Antiarrhythmic active components in traditional Chinese medicine acting on potassium channels / 中国中药杂志

Arrhythmia is an external manifestation of cardiac electrophysiological disorder. It exists in healthy people and patients with various heart diseases, which is often associated with other cardiovascular diseases. The contraction and diastole of myocardium are inseparable from the movement of ions. There are many ion channels in the membrane and organelle membrane of myocardium. The dynamic balance of myocardial ions is vital in maintaining myocardial electrical homeostasis. Potassium ion channels that have a complex variety and a wide distribution are involved in the whole process of resting potential and action potential of cardiomyocytes. Potassium ion channels play a vital role in maintaining normal electrophysiological activity of myocardium and is one of the pathogenesis of arrhythmia. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has unique advantages in treating arrhythmia for its complex active components and diverse targets. A large number of TCM preparations have definite effect on treating arrhythmia-related diseases, whose antiarrhythmic mechanism may be related to the effect on potassium channel. This article mainly reviewed the relevant studies on the active components in TCM acting on different potassium channels to provide references for clinical drug use and development.

Study on formulation and revision of standard limit for formaldehyde in the "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Formaldehyde, as an important pollutant in indoor air, has always been of great concern. In the newly issued "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)", the standard limit of formaldehyde has been restricted to 0.08 mg/m3. In order to better promote the implementation and application of this new standard, this study reviewed and interpreted the relevant technical content for determining the standard limit, including the indoor concentration and human exposure levels of formaldehyde, the health effects of formaldehyde, and the derivation of safety reference values. It also proposed prospect for the future development and revision of quality standards for formaldehyde in indoor air.

Study on formulation and revision of standard limit for formaldehyde in the "Standards for indoor air quality（GB/T 18883-2022）" in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Formaldehyde, as an important pollutant in indoor air, has always been of great concern. In the newly issued "Standards for indoor air quality (GB/T 18883-2022)", the standard limit of formaldehyde has been restricted to 0.08 mg/m3. In order to better promote the implementation and application of this new standard, this study reviewed and interpreted the relevant technical content for determining the standard limit, including the indoor concentration and human exposure levels of formaldehyde, the health effects of formaldehyde, and the derivation of safety reference values. It also proposed prospect for the future development and revision of quality standards for formaldehyde in indoor air.

Establishment of a Rat Model of Hypotension Induced by Reserpine / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To determine the optimal dosage and intervention duration of reserpine to establish a rat model of hypotension.Methods According to the body weight and systolic blood pressure (SBP),60 male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups (n=10),including a control group and five observation groups with different doses.The control group was administrated with 10 ml/kg 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution,and the observation groups with 0.016,0.032,0.064,0.128,and 0.160 mg/kg reserpine suspensions,respectively.All the groups were administrated by gavage twice a day,and the body weights of rats were monitored daily.SBP and heart rate (HR) were measured before modeling and 1-6 weeks after administration.After 6 weeks of administration,the blood samples of inner canthus were collected.The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB),alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase (AST),serum creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured by an autoanalyzer.Three rats in each group were randomly selected for observation of the changes in SBP after drug withdrawal and the rest rats were sacrificed for measurement of the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.Results Compared with the control group,different doses of reserpine lowered the SBP of rats (F=28.492,P<0.001).The decline in SBP increased in a concentration-dependent manner.SBP reached the lowest value after 1 week,rose slightly later,and was stable after 3 weeks of administration.There was no significant difference in SBP between 0.016 mg/kg reserpine group and the control group after the 5th week (P>0.05).The SBP levels of rats in 0.032,0.064,0.128,and 0.160 mg/kg reserpine groups showed no significant difference between each other (P=0.204) and were lower than that in the control group (all P<0.001).One week after drug withdrawal,the SBP of rats in the observation groups rose to the baseline level and remained stable.HR showed similar changes among groups,first increasing and then decreasing.There was no significant difference in HR among different groups at the same time point (F=0.922,P=0.475).Compared with the control group,reserpine of different doses reduced the norepinephrine content in the hippocampus (all P<0.001),and 0.128 mg/kg (P=0.045) and 0.160 mg/kg (P=0.042) reserpine lowered the dopamine level in the striatum,which showed no significant differences between different reserpine groups(P=0.343,P=0.301).The levels of LDH,CK-MB,and BUN in the serum increased with the increase in reserpine concentration,and the levels of LDH (P=0.001),CK-MB (P=0.020),AST (P=0.007),and BUN (P=0.001) in the 0.160 mg/kg reserpine group were significantly different from those in the control group.Conclusions The rat model of hypotension can be induced by gavage with reserpine.The gavage with reserpine at a dose of 0.032 mg/kg,twice a day for three consecutive weeks is the optimal scheme for the modeling.After the model establishment,continuous administration is essential to maintain the hypotension.

