Experimental Study of the Anti-human Papilloma Virus Mechanisms by a Traditional Chinese Medicine “Keyouling”

To investigate the anti-human papilloma virus (HPV) effect of the external liniment of traditional Chinese medicine “Keyouling”, the efficacy of this drug acting upon the proliferation and growth of the normal epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce in different concentrations was observed. An experimental model of pathology of histocytes infected with HPV in vitro was established by using the human HPV infected prepuce epidermis cells as virus carrier to infect the sub-cultured epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce. The direct killing effect and the blocking effect of infections of epidermis cells in rabbits′ penis prepuce induced by HPV with different concentrations of “Keyouling” were determined by 3 kinds of culture methods: (1) the infected epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce were challenged by co-culture with HPV suspension and with culture medium containing drug; (2) the co-culture with epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce and HPV suspension was challenged with drug; (3) co-culture with culture medium containing drug and epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce was challenged with HPV suspension. It was found that “Keyouling” had little effect on the proliferation and growth of the normal epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce, but it had direct killing effect on HPV, and blocked effectively the infection of the epidermis cells of rabbits′ penis prepuce by HPV. It concludes that “Keyouling” has significant killing effect to HPV, but not normal histocytes in vitro , indicating that it is safe for clinical use. Its blocking effect on the HPV infection of rabbits′ penis prepuce epidermis cells suggested “Keyouling” may be clinically used to prevent the development of tumors or to inhibit the further progression or metastasis of tumors.

Entecavir vs lamivudine therapy for na?ve patients with spontaneous reactivation of hepatitis B presenting as acute-on-chronic liver failure

AIM:To investigate the short-term and long-term efficacy of entecavir versus lamivudine in patients with spontaneous reactivation of hepatitis B presenting as acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).METHODS:This was a single center,prospective cohort study.Eligible,consecutive hospitalized patients received either entecavir 0.5 mg/d or lamivudine 100mg/d.All patients were given standard comprehensive internal medicine.The primary endpoint was survival rate at day 60,and secondary endpoints were reduction in hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,and improvement in Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP)and model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)scores at day 60 and survival rate at week 52.RESULTS:One hundred and nineteen eligible subjects were recruited from 176 patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B:65 were included in the entecavir group and 54 in the lamivudine group(full analysis set).No significant differences were found in patient baseline clinical parameters.At day 60,entecavir did not improve the probability of survival(P=0.066),despite resulting in faster virological suppression(P<0.001),higher rates of virological response(P<0.05)and greater reductions in the CTP and MELD scores(all P<0.05)than lamivudine.Intriguingly,at week 52,the probability of survival was higher in the entecavir group than in the lamivudine group[42/65(64.6%)vs 26/54(48.1%),respectively;P=0.038].The pretreatment MELD score(B,1.357;95%Cl:2.138-7.062;P=0.000)and virological response at day30(B,1.556;95%Cl:1.811-12.411;P=0.002),were found to be good predictors for 52-wk survival.CONCLUSION:Entecavir significantly reduced HBV DNA levels,decreased the CTP and MELD scores,and thereby improved the long-term survival rate in patients with spontaneous reactivation of hepatitis B presenting as ACLF.

Cerebral mechanism of puncturing at He-Mu point combination for functional dyspepsia: study protocol for a randomized controlled parallel trial

Acupuncture is widely used to treat functional dyspepsia with satisfactory outcomes. Combination of the He and Mu acupoints is commonly used and has a synergistic effect on functional dyspepsia; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, a randomized controlled parallel clinical trial is currently underway at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China. This trial is designed to explore the efficacy of and central responses to the He-Mu point combination in patients with functional dyspepsia using functional magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 105 patients with functional dyspepsia will be allocated into 3 groups： the low-He point group（puncturing at Zusanli（ST36））, Mu point group（puncturing at Zhongwan（CV12））, and He-Mu point combination group（puncturing at ST36 and CV12）. Every participant will receive 20 sessions of manual acupuncture for 4 weeks. The needles will be inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 1 to 2 cun. The angle of rotation and twisting will range from 90 to 180 degrees, while lifting and thrusting will range from 0.3 to 0.5 cm. The various manipulations will be performed 60 to 90 times per minute. The needles will remain in place for 30 minutes, during which manipulation will be applied every 10 minutes. Magnetic resonance imaging will be performed before and after 20 sessions of acupuncture. The primary outcome is symptom improvement according to the Chinese version of the Nepean Dyspepsia Index. Secondary outcomes include the Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and visual analogue scale scores before and after 10 and 20 sessions of acupuncture. Needle sensation and adverse events will be used to assess the therapeutic effects. This study will promote more widespread awareness of the benefits of acupoint combination in the clinical setting and provide a further explanation of the neuromechanism by which acupuncture at the He-Mu point combination for functional dyspepsia. Registration： Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Chi CTR-IOR-15006402.

