Systematic review and meta-analysis of endometrial thickening during endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention after breast cancer surgery

Objective:To systematically evaluate the endometrial thickening and Chinese herbal medicine intervention effects during endocrine therapy following breast cancer surgery.Methods:Computerized searches were performed on CNKI,CBM,Wanfang,VIP,Pub Med,Embase,and Cochrane to gather randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of endometrial thickening combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention during endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery.The meta analysis is done using Rev Man 5.4,and the retrieval range is from the database's creation to January 2023.Results:There were 710 patients enrolled in a total of 12 RCTs.The results of Meta-analysis were as follows:combined with Chinese herbal medicine treatment for 3 months of endometrial thickness(MD=-1.12,95%CI[-1.47,0.77],P<0.00001);6 months endometrial thickness(MD=-1.90,95%CI[-2.38,-1.42],P<0.00001);endometrial thickness at 12 months(MD=-2.24,95%CI[-2.96,-1.52],P<0.00001);modified Kupperman score(MD=-10.45,95%CI[-19.10,-1.80],P=0.02);TCM syndrome score(SMD=-1.53,95%CI[-1.84,-1.22],P<0.00001);KPS score(MD=3.75,95%CI[2.81,4.68],P<0.00001);there was no significant difference in CA153,CEA,FSH and E2 between the two groups.Conclusion:After breast cancer surgery,endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine can significantly lessen endometrial thickening and enhance patient quality of life.

Analysis of the Law of Huang Lijuan in Treating Chronic Heart Failure Based on Auxiliary Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Objective:To analyze the prescription of Huang Lijuan in the treatment of chronic heart failure based on the TCM inheritance platform. Methods:Professor Huang Lijuan's outpatient medical treatment for chronic heart failure was collected, and the medical record database was established by using the Chinese medicine inheritance auxiliary platform. Based on the software's integrated rule analysis, improved mutual information method, complex system entropy clustering analysis and other data mining methods, Professor Huang Lijuan summed up the treatment of chronic heart failure. Results:A total of 114 prescriptions for treating chronic cardiac insufficiency were prepared by Professor Huang Lijuan. A total of 108 Chinese herbal medicines were used. The frequency of use was the highest in jaundice, salvia, and medlar. The four gases of the drug are mainly temperate;the drug has the most sweet taste in the five flavors;the drug is followed by the liver, and the heart rate is the highest. There are 32 groups of commonly used drug combinations;48 groups of common horn drugs are combined, and the map shows the drug association degree network, 6 core groups, and 3 new sites. Conclusions:Professor Huang Lijuan is treating the chronic heart failure with the benefits of temperature and yang, promoting blood circulation and diuresis as the basic treatment, and also relies on diarrhea and lung water and replenishing heart and yin.

Clinical Research on the Treatment of Simple Obesity by Oral Chinese Medicine Combined with Health Education to Improve Phlegm Dampness Constitution

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of oral traditional Chinese medicine granules combined with health education to regulate phlegm constitution and treat simple obesity. METHODS: According to the method of constitution evaluation in TCM Constitution Classification and Evaluation(Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine), the TCM classification of Chinese medicine was performed on patients who came to the outpatient department of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Pinggu District of Beijing and met the diagnostic criteria of simple obesity. One hundred patients with phlegm constitution were selected and those in accordance with the standards, were randomly divided into group with oral TCM granules combined with health education(refer to as treatment group) and health education group(refer to as control group) according to 1:1 ratio. The control group was given health education including diet and exercise instruction. Treatment group:(1) Health education includes diet and exercise instruction.(2) Oral Chinese medicine granules: ingredients: atractylodes rhizome 15g, raw barley 30g, Folium Nelumbinis 10g, Chinese hawthorn fruit 10g, Chinese waxgourd peel 15g, milk-vetch root;15g, kudzuvine root 15g, danshen root10g, 2 times/d. The two groups were intervened for 12 weeks each time, and obesity evaluation indicators such as body weight, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight index, and score table of TCM constitutional were observed before and after the intervention. Statistical software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The total curative effect of the treatment group was better than that of the control group(P<0.001). The weight index, body weight, waist and hip circumference decreased significantly after treatment(P <0.01). Compared with the two groups, the treatment group is better than the control group in terms of dampness constitution improvement, weight and fat losing and waist and hip circumference reducing.(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Oral Chinese medicine granules Jiangzhuo Fang(combined with health education) and simple health education can improve phlegm constitution, and improve the body weight, body fat percentage and other indicators of the patients, but oral granules combined with health education to improve the physical fitness of phlegm is better than simple health education. The thoughts and methods of Chinese medicine granules combined with health education to regulate phlegm constitution is effective for weight losing and is worthy of further research and promotion.