Advances in N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Signaling Pathway and Mechanism of the Pathway-mediated Apoptosis / 中国医学科学院学报

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR),an important ionic glutamate receptor and a ligand and voltage-gated ion channel characterized by complex composition and functions and wide distribution,plays a key role in the pathological and physiological process of diseases or stress states.NMDAR can mediate apoptosis through different pathways such as mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum damage,production of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite,and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and calpain.This paper reviews the structure,distribution,and biological characteristics of NMDAR and the mechanisms of NMDAR-mediated apoptosis.

Network Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in treatment of hypertension / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of oral Chinese patent medicines on hypertension with network Meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials on the treatment of hypertension with oral Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional western medicine were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library(from establishment of the database to August 2021). Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted the data, and evaluated article quality. Then R 4.1.0 was employed for data analysis. Finally, 195 eligible articles were screened out, involving 22 546 patients and 18 oral Chinese patent medicines. The results of the network Meta-analysis are as follows. In terms of reducing systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP), Xuesaitong, Qiangli Dingxuan Tablets, Songling Xuemaikang Capsules combined with conventional western medicine are superior. In improving blood lipids, the overall effects of Xinmaitong Capsules, Compound Xueshuantong Capsules, Ginkgo Folium preparations, Yindan Xinnaotong Soft Capsules, and Naoxintong Capsules combined with conventional western medicine are outstanding. In terms of regulating endothelial function, Yindan Xinnaotong Soft Capsules, Xinmaitong Capsules, Zhenju Jiangya Tablets, Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, Xuesaitong with conventional western medicine have certain advantages. As for the safety, the incidence of adverse reactions of conventional western medicine combined with oral Chinese patent medicines is lower than that of conventional western medicine alone. In summary, compared with conventional western medicine alone, the 18 oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in the treatment of hypertension show advantages in improving blood pressure, blood lipids, and endothelial function. Among them, Xuesaitong, Qiangli Dingxuan Tablets, and Songling Xuemaikang Capsules may be the best oral Chinese patent medicines for lowering blood pressure. The conclusion needs to be further verified by more high-quality studies.

Recommendations for public health protection against flood disaster / 中华预防医学杂志

Flood disaster is one of the most serious natural disasters in the world, and it could pose an inestimable impact on the affected people. Based on existing laws, regulations, and emergency manuals in China, extensive literature review, epidemiological and related protection evidence, and expert consultation, this study analyzed different health risk factors of flood disaster and proposed a multi-stage, multi-population, and multi-phase comprehensive protection measures for the public in the perspective of pre-event prevention, in-event intervention and post-event rescue strategy, which could provide a scientific basis for improving the level of public health protection against the flood disaster and corresponding health outcomes.

