Associations of genetic variations in pyroptosis related genes with acute adverse events in postoperative rectal cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: This study aims to investigate the associations between genetic variations of pyroptosis pathway related key genes and adverse events (AEs) of postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with rectal cancer. Methods: DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood which was collected from 347 patients before CRT. Sequenom MassARRAY was used to detect the genotypes of 43 haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) in eight pyroptosis genes, including absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), caspase-1 (CASP1), caspase-4(CASP4), caspase-5 (CASP5), caspase-11 (CASP11), gasdermin D (GSDMD), gasdermin E (GSDME) and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). The associations between 43 htSNPs and AEs were evaluated by the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for sex, age, clinical stage, tumor grade, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), surgical procedure, and tumor location. Results: Among the 347 patients with rectal cancer underwent concurrent CRT with capecitabine after surgery, a total of 101(29.1%) occurred grade ≥ 2 leukopenia. rs11226565 (OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.79, P=0.008), rs579408(OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.03-2.29, P=0.034) and rs543923 (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.41-0.98, P=0.040) were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade ≥ 2 leukopenia. One hundred and fifty-six (45.0%) had grade ≥ 2 diarrhea, two SNPs were significantly associated with the occurrence of grade ≥ diarrhea, including CASP11 rs10880868 (OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.33-0.91, P=0.020) and GSDME rs2954558 (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.31, P=0.050). In addition, sixty-six cases (19.0%) developed grade ≥2 dermatitis, three SNPs that significantly associated with the risk of grade ≥2 dermatitis included GSDME rs2237314 (OR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.16-0.83, P=0.017), GSDME rs12540919 (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.27-0.99, P=0.045) and NLRP3 rs3806268 (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.03-2.22, P=0.037). There was no significant difference in the association between other genetic variations and AEs of rectal cancer patients (all P>0.05). Surgical procedure and tumor location had great impacts on the occurrence of grade ≥2 diarrhea and dermatitis (all P<0.01). Conclusion: The genetic variants of CASP4, CASP11, GSDME and NLRP3 are associated with the occurrence of AEs in patients with rectal cancer who received postoperative CRT, suggesting they may be potential genetic markers in predicting the grade of AEs to achieve individualized treatment of rectal cancer.

Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score and Electrophysiological Analysis of Jiangshi Xuantong Decoction in Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Jiangshi Xuantong decoction （JSXT） in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy patients with arthralgia syndrome caused by wind， heat， and dampness，investigate the changes in common clinical evaluation indexes and electrophysiology，and verify its effectiveness and safety. Method:A total of 120 patients were randomly divided into a JSXT group （<italic>n</italic>=60） and a mecobalamin group （<italic>n</italic>=60）. The changes in Toronto clinical neuropathy scores （TCNSs），traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores，efficacy for TCM syndrome，electrophysiological results in the electromyogram， and safety indexes before and after JSXT treatment of peripheral neuropathy were observed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of JSXT for peripheral neuropathy. Result:No significant differences in various indexes among patients were observed before treatment. The TCM syndrome score，TCNS， and electrophysiological results in the electromyogram of the patients after treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The evaluation indexes of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. During the follow-up，the evaluation indexes in the treatment group increased with time，and the corresponding growth was higher than that in the control group. There were no significant adverse reactions in both groups，and the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion:JSXT in the treatment of patients with peripheral neuropathy is superior to the control in terms of clinical symptoms，relevant scores， and electrophysiological results，with definite clinical efficacy. It is proved safe and reliable and can effectively and quickly enhance peripheral neurological function，improve the quality of life，and alleviate the negative emotions of patients. Therefore，JSXT possesses a good clinical therapeutic efficacy on patients with peripheral neuropathy and is expected to provide a new treatment method for patients with peripheral neuropathy，which is worthy of further clinical promotion.