Observation on the Effect of Non-Invasive Ventilator Combined with Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of a non-invasive ventilator combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with respiratory failure.Methods:68 patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure treated in our hospital from September 2021 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.Using the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group of 34 cases each.The control group received conventional symptomatic treatment,and the experimental group received non-invasive ventilator treatment based on the control group.The clinical effects,blood gas indicators(partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2)),partial pressure of oxygen(PaO_(2)),arterial oxygen saturation(SaO_(2))),lung function(forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),6 min walking distance),complications,and inflammatory factor levels(c-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-6(IL-6),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR))of the two groups of patients were observed.Results:(1)The clinical efficacy of the patients in the experimental group(33/97.06%)was more significant as compared with the control group(25/73.53%)(P<0.05);(2)After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients in terms of FEV1,FEV1/FVC,6-minute walking distance,PaO_(2)and SaO_(2)all increased in the experimental group as compared to that of the control group(P<0.05);(3)After treatment,the PaCO_(2),CRP,IL-6,and NLR of the two groups of patients decreased,and the decrease in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);(4)The patients’complication rate in the experimental group(2/5.88%)was lower as compared to that of the control group(9/26.46%)(P<0.05).Conclusion:Non-invasive ventilators combined with conventional therapy achieved good clinical results in treating patients with COPD and respiratory failure.

The Preventive Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on Arteriovenous Fistula Failure in Patients in the Hemodialysis Room

Objective:To explore the preventive effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on arteriovenous fistula failure in patients in the hemodialysis room.Methods:82 patients with arteriovenous fistula in the hemodialysis chamber treated in our hospital from July 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.The random number table method divided them into a control group and an experimental group of 41 cases each.The control group received general nursing intervention measures,while the experimental group underwent comprehensive nursing intervention.The incidence of complications(internal fistula failure,bleeding,thrombosis,infection),psychological emotions(SAS scale,SDS scale),quality of life(physical pain,physiological function,emotional function,social function),and nursing satisfaction(very satisfied,basically satisfied,satisfied,dissatisfied)were compared between the two groups of patients.Results:The incidence of complications in the experimental group(4,9.76%)was significantly lower than that in the control group(29,70.73%);the SAS scores and SDS scores of the patients in the experimental group after intervention were both lower than those in the control group;the quality of life score(physical pain,physiological function,emotional function,and social function)was all higher than those of the control group;the post-intervention nursing satisfaction of the experimental group(40,97.57%)was also significantly higher than that of the control group(29,73.17%);and the listed differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:For patients with hemodialysis ventricular arteriovenous fistula failure,comprehensive nursing intervention can reduce the incidence of complications,relieve anxiety and stress,improve quality of life and nursing satisfaction,and achieve better preventive effects.

International standard of Traditional Chinese Medicine Techniques: Traditional Chinese Medicine guidelines for acute primary headache(2022)

OBJECTIVE:To summarize the evidence from Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)practice in the treatment of acute primary headache and provide clinical practice guidance.METHODS:The guidelines were developed in accordance with the World Health Organization guideline development manual.After the establishment of steering committee,panel and the registration and protocol formulation,the evidence on TCM for acute primary headache from published guidelines,clinical evidence,and expert experience and consensus were collected.The grading of recommendations assessment,development and evaluation method was used to grade the evidence and make the recommendations.RESULTS:Based on the available evidence,the guidelines recommended three TCM herbal decoctions,six Chinese patent medicines,and two kinds of external application of Chinese herbal medicines.Diagnostic recommendations based on the expert experience and consensus were also included in the guidelines.CONCLUSION:TCM diagnosis and treatment of decoction,Chinese patent medicine and external application for treating acute primary headache were recommended.We hope these guidelines will be helpful in standardize the TCM acute treatment of primary headache.