Effect of Qi-regulating,Phlegm-resolving,and Blood-promoting Prescription on Rat Coronary Microvascular Thrombosis and Coronary Microvascular Occlusion / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the effect of qi-regulating,phlegm-resolving,and blood-promoting prescription on coronary microvascular thrombosis and coronary microvascular occlusion in rat models. Methods Totally 125 healthy clean-grade male SD rats weighing (300±25) g were sequentially numbered and then randomly divided into treatment group (n=60),control group (n=60) and blank group (n=5).Rats in the treatment group and control group received apical left ventricular injection of sodium laurate to establish rat models of coronary microvascular thrombosis. Then,rats in the control group were given distilled water by gavage one day before operation and after surgery. In contrast,rats in the treatment group were given qi-regulating,phlegm-resolving,and blood-promoting prescription by gavage one day before operation and after surgery. Five rats from both treatment group and control group were killed at each of six time points (1 hour,24th hour,7th day,14th day,21th day,and 28th day),and the myocardium specimens were harvested. The 5 rats in the blank group did not receive any special treatment and were given normal feeding;in the 28th day,they were sacrificed to obtain the myocardial specimens. Pathological sections of rat myocardial tissues were made to observe and compare the degrees of coronary microvascular thrombosis and coronary microvascular obstruction.Results In the treatment group and the control group,coronary microvascular thrombosis occurred 1 hour after apical sodium laurate injection and reached the peak at the 24th hour. Compared with the blank group,the treatment group and the control group showed different degree of coronary microvascular obstruction. Comparison between the treatment group and the control group at each time point showed that the coronary microvascular thrombosis in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The severity of coronary microvascular occlusion was significantly milder in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusions Apical left ventricular injection of sodium laurate successfully established rat models of coronary microvascular thrombosis. Qi-regulating,phlegm-resolving,and blood-promoting prescription can reduce coronary microvascular thrombosis and improve coronary microvascular obstruction.

Analysis of Medication Laws for Chinese Medicine Treating Hypertension Patients with Yin Defi- ciency Yang Hyperactivity Syndrome Based on Literatures / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze medication laws of Chinese medicine (CM) treatment in hypertension patients with yin deficiency yang hyperactivity syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, Jan. 1979-Dec 2014), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP, Jan 1989-Dec2014), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM, Jan.1978-Dec.2014), Wanfang Database (Jan 1990-Dec 2014) were retrieved by using "hypertension", "CM", "Chinese herbs", "syndrome" as keywords. Totally 149 literatures concerning CM treatment for hypertension patients with yin deficiency yanghyperactivity syndrome were included in this study. The herbs database was established by SPSS20.0,and correlation laws were analyzed by SAS9.3. With the Pajek3.1, results were presented visually withcomplex networks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 149 literatures including 131 kinds of herbs with 1,598 frequencies. The conventional compatibility program of herbs for asthenic yin and predominant yang syndrome of hypertension were two toothed achyranthes root, tall gastrodia rhizome, Cassia obtusifolia L., eucommiabark, baikal skullcap root, and so on, about 29 kinds. Of them, core herbs were two toothed achyranthes root, tall gastrodia rhizome, Cassia obtusifolia L., poria, prepared rhizome of rehmannia, oriental water-plantain tuber, asiatic cornelian cherry fruit, Uncariae Rhynchophylla, common yam rhizome, the rootbark of the peony tree, and so on.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Medication laws of CM treatment in hypertension patientswith yin deficiency yang hyperactivity syndrome obtained by analysis of complex networks reflected thetherapeutics of nourishing yin to suppress yang, which could further provide reference for clinical studies.</p>