A Multicentral Randomized Control Study on Clinical Acupuncture Treatment of Bell's Palsy

To confirm the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on Bell’s palsy.Methods:480 cases from 4 hospitals were enrolled for this study,among whom 439 cases completed thewhole course of the study.The patients were randomly divided into the following 3 groups,a controlgroup(treated with prednisone,vitamin Bl,vitamin B12and dibazol),an acu-moxibustion group（treatedwith filiform needle plus moxibustion）,and a basic treatment plus acu-moxibustion group（treated withoral medicine like those in the control group plus acupuncture,and with moxibustion like in theacu-moxibustion group）.The whole treatment course lasted 4 weeks.The therapeutic effects wereevaluated according to the symptoms and signs,House-Brackmann grading scale and facial disabilityindexes（FDI）.Results:All the 4 centers（hospitals）completed this study well,with no statisticallysignificant difference found among the 4 centers in therapeutic effects.The patients with differentconditions were well distributed in the 3 groups,thus the basic general,data were comparable（P>0.05）.The therapeutic effects of the two treatment groups were better than the control group（respectivelyP<0.05 and P<0.01）,and it was the best in the acu-moxibustion group（P<0.01）.Conclusion:Acupuncture and moxibustion may exert definite therapeutic effects on Bell’s palsy,better than that ofthe basic treatment group or the basic treatment plus acu-moxibustion group.

Influence of weight management on the prognosis of steatohepatitis in chronic hepatitis B patients during antiviral treatment

Background:Although concomitant nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)is common in chronic hepatitis B(CHB),the impact of viral factors on NASH and the outcome of CHB patients concomitant with NASH remain unclear.We aimed to investigate the outcomes of NASH in CHB patients receiving antiviral treatment.Methods:In the post-hoc analysis of a multicenter trial,na?ve CHB patients receiving 72-week entecavir treatment were enrolled.We evaluated the biochemical,viral and histopathological responses of these patients.The histopathological features of NASH were also evaluated,using paired liver biopsies at baseline and week 72.Results:A total of 1000 CHB patients were finally enrolled for analysis,with 18.2%of whom fulfilling the criteria of NASH.A total of 727 patients completed entecavir antiviral treatment and received the second biopsy.Serum HBe Ag loss,HBe Ag seroconversion and HBV-DNA undetectable rates were similar between patients with or without NASH(P>0.05).Among patients with NASH,the hepatic steatosis,ballooning,lobular inflammation scores and fibrosis stages all improved during follow-up(all P<0.001),46%(63/136)achieved NASH resolution.Patients with baseline body mass index(BMI)≥23 kg/m2(Asian criteria)[odds ratio(OR):0.414;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.190-0.899;P=0.012]and weight gain(OR:0.187;95%CI:0.050-0.693;P=0.026)were less likely to have NASH resolution.Among patients without NASH at baseline,22(3.7%)developed NASH.Baseline BMI≥23 kg/m2(OR:12.506;95%CI:2.813-55.606;P=0.001)and weight gain(OR:5.126;95%CI:1.674-15.694;P=0.005)were predictors of incident NASH.Conclusions:Lower BMI and weight reduction but not virologic factors determine NASH resolution in CHB.The value of weight management in CHB patients during antiviral treatment deserves further evaluation.

Clinical Observation on Cervical Spondylopathy of the Vertebroarterial Type Treated by Electro-acupuncture

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the vertebroarterial type. Methods: According to the consulting order, the patients were randomly divided into a treatment group (29 cases treated with electro-acupuncture), and a control group (28 cases treated with simple acupuncture). 20 treatments were given to patients in both groups. Results: The markedly effective rate of the treatment group was 75% and that of the control group was 61.54% (P<0.05). Conclusion: Electro-acupuncture has a better therapeutic effect than the simple acupuncture in the treatment of cervical spondylopathy of the vertebroarterial type.