The current state of acupuncture treatment for inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis refers to the migration of inflammatory cells(such as monocytes/macrophages,lymphocytes,and granulocytes)from the blood to the synovium or synovial fluid,causing joint pain and swelling.It is often associated with decreased joint mobility and functional damage.Some diseases lead to cartilage and skeletal damage,resulting in joint destruction.Common inflammatory arthritis includes rheumatoid arthritis,ankylosing spondylitis,and gout.

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy：a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE：This meta-analysis was performed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of the Chinese herbal medicine Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction（HGWWD） for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy.DATA SOURCES：Six electronic databases,including the Cochrane Library,MEDLINE database,Chinese Biomedical Database,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database,and the Wanfang Database,were search ed on the internet for randomized controlled trials published up until 1 December 2015.The search terms included ＂Chinese herbal medicine＂,＂diabetic peripheral neuropathy＂ and ＂randomized controlled trials＂ in Chinese and in English.DATA SELECTION：We included randomized controlled trials using HGWWD/modified HGWWD for the treatment group,without restriction for the control group.We assessed literature quality in accordance with the Cochrane Review Handbook.A random or a fixed effects model was used to analyze outcomes using Rev Man 5.2 software.OUTCOME MEASURES：The primary outcomes were changes in symptoms and nerve conduction velocities.The secondary outcomeswere fasting blood glucose and hemorheological indexes.RESULTS：Sixteen randomized controlled trials,with a total of 1,173 patients,were included.Meta-analysis revealed that the efficacy of HGWWD for diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly superior compared with the control treatment（i.e.,control group）（risk ratio = 0.36,95% confidence interval（CI）：0.29–0.46,Z =8.33,P 〈 0.00001） Compared with the control group,there was an increase in median motor nerve conduction velocity（mean difference（MD） = 3.46,95%CI：1.88–5.04,Z = 4.30,P 〈 0.01） and median sensory nerve conduction velocity（MD = 3.30,95%CI：2.04–4.56,Z = 5.14,P 〈 0.01）.There was also an increase in peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity（MD = 3.22,95%CI：2.45–3.98,Z = 8.21,P 〈 0.01） and peroneal sensory nerve conduction velocity（MD = 3.05,95%CI：2.01–4.09,Z = 5.75,P 〈 0.01） in the treatment groups.No significant difference in fasting blood glucose was found between the treatment groups and the control groups（MD =-0.12,95%CI：-0.42–0.19,Z = 0.76,P = 0.45）.Plasma viscosity was significantly decreased after treatment（MD =-0.11,95%CI：-0.21 to-0.02,Z = 2.30,P = 0.02）.No significant difference in fibrinogen was detectable（MD =-0.53,95%CI：-1.28–0.22,Z = 1.38,P = 0.17）.Four trials reported that treatment groups experienced no adverse reactions.Adverse events were not mentioned in the other 12 trials.No trial reported the incidence of complications,quality of life outcomes,or health economics.CONCLUSION：HGWWD treatment improves diabetic neurologic symptoms and ameliorates nerve conduction velocities.Our study suggests that HGWWD may have significant therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.However,the methodological quality of the randomized controlled trials was generally low.Larger and better-designed randomized controlled trials are required to more reliably assess the clinical effectiveness of HGWWD.

