Latest Issue
2021 Year 27 Vol. 5 Issue
- Abstract：Objective:To assess the trends in characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients in tertiary Chinese medicine (CM) hospitals in China between 2006 and 2013.Methods:This retrospective study was based on two nationwide epidemiological surveys of AMI in tertiary CM hospitals during 2 years (2006 and 2013). Patients admitted to the hospital for AMI were enrolled. Hospital records were used as the data source. Case data were derived regarding baseline characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients to assess changes from 2006 to 2013. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between prognosis, general influencing factors of disease, and various treatment measures.Results:Totally 26 tertiary CM hospitals in 2006 and 29 tertiary CM hospitals in 2013 (18 were repetitive) were surveyed. A total of 2, 311 patients with AMI were enrolled (1, 094 cases in 2006 and 1, 217 cases in 2013). From 2006 to 2013, the mean age did not significantly change, but the proportion of patients younger than 65 years increased. The prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia also increased. Significant increases were observed in primary percutaneous coronary intervention [20.48% (2006) vs. 24.90% (2013)] and revascularization [36.11% (2006) vs. 52.42% (2013)]. In-hospital mortality decreased from 11.15% in 2006 to 10.60% in 2013. A mortality logistic regression analysis identified reperfusion therapy [odds ratio (OR), 0.222; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.106-0.464], Chinese patent medicines (OR, 0.394; 95% CI, 0.213-0.727), and CM decoctions (OR, 0.196; 95% CI, 0.109-0.353) as protective factors.Conclusion:Reperfusion and revascularization capabilities of tertiary CM hospitals have improved significantly, but in-hospital mortality has not significantly decreased. Efforts are needed to improve medical awareness of AMI and expand the use of CM to reduce in-hospital mortality in China.Keywords：myocardial infarct;Chinese medicine;traditional;China;hospital mortality
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Published：2021-09-01 - Abstract：Objective:To evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) in infertile patients with phlegmdampness polycystic ovary syndrome-insulin resistance (PCOS-IR).Methods:Seventy-six PCOS-IR patients who underwnet in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were equally assigned to two groups according to a random digital table: the EA group and the control group, with 38 cases in each group. Before undergoing IVF, the two groups were treated with EA or pseudo-acupuncture, respectively, for 3 menstrual cycles. The intervention was 25 min twice a week until the day of oocyte collection. The selected acupoints were Zhongwan (RN 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Daimai (GB 26), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), and bilateral points including Xuehai (SP 10), Fenglong (ST 40), Zusanli (ST 36), and Yinlingquan (SP 9). Evaluation of phlegm-dampness syndrome score and IR score were carried out before and after treatment. Additionally, the number of oocytes retrieved, transplantable embryo rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were compared between the two groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to monitor the mRNA expression of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositiol 3-kinase (PI3K) and glucose transport factor 4 (GLUT4) in ovarian granulosa cells.Results:EA treatment reduced the phlegm-dampness syndrome score as well as the IR scores compared with the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancy rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Moreover, the transplantable embryo rate [49.0% (284/580) vs. 41.9% (273/652)], high-quality embryo rate [36.6% (104/284) vs. 27.8% (76/273)], and live birth rate [50% (19/38) vs. 26.3% (10/38)] in the EA group were significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). Gene expression analyses revealed significantly elevated IRS-1, PI3K and GLUT4 mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells of the EA group compared with the control group (P<0.05).Conclusions:EA may ameliorate the effects of phlegm-dampness syndrome and ovarian IR in PCOS-IR patients. Mechanistically, this effect might be through an upregulation of the IRS-1/PI3K/GLUT4 signaling pathway, which may result in improved oocyte quality and embryonic development potential. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800015453)Keywords：polycystic ovary syndrome;phlegm-dampness syndrome;electro-acupuncture;insulin resistance;granulosa cells;mechanism of action
