Guanxin Danshen Dripping Pills Improve Quality of Life and Cardiovascular Prognoses of CHD Patients after PCI with Anxiety or Depression (GLAD Study): A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the efficacy and safety of Guanxin Danshen Dripping Pills (GXDS) in the treatment of depression or anxiety in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).@*METHODS@#From September 2017 to June 2019, 200 CHD patients after PCI with depression and anxiety were included and randomly divided into GXDS (100 cases) and placebo control groups (100 cases) by block randomization and a random number table. Patients in the GXDS and control groups were given GXDS and placebo, respectively, 0.4 g each time, 3 times daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were scores of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7) and the Seattle Angina Pectoris Scale (SAQ). The secondary outcomes included 12 Health Survey Summary Form (SF-12) scores and the first onset time and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Other indices including blood pressure, blood lipids, microcirculation and inflammatory-related indices, etc. were monitored at baseline, week 4, and week 12.@*RESULTS@#In the full analysis set (200 cases), after treatment, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores in the GXDS group were considerably lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, the total PHQ-9 scores of the experimental and control groups decreased by 3.97 and 1.18, respectively. The corrected mean difference between the two groups was -2.78 (95% CI: -3.47, -2.10; P<0.001). The total GAD-7 score in the GXDS group decreased by 3.48% compared with the baseline level, while that of the placebo group decreased by 1.13%. The corrected mean difference between the two groups was -2.35 (95% CI: -2.95, -1.76; P<0.001). The degree of improvement in SAQ score, SF-12 score, endothelin and high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels in the GXDS group were substantially superior than those in the placebo group, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Similar results were obtained in the per protocol population analysis of 177 patients. Three cases of MACES were reported in this study (1 in the GXDS group and 2 in the placebo group), and no serious adverse events occurred.@*CONCLUSIONS@#GXDS can significantly alleviate depression and anxiety, relieve symptoms of angina, and improve quality of life in patients with CHD after PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800014291).

Clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fracture in adolescents / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intramedullary nailing for femoral shaft fracture in adolescents.Methods:From May 2017 to October 2019, 30 adolescent patients with femoral shaft fracture were treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They were 20 males and 10 females, aged from 12 to 17 years (average, 14 years), with 13 left and 17 right sides affected. They were all fixated with intramedullary nailing; open reduction and internal fixation was performed in 12 cases and closed reduction and internal fixation in 18 cases. Recorded were operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and time for postoperative antibiotic use; compared were lower limb length, neck-shaft angle, femoral neck diameter (FND), articular trochanteric distance (ATD) and Harris scores between the healthy and affected sides at the final follow-up.Results:For the 18 patients undergoing closed reduction and 12 patients undergoing open reduction, respectively, the intraoperative blood loss averaged 153.2 mL and 238.0 mL, the operation time 70.5 min and 91.5 min, and the time for antibiotic use 1.5 d and 3.0 d. The 30 patients were followed up for 12 to 41 months (average, 20.3 months). Follow-up revealed no such complications as fracture nonunion, delayed union, malunion, heterotopic ossification of the hip, refracture of the femoral shaft, or developmental deformity of the proximal femur. The lower limb length, neck-shaft angle, FND, ATD and Harris scores at the final follow-up were, respectively, 133.4°±2.3°, (29.3±4.2) mm, (27.1±6.3) mm and 96.4±3.6 for the affected side, insignificantly different from those for the healthy side [132.4°±3.5°, (30.2±3.6) mm, (26.4±6.8) mm and 95.6±4.7] ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Intramedullary nailing is effective for femoral shaft fracture in adolescents, leading to positive efficacy and limited complications and impact on the development of proximal femur.

-'s diagnosis and treatment characteristics of acupuncture-moxibustion for facial diseases / 中国针灸

Based on the three books of - (1931), - (1940) and - (1955) written by Mr. -, the classification of facial diseases as well as the records and evolution process of Chinese and western disease names are summarized and analyzed to discuss Mr. -'s understanding of facial diseases in different periods. Through the systematic analysis and comparison in the trilogy of acupuncture and moxibustion, the characteristics of syndrome differentiation and diagnosis-treatment of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for facial diseases by Mr. - are summarized, including clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment, which is adjusted with syndrome changes; simplified selection of acupoints, with attention on empirical acupoints; the strength of acupuncture is based on efficacy; acupuncture and moxibustion has specific indication; combination of acupuncture and medication could bring out the best in each other.

Possibility of acupuncture treatment of ischemic stroke via regulating intestinal flora-immune response / 针刺研究

At present, intestinal flora has attracted more and more attention from scholars in China and foreign countries, and its association with ischemic stroke (IS) has gradually become a new research hotspot in the field of stroke. Studies also showed that intestinal flora may be a risk factor which directly or indirectly affects the occurrence and development of IS through bacterial metabolites and immune activities. In the present paper, we review the positive effect of acupuncture and moxibustion in alleviating the symptoms of limb locomotor, speech, swallowing dysfunction, cognition, etc. to improve the IS patients' daily life ability and in strengthening the cellular immune function of the body. In addition, acupuncture and moxibustion have a positive effect in regulating intestinal flora and immune inflammation. Hence, in the present paper, we discuss their relationship and the possibility of application of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies to the treatment of IS according to the theory of "intestinal flora-immune response". It is thus reasonable to speculate that acupuncture and moxibustion can be used to promote the recovery of brain tissue injury and neurological function after stroke via correcting intestinal flora disturbance and reducing immune inflammatory response. In-depth exploration of the role of "intestinal flora-immune response" in the treatment of IS and the specific regulatory function of acupuncture and moxibustion will provide new ideas and research approaches to reveal their mechanisms in the treatment of stroke from a new perspective.

