Clinical research progress of oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of dry eyes

Dry eye is a common and frequently occurring ophthalmology disease with complex etiology and easy recurrence.Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristicsof high curative effect and little toxic and side effect in the treatment of dry eye.This paper collates the domestic reported clinical studies on the oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of dry eye,which are discussed from four aspects:special prescription for specific disease,addition and subtraction of main prescription,treatment based on syndrome differentiation and proprietary Chinese medicine.The curative effect and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of dry eye are demonstrated,providing a reference for the treatment of dry eye in the future.

Establishment of a prognosis predictive model for liver cancer based on expression of genes involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

BACKGROUND The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway(UPP)has been proven to play important roles in cancer.AIM To investigate the prognostic significance of genes involved in the UPP and develop a predictive model for liver cancer based on the expression of these genes.METHODS In this study,UPP-related E1,E2,E3,deubiquitylating enzyme,and proteasome gene sets were obtained from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)database,aiming to screen the prognostic genes using univariate and multivariate regression analysis and develop a prognosis predictive model based RESULTS Five genes(including autophagy related 10,proteasome 20S subunit alpha 8,proteasome 20S subunit beta 2,ubiquitin specific peptidase 17 like family member 2,and ubiquitin specific peptidase 8)were proven significantly correlated with prognosis and used to develop a prognosis predictive model for liver cancer.Among training,validation,and Gene Expression Omnibus sets,the overall survival differed significantly between the high-risk and low-risk groups.The expression of the five genes was significantly associated with immunocyte infiltration,tumor stage,and postoperative recurrence.A total of 111 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified between the high-risk and low-risk groups and they were enriched in 20 and 5 gene ontology and KEGG pathways.Cell division cycle 20,Kelch repeat and BTB domain containing 11,and DDB1 and CUL4 associated factor 4 like 2 were the DEGs in the E3 gene set that correlated with survival.CONCLUSION We have constructed a prognosis predictive model in patients with liver cancer,which contains five genes that associate with immunocyte infiltration,tumor stage,and postoperative recurrence.

Bibliometric and visual analysis of post-stroke hemiplegia in the past 20 years

Objective:The purpose of this study is to use CiteSpace software to examine the development patterns and hotspots in post-stroke hemiplegia research during the last 20 years.Methods:Articles about post-stroke hemiplegia from January 2005 to December 2024 were analyzed in the Web of Science database.CiteSpace software was used to conduct co-citation analysis of the articles about post-stroke hemiplegia as well as cooperative network analyses of authors,countries,and institutions,as well as keyword co-occurrence,clustering,emergence,and time line analyses.The results were displayed in a visual atlas.Result:A total of 2625 papers were obtained,and there were more publications overall.China and the United States had the most number of articles,while Chae,John was the author with the most number of articles.Capital Med University and Ohio State University had the most articles among their agencies.The keywords"stroke"and"rehabilitation"were used the most.The key word analysis indicates that the present study focus is on exercise rehabilitation measures and post-stroke treatment.Conclusion:Using CiteSpace software to analyze the literature on post-stroke hemiplegia,it is discovered that the use of new technologies in the field of mechanical thrombectomy and the effectiveness of rehabilitation techniques like mirror treatment are the key areas of study attention.This study has positive significance for finding safer and more effective treatments for post-stroke hemiplegia.

A study on the treatment of chloasma with moxibustion based on the theory of“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”

Background:“Yang Transforming Qi and Yin shaping”comes from“Plain Question Yin and Yang should be like the theory”.Chinese medicine believes that the imbalance of yin and yang is the cause of human diseases.One of the strengths of TCM in treating diseases is holistic regulation.The theory of“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”implies a strong holistic view.Chloasma,one of the common skin diseases,seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients due to its unclear etiology,difficult treatment and easy recurrence.The occurrence and development of chloasma are closely related to internal organs.This paper is based on the theory of internal meridian,“Yang transforming Qi,and Yin shaping”which attaches importance to the concept of“Yang Qi”,from a new understanding of the pathogenesis etiology of chloasma.Methods:The author believes that the incidence of the disease is the deficiency of Yang Qi,which can’t promote the movement of Qi and blood to nourish the face,resulting in tangible material condensation,so proposes that this disease needs to be promoted by Yang transforming Qi and warm to dissipate.Moxibustion belongs to the fire,and its warming effect can dissipate the tangible evil.Results:Combined with clinical practice and the theory of internal meridian,the author elaborated that moxibustion is one of the effective methods for treating chloasma,which provides a new way of thinking for the treatment of chloasma.Conclusion:“Yang Transforming Qi and Yin shaping”can be used to guide the treatment of chloasma.