Inhibitory effect of Tong Xie-Yao Fang formula on colonic contraction in rats

AIM:To investigate the pharmacological effect ofTong Xie-Yao Fang(TXYF)formula and its underlying mechanisms.METHODS:A neonatal maternal separation plus restraint stress(NMS+RS)model of diarrheapredominant irritable bowel syndrome was developed by subjecting male Sprague-Dawley rats to daily maternal separation from postnatal days 2 to 21 plus restraint stress from days 50 to 59.Rats were randomly divided into two groups(NMS+RS and TXYF formula),and rats with no handling or separation were used as normal controls.Starting from postnatal day 60,rats were administered TXYF formula(9.84 g/100 g body weight)orally twice daily for 14 consecutive days,while the normal and NMS+RS groups were given distilled water.The distinctions of movement index(MI,area under the curve of contraction intensity/min,mg/min)and contraction frequency(CF,number of contractions/min,times/min)of isolated colonic longitudinal smooth muscle strips(CLSMs)in the three groups before and after treatment were observed with a Power Lab system.Different inhibitors were applied,and then 10-4mol/L acetylcholine chloride(Ach)was added to CLSMs to induce muscle contraction.RESULTS:Before treatment,the MI of CLSMs in the NMS+RS and TXYF formula groups was similar and both higher than that in the normal group(545.49±73.66 mg/min vs 245.76±34.44 mg/min and551.09±54.29 mg/min vs 245.76±34.44 mg/min,P<0.01,respectively).After treatment,the MI in the TXYF formula group was lower than that in the NMS+RS group(261.39±38.59 mg/min vs 533.9±61.63 mg/min,P<0.01).In the same way,the CF of CLSMs in the NMS+RS and TXYF formula groups was similar and both higher than that in the normal group(3.42±0.25 times/min and 3.31±0.21 vs1.1±0.17 times/min,P<0.01)before treatment.After treatment,the CF in the TXYF formula group was lower than that in the NMS+RS group(1.42±0.87 times/min vs 3.11±0.82 times/min,P<0.01)and similar to that in the normal group(1.42±0.87 times/min vs 1.09±0.13 times/min).When8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride and 4-aminopyridine were added to the bath and equilibrated for 30 min,respectively,and10-4 mol/L Ach was added to CLSMs to induce muscle contraction,MI of the CLSMs in the TXYF formula group was lower than that in the normal group(666±36.32 mg/min vs 747.77±49.47 mg/min,and 686.53±39.17 mg/min vs 750.45±29.39 mg/min;P<0.01,respectively).The MI of CLSMs in the TXYF formula group was lower than that in the normal group after treatment with nifedipine(689.48±30.84 mg/min vs741.65±32.41 mg/min;P<0.05).CONCLUSION:TXYF formula inhibits colon contraction in rats.This may be related to activation of specific potassium channels and inhibition of extracellular calcium internal flow.

Retrospective study of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To provide clinical evidence in support of Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin decoction(DHXD) to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) and to introduce a new treatment option for clinicians.METHODS: Retrospective analysis was used to evaluate DHXD for the treatment of T2DM by analyzing clinical records of 183 cases. Patients with T2DM who met the inclusion criteria between January 1,2013 and January 1, 2014 were enrolled. The effects of the treatment were evaluated by the changes in fasting blood-glucose(FBG), postprandial blood sugar(PBG), hemoglobin A1c(Hb Alc), blood lipid profiles and body mass index(BMI) at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. The changes in main symptoms were alsoevaluated. The dosage of Huanglian(Rhizoma Coptidis) and related factors were analyzed.RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in mean Hb A1C at 3 and 6 months after DHXD treatment compared with the baseline level(P < 0.01).There were also significant improvements in FBG,PBG, blood lipid series and BMI. DHXD also improved the main symptoms of stomach and intestine excessive heat syndrome in patients with obese T2DM. Huanglian(Rhizoma Coptidis) was the most frequently used in 678 clinical visits, the dosage of Huanglian(Rhizoma Coptidis) was related to age, BMI, DM duration, the level of blood glucose,and use of Western hypoglycemic drugs.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that DHXD could decrease blood glucose and improve T2DM symptoms and reduce body weight. The use of DHXD may indicate a new optional treatment for T2 DM.