Scientific Evaluation of TCM Clinical Outcomes Rating Scale for Heart Failure Based on Patients Report / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical outcomes rating scale for heart failure (HF) based on patients' report.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TCM clinical outcomes rating scale for HF (TCM-HF-PRO) were evaluated based on 340 HF patients' report from multiple centers. The completion of the investigation was recorded. Cronbach's α coefficient and split-half reliability were used for reliability analysis, and factor analysis was used to assess the construct validity of the rating scale. Pearson correlation analysis was then used for criterion validity analysis. Discriminant analysis was used to assess the responsiveness of the scale. All 340 HF patients having complete TCM-HF-PRO data were assigned to the treatment group and the control group by central randomization. The total TCM-HF-PRO scores of the two groups were compared using paired t-test to reflect the longitude responsiveness of the scale before treatment and at week 2 after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The recycling rate of the scale was 100.0%. One of them was not filled completely, which was rejected thereby. So the completion rate was 99.7%. The completion time for TCM-HF-PRO scale ranged 15 to 25 min. (2) The Cronbach's α coefficient of rating scale was 0.903, split-half reliability was 0.844 and 0.849. (3) Confirmatory factor analysis showed that 7 factors and items formed according to maximum load factor basically coincided with the construct of the rating scale, 7 factors accumulated contribution rate was 43.8%. TCM clinical outcomes rating scale for HF based on patients' report was relatively better correlated with the Minnesota living with HF questionnaire (r = 0.726, P < 0.01). (4) Discriminant analysis showed that the rating scale correctly classified more than 78.8% of case studies having confirmed initial differential diagnosis by experts. The total scale of the rating scale decreased more in the two group after treatment, with significant difference as compared with before treatment (P < 0.01.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TCM clinical outcomes rating scale for HF based on patients' report had good reliability, validity and responsiveness, hence it could be used to assess clinical efficacy for HF patients.</p>

Study on the influence of curcumin on chemosensitivity of nephroblastoma cells

Objective To study the influence of curcumin on chemosensitivity of nephroblastoma cells. Methods Human nephroblastoma cells line SK-NEP-1 was transplanted to the nude mice subcutaneously to establish the implantation tumor model of human nephroblastoma cells. A total of 30 tumor-bearing mice were divided into three groups of ten randomly. The routine chemotherapy group was given vincristine (0.05 mg/mL·0.2 mL/d) and actinomycin D (15 ng/mL·0.2 mL/d) combined chemotherapy regime. The curcumin chemotherapy group was given the same combined chemotherapy regimens and curcumin (30 mg/kg/d) by intraperitoneal injection. The control group was given normal saline (NS) of the same volume by intraperitoneal injection. Continuous administration would be kept for 4 weeks and 3 days a week. The volumetric changes of every group were recorded. The serum of every group in different time was collected and the VEGF content was detected by ELISA. All mice were cercrificed and the tumor tissues were stripped and weighed after 4 week's treatment. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated. The cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate were detected by MTT and flow cytometry method. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 19.0. Results The tumor volume, serum VEGF content, tumor inhibition rate, cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate of routine chemotherapy group and curcumin chemotherapy group had significant differences comparing with the control group (P < 0.05) after 4-week's treatment. The cancer growth of curcumin chemotherapy group was obviously decreased and even tended to shrink comparing with routine chemotherapy group (χ

Study on the influence of curcumin on chemosensitivity of nephroblastoma cells

OBJECTIVE@#To study the influence of curcumin on chemosensitivity of nephroblastoma cells.@*METHODS@#Human nephroblastoma cells line SK-NEP-1 was transplanted to the nude mice subcutaneously to establish the implantation tumor model of human nephroblastoma cells. A total of 30 tumor-bearing mice were divided into three groups of ten randomly. The routine chemotherapy group was given vincristine (0.05 mg/mL·0.2 mL/d) and actinomycin D (15 ng/mL·0.2 mL/d) combined chemotherapy regime. The curcumin chemotherapy group was given the same combined chemotherapy regimens and curcumin (30 mg/kg/d) by intraperitoneal injection. The control group was given normal saline (NS) of the same volume by intraperitoneal injection. Continuous administration would be kept for 4 weeks and 3 days a week. The volumetric changes of every group were recorded. The serum of every group in different time was collected and the VEGF content was detected by ELISA. All mice were cercrificed and the tumor tissues were stripped and weighed after 4 weeks' treatment. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated. The cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate were detected by MTT and flow cytometry method. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 19.0.@*RESULTS@#The tumor volume, serum VEGF content, tumor inhibition rate, cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate of routine chemotherapy group and curcumin chemotherapy group had significant differences comparing with the control group (P < 0.05) after 4-week's treatment. The cancer growth of curcumin chemotherapy group was obviously decreased and even tended to shrink comparing with routine chemotherapy group (χ(2) = 15.732, P = 0.007). The cell proliferation activity was significantly reduced and the apoptosis rate was significantly higher, (χ(2) = 9.427, P = 0.012) which showing the effect of chemotherapy was enhanced.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The chemosensitivity of nephroblastoma cells could be improved by curcumin, then the effect of preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy scheme would be enhanced, the growth of nephroblastoma cells would be inhibited and the surgical risk of nephroblastoma would be reduced.