Tuina massage combined with traditional Chinese prescription improves quality of life and motor symptoms in a spasmodic torticollis patient:A case report

Objective:A case study was performed to discuss the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)treatments on spasmodic torticollis.Materials and methods:A 28-year-old male was diagnosed with spasmodic torticollis due to twist and turn of neck after being frightened,who was unable to take care of himself for over 3 months.He once took an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug,but no significant improvement was seen in his symptoms.After a few months,his symptoms got worse,with onset of spasms.Therefore,he was treated at our hospital with traditional Chinese prescription and Tuina massage therapy for 3 months and followed up for 6 months.The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale(TWSTRS)and the Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire(CDQ-24)scores were recorded before and after treatment and during follow-up observations to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.Results:Compared to the baseline,the TWSTRS and CDQ-24 scores decreased significantly,and there was no evident recurrence of his symptoms for at least 6 months of follow-up.Moreover,no apparent discomfort or side effects were observed during the treatment.Conclusion:Jingu abdominal massage combined with traditional Chinese prescription has a certain efficacy in the treatment of spasmodic torticollis,with almost no side effects,which can be easily accepted by patients.

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of balanoposthitis

Balanoposthitis(BP),a common male genitalia inflammation,is managed by clinicians from different specialties,including urology,pediatrics,dermatology,and venereology.Due to this diverse array of clinicians involved,there exists a lack of consistent,evidence-based recommendations for BP.The development of the consensus engaged 19 representative hospitals and it adhered to rigorous protocols,encompassing international registration(IPGRP-2021CN003)and the application of evidence grading criteria and recommendation standards[Appendix S1,Supplementary File,http://links.lww.com/CM9/C42].Over the period from December 2020 to October 2022,consensus on 12 clinical issues was reached through comprehensive evidence searches and two iterations of Delphi surveys[Supplementary File,http://links.lww.com/CM9/C42].

Time-effect relationship of acupuncture on histopathology, ultrastructure, and neuroethology in the acute phase of cerebral hemorrhage

Many clinical studies have addressed the treatment of acute cerebral hemorrhage using acupuncture. However, few studies have examined the relationship between time of acupuncture and curative effect on cerebral hemorrhage. By observing the effect of acupuncture on changes in histopathology, ultrastructure, and neuroethology in a cerebral hemorrhage model of rats, we have directly examined the time-effect relationship of acupuncture. The rat model of cerebral hemorrhage was produced by slowly injecting autologous blood to the right caudate nucleus. The experimental groups were: 3-, 9-, 24-, and 48-hour model groups; and 3-, 9-, 24-, and 48-hour acupuncture groups. The sham-operation group was used for comparison. Acupuncture was performed at the Neiguan(PC6) and Renzhong(DU26) acupoints, twice a day, 6 hours apart, for 5 consecutive days. Brain tissue changes were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Neuroethology was assessed using Bederson and Longa scores. Our results show that compared with the sham-operation and model groups, Bederson and Longa scores were lower in each acupuncture group, with visibly improved histopathology and brain tissue ultrastructure. Further, the results were better in the 3-and 9-hour acupuncture groups than the 24-and 48-hour acupuncture groups. Our findings show that acupuncture treatment can relieve pathological and ultrastructural deterioration and neurological impairment caused by the acute phase of cerebral hemorrhage, and may protect brain tissue during this period. In addition, earlier acupuncture intervention following cerebral hemorrhage(by 3 or 9 hours) is associated with a better treatment outcome.

A comprehensive update:gastrointestinal microflora,gastric cancer and gastric premalignant condition,and intervention by traditional Chinese medicine

With the recent upsurge of studies in the field of microbiology,we have learned more about the complexity of the gastrointestinal microecosystem.More than 30 genera and 1000 species of gastrointestinal microflora have been found.The structure of the normal microflora is relatively stable,and is in an interdependent and restricted dynamic equilibrium with the body.In recent years,studies have shown that there is a potential relationship between gastrointestinal microflora imbalance and gastric cancer(GC)and precancerous lesions.So,restoring the balance of gastrointestinal microflora is of great significance.Moreover,intervention in gastric premalignant condition(GPC),also known as precancerous lesion of gastric cancer(PLGC),has been the focus of current clinical studies.The holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is consistent with the microecology concept,and oral TCM can play a two-way regulatory role directly with the microflora in the digestive tract,restoring the homeostasis of gastrointestinal microflora to prevent canceration.However,large gaps in knowledge remain to be addressed.This review aims to provide new ideas and a reference for clinical practice.

