A Budd-Chiari Syndrome Due to C Protein Deficiency: A Case Report at YaoundéGeneral Hospital (Cameroon)

Primary Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a spontaneously fatal disease characterized by an obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract due to thrombosis or a primary disease of the venous wall. The primary form of BCS is extremely rare. This is a disease mainly affecting young adults of both sexes. Clinical manifestations are variable;they can be asymptomatic, acute, or subacute but mostly chronic. Several causes have been identified, such as myeloproliferative syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and inherited thrombotic disorders. Data on primary BCS in Sub-Saharan Africa is rare as most publications available are case reports. In these reports, the causes are unknown with poor prognosis in most cases often leading to patient death. We herein present a case report of a male patient diagnosed with a primary BCS at Yaoundé General Hospital (Cameroon) caused by a Protein C deficiency who presented with ascites decompensating liver cirrhosis. Treatment was based on anticoagulants, diuretics and laxatives administration. Two years after the diagnosis, the patient is alive with clinical and paraclinical improvement.

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.

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.

Jacob’s Syndrome and Deficiency of 11-Beta-Hydroxylase Enzyme Association Revealed by a Statural Advance: A Case Report

47XYY syndrome is a rare sex chromosome variant with an extra Y chromosome. Most patients with a 47XYY karyotype have a normal phenotype. This disorder seems to be associated with a higher risk of developing behavior and cognitive problems, tall stature and infertility in adulthood. We report here a rare case of 47, XYY syndrome associated with an 11-beta-hydroxylase deficiency revealed by a stature advance along with precocious puberty after obtaining informed consent from parents. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Electroacupuncture on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Type and Oxidative Stress Level

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture on improving polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)of kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness type and serum oxidative stress level.Methods:There were 68 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome were randomly divided into observation group(34 cases)and the control group(34 cases),The observation group was treated by electroacupuncture,while the control group was treated by placebo electroacupuncture.Combined with the evaluation of menstrual cycle,menstrual color,quality,quantity and TCM symptom integral index,the difference of curative effect between the two groups was observed,and the levels of peripheral blood,sex hormones,insulin resistance and oxidative stress were detected before and after treatment for 3 months.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was better than that in the control group(P<0.01);After intervention,serum LH,FSH,E_(2) and LH/FSH in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention.The D values of serum LH,FSH,LH/FSH and E_(2) before and after intervention were significantly different between the two groups(P<0.01);Comparing the level of androgen,the serum A4 and T in the observation group were significantly different from those before intervention(P<0.01);After intervention,there was a significant difference in serum A4 and T between the two groups(P<0.01),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention;There was a difference in insulin resistance in the observation group before and after intervention(P<0.05),and there was a significant difference in D value between the two groups before and after intervention(P<0.01);After the intervention,the serum SOD,MDA,ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those before the intervention;After intervention,the results of serum SOD and ROS in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group;There was no significant difference in serum MDA results.There were significant differences in SOD,MDA,ROS between the two groups before and after intervention.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture can improve oxidative stress injury,insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients.

Curent concept of Spleen-Stomach theory and Spleen deficiency syndrome in TCM

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Intervention effect of traditional Chinese medicine Yi Tang Kang on metabolic syndrome of spleen deficiency

Objective:To investigate effects of herbal compound Yi Tang Kang on the spleen deficiency metabolic syndrome.Methods:Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups:the normal control group and the MS spleen deficiency syndrome group.The control group rats were fed with standard diet and water,while MS spleen deficiency syndrome group with high fat diet and low dose intraperitoneal injection of slreptozocin.which swam to the endurance limit.After 12 weeks,the MS spleen deficiency syndrome group was randomly divided into two groups,with 13 rats in each group.Flats in model group were fed with high fat diet and conlinuouly administered with daily saline,and rats in intervention group with high fat diet were trated with traditional Chinese medicines Yi Tang Kang by gavage,2 mL/200 g at the same lime every day.10 weeks later,the expression of serum proteomics was investigated through abdominal aortic puncture and separation of serum,using isotope labeling technique,high performance liquid chromatography and four bar-Orbitrap mass spectrometer.Results:After treatment with traditional Chinese medicine yitangkang,in the model group,important carboxylesterase and retinal guanylate cyclase 2 precursor were upregulated.As for intervention group,these indesxes were raised,but immunoglobulin IgG,carnitine acetyltransferase,tubulin beta-5,and Gan Lu sugar binding protein C were down-regulated.At the same time,some new biological active substances,such as protein tyrosine kinase,beta glucosidase were also found.Conclusions:Traditional Chinese medicines Yi Tang Kang could regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome.