Regulating effect of Tong Xie-Yao Fang on colonic epithelial secretion via Cl- and HCO3- channel

AIM To investigate the pharmacological effect of Tong XieYao Fang(TXYF) formula, a Chinese herbal formula, on Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(D-IBS) rats.METHODS In a neonatal maternal separation plus restraint stress(NMS + RS) model of D-IBS, male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups(NMS + RS group and TXYF-formula group) with no handlings were used as controls(NH group). Starting from postnatalday 60, rats in TXYF-formula group were administered TXYF-formula(4.92 g/100 g bodyweight) orally twice a day for 14 consecutive days while NH group and NMS + RS group were given distilled water. Using short-circuit current technology, we observed 5-HT-induced changes of current across ion channels, such as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR) Clchannel, epithelial Na+ channel(ENaC), Ca2+-dependent Cl- channel(CACC), Na+-K+-2Cl- co-transporter(NKCC), and Na+-HCO-3 co-transporter(NBC), in the colonic epithelium of three groups after exposure to drugs and specific blockers with a Power Lab System(AD Instruments International).RESULTS Under basal conditions, the changes of short-circuit current(?Isc, μA/cm2) induced by 5-HT were similar in NH group and TXYF-formula group, and both higher than NMS + RS group(70.86 μA/cm2 ± 12.32 μA/cm2, 67.67 μA/cm2 ± 11.68 μA/cm2 vs 38.8 μA/cm2 ± 7.25 μA/cm2, P < 0.01, respectively). When CACC was blocked by 4,4′-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, 5-HT-induced ?Isc was smaller in NMS + RS group than in NH group and TXYF-formula group, respectively(48.41 μA/cm2 ± 13.15 μA/cm2 vs 74.62 μA/cm2 ± 10.73 μA/cm2, 69.22 μA/cm2 ± 11.7 μA/cm2, P < 0.05, respectively). The similar result could be obtained when ENaC was blocked by Amiloride(44.69 μA/cm2 ± 12.58 μA/cm2 vs 62.05 μA/cm2 ± 11.26 μA/cm2, 62.11 μA/cm2 ± 12.01 μA/cm2, P < 0.05, respectively). However, when CFTR Cl- channel was blocked by 1,1-dimethyl piperidinium chloride(DPC), 5-HT-induced ?Isc did not significantly differ in three groups(42.28 μA/cm2 ± 10.61 μA/cm2 vs 51.48 μA/cm2 ± 6.56 μA/cm2 vs 47.75 μA/cm2 ± 7.99 μA/cm2, P > 0.05, respectively). The similar results could also be obtained in three groups when NBC and NKCC were respectively blocked by their blockers.CONCLUSION TXYF-formula can regulate the Cl- and HCO-3 secretion of colonic mucosa via CFTR Cl- channel, Cl-/HCO-3 exchanger, NBC and NKCC co-transporters.

Characteristics and Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: To obtain epidemiological data on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic status of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine TCM characteristics and advantages to improve the level of TCM prevention and treatment of AMI. Methods: Clinical epidemiology methods were used to register and survey the TCM therapeutic status of hospitalized AMI patients. In 2001, the Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine surveyed the therapeutic status of 3308 AMI patients hospitalized in 30 hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai from 2000-2001. The Beijing Collaborative Study Group on Therapeutic Status of Acute Myocardial Infarction (the Study Group) then conducted a 10-year-long register survey on hospitalized AMI patients in Third-grade A-Level TCM hospitals in Beijing. After 2002, the Study Group further surveyed the treatment conditions of AMI-hospitalized patients in 10 Second-grade A-Level TCM hospitals. The therapeutic status in 8 Third-grade A-Level Western medicine hospitals was surveyed in 2001 and 2005 as a control. In 2008, in cooperation with the China Association of Chinese Medicine, the Study Group further performed a survey at 26 Third-grade A-Level TCM hospitals nation-wide. Approximately 5000 cases were investigated to obtain authoritative data on the therapeutic status of AMI patients in TCM hospitals in China. Results: We found that Chinese herbal intravenous preparations may be beneficial in reducing the mortality of AMI. Major complications of AMI, such as heart failure and arrhythmia, were significantly less during the 10-year survey period. The mortality of hospitalized AMI patients showed a decline. TCM treatment was helpful for AMI patients in improving their quality of life. Ten-year dynamic monitoring showed that the ability to perform reperfusion and to use drugs appropriately, as well as an effort to carry out the Clinical Guidelines has made great progress in TCM hospitals. However, TCM hospitals still have some problems in treating AMI, including a lack of standardized TCM syndrome diagnosis, the need for syndrome differentiation and treatment standardization, and clinical skills in reperfusion and standardized drug treatment still need to be further improved. Compared with AMI patients in Western medicine hospitals during the same period, those in TCM hospitals had the following characteristics: they were admitted to hospital later; they were older when they had a heart attack; there were more females, they had more problems in their medical history, and they had more concomitant illnesses and complications. Therefore, the demographic baseline data were significantly different between AMI patients in TCM hospitals and those in Western medicine hospitals. This indicated that patients in TCM hospitals were more critical than those in Western medicine hospitals. Conclusions: TCM has special advantages in treating AMI. TCM hospitals are making continuous progress in standardized treatment of AMI, but further improvement is still required. AMI patients in TCM hospitals have some special characteristics, and their condition may be more critical. Further clinical research on TCM treatment of AMI is required.

