observation groups according to a random number table method.The control group was administered routine Western medicine treatment,such as dehydration,lowering intracranial pressure,anticoagulation,improving cerebral blood circulation and cerebral nerve protection according to the“Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China.”The observation group was administered Qixue Shuangbu decoction via nasal feeding tube on the basis of the routine Western medicine treatment with simultaneous acupuncture.The two groups were compared.RESULTS The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II,organ dysfunction syndrome score,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those measured before treatment,and the complements C3 and C4,and immunoglobulins(Ig)M and G were significantly increased compared with those observed before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group,and the complement and Ig levels were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of diamine oxidase(DAO),Dlactic acid(D-LA),and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment,while the levels of lipopolysaccharide,ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1(UCH-L1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-2,and IL-8 were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,DAO,D-LA,and CGRP were higher in the observation group than in the control group,while lipopolysaccharide,UCH-L1,TNF-α,IL-2,and IL-8 were lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The hospitalization time of individuals in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine for the treatment of acute severe stroke can regulate intestinal flora,reduce inflammation,improve intestinal mucosal barrier function and immune function related indicators,and promote recovery.

The effects and prospects of the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine on andrology in China

Andrology has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） discussions concerning andropathies, and documentation of relevant therapeutic methods abound in the ancient literature on TCM. Integrated treatment combining TCM and Western medicine has seen both broad and in-depth development, with formidable status in the field of modern andrology in China. This article attempts to demonstrate the unique advantage of integrated treatment in the therapy of andropathies through a review of the ancient literature on andrology in the field of TCM and on the integrative treatment of prostatic diseases, sexual dysfunction, male infertility and late-onset hypogonadism. There is a need for the advancement of a medical theory that integrates TCM and Western medicine practices to create a new therapeutic system with standardized therapeutic and evaluative protocols for diseases involving male sexual health.