Effect of Comprehensive Protocol of Integrative Medicine on Motor Function, Activity of Daily Living and Quality of Life in Hemiplegia Patients after Stroke / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of integrative medicine (IM) rehabilitation protocolon motor function, activity of daily living, and quality of life (QOL) in hemiplegia patients after stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 120 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia were allocated to four groups using sealed envalope drawing, i.e., the rehabilitation group, the Chinese medical treatment group, the acupuncture group, and the comprehensive rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each group. Based on routine rehabilitative training, patients in the Chinese medical treatment group, the acupuncture group, and the compre-hensive rehabilitation group received standardized treatment based on syndrome typing, Shi's Consciousness-Restoring Resuscitation acupuncture, Chinese herbs + acupuncture comprehensive rehabilitatino protocol, respectively. The treatmet cycle consisted of 4 weeks with 24-week follow-ups. Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FMA), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale(SS-QQL), and safety assessment were taken as main effect indices before treatment, at week 4 of treatment, at week 12 and 24 of follow-ups, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistical difference in FMA score, MBI score, SS-QOL score among the four groups before treatment (P > 0.05). These scores were significantly improved in the four groups at week 4 of treatment, week 12 and 24 of follow-ups, respectively (P < 0.05). Besides, FMA score and SS-QOL score were significantly improved in the comprehensive rehabilitation group at each corresponding time point, as compared with other treatment groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The comprehensive protocol could significantly improve motor function, activity of daily living in hemiplegia patients after stroke, and further improve their QOL. Its effect was better than other single treatment.</p>

Effect of Naoshuantong capsule on change of SSQOL index in patients with ischemic stroke in six mouths follow-up / 中国中药杂志

To evaluate the effect of Naoshuantong capsule on the life quality of patients with ischemic stroke in six months of follow-up studies, and observe the adverse events. The results would provide reference for the secondary prevention on the recovery stage of ischemic stroke. 696 patients from 12 Class III Grade I hospitals nationwide were divided into 2 groups by central randomization system. The study group, 344 cases, were treated with Naoshuantong capsule plus Aspirin, and the control group, 352 cases, were treated with Aspirin. The patients were treated for 6 months. At the end of treatment, SS-QOL used for evaluating the quality of life was observed. The safety index was defined by adverse observation event. The incidence of adverse events and laboratory tests results were observed before and after treatment at the same time. The results indicated that compared to the control group, the treatment group had significant statistical difference in the impact of effort, self-care ability and the the work or labor ability of patients (P < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed. Naoshuantong capsule showed some superiority to Asprin on improving the quality of life on patients with ischemic stroke, and it could be used in secondary prevention on the recovery stage of ischemic stroke. Naoshuantong capsule is safe and effective in the treatment of convalescence ischemic stroke.

Study on effect of tetramethylpyrazine on proliferation and apoptosis of leukemic U937 cells and its mechanism / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the proliferation and apoptosis of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on leukemic U937 cells and its possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The inhibitory effect of TMP on the proliferation of U937 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The cell apoptosis and cycle distribution were examined by the flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of bcl-2 and P27 were determined by the Real-time PCR. Western blot was carried out to detect bcl-2, caspase-3, cyclin E1, CDK2 and P27 expressions.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>TMP inhibited the proliferation of U937 cells in a dose-and-time dependent manner, with IC50 value of 160 mg x L(-1) at 48 h. In addition, TMP could induce the apoptosis of U937 cells and block the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. According to the results of Real-time PCR and Western blot, TMP could down-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related molecule bcl-2, cycle-related protein cyclin E1 and CDK2 and up-regulate caspase-3 and P27.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TMP shows the effects in inhibiting the proliferation of leukemic U937 cells and inducing the apoptosis. Its mechanism may be related to the impacts on the cell cycle distribution, down-regulation of the bcl-2 expression, which finally activates caspase-3, starts the apoptosis path and causes the cell apoptosis.</p>

Change of iodine load and thyroid homeostasis induced by ammonium perchlorate in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Ammonium perchlorate (AP), mainly used as solid propellants, was reported to interfere with homeostasis via competitive inhibition of iodide uptake. However, detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, AP was administered at 0, 130, 260 and 520 mg/kg every day to 24 male SD rats for 13 weeks. The concentrations of iodine in urine, serum thyroid hormones levels, total iodine, relative iodine and total protein, and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in thyroid tissues were measured, respectively. Our results showed that high-dose perchlorate induced a significant increase in urinary iodine and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), with a decrease of total iodine and relative iodine content. Meanwhile, free thyroxine (FT4) was decreased and CAT activity was remarkably increased. Particularly, the CAT activity was increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that CAT might be enhanced to promote the synthesis of iodine, resulting in elevated urinary iodine level. Furthermore, these findings suggested that iodine in the urine and CAT activity in the thyroid might be used as biomarkers for exposure to AP, associated with thyroid hormone indicators such as TSH, FT4.