Autophagosome activity in macrophage for atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE^-/-mice enhanced by Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules

Objective:Atherosclerosis is the fundamental pathophysiologic component of cardiovascular disease,and Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules show great efficiency in the treatment of the disease.However,the mechanism of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules is still unclear.In this study,we have combined experiments with network pharmacology to explore the antiatherosclerosis mechanism of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules.Method:120 male ApoE
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mice were randomly divided into three groups:the model group,Chinese herb group and Atorvastatin group.The model group,Atorvastatin group and Chinese herb group were fed with a high-fat diet,a high-fat diet plus atorvastatin(5.1 mg/kg/d)and a high-fat diet plus Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules(16.5 g/kg/d)for 16 weeks,respectively.Atherogenesis was identified by H&E staining.The colocalization of neutral lipid stain BODIPY and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)and the colocalization of BODIPY and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1(LAMP1)within ApoE
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mice aortic plaques were tested using fluorescence confocal microscopy and the Pearson’s coefficients were calculated.To further explore the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules,the network pharmacology was used to construct the herb-compound-target network.Results:The size of the aortic lipid plaque in the Chinese herb group and Atorvastatin group were smaller compared with the model group on the 16th week.Compared with the model group on the 16th week,the BODIPY and LC3 colocalization rate,the BODIPY and LAMP1 colocalization rate of the Chinese herb group and Atorvastatin group all presented significant increase in the aortic plaque(P<.001),showing that Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules could enhance autophagosome activity in the macrophage.In the herb-compound-target network,17 active compounds and 27 targets were obtained through literature searching and using LHRI&DAVID Bioinformatics.It was found that 23 targets were correlated with the macrophage.Some of them participated in macrophage inflammatory response,and the other targets could promote/inhibit phagocytosis of the macrophage.It was hypothesized that the active compounds of Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules were acting on these targets and having y the biological effects.Conclusions:In the progression stage of atherosclerosis,Tiaozhi Tongmai Granules can still make the macrophage have higher autophagosome activity,and play a role of anti-atherogenesis.

Effects of saponin from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn on TGF-β1, FN and SOCS-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells under high glucose

Objective:To investigate the effect of saponin from the seed of Litchi chinensis Sonn(SLS)on the growth and apoptosis of human kidney epithelial cells(HKC)cultured in high glucose.Methods:HKC were cultured in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 30 mmol/L glucose and treated with or without SLS.In the normal group,isometric DMEM/F12 medium with 5.5mmol/L glucose was added.The secretion of TGF-β1 and fibronectin(FN)were detected by ELISA.Cell apoptosis was detected by the method of Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining.Western blot was used to detect the level of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1(SOCS-1).Results:The result of ELISA showed that the secretion of TGF-β1 and FN was decreased in SLS groups compared with those in 30 mmol/L glucose treated group(P<0.05).There were more cells apoptosis in 30 mmol/L glucose treated group than that in the normal group(P<0.01).Compared with the 30 mmol/L glucose treated group,the apoptosis of HKC were significantly decreased in SLS groups(P<0.01).Western blot showed that the level of SOCS-1 in high glucose+SLS group was decreased(P<0.01),compared with the high glucose group.Conclusion:SLS can reduce the secretion of TGF-β1 and FN in HKC by reducing the deposition of extracellular matrix.SLS also significantly reduced the apoptosis of HKC by inhibiting the level of SOCS-1.These results suggest the roles of SLS in preventing the progress of glomerular sclerosis.