Endodontic management of the maxillary first molars with two root canals: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND The complex anatomy of the maxillary first molars has always been a major challenge for complete root canal treatment in endodontic therapy. Here, we present two cases of maxillary first molars, each with only two root canals, which have been rarely reported. We also perform a literature review of maxillary first molar anatomy.CASE SUMMARY The two patients were referred to the hospital after 1) finding a cavity in their tooth with a color change and, 2) a toothache during mastication, respectively.Both of these cases were diagnosed as apical periodontitis by X-ray imaging and cone beam computed tomography(CBCT). Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed with the assistance of a dental operating microscope(DOM). CBCT showed rare but accurate images of both patients, each with two root canals and two roots in their maxillary first molars. Both roots were located in the buccal in the palatal direction, and each root had only one clear root canal. In addition,each maxillary first molar in both patients was symmetrical to that on the opposing side with only two separate root canals. Non-surgical endodontic therapy was performed with the assistance of a DOM. Finally, the teeth were restored using composite resin and the patients were satisfied with the results.CONCLUSION Making full use of CBCT and DOM would contribute to helping dentists make correct diagnoses and successfully treat teeth with rare root canal morphologies.

100 CASES OF INTRACTABLE MIGRAINE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AND CUPPING

The author has treated 100 cases ofintractable migraine by acupuncture andcupping with satisfactory therapeutic results,as reported as follows.Clinical Data There were 100 cases in this series,including 38 males and 62 females. 8

Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for vascular endothelial growth factor

Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)is the main regulator of physiological angiogenesis during embryonic development,bone growth,and reproductive function,and it also participates in a series of pathological changes.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),with a history of more than 2000 years,has been widely used in clinical practice,while the exploration of its mechanisms has only begun.This review summarizes the research of recent years on the influence of TCM on VEGF.It is found that many Chinese medicines and recipes have a regulatory effect on VEGF,indicating that Chinese medicine has broad prospects as a complementary and alternative therapy,providing new treatment ideas for clinical applications and the theoretical basis for research on the mechanisms of TCM.

Predicted 10-year Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Its Association with Sleep Duration among Adults in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region,China

Objective The study aims to predict 10-year cardiovascular disease(CVD)risk and explore its association with sleep duration among Chinese urban adults.Methods We analyzed part of the baseline data of a cohort that recruited adults for health screening by cluster sampling.The simplified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and Framingham 10-year risk score(FRS)were used to measure sleep duration and CVD risk.Demographic characteristics,personal history of chronic diseases,lifestyle factors were collected using a questionnaire.Height,weight,total cholesterol(TC),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were also measured.Multiple logistic regression models were performed to explore the association of sleep duration with the predicted CVD risk.Results We included 31,135 participants(median age 44 years,53.02%males)free of CVD,cerebral stroke,and not taking lipid-lowering agents.Overall,14.05%,and 25.55%of participants were at medium and high predicted CVD risk,respectively.Short sleep was independently associated with increased odds of medium to high risk of predicted 10-year CVD among males(OR=1.10;95%CI:1.01–1.19)and increased odds of medium to high and high risk of predicted 10-year CVD among females(OR=1.23;95%CI:1.08–1.40;OR=1.27;95%CI:1.11–1.44).In contrast,long sleep had no association with cardiovascular risk.Conclusion A substantial number of adults free of CVD were at high 10-year CVD risk.Short sleep was associated with increased odds of predicted CVD risk.

The inhibitory effect of lotus leaf extract on hyperuricemia and its potential mechanism

Objective:Lotus leaf is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used successfully for centuries for relieving edema by inducing diuresis.Based on its good clinical evidence and anti-hypertensive effectiveness,this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of the hyperuricemic inhibitory effects of lotus leaf crude extract(LL)and lotus leaf total alkaloids fraction(LA).Methods:The xanthine oxidase(XOD)inhibitory effect of LL and LA was analyzed in vitro by determining mRNA expression and protein expression levels of hepatic XOD.The hyperuricemic inhibitory effect of the lotus leaf was analyzed in vivo in a potassium oxonate(PO)-induced rat model by determining mRNA expression for renal urate transporters.Results:At a concentration of 40mg/mL,LL and LA suppressed XOD enzymatic activity by 37.35%±9.50%and 47.73%±8.32%,respectively.Both LL and LA administration significantly reduced the concentration of uric acid in the serum and liver of PO-induced hyperuricemic rats.Both LL and LA administration could inhibit XOD mRNA and protein expression,activate renal organic anion transporter 1/3 mRNA expression,and inhibit renal urate reabsorption by decreasing renal GLUT9 and renal urate transporter 1.Conclusions:Insight was gained into the mechanism behind the hyperuricemic inhibitory effects of LL and LA.Our results suggest that they act on two targets:decreasing the production of uric acid by inhibiting mRNA and protein expression of XOD in the liver,and regulating the mRNA expression of renal urate transporters in the kidneys.

