Latest Issue

    2018 Year 24 Vol. 4 Issue

      OriginalPaper

    • Bhakta Prasad Gaire
      2018, 24(4): 243-246. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-018-2828-2
      Abstract:Herbal medicines, mainly of plant source, are invaluable source for the discovery of new therapeutic agents for all sorts of human ailments. The complex pathogenesis of stroke and multifactorial effect of herbal medicine and their active constituents may suggest the promising future of natural medicine for stroke treatment. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective and vascular protective effect of herbal medicines are believed to be efficacious in stroke treatment. Herbs typically have fewer reported side effects than allopathic medicine, and may be safer to use over longer period of time. Herbal medicines are believed to be more effective for the longstanding health complaints, such as stroke. Several medicinal plants and their active constituents show the promising results in laboratory research. However failure in transformation of laboratory animal research to the clinical trials has created huge challenge for the use of herbal medicine in stroke. Until and unless scientifically comprehensive evidence of the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine in ischemic stroke patients is available, efforts should be made to continue implementing treatment strategies of proven effectiveness. More consideration should be paid to natural compounds that can have extensive therapeutic time windows, perfect pharmacological targets with few side effects. Herbal medicine has excellent prospective for the treatment of ischemic stroke, but a lot of effort should be invested to transform the success of animal research to human use.  
      Keywords:herbal medicine;stroke pathogenesis;medicinal plant;Active Constituent;stroke therapy   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Huan Wang,Xiao-kai Zhou,Li-fan Zheng,Xiao-ying Wu,Hui Chen
      2018, 24(4): 247-253. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-2443-4
      Abstract:To compared the therapeutic effect of a Chinese patent medicine Naoxintong Capsule (脑心通胶囊, NXT) and aspirin with adjusted-dose warfarin in Chinese elderly patients (over 65 years) with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and genetic variants of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1), who are at high-risk of thromboembolism. A total of 151 patients, with NVAF and AA genotype of VKORC1-1639 (a sensitive genotype to warfarin) and a CHA2DS2-VASc clinical risk score of 2 or above, were chosen for this study. Patients were randomized into two groups and orally treated with a combination of aspirin (100 mg/day) and NXT (1.6 g thrice a day) or adjusted-dose warfarin [international normalized ratio 2.0–3.0). The primary end points including ischemic stroke and death as well as the secondary end points including hemorrhage events were followed up for at least 1 year. Baseline clinical data and the rates of primary end points were similar between groups. However, the rate of serious bleeding (secondary event) in the combination therapy group was lower than that in the adjusted-dose warfarin group (0% vs. 7.9%, odds ratio: 0.921, 95% confidence interval: 0.862–0.984, P=0.028). Aspirin combined with NXT and warfarin displayed comparable rates of primary end point including ischemic stroke and all-cause death during the 1-year follow-up. However, as compared with warfarin, the combination therapy reduced the rate of serious bleeding. Therefore, aspirin combined with NXT might provide an alternative pharmacotherapy in preventing ischemic stroke for elderly patients with NAVF who cannot tolerate warfarin. (No. ChiCTR-TRC-13003596)  
      Keywords:Atrial Fibrillation;antithrombotic therapy;genetic variants;Warfarin;aspirin combined with Naoxintong;Chinese Medicine;Alternative Medicine   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Jeeyoun Jung,Mi Mi Ko,Ju Ah Lee,Myeong Soo Lee
      2018, 24(4): 254-259. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2788-y
      Abstract:To investigate the diagnostic indicators and herbal treatments for blood stasis syndrome (BSS) patients with traumatic injuries and to identify the association between BSS and traumatic injury in Korea. Two-hundred and four patients with traumatic injury were recruited from the Gangnam and Daejeon branches of Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine between June 2014 and December 2014. Two independent doctors of Korean medicine (DKMs) determined the diagnosis of BSS or non-BSS based on the subjects signs and symptoms. The scores assigned to BSS symptoms and DKMs' reasons for diagnosing BSS in patients with traumatic injury were investigated. Both medication and herbal prescription records from a 3-month period were collected for all patients diagnosed with BSS by both DKMs. A total of 169 of 204 (82.8%) patients received consistent diagnosis related to BSS by two DKMs. Among them, 54.4% (92 cases) were diagnosed with BSS, and 45.6% (77 cases) were not diagnosed with BSS. DKMs most frequently cited symptoms of recent traumatic injury as justifications for BSS diagnoses, and also selected pain-related indicators such as abdominal pain, sharp pain and nocturnal pain as important reasons in diagnosing BSS. In addition, an inconsistency in the pattern identification theory with respect to traumatic injury was observed. Although only 92 cases (54.4%) of patients were diagnosed with BSS, 77.6% of them were prescribed decoctions for BSS. DKMs considered traumatic injury could cause BSS, and utilized decoction for BSS in patients with traumatic injury without confirming a diagnosis of BSS because they assumed the main symptoms or pathologies of traumatic injury to be closely related to BSS.  