A rare occurrence of a hereditary Birt-Hogg-Dubésyndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Birt-Hogg-Dubé(BHD)syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease caused by germline mutations in the folliculin(FLCN)protein gene,which usually manifests as cutaneous fibrofolliculoma,pulmonary cysts,renal cell carcinoma,and spontaneous pneumothorax.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old woman with no history of smoking was admitted to the Respiratory Department of our hospital due to intermittent wheezing that lasted for 8 mo.She had experienced recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax more than four times during the past 8 mo.After admission,the patient again suffered from left pneumothorax without a clear reason.Lung computed tomography(CT)showed multiple low-density cystic changes in both lungs.Physical examination on admission revealed multiple white dome-shaped papules in the neck,the nape,and behind the ear.In addition,the patient had a family history of spontaneous pneumothorax.Her mother had suffered from pneumothorax four times(at age 36,37,42,and 50 years).Her second maternal aunt had suffered from a right pneumothorax at the age of 40.The multidisciplinary diagnosis of BHD,which included the Respiratory Department,Radiology Department,Pathology Department,and Dermatological Department,was BHD and was later confirmed by family genetic testing.The same variation(FLCN gene)was found in the patient’s mother and aunt.CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary diagnosis and a treatment platform for the diagnosis of BHD.

Morphoanatomic, physicochemical, and phytochemical standardization with HPTLC fingerprinting of aerial parts of Aerva lanata (Linn) Juss ex Schult

Objective:Aerva lanata (Linn) Juss ex Schult,family Amaranthaceae,is a common wayside weed.The herb is accepted by the Ayurvedic Formulary of India.This study was undertaken to establish morphoanatomic and physiochemical standards of A.lanata.Methods:Leaf constants and high-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprint profiles of A.lanata were performed.Results and conclusion:The physico-chemical,morphologic,and histologic parameters presented in this paper may be proposed as standards to establish the authenticity of A.lanata and help differentiate it from other species such as Aerva tomentosa.

Bioinformatics-based gene set enrichment and immune cell infiltration analysis of psoriasis

Objective:Based on bioinformatics,gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)and immune infiltration analysis were carried out on the microarray data of psoriasis expression profile to further understand the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Methods:GSE6710 chip data were obtained from gene expression database(GEO),and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis were performed using GSEA software.22 kinds of immune cell gene expression matrices and R packages were downloaded from CIBERSOFT official website,and the immune cell infiltration matrix was obtained by R software and related graphs were drawn.Results:The pathways related to cell proliferation and innate immunity were highly expressed in psoriatic lesions,and some cancer-related pathways were highly expressed in psoriatic lesions.Immunized cell infiltration analysis showed that activated memory T cells,follicular helper T cells,M0 macrophages and activated dendritic cells were up-regulated in psoriatic skin lesion group,and inactive mast cells were down-regulated in psoriatic skin lesion group.Activated dendritic cells are positively correlated with follicular helper T cells,activated mast cells are positively correlated with M0 macrophages.Inactivated mast cells are negatively correlated with activated memory T cells,M1 macrophages are negatively correlated with regulatory T cells,M0 macrophages are negatively correlated with inactive mast cells.Conclusion:Cell proliferation and innate immunity are of great significance in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Immune cell infiltration analysis is generally consistent with the current psoriasis pathogenesis model.Macrophages and mast cells also play a certain role in psoriasis.