Establishment and evaluation on the animal models with coronary microcirculation dysfunction / 中国医学科学院学报

Animal models of coronary microcirculation dysfunction are useful in research on the pathology of coronary microcirculation dysfunction and its intervention mechanisms. Currently, such animal modes are prepared mainly by mechanical obstruction and chemical damage form coronary microembolization or microthrombosis. This paper summarizes the currently available preparation techniques and compared their advantages and disadvantages.

Expert survey for Chinese medicine syndrome characteristics of different clinical types of coronary artery disease based on the Delphi method / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To carry out expert survey for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome characteristics of different clinical types of coronary artery disease (CAD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>By using Delphi method, we carried out two rounds of nationwide expert surveys for modern TCM characteristics of syndrome elements and syndrome types of CAD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Based on expert consensus, qi deficiency, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, qi deficiency blood stasis, and intermingled phlegm and blood stasis are common TCM syndromes for different clinical types of CAD. Of them, qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, heat accumulation, cold coagulation, yang deficiency, deficiency of both qi and yang were more often seen in patients with unstable angina than in those with stable angina. Qi deficiency, yin deficiency, and deficiency of both qi and yin were less seen. We could see more excess syndrome and less deficiency syndrome (such as qi deficiency, yin deficiency, etc.) in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) than acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Qi deficiency, blood stasis, water retention, yang deficiency, phlegm turbidity, yin deficiency, Xin-qi deficiency, and qi deficiency blood stasis induced water retention are the most common TCM syndrome types of CAD heart failure (HF). Blood deficiency, yin deficiency, heat accumulation, deficiency of both Xin and Pi, deficiency of both qi and blood, deficiency of both qi and yin, yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity were more often seen in CAD arrhythmias.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TCM syndrome distributions of different clinical types of CAD have common laws and individual characteristics. Results based on the expert consensus supplied evidence and support for clinical diagnosis and treatment of CAD.</p>

Application and evaluation of Chinese medicine in treatment of chronic heart failure / 中国中西医结合杂志

Chinese medicine (CM) has been widely used in treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) and a large number of researches has been done on its clinical application. Through the analysis and assessment of these literatures, CM syndromes and corresponding treatment regimens for heart failure (CF) could be better understood and used in clinics. This will provide guidelines for the treatment of HF and further elevate higher standards of research.

Routine western medicine treatment plus qishen yiqi dripping pill for treating patients with chronic heart failure: a systematic review of randomized control trials / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To systematically review the safety and efficacy of Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pill (QYDP) as a complementary treatment for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Cochrane Library were retrieved for papers on randomized control trials of treating CHF patients by routine western medical treatment plus QYDP. The quality of inclusive literatures was assessed by methods from Cochrane Handbook. Valid data were extracted and analyzed by Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.1.0 Software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 17 trials and 1840 patients in line with standard were included. Results of Meta-analysis showed, compared with the routine Western medical treatment group, additional use of QYDP could decrease re-admission rate [RR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.33, 0.81), P = 0.004] and the mortality rate, improve the clinical efficacy [RR = 1.18, 95% CI (1.12, 1.25), P < 0.01] and cardiac function [RR = 1.18, 95% CI (1.10, 1.27),P < 0.01], increase left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [WMD = 5.57, 95% CI (4.16, 6.97), P < 0.01] of CHF patients. Subgroup analysis of LVEF showed that additional use of QYDP could further improve LVEF [ WMD = 8.34, 95% CI (6.23, 10.45), P < 0.01] of CHF patients and increase the distance of their 6-min walk test [WMD = 94.39, 95% CI (71.89, 116.89), P < 0.01]. But there was no statistical difference in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) between the two groups. No obvious adverse reaction and liver or kidney damage was reported during the trial.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared with the Western medical treatment, additional use of QYDP was safe and could further improve clinical efficacy. However, larger and high-quality clinical trials are necessary for further evidence.</p>