LSM12 facilitates the progression of colorectal cancer by activating the WNT/CTNNB1 signaling pathway

Aberrant activation of the WNT signaling pathway is a joint event in colorectal cancer(CRC),but the molecular mechanism is still unclear.Recently,RNA-splicing factor LSM12(like-Sm protein 12)is highly expressed in CRC tissues.This study aimed to verify whether LSM12 is involved in regulating CRC progression via regulating the WNT signaling pathway.Here,we found that LSM12 is highly expressed in CRC patient-derived tissues and cells.LSM12 is involved in the proliferation,invasion,and apoptosis of CRC cells,similar to the function of WNT signaling in CRC.Furthermore,protein interaction simulation and biochemical experiments proved that LSM12 directly binds to CTNNB1(also known asβ-Catenin)and regulates its protein stability to affect the CTTNB1-LEF1-TCF1 transcriptional complex formation and the associated WNT downstream signaling pathway.LSM12 depletion in CRC cells decreased the in vivo tumor growth through repression of cancer cell growth and acceleration of cancer cell apoptosis.Taken together,we suggest that the high expression of LSM12 is a novel factor leading to aberrant WNT signaling activation,and that strategies targeting this molecular mechanism may contribute to developing a new therapeutic method for CRC.

A case report of acupuncture of dysphagia caused by herpes zoster virus infection

Herpes zoster is a common clinical disease.In this paper,we retrospectively analyzed a case of dysphagia caused by herpes zoster virus infection.Treated with deep Yang stitch(acupoint selection:lofty bone,ridge spring and side ridge spring)and electroacupuncture in lofty bone and ridge spring as assistant therapy for 21 days,the patient was found that swallowing function recovered and no recurrence one year later.It shows that the method of deep Yang stitch has certain clinical curative effect on"Qiao disease".

Acupoint rules of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia treatment based on complex network analysis

Objective: To analyze the acupoints selection rules in the treatment of functional dyspepsia using complex network technology. Method: This paper uses "functional dyspepsia" and "acupuncture" as searching terms, searches the Chinese and English literature included in the five major databases of Pubmed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Sino Med, VIP and Wanfang databases until August 2021, and performs data mining and visualization of prescriptions so as to analyze the pattern of acupoints. Results: 128 papers involving 40 acupoints were selected. The top three acupoints in terms of frequency of acupuncture are Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zhongwan (RN 12);these three acupuncture points have the highest support for alliance. The core prescriptions for acupuncture in the treatment of functional dyspepsia can be divided into four following categories. The first category is ST 36, PC 6, Gongsun (SP 4), Neiting (ST 44), and Yinlingquan (SP 9);the second category is RN 12, Tianshu (ST 25), Guangyuan (RN 4), Qihai (RN 6), and Xiawan (RN 10);the third category is Zhangmen (IR 10), Liangmen (ST 21), Qimen (IR 14), Taichong (IR 3), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6);and the fourth category includes Weishu (BL 21), Pishu (BL 20), and Ganshu (BL18). Conclusion: The top three meridians with the highest frequency of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia are the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, the Conception Vessel and the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang. This paper analyses the prescription of acupuncture for functional dyspepsia through a complex network, which can more effectively summarize the pattern of acupuncture point selection from various aspects.