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.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome: Using drug from mathematical perceptive

Entry of acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus into the host immune cell involves the participation of various components of host and viral cell unit. These components may be categorized as attachment of the viral surface envelope protein subunit, gp120, to the CD4+ receptor and chemokine coreceptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, present on T cell surface. The viral fusion protein, gp41, the second cleaved subunit of Env undergoes reconfiguration and the membrane fusion reaction itself. Since the CD4+ T cell population is actively involved; the ultimate outcome of human immunodeficiency virus infection is total collapse of the host immune system. Mathematical modeling of the stages in viral membrane protein-host cell receptor-coreceptor interaction and the effect of antibody vaccine on the viral entry into the susceptible host cell has been carried out using as impulsive differential equations. We have studied the effect of antibody vaccination and determined analytically the threshold value of drug dosage and dosing interval for optimum levels of infection. We have also investigated the effect of perfect adherence of drug dose on the immune cell count in extreme cases and observed that systematic drug dosage of the immune cells leads to longer and improved lives.

Alterations of ATPase activity and erythrocyte oxygen consumption in patients with liver-blood deficiency syndrome

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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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Study on the Expression of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide (oatp2a1) in Rat with Spleen Deficiency Syndrome and the Exploration of Clinical Significance

Objective: to explore the mechanism of transportation and transformation of dampness by the way of the expression of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) superfamily member 2a1 (oatp2a1) mRNA in rat with spleen deficiency syndrome and the significance in transportation and transformation of dampness. Methods: 32 wistar male rats were divided randomly into four groups: normal group (n = 6), normal + AA group (n = 6), spleen deficiency group (n = 10), Spleen deficiency + AA group (n = 10). After reserpine-induced spleen deficiency model was made, intragastric administration of aristolochic acid (AA) was adopted for three days, the expression of oatp2a1 mRNA were detected in the tissues of lung, liver, kidney, stomach, small intestine and large intestine in four groups by using Fluorescent Quantitative-Polymerase Chain Reaction (FQ-PCR). Results: the expression of oatp2a1 mRNA in above six tissues could be detected. The ex-pression of oatp2a1 mRNA in liver tissue of rat with spleen deficiency syndrome was up-regulated compared to normal group (P = 0.035, P < 0.05), the expression of oatp2a1 mRNA in small intestinal tissue of rat with spleen deficiency syndrome was down-regulated compared to normal group (P = 0.004, P < 0.01), the expression of oatp2a1 in intestinal tissue in normal + AA group is down-regulated compared to normal group (P = 0.032, P < 0.05). Conclusions: oatp2a1 might be one of the material basis involved in transportation and transformation of dampness. The changes of expression of oatp2a1 mRNA in small intestine, liver tissue suggests that small intestine, liver might play an important role in the transportation and transformation of dampness in the state of spleen deficiency. We further concluded that the function of spleen’s governing transportation and transformation of dampness was not only including the function of the gastrointestinal, but also part of the liver function in some degree, which needs to be further studied.

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.

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

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

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.

Comparative evaluation in treating qi-yin deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a rat model

Objective:To compare the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),western medicine and integrative medicine in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a rat model.Methods:The T2DM rat model was established with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 35 days and a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ,30 mg/kg).The T2DM-induced rats were divided into three groups,and treated with Yiqi Yangyin Huatan (YQYYHT) granules (3.84 g/kg per day),pioglitazone (1.35 mg/kg per day) or YQYYHT granules + pioglitazone (3.84 g/kg per day+1.35 mg/kg per day) respectively for 14 days.Clinical features and behavioral changes,as well as T2DM indicators,were recorded to evaluate therapeutics effects in each treatment group.Results:The T2DM rat model expressed insulin resistance (IR),with features similar to qi-yin deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome,including decreased cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cAMP/cGMP) ratio,decreased levels of Na+-K+-ATPase,superoxide dismutase (SOD) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C),and increased levels of serum triglyceride (TG),total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C).All three treatment groups showed significant decreases in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (Fins),and improvement of TCM syndrome to different degrees.Importantly,YQYYHT improved the most of the indicators of T2DM,followed by integrative medicine and pioglitazone alone.Conclusion:Compared with western medicine or integrative medicine,prescription of TCM based on syndrome differentiation may offer more advantages in the prevention and treatment of T2DM.