Improved prescription of taohechengqi-tang alleviates D-galactosamine acute liver failure in rats

AIM: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of improved prescription of Taohechengqi-tang(IPTT) against acute liver failure(ALF) in rats.METHODS: Seventy specific pathogen free male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group(normal rats, n = 10), ALF group(ALF model,n=20), Stronger Neo-Minophagen C(SNMC) group(ALF model + SNMC, n = 20), and IPTT group(ALF model + IPTT, n = 20). The ALF model group was administered an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine(1.4 g/kg), and the control group received normal saline intraperitoneally. The SNMC and IPTT groups were treated with SMMC(15.6 mg/kg) or IPTT(28.6 g/kg) by gavage at 24 h intervals, and the ALF and control groups were treated with normal saline. At 36 h after injection, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, albumin, and cholinesterase and prothrombintime were determined, and liver histopathological scores were observed by microscopy after hematoxylin and eosin staining. m RNA expression of high mobility group box(HMGB) 1, toll-like receptor(TLR) 4, nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and caspase-3 were analyzed via fluorescence quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) immunohistochemistry in liver tissue was also performed.RESULTS: D-galactosamine notably decreased the biochemical and coagulation profiles in serum. IPTT not only improved liver function and histopathology but also normalized the gene expression levels in liver tissue. Compared with the model group, in the IPTT and SNMC groups, HMGB1 m RNA/β-actin(0.06 ± 0.03, 0.11 ± 0.04 vs 0.25 ± 0.04, P < 0.05); TLR4 m RNA/β-actin(0.07 ± 0.02, 0.22 ± 0.08 vs 0.41 ± 0.22, P < 0.05); NF-κB m RNA/β-actin(0.74 ± 0.41, 1.78 ± 0.64 vs 2.68 ± 1.35, P < 0.05); and caspase-3 m RNA/β-actin levels were all significantly reduced(1.61 ± 0.45, 2.57 ± 1.04 vs 3.41 ± 0.85, P < 0.05). The gene expression levels were significantly lower in the IPTT group than in the SNMC group(P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the PCNA expression in liver tissue was significantly enhanced in the IPTT and SNMC groups(36.34 ± 4.91, 25.57 ± 2.94 vs 17.55 ± 2.40, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IPTT attenuates inflammation in ALF via inhibition of HMGB1 production, which may contribute to limited liver regeneration.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACPUNCTURE COMBINED WITH MASSAGE FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS OF VERTEBRAL ARTERIAL TYPE BY USING TRANCRANIAL DOPPLYER ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with massage on blood flow velocity of the vertebro-basilar artery in cervical spondylosis of vertebral arterial type (CSVAT) patients. Methods: In the present study, methods of evidence-based medicine, triple-centers, single-blindness, randomization and control were used. A total of 100 cases of CSVAT patients were randomized into acupuncture plus massage (acu-massage) group (n=38), acupuncture group (n=32) and massage group (n=30). Acupoints used were Fengchi (风池GB 20), cervical Jiaji (颈夹脊EX-B 2), Baihui (百会GV 20), and the methods of massage used were kneading-rolling, adhesion-separating and acupoint-digital pressing, topical digital pressing and rubbing, traction-extending and mild palm-rubbing. The treatment was conducted once daily, with 7 sessions being a therapeutic course and continuously for 2 courses. Changes of peak velocity (Vp), end-diastolic velocity (Vd), mean velocity (Vm) of blood flow of the vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA), etc were detected before and after the treatment by using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography. Results: After the treatment, the abnormally low Vp of both VA and BA in acu-massage, acupuncture and massage groups, Vm of VA in acu-massage and acupuncture groups, Vm of BA in acu-massage and massage groups, and Vd of VA and BA in the 3 groups all increased significantly in comparison with their own pretreatment (P<0.05, 0.01), and the therapeutic effects of acu-massage group in the 3 indexes were significantly superior to those of acupuncture group and/or massage group (P<0.05, 0.01). The abnormally increased Vp of VA in acu-massage and acupuncture groups, Vm of VA in the 3 groups, and Vd of VA in acu-massage and massage groups decreased obviously after the treatment in comparison with their own pretreatment (P<0.05, 0.01), and the therapeutic effects of acu-massage group were significantly superior to those of acupuncture and/or massage group in the 3 indexes of VA (P<0.05, 0.01). In addition, the abnormally increased Vp, Vm and Vd of BA in the 3 groups showed a similar tendency. No significant differences between acupuncture and massage groups in 3 indexes (P>0.05). Conclusion: The therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus massage is significantly superior to those of simple acupuncture and simple massage therapies in improving abnormal blood dynamics of vertebral and basilar arteries in CSVAT patients.