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Published：2021-09-01 - Abstract：Objective:To investigate whether ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) can protect human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) against high glucose-induced apoptosis and examine the underlying mechanism.Methods:HUVECs were divided into 5 groups: control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose (HG, 40 mmol/L) treatment group, Rb1 (50 μmol/L) treatment group, Rb1 plus HG treatment group, and Rb1 and 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine (3-TYP, 16 μmol/L) plus HG treatment group. Cell viability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species were detected by MitoSox Red mitochondrial superoxide indicator and dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay, respectively. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and fluorescent dye staining were used to measure the apoptosis and the mitochondrial membrane potential of HUVECs, respectively. The protein expressions of apoptosis-related proteins [Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and cytochrome c (Cyt-c)], mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins [proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, nuclear respiratory factor-1 and mitochondrial transcription factor A)], acetylation levels of forkhead box O3a and SOD2, and sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) signalling pathway were measured by immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation.Results:Rb1 ameliorated survival in cells in which apoptosis was induced by high glucose (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Upon the addition of Rb1, mitochondrial and intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and malondialdehyde levels were decreased (P<0.01), while the activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Rb1 preserved the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced the release of Cyt-c from the mitochondria into the cytosol (P<0.01). In addition, Rb1 upregulated mitochondrial biogenesis-associated proteins (P<0.01). Notably, the cytoprotective effects of Rb1 were correlated with SIRT3 signalling pathway activation (P<0.01). The effect of Rb1 against high glucose-induced mitochondria-related apoptosis was restrained by 3-TYP (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Rb1 could protect HUVECs from high glucose-induced apoptosis by promoting mitochondrial function and suppressing oxidative stress through the SIRT3 signalling pathway.Keywords：ginsenoside Rb1;high glucose;human umbilical vein endothelial cells;apoptosis;mitochondria;SIRT3 signalling pathway
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Published：2021-09-01 - Abstract：Objective:To investigate the effects of emodin on inflammation and autophagy in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and reveal its underlying mechanism.Methods:3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay was conducted to find the appropriate dose for emodin. RAW264.7 cells pretreated with different concentrations (0–50 μmol/L) of emodin or vehicle for 2 h prior to exposure to LPS for 16 h. Cell morphology was examined and propidium iodide staining was used to examine cell cycle. Expressions of inflammation-related proteins [nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and I-kappaB (IκB)α] and autophagy-related proteins [light chain (LC) 3, P62/sequestosome 1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p-mTOR] were examined using Western blot analysis. Expression of inflammation-related cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Autophagy was examined with LC3B fluorescence intensity and aggregation. The effect of emodin on autophagy was conducted with an autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA).Results:The expression of NF-κB in LPS-induced cells was significantly increased (P<0.01) and simultaneously IκBα decreased compared with the normal cell (P<0.05). The expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 proteins in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were significantly higher than in the normal cell (P<0.05 or P<0.01). LPS increased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase, which was recovered by emodin at different doses (12.5, 25, and 50μmol/L, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The mediumdose (25 μml/L) emodin decreased the expressions of NF-κB, P62 and p-mTOR (P<0.01) and increased IκBα expression, LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio as well as LC3B fluorescence intensity (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Meanwhile, the enhanced autophagic effects of emodin, such as the increment of LC3BⅡ/ ratio and the decrement of P62 expression, were suppressed by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA.Conclusion:Emodin could inhibit inflammation of mice RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS, possibly through activating autophagy.Keywords：emodin;lipopolysaccharide;inflammation;autophagy
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Published：2021-09-01 - Abstract：Objective:To investigate the effect of Kangquan Recipe (康泉方, KQR) on bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) expression and its mechanism in rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups using a random number table, with 8 in each group: the normal group (normal saline 10 mL/kg), the model group (normal saline 10 mL/kg), the finasteride group (0.5 mg/kg), the low-dose KQR group (3.5 g/kg), the middle-dose KQR group (7 g/kg), and the high-dose KQR group (14 g/kg). The 40 rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate after castration for 30 days to establish the BPH rat model except for those in the normal group. At the same time, the corresponding drugs were administered by gavage for 30 consecutive days. The effects of different doses of KQR on the protate wet weight, prostate volume and prostate