Expression of Smac and the relationship with cell apoptosis and proliferation in hepatocarcinoma tissues

Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of Smac protein in human hepatocarcinoma and their relationship with cell apoptosis and proliferation.Methods:The expressions of Smac and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in 41 cancer tissues,41 adjacent cirrhosis tissues and 9 normal control tissues in hemangioma were assessed by two-step immunohistochemical method and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method.Results:Smac protein was expressed in 14 (34.14%) of the 41 cases of hepatocarcinoma,in 23 (56.10%) of the 41 cases of the adjacent cirrhosis tissues,and in 7 (77.8%) of the normal tissues in hemangioma.Smac protein positive expression rate in hepatocarcinoma was significantly lower than that in the adjacent cirrhosis tissues and the normal control tissues,χ2 were 3.989 and 4.115,respectively,and P were 0.046 and 0.042,respectively.Smac protein expression in cancer was significantly correlated with the ratio of apoptotic index to proliferative index,t'=2.260,P<0.05,but was not with the clinicopathological indicators such as the age and the histological grade,P>0.05.Conclusion:The relatively lower level of the expression of Smac may in a certain extent break the dynamic balance between apoptosis and proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells,and then plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatocarcinoma.

Effects of Tiaomaiyin and Its Disassembled Prescription on Expression of L-type Calcium Channel β2 Subunit in Rat Model of Tachyarrhythmia

[Objectives] To study the effects of Tiaomaiyin and its disassembled prescription on expression of L-type calcium channel β2 subunit in rat model of tachyarrhythmia. [Methods] Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group,Tiaomaiyin prescription group( whole prescription group),main efficacy group of removing heat to cool blood( blood cooling group),and auxiliary drug efficacy group of benefiting qi and nourishing heart( qi benefiting group),auxiliary efficacy group of promoting flow of qi and blood circulation( qi flow promoting group),and amiodarone group( western medicine group). Aconitine was given 7 d after the intragastric administration of the corresponding drugs,and the time of occurrence of arrhythmia in each group was observed. The left ventricular myocardium was subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. [Results] The ventricular premature beats( VPB) time in the whole prescription group and western medicine group was significantly longer than that in the model group. Ventricular tachycardia( VT),ventricular fibrillation( VF),and cardiac arrest( CA) were longer in the whole prescription group,blood cooling group,and western medicine group. The mRNA and protein expression of L-type calcium channel β2 subunit in the whole prescription group,blood cooling group and western medicine group were significantly decreased. [Conclusions] Tiaomaiyin whole prescription group and blood cooling group can reduce the occurrence time of tachyarrhythmia and reduce the expression of LTCC β2 in myocardium.

Effect of Different Drying Processes on Active Ingredients of Rheum officinale Baill.

[Objectives]To determine the drying process of different functional rhubarbs.[Methods]The contents of tannins,bianthrone,free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones in medicinal rhubarb were determined by HPLC.The results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance.[Results]Under different drying conditions,the contents of tannins,bianthrone,free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones in medicinal rhubarb were significantly different.Taking the tannins content as the index,the optimum drying condition of the rhizome is 1 cm thick,dried at 60℃,the root is cut 1 cm thick,and dried at 30℃;the bianthrone content is used as an indicator,the rhizome is optimally dried.The condition is to cut 1 cm thick,dry at 60℃,the root is cut to 5 cm thick,and dried at 40℃;the free anthraquinones content is used as an index,and the optimum drying condition of the rhizome is 3 cm thick and dried at 50℃.The root is cut to a thickness of 3 cm and dried at 30℃.The combine anthraquinones content is used as an indicator.The optimum drying conditions for the rhizome are 5 cm thick,dried at 40℃,and the root is cut to 5 cm thick and dried at 70℃.[Conclusions]Different functional components of rhubarb have different directional processing methods.The drying process can reduce the drying temperature or increase the thickness of the slice,and the directional processing of the diarrhea-type rhubarb can be processed.The drying process can be carried out by increasing the drying temperature or reducing the thickness of the slice directed processing of heat-clearing and purging-fire rhubarb.