      Keywords:Blood Stasis Syndrome;Korean medicine;traumatic injury;herbal medicine;diagnosis;pattern identification   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Bao-yan Liu,Xing-yue Yang,Xiao-dong Wu,Jia Liu,Yan Liu,Feng-xia Liang,Wen Jia,Wei-juan Gang,Yuan-yuan Tong,Feng Yang,Hai-yan Li,Lei Lei,Li-rong Jia,Yu-jie Sun
      2018, 24(4): 260-264. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-018-2798-4
      Abstract:With the worldwide use and modern development of acupuncture-moxibustion, there is disagreement on its basic definition. There has been an obstacle for clinical practice, research, and legislation. Considering this challenge, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies proposes to develop the definition and basic scope of acupuncture-moxibustion with a Delphi study. A reactive Delphi method will be used to ask a group of experts to rate the relevance and clarity of a predesigned initial item list. This list was generated by the steering committee through a literature review and group discussion. Forty experts will be selected from many disciplines and continents to ensure appropriate representation. Predefined rules will be applied to modify the items until a consensus is achieved. After achieving the consensus on all items through the survey round, the steering committee will form the definition and basic scope of acupuncture-moxibustion by organizing a literal statement with a detailed explanation.  
      Keywords:acupuncture-moxibustion;definition;scope;Delphi method;study protocol   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • De-jun Wang,Yue-qin Cai,Shui-zhen Pan,Li-zong Zhang,Yun-xiang Chen,Fang-ming Chen,Ming Jin,Mao-xiang Yan,Xiao-dong Li,Zhi-yun Chen
      2018, 24(4): 265-271. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-016-2450-0
      Abstract:To investigate the effect of total flavone of haw leaves (TFHL) on the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor (Nrf2) and other related factors in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats induced by high-fat diet and then to further discuss the mechanism of TFHL’s prevention against NASH. High-fat diet was fed to 40 rats to establish the NASH model. Then model rats were intragastrically administrated with 40, 80, 160 mg/(kg•day) TFHL, respectively. The pathological changes of liver tissues in NASH rats were detected by oil red O and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stainings. The expression of Nrf2 in rat liver was examined through immunohistochemistry. The level of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in serum was detected through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and other related factors in liver tissue were measured by real-time reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and western blot. Lipid deposition, hepatic steatosis, focal necrosis in lobular inflammation and ballooning degeneration were emerged in livers of NASH rats. The 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in the serum of NASH rats increased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.05). The mRNA of Nrf2, hemeoxyenase1 (HO-1) and the mRNA and protein levels of quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1) in NASH rats liver tissue showed a striking increase, while the mRNA levels of Keap1, r-glutamylcysteine synthethase (rGCS) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). After TFHL treatment, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α level in serum significantly decreased, and Nrf2 mRNA and protein levels in hepatocytes nucleus enhanced compared with the model group (P<0.05 or 0.01). Meanwhile the Keap1 mRNA, the mRNA and protein levels of HO-1, NQO1 antibody, rGCS antibody, GST increased after TFHL treatment (P<0.05 or 0.01). Nrf2 and other related factors were involved in development of NASH, and they also served as an important part in its occurrence. By regulating expression of Nrf2 and other related factors, TFHL may play a role in antioxidative stress and prevention of NASH.  
      Keywords:nonalcoholic steatohepatitis;total flavone of Haw leaves;nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Shu-kun Zhang,Yu-zhen Zhuo,Cai-xia Li,Lei Yang,Hong-wei Gao,Xi-mo Wang
      2018, 24(4): 272-277. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2959-x
      Abstract:To investigate the effect of combined application of Xuebijing Injection (血必净注 射液, XBJ) and resolvin D1 (RvD1) on survival rate and the underlying mechanisms in mice with sepsisinduced lung injury. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method was used to develop a mouse sepsis model. Specific pathogen free male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=20 each): sham, CLP, CLP+XBJ, CLP+RvD1 and CLP+XBJ+RvD1. After surgery, mice in the CLP+XBJ, CLP+RvD1 and CLP+XBJ+RvD1 groups were given XBJ (25 μL/g body weight), RvD1 (10 ng/g body weight), and their combination (the same dose of XBJ and RvD1), respectively. In each group, 12 mice were used to observe 1-week survival rate, while the rest were executed at 12 h. Whole blood was collected for flow cytometric analysis of leukocyte adhesion molecules CD18, lung tissues were harvested for observing pathological changes, and testing the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Compared with the CLP group, the histopathological damage of the lung tissues was mitigated, MPO activity was decreased in the CLP+XBJ and CLP+RvD1 groups (P<0.05). In addition, the 1-week survival rate was improved, proportion of CD18-expressing cells in whole blood and ICAM-1 protein expression in lung tissue were decreased in the CLP+XBJ+RvD1 group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). XBJ together with RvD1 could effectively inhibit leukocyte adhesion, reduce lung injury, and improve the survival rate of mice with sepsis.  