Study on immunological characteristics of T lymphocyte in peripheral blood from patients with sjogren's syndrome

Objective: To study on in immunological characteristics of T lymphocyte in peripheral blood from patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS), provide the theory basis for the further research of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) targeted therapy.Methods:T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood from SS, RA and normal control groups were tested with various monocbnal antibodies and multicolor flow cytometry.T lymphocyte subsets were tested in peripheral blood from SS patients of different TCM Syndromes. The relationship between T Lymphocyte subsets and disease activity was measured by erythrocyte sedimentation rate (SR)and serum IgG. Results: The percentage of CD4^+T cells and the ration of CD4^+/CD8^+T cells in peripheral bbod from SS patients decreased significantly, and the percentage of CD8^+T cells increased than that in control groups (P<0.05). Compared with patients in inactive period, the percentage of CD4^+T cells in peripheral bLood from SS patients in the active stage increased (P>0.05), the percentage of CD8^+T cells decreased (P>0.05), and the ration of CD4^+/ CD8^+T cells increased (P<0.05).Compared with control groups, the percentage of CD69 expressed on T cells in peripheral blood from SS patients decreased, and the percentage of CD95's expression increased (P<0.05).The percentage of CD69CD95's expression also increased (P>0.05). There were no differences among CD4^+T cells, CD8^+T ceLs and CD4^+/ CD8^+ in peripheral blood from SS patients of different TCM Syndromes (P>0.05). CD69 and CD95's expression on SS patients of different TCM Syndromes was no significantLy different (P>0.05).T cell receptor Vβ(TCR Vβ) subfamilies gene in peripheral blood from SS patients and control groups were expressed in all. Compared witji control groups, Vβ 5.3,Vβ 13.1,Vβ 12,Vβ 7.2 had significant differences (P<0.05).Comparison of different TCM Syndromes in SS group: Vβ 13.1 and Vβ 14 were significantly different (P<0.05).Conclusion:There was dysimmunity on T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of SS patients, which was related to disease activity;apoptosis after activation of autoreactive T cell may be induced by Chinese medicine;TCR Vβ subfamilies of different TCM syndromes were different, which noted that different autoreactive T cells of abnormal activation tended to result in different expression of TCM Different syndromes.

Mechanism of acupuncture treatment of primary insomnia

Insomnia is one of the most common clinical health problems,which can lead to a variety of complications and seriously affect human physical and mental health.Acupuncture has been used for treating insomnia for thousands of years,and is currently widely used as an alternative thehere is still a lack of up-to-date and comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture for insorapy for insomnia all over the world.However,the mechanism of acupuncture for insomnia is still unclear,the mechanism research is relatively discrete,and tmnia.After summary and analysis in this study,it is found that acupuncture may improve sleeping by adjusting central neurotransmitter,insomnia-related hormone,circadian rhythm,sleep structure,and brain function.How to scientifically explain the scientific mechanism of acupuncture in treating insomnia has great challenges.I hope this study can provide reference for future research on the mechanism of acupuncture for insomnia.

Quality Characteristics and FTIR Research of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch Cultivated under Forest

[Objectives]This study aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics of Amorphophallus konjac K.Koch and study the tubers of A.konjac K.Koch by infrared spectroscopy and second derivative method.[Methods]Referring to industrial standards of China for agriculture and related documents,the quality characteristics of A.konjac K.Koch were determined;and using potassium bromide tableting method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,the infrared spectrum and second derivative spectrum of A.konjac K.Koch were studied.[Results]The drying rate,total ash content,acid-insoluble ash content,water extract content,ethanol extract content and crude polysaccharide content of A.konjac K.Koch were above 14.00%,4.57%-11.78%,0.04%-4.87%,26.31%-36.98%,2.20%-7.95%and 40.25%-61.18%,respectively.The infrared spectra of A.konjac K.Koch of different origins were relatively close,and the differences were mainly in peak intensity.The peaks at 1642,1322,1241,1154,1022,863,770 and 576 cm-1 were the main specific peaks.The main component was konjac glucomannan.[Conclusions]FTIR technology is simple and quick,and is suitable for quality control and sample identification of A.konjac K.Koch.This provides a scientific basis for the quality control and comprehensive utilization of A.konjac K.Koch cultivated under forest.