index (PI) were observed. The changes in histopathology were monitored with hematoxylin-eosin staining. BAMBI protein and mRNA expression contents were determined by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.Results:All doses of KQR could decrease prostatic epithelial tissue proliferation. Compared to the model group, the high and middle-dose KQR significantly reduced prostate wet weight, prostate volume and PI; increased BAMBI protein expression in the hypothalamus, pituitary and prostate tissue; all doses of KQR up-regulated BAMBI mRNA expression in serum, prostatic fluid and prostate tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusions:KQR could inhibit the proliferation of rat prostatic tissue, promote BAMBI protein expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-prostate of rats with BPH; and increase BAMBI mRNA expression in the blood, prostatic fluid and prostate tissue of rats with BPH, showing a dose-effect relationship. KQR can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of BPH.Keywords：Kangquan Recipe;benign prostatic hyperplasia;hypothalamic-pituitary-prostate;BAMBI;Chinese medicine
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Published：2021-09-01
Original Article
- Abstract：Objective:To investigate the antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP, 柴胡疏 肝散) and to explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control (CON), chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), fluoxetine (FLU), and CSP groups, 8 rats in each group. All of the rats except for those in the control group were subjected to 3 consecutive weeks of CUMS to establish the depression model. The open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and sucrose preference test were used to assess the anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects of CSP. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling was used to determine the apoptosis rate in the hippocampal tissues. The mRNA and protein levels of glucose-regulated protein (GRP) 78, spliced X-box-binding protein (XBP)-1, CCAAT/enhancerbinding protein homologous protein (CHOP), caspase-12, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the hippocampus of rats were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively.Results:Administration of CSP alleviated anxiety and depression-like behavior in CUMS rats, as revealed by enhanced time and distance in the center of the OFT (P<0.05), an increased preference for sucrose, and longer swimming time and shorter immobility time during the FST (all P<0.05). In addition, CSP treatment significantly reduced the rate of apoptosis in rat hippocampal neurons (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78, spliced XBP-1, and CHOP were down-regulated along with the expression of caspase-12 and cleaved caspase-12 proteins (all P<0.05), whereas total and phosphorylated JNK1 protein levels did not differ significantly between control and CSP-treated rats.Conclusion:CSP can improve depression-like behavior in rats exposed to CUMS, possibly by suppressing CHOP and caspase-12 mediated apoptosis in the rat hippocampus.Keywords：depression;Chaihu Shugan Powder;Chinese medicine;chronic unpredictable mild stress;endoplasmic reticulum stress;apoptosis
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Published：2021-09-01
Original Articles
- Abstract：Objective:To observe the effects and safety of Tongyan Spray (通咽喷雾剂) on the range and time of hyoid motion in patients with ischemic post-stroke dysphagia.Methods:Seventy-two patients with ischemic post-stroke dysphagia were selected and randomly assigned to a treatment group (36 cases) and a control group (36 cases) by a random number table from January 2013 to October 2014. All patients swallowed 4 kinds of barium meals with different traits respectively, and each patient underwent video fluoroscopy (VF) examination twice. In the treatment group, Tongyan Spray was sprayed to the pharynx on both sides and the middle part once respectively. The spray was applied 30 min before the second examination. Purified water at room temperature was used as placebo in the control group. The changes in the range and time of hyoid motion in both groups were observed before and after treatment.Results:Six patients dropped out in each group, and 60 patients completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Significant improvement was observed in the range of superior hyoid excursion distance and the time of hyoid motion in the treatment group compared with the control group (P<0.05). There were no obvious adverse reactions observed in oral mucosa in both groups during the whole study.Conclusion:Tongyan Spray was an effective and safe medicine for improving swallowing function in patients with ischemic post-stroke dysphagia.Keywords：Tongyan Spray;stroke;dysphagia;hyoid motion;video fluoroscopy;Chinese medicine
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Published：2021-09-01
Clinical Experience
Case Report