      Keywords:Xuebijing Injection;Chinese Medicine;resolvin D1;sepsis;lung injury   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Hong-bo Shen,Ze-jun Huo,Yun-jing Bai,Xiao-juan He,Chang-hong Li,Yu-kun Zhao,Qing-qing Guo
      2018, 24(4): 278-283. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2792-2
      Abstract:To observe the effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10): normal group, CIA model group(model group), NCTD low-dose group [1.35 mg/(kg•d)], NCTD middle-dose group [2.7 mg/(kg•d)], NCTD high-dose group [5.4 mg/(kg•d)] and methotrexate (MTX) group [1.8 mg/(kg/w)]. Anesthetized rats were sacrificed by luxation of cervical vertebra after 4 weeks of administration. The arthritis scores were evaluated twice a week. The pathological changes in the ankle joints of rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The serum levels of interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-17 and transform growth factor (TGF) β were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptorγt (RORγt) and forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) in peripheral blood lymphocytes were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. MTX and high-dose NCTD not only decreased the arthritis scores but also alleviated the pathological changes in CIA rats’ ankle joints compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). All doses of NCTD significantly inhibited the serum levels of IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in CIA rats (P<0.05). Only middle- and high-dose of NCTD prominently decreased serum IL-1β and TGF-β levels of CIA rats (P<0.05). However, NCTD has no effect on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in CIA rats. The Foxp3 mRNA expression in all NCTD groups were increased significantly than in the model group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression of RORγt in NCTD high-dose group was decreased apparently in comparison with the model group (P<0.05). NCTD showed therapeutic effect on CIA rats by inhibition of cytokines and regulation of Th17/Treg cells.  
      Keywords:norcantharidin;collagen-induced arthritis;cytokine;Th17/Treg;forkhead box P3;retinoid related orphan nuclear receptor γ t   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Min-feng Wu,Su Li,Yong-mei Qian,Xin Li,Yu Chen,Ruo-yi Wei,Bin Li,Fu-lun Li
      2018, 24(4): 284-287. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2772-6
        
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Shuai He,Wen-shi Li,Ya-jun Luo,Chen-li Ye,Zhong-yi Zhang
      2018, 24(4): 288-295. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2763-7
      Abstract:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qingkailing Injection (清开灵注射液, QKL) for treatment of children pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing QKL with ribavirin injection in the treatment of children pneumonia induced by RSV were searched in PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Chinese VIP database, CNKI and Wanfang databases from their inception to March 2014. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2 software. The methodological quality of the selected RCTs was evaluated by the Modified Jadad Score. The primary outcome measures were effective rate and the secondary outcomes were relief time of fever and cough. Seven RCTs with 992 cases published from 2008 to 2013 were identified. The meta-analysis results indicated that QKL was more effective in cure rate [risk ratios (RR)=1.32, 95% CI (1.17, 1.50), P<0.01], total effective rate [RR=1.07, 95% CI (1.02, 1.13), P=0.009] and less fever clearance time [mean difference=–0.73, 95% CI (–1.22,–0.23), P=0.004], compared with ribavirin injection in the treatment of RSV-induced children pneumonia. No dead case was reported in all trials. There were 3 trials mentioned adverse events, 2 reported no obvious adverse event occurred while 1 reported adverse events described as skin hypersensitivity, elevation of ALT, a mild abnormal of hepatic and renal function in both QKL and ribavirin group. QKL was an effective and relatively safe option for the treatment of RSV-induced children pneumonia. These therapeutic effects were promising but need to be interpreted with caution due to variations in the treatment and methodological weakness in the studies.  