Construction of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and drug prediction for ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer

Objective:To construct the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network,andidentify more reliable therapeutic targets and potential drugs in ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer.Methods:Two datasets were downloaded from the GEO,and the differently expressed analysis were conducted by R software limma package.Functional enrichment analysis was performed using R software.The targets of differently expressed miRNAs were predicted by FunRich software,and the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed by Cytoscape software.The cMAP and TCMSP databases were used to predict small molecule drugs and traditional Chinese medicine respectively.Results:A total of 79 differently expressed miRNAs and 8865 differently expressed mRNAs were identified.Then the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed.Among DE miRNAs in the network,hsa-miR-520e,hsa-miR-199b-5p,hsa-miR-140-5p may be the most significant due to their large number of connecting nodes in ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer.The integrated differently genes were mainly concentrated in protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum,ferroptosis and other signalingpathways.In addition,10 kinds of small molecule drugs and 6 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine were screened as therapeutic agents for ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer.Conclusion:hsa-miR-520e,hsa-miR-199b-5p,hsa-miR-140-5p can be used as therapeutic targets forulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer.The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer may be related to the protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum/ferroptosis signaling pathway,and it is predicted that 10 kinds of small molecule drugs,such asIsoflupredone,and 4 traditional Chinese medicines,such as Baiqucai(Celandine),Guanhuangbai(Cortex phellodendri amurensis),Huangbai(Phellodendron amurense)and Bajiaolian(Dysosma Versipellis),can be used as therapeutic drugs forulcerative colitis associated colorectal cancer.

Application of Big Data Deep Learning in Auxiliary Diagnosis of Lower Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans

At present,the incidence rate of arteriosclerosis obliterans(LEASO)of the lower extremities is significantly increased by aging and lifestyle changes.It is of great importance to predict the LEASO effectively and accurately by analyzing the imaging data of the lower extremities⑴.At this stage,China has entered the era of big data and artificial intelligence.Medical institutions at all levels can produce a large number of lower limb vascular image data every day.Using big data deep learning technology to intelligently analyze a large number of image data,and then carry out auxiliary diagnosis,so as to improve the diagnosis and treatment effect of LEASO is the focus of clinical research.

Protocol for evaluating the effects of Danggui Shaoyao Powder in the treatment of DPN with qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern based on routine therapy:a randomized controlled trial

Background:Diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)has high incidence.At present,the treatment for DPN mainly focuses on controlling of blood sugar,nourishment of nerves and symptomatic treatment of pain which face some limitations,such as poor effects and adverse reactions of drugs and so on.Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)has certain curative effect in the prevention and treatment of DPN.Danggui Shaoyao powder,one of the famous classic prescriptions in TCM,has been often used clinically in the treatment of DPN in China,which without any relevant evidence-based medical research data.The protocol was designed to evaluate the effects of Danggui Shaoyao Powder in the treatment of DPN with qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern based on routine therapy.Methods:This protocol is designed as a three-arms parallel-group,outcome-assessor blinded RCT.303 Patients with DPN,from outpatient and inpatient departments of four clinical centers in China,will be randomly allocated into 3 groups(routine group,treatment group and control group).The course of treatment was designed as 1 month and followed up for 3 months.The TCSS scale,TCM syndrome scale,nerve conduction function,serum indexes will be tested to provide more clinical evidences for the effect of Danggui Shaoyao Powder on prevention and treatment of DPN.Finally,we will make statistics and analyse the data to draw a conclusion.Discussion:Danggui Shaoyao Powder is the ideal drug which is an agent acting on multiple targets related to DPN’s pathogenesis.We hope to find more clinical evidences for the effect of Danggui Shaoyao Powder on prevention and treatment of DPN through this RCT experiment.