Contemporary treatment of Western and Chinese medicine for cardiac syndrome X / 中国结合医学杂志

Clinical reports on cardiac syndrome X (CSX) have been increasing in recent years. In general, CSX does not increase the cardiovascular mortality, but it can affect the patient's quality of life (QOL) and increase the incidence rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Although a variety of drugs and therapies have been utilized in the clinical treatment, the management of CSX still represents a major challenge due to its unclear pathogenesis. It is necessary to explore more effective treatment programs. Many attempts have been made on trials of the Chinese medicine (CM) treatment for CSX and proved that CM has a certain advantage in efficacy to improve clinical symptoms and QOL. CM may provide a new approach for the effective treatment of CSX.

Effect of heavy metals exposure on neurobehavioral function in welders / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between heavy metals exposure and neurobehavioral function impairment in welders.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The metals exposure in 82 welders and 51 operators were investigated with blood Pb, Cd and Mn via AAS, and the nervous impairment was evaluated with neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Pb [(115.49 +/- 79.22) microg/L] and Cd [(3.67 +/- 3.19) microg/L] in welders were significantly higher than operators [(69.32 +/- 50.79) and (0.83 +/- 0.76) microg/L respectively] (P < 0.05). Welders had worse standard scores of NCTB 13 items such as depression-dejection than non-welders (P < 0.05). Significant difference of confusion-bewilderment and forward digit span in welders only existed in different groups of Pb and Mn, respectively. A dose-effect relationship was found between forward digit span and serum Mn level in welders. General linear regression analysis indicated that Pb exposure, Mn exposure and alcohol consume had negative relation with the loss of nervous system function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The nervous impairment in welders is attributed to occupational exposure to Pb and Mn, concomitantly.</p>

The study of multi-detector CT on the grouping and measuring of the hepatic veins / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To study the three-dimensional topography of the hepatic vein(HV),the inferior vena cava(IVC)and the inferior right hepatic vein(IRHV)in the retrohepatic and pre-IVC tunnel in human beings,and to provide an anatomic reference for liver surgery.Methods One hundred and ten volunteers underwent CT scanning at 60 to 75 s after injection of contrast medium,and their HV,IVC and IRHV were reconstructed into MPR and 3D-MIP images.The hepatic veins were grouped according to the way by which the hepatic vein enters IVC.The angle between the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein or the trunk of hepatic vein was measured,and the width from right hepatic vein to middle hepatic vein or to the trunk of hepatic vein on IVC was recorded.The frequency of IRHV was observed,and the length of the tunnel was measured.Results Among the 110 volunteers,there were 6 cases(5.45%)with three hepatic veins respectively entering IVC,98 cases(89.10%)with right hepatic vein and a common trunk of the middle hepatic vein and the left hepatic vein entering IVC,and 6 cases(5.45%)with left hepatic vein and a common trunk of the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein entering IVC.The mean value of the angles between the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein or the trunk of hepatic vein was(55? 18)?.The width from the fight hepatic vein to the middle hepatic vein or to the trunk of hepatic vein was (21?7)mm.The IRHV was observed in 30 cases(27.27%).The mean value of the tunnel length was (53?11)mm.Conclusion The parameters of the retrohepatic and pre-IVC tunnel in human beings can be measured accurately by the imaging of MPR,which can provide an anatomic reference for the liver surgery.