Change of iodine load and thyroid homeostasis induced by ammonium perchlorate in rats / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Ammonium perchlorate (AP), mainly used as solid propellants, was reported to interfere with homeostasis via competitive inhibition of iodide uptake. However, detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, AP was administered at 0, 130, 260 and 520 mg/kg every day to 24 male SD rats for 13 weeks. The concentrations of iodine in urine, serum thyroid hormones levels, total iodine, relative iodine and total protein, and malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in thyroid tissues were measured, respectively. Our results showed that high-dose perchlorate induced a significant increase in urinary iodine and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), with a decrease of total iodine and relative iodine content. Meanwhile, free thyroxine (FT4) was decreased and CAT activity was remarkably increased. Particularly, the CAT activity was increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that CAT might be enhanced to promote the synthesis of iodine, resulting in elevated urinary iodine level. Furthermore, these findings suggested that iodine in the urine and CAT activity in the thyroid might be used as biomarkers for exposure to AP, associated with thyroid hormone indicators such as TSH, FT4.

Health survey of plant workers for an occupational exposure to ammonium perchlorate / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the occupational hazards of ammonium perchlorate dust on operating workers and to provide the basis preventive measures for protecting the workers' health.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>36 workers exposed to ammonium perchlorate dust and 48 unexposed workers from one factory were selected as the exposure and control groups. Investigations on the general condition, sampling of dust in the workplaces and a special medical examination were conducted for two groups, including occupational history, clinical manifestations, blood routine test, hepatic and renal functions, indexes of thyroid hormone, spirometric test and chest X-ray.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total dust concentration of AP in the batch plant reached to 51.63 ± 43.27 mg/m(3), exceeding the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permission exposure limits. The systolic blood pressure in the exposure group was higher than that of the control group (146.14 ± 21.03 VS 134.67 ± 18.58), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The detection rates of the cumulative total symptoms, short of breath and skin itch symptoms in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group (86.11% VS 66.67%; 30.56% VS 12.50%) (P < 0.05), respectively. FT(3) level in the exposure group significantly lowered than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01); The pulmonary function result showed that FEV1/FVC% in the exposure group was lower than that in the control group (106.50 ± 28.99 VS 111.70 ± 19.72), but the difference was not significant. X-ray examination revealed one case of pulmonary X-ray abnormalities in the exposure group, diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, and one case with about 1.0 × 1.0 small nodules detected on the left of lung door area in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The systolic blood pressure of workers in the exposure group was significantly higher, which could not exclude related to the exposure to AP dust; The T(3) levels in the exposure workers were lower than those in the control group, which may due to AP exposure, suggesting that long-term chronic exposure to AP dust may affect thyroid function.</p>

Study on mechanism of thyroid cytotoxicity of ammonium perchlorate / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism of thyroid cytotoxicity mechanism of ammonium perchlorate (AP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thyroid cells were cultured in vitro to a certain stage and then exposed to AP (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 mmol/L) in culture solution; the cultured cells and supernatant were collected. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay; cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry; the concentration of thyroglobulin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and so on were measured by colorimetry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cells exposed to 60 mmol/L AP for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h had cell viabilities of 74.93%, 42.26%, 2.66%, and 0.99%, respectively, and the cells exposed to 40 mmol/L AP for 24, 48, and 72 h had cell viabilities of 73.15%, 30.91%, and 3.03%, respectively, all significantly lower than that of the control group (100%)(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The overall apoptosis rate of all AP-exposed cells was significantly higher than that of the control group; the cells exposed to 20, 40, and 60 mmol/L AP had early apoptosis rates of 15.70%, 15.84%, and 16.96%, respectively, significantly higher than that of the control group (9.54%)(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); the cells exposed to 60 mmol/L AP had a late apoptosis rate of 16.54%, significantly higher than that of the control group (6.11%)(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The cells exposed to 40 mmol/L AP had a significantly higher LDH activity than the control group (0.70 U/ml vs 0.55 U/ml, P < 0.01). The cells exposed to 5 mmol/L AP had a significantly higher MDA level than the control group (1.08 mmol/L vs 2.36 mmol/L, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AP can markedly change the cell morphology and decrease the cell viability of thyroid cells, which may be because AP inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis, and destroys cell membranes. However, AP does not result in significant oxidative damage to thyroid cells.</p>