To explore the mechanism of anticancer prescription in treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To explore the mechanism of anticancer prescription in treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods:By searching TCMSP database,the active components and corresponding targets of anticancer prescriptions were screened out.GeneCards,PharmGkb,OMIM,DrugBank and TTD database were used to collect action targets of gastric cancer.And Venny 2.1 software was used to screen drug-disease co-action targets.Then,String and Cytoscape software were used to analyze and construct PPI network,and Cytonca plug-in was used to cany out topology analysis to select the core targets.ClueGO plugin was used for GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis.Finally,the AutoDock software was used to conduct molecular docking between the core target and the main active ingredients of the anticancer prescription.Results:Sixty-four active compounds,159 common targets and 12 core targets of anti-cancer prescriptions were screened out,which involved 2373 GO functions and 172 KEGG pathways.Finally,the core target proteins MAPKI TP53 and JUN were screened and molecularly docked with 8 major active components.Among them,theflavonoid quercetin and luteolin had the best binding activity with MAPK1,Quercetin baicalin also had high binding activity with FOS.Conclusion:The preliminary study showed that flavonoids were an important active ingredient in the anti-cancer prescription,which mainly treated gastric cancer through multiple targets and multiple pathways,such as the effect of MAPK1 on chemical carcinogenesis in reaction with drugs,bacterial and viral infection and cell apoptosis.

Multicenter clinical efficacy observation of integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine-Western Medicine treatment in acute onset period of pulmonary heart disease

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine-Western Medicine(TCM-WM) in the treatment of acute onset pulmonary heart disease(PHD).METHODS: A total of 240 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. These inpatients were divided into group A(treatment group) and B(control group) in order of admission according to the principles of randomization and control. The research was performed simultaneously in three hospitals. Two groups were given basic treatment that included: controlled oxygen therapy, active and effective anti-infection, maintaining airway patency,correcting O_2 deficiency and CO_2 retention, correcting acid-base imbalance and electrolyte disturbance, reducing pulmonary hypertension and treating right heart failure, nutritional support and treatment of complications. Group A was given basic treatment and integrated Traditional Chinese Medi-cine(TCM) differentiating therapy; group B was given basic therapy and a placebo that was similar in appearance and taste to TCM medicinal broth of pharmaceutical preparations, provided by Yibin Pharmaceutical Company(Yibin, China, Wuliangye Group).RESULTS: The mortality in the treatment group decreased by 4.98% compared with the control group. The treatment group reported improved ventilation, corrected hypoxemia, improved nutritional status and promoted digestive functions. It also significantly improved the patient's self-life skills, improved the patient's quality of life and could shorten the length of hospital stay.CONCLUSION: Comprehensive integrated TCMWM treatment showed good clinical efficacy toward the acute onset period of PHD patients.

Effect of Pingan Fang, a Traditional Chinese Medicine compound, on behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference induced by ethanol in mice

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Pingan Fang(PG)on behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference(CPP)induced by ethanol in mice,and to determine the intervention mechanism of PG on alcohol addiction.METHODS:A behavioral sensitization mouse model induced by ethanol was established to observe the effect of PG on the development and expression of behavioral sensitization induced by ethanol by recording the spontaneous activity of mice.The resident time of mice in a white box was measured to evaluate the effect of PG on developing CPP induced by ethanol.Concentrations of dopamine(DA),Glutamate(Glu),and?-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in the corresponding mesolimbic region of mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Although PG did not alter spontaneous activity in mice,it reduced the growth of spontaneous activity stimulated by ethanol.The residence time in the white box after-ethanol-training of mice in CPP experiments was decreased.CONCLUSION:Our data suggested that PG blocked the development and expression of behavioral sensitization induced by ethanol and the development of CPP in mice.The mechanism might be related to the decreased content of DA and Glu and increased content of GABA in the mesolimbic dopamine system.This suggests that PG might be useful for the prevention and treatment of alcohol addiction.