- Abstract：Upon his untimely death, Michal Boym (1612–1659) left behind an enormous written legacy; covering a diverse range of interests in fields such as Chinese linguistics, cartography, botany, zoology, philosophy and medicine. This article attempts to examine Boym's De indiciis morborum ex linguae coloribus & affectionibus (The signs of disease on the tongue, colors and affections), a translation of a previously unidentified Chinese text. The text specifically deals with the subject of tongue diagnosis, in relation to contagious diseases that were still raging in the17th century China. Arriving to China at the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Boym was able to personally witness the early development of tongue examination as an independent specialty; he recognized its significance and tried to incorporate it into his ultimately unfinished Chinese medical corpus. Boym's work eventually facilitated the assimilation of tongue observation in European medicine during the 19th century.Keywords：Michal Boym;tongue diagnosis;Chinese medicine;Jesuit mission
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Published：2021-09-01
Traditional Medicine
- Abstract：From the perspective view of Chinese medicine, the Gan (Liver) meridian of Foot-Jueyin starts from the great toe, running upward along the medial side of the thigh to the perineal area, where it curves around the external genitalia and goes up to the lower abdomen. In clinical practice, acupoints in the feet of the Gan meridian of Foot-Jueyin are used to treat the genitourinary and external genitalia diseases. Studies have shown that reproductive system diseases have specific pathological reactions in the places (radial side of tibia and foot) where Gan meridian of Foot-Jueyin passes by. Why does this happen? In this article, we begin by briefly reviewing the evidences linking foot and genitalia. We then explore the potential mechanism of the relationship between genitals and the Gan meridian of Foot-Jueyin. The brain cerebral cortex is characterized by cortical interactions. Numerous studies show that different cerebral cortex function areas (especially the adjacent areas) are overlapping and interact with each other. Finally, we presume that there is a specific connection between the feet and the genitals. Physiologically in the cortical homunculus, the genital area lies adjacent or overlapped to the foot areas, the two areas may interact with each other. The functional reorganization between different areas of the cerebral cortex under pathological conditions may be the underlying mechanism of the relationship between the feet and the genitals.Keywords：foot;genital;functional reorganization;cortex;acupuncture
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Published：2021-09-01
Academic Exploration
- Abstract：Objective:To investigate the evolution of herbal medicine in treating tuberculosis (TB) and encourage anti-TB drug discovery and development.Methods:In this study, 477 ancient traditional Chinese medicine formulae were collected from the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions and 172 modern Chinese medicine formulae (from 1986 to 2016) were collected by searching 4 databases: WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and Chinese Bio-medical Literature and Retrieval System (SinoMed) in Chinese. We restricted the search to publications in Chinese. Further data analysis was done using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System version 2 Software.Results:There were 425 herbs in the 477 ancient formulae and 257 herbs in the 172 modern formulae. Half of the top 30 herbs were shared by both modern and ancient prescriptions. They are Radix Ophiopogonis, Astragalus membranaceus, Fritillaria cirrhosa, Dried rehmannia glutinosa, Poria cocos, Angelica sinensis, Prepared rehmannia glutinosa, Platycodon Root , Radix paeoniae alba, Schisandra chinensis, Bighead atractylodes rhizome, Rhizoma anemarrhenae, Cortex lycii radicis and Radix Scutellariae. Only two groups of herbs with a high correlation coefficient were found in both modern and ancient prescriptions, the Dried rehmannia glutinosa with Radix ophiopogonis, and Radix ophiopogonis with Prepared rehmannia glutinosa. There were 9 and 15 core herb combinations in modern and ancient prescriptions, respectively, but no one was found simutaniously in both modern and ancient prescriptions.Conclusions:Although there were wide variations in the herb groups and herb combinations in the formulae, half of the top 30 herbs were found in both modern and ancient prescriptions. The core herb combinations in modern and ancient prescriptions could help us to improve the priscription for treatment of TB.Keywords：herbal formula;tuberculosis;Chinese materia medica;anti-tuberculosis herbs
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Published：2021-09-01
Literature Research
- Abstract：Cupping therapy has been accepted worldwide, and many studies have been conducted to reveal its curative effects and mechanisms. To comprehensively evaluate the effect of cupping therapy, database including China Network Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database VIP, Wan Fang Database, Chinese Biomedicine (CBM), PubMed and Web of Science were searched from 2009–2019. We summarized all the meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, clinical trials and the mechanisms studies of cupping therapy in the previous 10 years, hoping to provide a reference for the clinical applications and studies.Keywords：cupping;overview;clinical trial;efficacy;mechanism;non-drug therapy
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Published：2021-09-01
Review
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