Effects of qi-supplementing dominated Chinese materia medica combined with rehabilitation training on the quality of life of ischemic post-stroke fatigue patients of qi deficiency syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of qi-supplementing dominated Chinese materia medica (QSDCMM) combined with rehabilitation training on the quality of life (QOL) of ischemic post-stroke fatigue (PSF) patients of qi deficiency syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety ischemic stroke patients of qi deficiency were randomly assigned to 3 groups, 30 in each. Patients in the Chinese medicine treatment group were treated with oral administration of QSDCMM decoction and rehabilitation. Those in the Western medicine treatment group were treated with Chinese medicine placebo, Western medicine, and rehabilitation. Those in the control group were treated with Chinese medicine placebo and rehabilitation. The therapeutic course for all was 4 weeks. All patients were assessed using Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment the scores of SS-QOL and FSS increased in the 3 groups, especially in the CM treatment group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). After treatment significant difference existed between the CM treatment group and the Western medicine treatment group, between the CM treatment group and the control group, showing significant difference (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the Western medicine treatment group and the control group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QSDCMM combined with rehabilitation training could improve the QOL of ischemic PSF patients of qi deficiency syndrome.</p>

Effects of integrative medicine protocols on the improvement of neural function deficit and disability outcomes in patients with acute ischemic cerebral stroke / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of integrative medicine protocols on the neural function deficit and short-term disability outcomes in patients with acute ischemic cerebral stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>99 patients were randomly assigned to three groups, i.e., the Dengzhan Xixin (fleabane) group (Group A), the Kudiezi (sowthistle-leaf ixeris seedling) group (Group B), and the Western medicine control group (Group C). Dengzhan Xixin Injection was intravenously dripped to patients in Group A for 14 days. Chinese decoction was administered to them by pattern typing as well. Meanwhile, they took Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule for two months. Kudiezi Injection was intravenously dripped to patients in Group B for 14 days. Chinese decoction was administered to them by pattern typing as well. Meanwhile, they took Naoshuantong Capsule for two months. In addition to internal therapies, patients in Group A and B received acupuncture, massage, and external washing with Chinese medicine for 21 days. Patients in Group C also received modem rehabilitation therapy for 21 days, including rehabilitation training and electronic stimulus in addition to the internal medicine. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and disability outcome (modified Rank Scale, mRS) were taken as main effect indices.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The NIHSS scores at each time point obviously decreased more than before treatment in all the three groups (P<0.01), but with no difference at each time point (P>0.05). The disability outcomes of all the three groups postponed as time went by. Significant difference existed among the three groups by log-lineal model (CATMOD) (P<0.05). The best effect was shown in Group B, with the markedly effective rate of 19. 35% and the total effective rate 54.84%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The integrative medicine protocols could improve the nerve functions of ischemic stroke patients. Therefore, it could improve the disability outcomes. The comprehensive protocol (Kudiezi Injection + Naoshuantong Capsule + Chinese decoction according to pattern typing + acupuncture + massage + external washing with Chinese medicine) was better.</p>

Comparison of two kinds of methods to prepare Chinese medicine Danggui Buxue formula pellets / 中国中药杂志

The pellet-preparating theories and processes of two kinds of methods of extrusion-spheronization and fluid-bed coating method were compared. The micromeritic properties, yield and in vitro dissolution of Danggui Buxue pellets prepared by the two methods were determined. Results showed that the Danggui Buxue pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization were all spheral with smooth surface, the yield of those pellets was higher and in vitro dissolution of those pellets was more satisfactory. So the two kinds of methods were all suitable to prepare Dang-gui-bu-xue pellets, but Extrusion-spheronization was superior to fluid-bed coating method.