Effect of Tuina along“bladder meridian”alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration by regulating the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling pathway in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Tuina(a traditional Chinese massage therapy)on intervertebral disc(IVD)degeneration and the regulatory mechanisms of the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/small mothers against decapentaplegic(Smad)signaling pathway.METHODS:Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into five groups:the control group,model group,model+Tuina group(Tuina group),model+TGF-β1 group(TGF-β1 group),and model+TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542 group(SB431542 group).The model was established by posterolateral annulus fibrosus puncturing(AFP).Recombinant TGF-β1 and inhibitor SB431542 was injected into the TGF-β1 group and SB431542 group with a microsyringe,respectively.The rabbits in the Tuina group received Tuina treatment along the bladder meridian for 4 weeks.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was performed on rabbits before AFP and after 4 weeks of intervention.Lumbar IVDs(L2-L3 to L4-L5)were harvested after intervention.Histopathological changes in the IVDs were measured by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Type I collagen was analyzed by immunohistochemistry detection.The expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-3(MMP3)was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Cell apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated nick end labeling and Western blotting.Realtime polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to analyze the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3/4 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5.RESULTS:Posterolateral AFP induced IVD degeneration in rabbits with histopathological damage and noticeable changes in MRI images.Tuina alleviated histopathological changes and reversed the expression of extracellular matrix degeneration-related molecules and apoptosis-related proteins.Furthermore,AFP induced the activation of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3/4,whereas Tuina therapy markedly reduced the protein expression of Smad2/3 and the gene expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3/4.Additionally,the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway was activated in the TGF-β1 group,while the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway was inhibited in the SB431542 group.CONCLUSION:Posterolateral AFP induced disc degeneration as determined by MRI assessment and histological analysis.Tuina alleviated disc degeneration,possibly by inhibiting the fibrotic response mediated by the TGF-β1/Smad pathway,thus alleviating extracellular matrix degeneration and reducing cell apoptosis.

Efficacy of catgut embedding in Baihui(GV20)and Feishu(BL13)and Pishu(BL20)on lung tissue,brain tissue and blood related indexes in rats with allergic rhinitis of lung deficiency type

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of acupoint catgut embedding for 3 weeks on lung tissue,blood immunoglobulin E(IgE)and interleutin-4(IL-4),brain tissue microglia x-42(OX-42)and toll-like receptor-2(TLR-2)in rats with allergic rhinitis of lung deficiency type.METHODS:Forty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided for two times.The first time,they were randomly divided into model group and blank group(Group C)according to 2∶1,and the second time,the model group were randomly divided into model control group(Group B)and intervention treatment group(Group A)according to 1∶1.15 in each group.For Group A and Group B,the lung deficiency model was made by"sulfur–moxa fumigation",and then the allergic rhinitis model was established by"ovalbumin(OVA)sensitization".Then catgut embedding was performed at acupoints in Group A and not in Group B.After 3 weeks,collect lung tissue samples for hematoxylin-eosin staining,then take blood to observe the concentration of IgE and IL-4,and finally take brain tissue to observe the results of OX-42 and TLR-2.RESULTS:IgE level(μg/m L)was(3.11±0.20)in the Group A,(4.19±0.44)in the Group B,and(2.29±0.30)in the Group C(all P<0.001).IL-4 level(pg/mL)was(14.2±0.7)in the Group A,(18.6±2.4)in the Group B,and(11.4±1.2)for the Group C(all P<0.001).The mean OD for OX-42 is(0.1728±0.0016)in the Group A,(0.1810±0.0046)in the Group B and(0.1674±0.0025)in the Group C(all P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Although 3 weeks of acupoint catgut embedding already showed obvious efficacy on rats with allergic rhinitis,the allergic reaction in the body still continued.To achieve further treatment,prolonging the catgut embedding time is necessary.

Allergen micro-array detection of specific IgE-reactivity in Chinese allergy patients

Background Allergen micro-arrays are powerful tools for screening of serum IgE-reactivity. In this study allergen micro-arrays were used to identify dominating IgE-binding allergens and cross-reactivity patterns among selected Chinese allergy patients. Methods The study was conducted using patient sera from the cities of Guangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu and Shenyang. In total 100 sera with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus （Der p） specific IgE-levels higher than 50 kU/L were selected for testing against 103 individual allergens. Results Among 100 selected patients, 95% showed IgE-reactivity towards house-dust mite allergens Dermatophagoides farinae （Der f） 1, Der f 2 and Der p 2 and 94% were IgE positive against Der p 1, and 60% of sera contained IgE reacting against allergen Euroglyphus maynei （Eur m） 2. IgE against cat allergen, Felisdomesticus （Fel d） 1, was seen in 20%. Only 2% showed specific IgE-reactivity to Der p 10, a panallergen belonging to the tropomyosin family. Serum IgE-reactivity towards other allergens was in general low. IgE-reactivity against pollen allergens showed geographic differences. Conclusions This study clearly confirms that group 1 and group 2 are major allergens of house dust mites. These selected house-dust mite allergy patients are close to being mono-sensitized. Der p 10 is not an important allergen for cross-reactivity. Specific IgE-sensitization towards pollen allergens is low in southern China compared to other regions. The prevalence of food and stinging insect allergens known to give rise to IgE-mediated cross-reactivity is 2% or less.