The effect of Xin-Nao-Xue-Mai-Ning on SD rats with hypothyroidism and IRE1-XBP1 signaling

Objective:To investigate the effect of Xin-Nao-Xue-Mai-Ning(XNXMN)on hypothyroidism in SD rats and explore the effect of IRE1-XBP1 signaling pathway on hypothyroidism in rats,and to analyze the possible mechanism of XNXMN in the treatment of hypothyroidism.Method:Twenty-four male SD rats were given a 0.1%concentration of propylthiouracil(PTU)solution by gavage every day to establish a hypothyroidism animal model.After the completion of the model building,intervention with XNXMN.Observe the general conditions of rats,serum triiodothyronine(T3),tetraiodothyronine(T4),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)levels,X box binding protein 1(XBP-1)protein expression level,and perform statistical analysis.Results:XNXMN can improve the general condition of hypothyroidism rats,reduce serum TSH,increase T3,T4 and reduce the expression of XBP1 protein in thyroid endoplasmic reticulum.Conclusion:XNXMN can improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism rats and has the effect of treating hypothyroidism.Its mechanism of action may be related to the expression of IRE1-XBP1 signaling pathway proteins that regulate the unfolded protein pathway of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Based on network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of Fructus Meliae Toosendan

Objective:To explore the potential mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by Fructus Meliae Toosendan(FMT)through network pharmacology.Methods:The active components and targets of FMT were identified and screened by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform Database,PubChem Database and Swiss Target Prediction database,etc.Genecards,pharmGKB,and OMIM databases were used to collect relevant targets of hepatotoxicity,and intersect them with the targets of active ingredients to obtain the potential targets of hepatotoxicity caused by FMT.A compound-target network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.8.0 software.The String 11.0 database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network of the targets and to screen out the core targets.In addition,Gene Ontology(GO)terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses were conducted by R software,and then the pathways directly related to hepatotoxicity were integrated.Results:In this study,9 active ingredients of FMT and 265 targets were obtained.There are 533 hepatotoxicity-related targets,and 76 potential targets for hepatotoxicity caused by FMT,among which quercetin,melianone,and nimbolin A are the key active components for hepatotoxicity caused by FMT,and MYC,STAT3,JUN,and RELA were the core target proteins of FMT’s hepatotoxicity.There were 2353 GO entries(P<0.05),including 2181 Biological Process(BP),41 Cellular Component(CC)and 131 Molecular Function(MF).KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 165 pathways(P<0.05),of which Th17 cell differentiation,HIF-1 signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were strongly correlated with the hepatotoxicity of FMT.Conclusion:Through network pharmacology,it was found that many potential components in azadirachia chinaberry may be involved in the regulation of apoptosis,excessive inflammatory response and mitochondrial dynamics through multi-target and multi-pathway,resulting in the generation of hepatotoxicity.

Burden of vitiligo on Chinese patients:An online survey

To the Editor:Vitiligo is a chronic disease that impacts many aspects of a patient’s life.The prevalence of vitiligo has been increasing,and currently involves up to 0.5%to 2%of all races worldwide.[1]Although this condition very rarely produces any direct physical discomfort,the cosmetic problems and disfiguring appearance resulting from the depigmented lesions severely affect the quality of life(QoL)in these individuals.

Effects of Acupuncture on Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Vascular Dementia

Objective： To study the effects of acupuncture on Chinese medicine syndromes of vascular dementia （VaD）. Methods： Sixty-three VaD patients were divided into three groups. Those willing to be randomized were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture （random acupuncture group, 24 cases） or rehabilitation training （guided rehabilitation group, 24 cases） for 6 weeks. Those unwilling to be randomized also received acupuncture for 6 weeks （non-random acupuncture group, 19 cases）. Patient syndromes and their severity were evaluated before treatment （baseline）, at the end of treatment, and at 4-week follow-up after the completion of treatment using a CM scoring system （scale of differentiation of syndromes of vascular dementia, SDSVD）. The SDSVD scores of the random and non-random acupuncture groups, and of all patients who received acupuncture （combined acupuncture group, 43 cases）, were compared with those in the guided rehabilitation group. Results： In the random, non-random, and combined acupuncture groups, SDSVD scores were significantly reduced at the end of treatment and at follow- up than at baseline. In the guided rehabilitation group, SDSVD scores were similar to baseline scores at the end of treatment and at follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in SDSVD scores among the three groups or between the combined acupuncture group and the guided rehabilitation group at any time points. In the non-random and combined acupuncture groups, SDSVD scores were significantly reduced at the end of treatment than at baseline in patients with hyperactivity of Liver （Gan）-yang or phlegm obstruction of the orifices. Conclusions： Acupuncture reduced the severity of VaD. The improvement was the greatest in patients undergoing their treatment of choice. Treatments in this study were more effective for excess syndromes, such as Liver-yang hyperactivity or phlegm obstruction of the orifices than deficiency syndromes, such as Kidney （Shen）-essence deficiency.