5-HT1A/1B receptors, alpha2-adrenoceptors and the post-receptor adenylate cyclase activation in the mice brain are involved in the antidepressant-like action of agmatine / 药学学报

This study is to explore the possible mechanisms of the antidepressant-like effect of agmatine. By using two traditional "behavior despair" model, tail suspension test and forced swimming test, we examined the effects of some monoamine receptor antagonists (including beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist/5-HT1A/1B receptor antagonist pindolol, alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonists yohimbine and idazoxan and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron) on the antidepressant-like action of agmatine in mice. Activity of adenylate cyclase (AC) in the synapse membrane from rat frontal cortex was determined by radioimmunoassay. Single dose of agmatine (5-40 mg x kg(-1), ig) dose-dependently decrease the immobility time in tail suspension test in mice, indicating an antidepressant-like effect. The effect of agmatine (40 mg x kg(-1), ig) was antagonized by co-administration of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist/5-HT1A/1B receptor antagonist pindolol (20 mg x kg(-1), ip), alpha2-adrenergic receptor antagonists yohimbine (5-10 mg x kg(-1), ip) or idazoxan (4 mg x kg(-1), ip), but not beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol (5-20 mg x kg(-1), ip) and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron (5-40 mg x kg(-1), ip). Agmatine (5-40 mg x kg(-1), ig) also dose-dependently decrease the immobility time in forced swimming test in mice. The effect of agmatine (40 mg x kg(-1), ig) was also antagonized by pindolol (20 mg x kg(-1), ip), yohimbine (5-10 mg x kg(-1), ip), or idazoxan (4 mg x kg(-1), ip). Incubation of agmatine (0.1-6.4 micromol x L(-1)) with the synaptic membrane extracted from rat frontal cortex activated the AC in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. While the effect of agmatine (6.4 micromol x L(-1)) was dose-dependently antagonized by pindolol (1 micromol x L(-1)) or yohimbine (0.25-1 micromol x L(-1)). Chronic treatment with agmatine (10 mg x kg(-1), ig, bid, 2 w) or fluoxetine (10 mg x kg(-1), ig, bid, 2 w) increased the basic activity, as well as the Gpp (NH)p (1-100 micromol x L(-1)) stimulated AC activity in rat prefrontal cortex. These results indicate that regulation on 5-HT1A/1B and alpha2 receptors, and activation AC in the frontal cortex is one of the important mechanisms involving in agmatine's antidepressant-like action.

Effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on pancreatic cell mass in type 1 diabetic mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on pancreatic beta cell mass in type 1 diabetic mice.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Diabetic mice induced by multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLD-STZ) were administered either APS (100, 200, 400 mg x kg(-1) body weight) or saline intraperitoneally daily, and sacrificed after 15 or 30 days of treatment. Streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemical method with counterstain was performed to determine the effect of APS on insulitis. Indirect double immunofluorescence for Insulin/Ki67 (counterstained by Hoechst33258) and Insulin/Cleaved caspase-3 was used to evaluate pancreatic cell (besides beta cell) proliferation, beta cell neogenesis, beta cell apoptosis and beta cell mass. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was utilized to characterize pancreatic regenerating protein 1 mRNA levels, and ELISA method was performed to measure the levels of cytokine IFN-gamma and IL-4 secreted by splenocytes.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Attenuated insulitis, upregulated beta cell mass, increased number of neogenetic pancreas islets, decreased number of apoptosis beta cells and downregulation of Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio were significantly time-and dose-dependent on APS treatment, when compared to saline controls. However, no significant differences of the number of pancreatic proliferative cells or replicative cells and pancreatic regenerating protein 1 mRNA levels were demonstrated between APS (APS100, APS200 and APS400) and saline vehicle group on day 15 and 30 with APS treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>APS can upregulate pancreatic beta cell mass in type 1 diabetic mice, strongly associated with improved autoimmunity.</p>

Formulation and process optimization of formula Qiqi pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To prepare traditional Chinese medicine formula Qiqi pellets by extrusion-spheronization and study the optimal formulation and process.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Qiqi pellets were prepared by a new style extrusion-spheronization equipment, the optimal formulation and process was obtained by the studies of influenitial factors and L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design, the micromeritic properties and product yield of pellets were determined.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The formula Qiqi pellets prepared by extrusion-spheronization were all spheral with smooth surface; the product yield was high.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Extrusion-spheronization was suitable to produce Chinese Herbal Medicine pellets. The preparation process was simple and feasible; The quality of the prepared pellets was excellent. It was worth further study.</p>