      Keywords:Qingkailing Injection;Respiratory Syncytial Virus;ribavirin;pneumonia;children;respiratory tract infection;meta-analysis;randomized controlled trials;Chinese Medicine   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Hui-min Mao,Mi Liu,Hua Qu,Li-qiong Wang,Da-zhuo Shi
      2018, 24(4): 296-303. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2762-8
      Abstract:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tongxinluo Capsule (通心络胶囊, TXL) for patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding TXL in the treatment of CSX were searched in Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang Database, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial, websites of the Chinese and International Clinical Trial Registry platform up to June 30, 2015. The intervention was either TXL alone or TXL combined with conventional treatment, while the control intervention was conventional treatment with or without placebo. Data extraction, methodological quality assessment and data analyses were performed according to the Cochrane criteria. The primary outcome was a composite event of death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), angina requiring hospitalization, revascularization, and heart failure. The secondary outcome measures were angina symptom improvement, electrocardiograph (ECG) improvement, and serum endothelin-1 (ET-1) level. The adverse events were also recorded. RevMan 5.3 software was applied for data analyses. Twelve RCTs (696 patients) were included. Compared with conventional treatment, the addition of TXL to conventional treatment showed some benefits on relieving angina symptoms [risk ratio (RR): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.25, 1.71), P<0.01], and improving ECG [RR: 1.45, 95% CI (1.21, 1.74), P<0.01]. The pooled result did not support a benefit of TXL on reducing the incidence of primary outcome [RR: 0.20, 95% CI (0.02, 1.61), P=0.13]. In addition, TXL decreased serum ET-1 concentration of CSX patients [standardized mean number:–1.63, 95% CI (–2.29,–0.96), P<0.01]. No serious adverse events were reported. TXL documents potential benefits on attenuating angina symptoms, improving ECG and decreasing serum ET-1 level for CSX patients. However, more rigorous RCTs with high quality are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.  
      Keywords:Tongxinluo capsule;cardiac syndrome X;randomized controlled trial;systematic review;Chinese Medicine   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Wei-bo Zhang,De-xian Jia,Hong-yan Li,Yu-long Wei,Huang Yan,Peng-na Zhao,Fei-fei Gu,Guang-jun Wang,Yan-ping Wang
      2018, 24(4): 304-307. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2791-3
      Abstract:Qi, blood and the meridians are fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine (CM), which are components of the human body and maintain physiological function. Pathological changes of qi, blood and meridians may lead to discomfort and disease. Treatment with acupuncture or herbal medicine aims to regulate qi and blood so as to recover normal function of the meridians. This paper explores the nature of qi as well as compares and correlates them with the structures of the human body. We propose a conceptualization of qi as being similar to the interstitial fluid, and the meridians as being similar to interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance in the body. Hence, qi running in the meridians can be understood as interstitial fluid flowing via interstitial space of low hydraulic resistance.  
      Keywords:qi;interstitial fluid;meridian;interstitial space;low hydraulic resistance   
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      Published:2021-08-27
    • Cheng-bin Zhang,En-chang Li
      2018, 24(4): 315-319. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2783-3
      Abstract:Three features of ethics review in Chinese medicine (CM) and integrative medicine (IM) were put forward in this paper. It is consistent with the principles of ethical review in Western medicine; it has to be compliant with the laws of CM and IM; emphasis should be laid on the review of clinical practice facts and experience. Three problems were pointed out. The characteristics of CM and IM are not distinctive enough, operation procedures need to be refined and effectiveness remains to be improved. Based on the mentioned above, seven measures were proposed to improve the level and quality of ethics review in CM and IM, including better brand awareness, considerable tolerance, treatment based on disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation, scientific review and toxicity and side effects of CM, perfection of the ethics review system, reasonable procedures of ethics review and more specialized ethics review workers.  
      Keywords:Chinese Medicine;Integrative Medicine;ethics review;medical research   
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      Published:2021-08-27

      ReviewPaper

    • George Man,Li-zhi Hu,Peter M Elias,Mao-qiang Man
      2018, 24(4): 308-314. DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2769-1
      Abstract:Although a variety of regimens are available for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), severe adverse reactions and unpopular costs often limit their usage. In contrast, certain inexpensive, naturally-occurring ingredients are proven effective for AD with fewer side effects. The beneficial effects of these ingredients can be attributed to inhibition of cytokine and chemokine expression, IgE production, inflammatory cell infiltration, histamine release, and/or the enhancement of epidermal permeability barrier function. Since herbal medicines are widely available, inexpensive and generally safe, they could be valuable alternatives for the treatment of AD, particularly for those patients who are not suitable for the utilization of immune modulators. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic benefits of natural ingredients for the treatment of AD and the mechanisms of their actions.  
      Keywords:Atopic Dermatitis;natural ingredients;permeability barrier;transepidermal water loss;inflflammation   
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      Published:2021-08-27
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