Arthroscopic riveting with line versus lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for habitual patellar dislocation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between arthroscopic riveting with line and lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted of the 40 children with habitual patellar dislocation who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics,Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to December 2016.They were divided evenly into an observation group and a control group according to the treatment methods (n =20).In the observation group which was treated by lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction,there were 14 boys and 6 girls,with an age of 14.2 ± 1.2 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.3 ± 1.1 times.In the control group which was treated by arthroscopic riveting with line,there were 13 boys and 7 girls,with an age of 13.8 ± 1.3 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.5 ± 1.2 times.The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analogue score (VAS),Q-angle,knee motion,Lysholm score and Kujala score of the knee at the last follow-ups.Results The 2 groups were comparable due to insignificant differences in preoperative general data between them (P ＞ 0.05).The observation and control groups were followed up for 13.3 ± 1.2 months and 12.9 ± 1.2 months,respec-tively,showing no significant difference between them(P ＞ 0.05).At the last follow-ups,the observation group had a significantly lower VAS score (2.2 ± 0.8 pints),a significantly smaller Q-angle (14.5°± 1.2°),significantly larger knee motion (30.3° ± 3.8°),and significantly higher Lysholm (91.6 ± 5.3 points) and Kujala scores (93.2 ±2.8 points) than the control group (4.3 ± 1.1 points,17.8°± 1.6°,23.4°±3.4°,81.4 ±4.4 points and 82.0 ± 5.4 points,respectively) (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion In the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation,lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction can lead to improvements in knee function and clinical symptoms and better clinical outcomes than arthroscopic riveting with line.

Arthroscopic riveting with line versus lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament re-construction for habitual patellar dislocation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective@#To compare the clinical efficacy between arthroscopic riveting with line and lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted of the 40 children with habitual patellar dislocation who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2016 to December 2016. They were divided evenly into an observation group and a control group according to the treatment methods (n=20). In the observation group which was treated by lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, there were 14 boys and 6 girls, with an age of 14.2±1.2 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.3±1.1 times. In the control group which was treated by arthroscopic riveting with line, there were 13 boys and 7 girls, with an age of 13.8±1.3 years and an average number of dislocations of 5.5±1.2 times. The 2 groups were compared in terms of visual analogue score (VAS), Q-angle, knee motion, Lysholm score and Kujala score of the knee at the last follow-ups.@*Results@#The 2 groups were comparable due to insignificant differences in preoperative general data between them (P>0.05). The observation and control groups were followed up for 13.3±1.2 months and 12.9±1.2 months, respectively, showing no significant difference between them(P>0.05). At the last follow-ups, the observation group had a significantly lower VAS score (2.2±0.8 pints), a significantly smaller Q-angle (14.5°±1.2°), significantly larger knee motion (30.3°±3.8°), and significantly higher Lysholm (91.6±5.3 points) and Kujala scores (93.2±2.8 points) than the control group (4.3±1.1 points, 17.8°±1.6°, 23.4°±3.4°, 81.4±4.4 points and 82.0±5.4 points, respectively) (all P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#In the treatment of habitual patellar dislocation, lateral retinacular release plus medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction can lead to improvements in knee function and clinical symptoms and better clinical outcomes than arthroscopic riveting with line.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Polygonum cuspidatum on acute gouty arthritis in mice through NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to study the effect and mechanism of alcohol extract from Polygonum cuspidatum(PCE) on acute gouty arthritis in C57 BL/6 mice through NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis. The model mice which injected with ankle joint injection of sodium urate crystals(MSU) were orally administrated with three different concentration of PCE, with colchicine as positive control. HE staining was used for observing the morphological changes of synovial tissue; concentration of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secreted by synovial tissue of the ankle joint were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 in synovial tissue were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The results showed that the swelling degree of ankle joint in model mice were significantly elevated; expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 also significant increase, compared with normal control group. The swelling degree of ankle joint significantly relief; expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in joint synovium significantly decrease; mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3, ASC and caspase-1 were significantly decrease in PCE treatment group compared with model group. Our research implied that alcohol extract from P. cuspidatum had positive effect on acute gouty arthritis in mice, and the regulation of NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis may be its mechanism.

Shovel-shaped electrode transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation versus plasmakinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To compare the safety and effectiveness of shovel-shaped electrode transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) with those of plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data about 78 BPH patients received in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from June 2016 to January 2017, 39 treated by shovel-shaped electrode PKEP and the other 39 by PKRP. We observed the patients for 6 months postoperatively and compared the effects and safety of the two surgical strategies.@*RESULTS@#No statistically significant difference was observed between the PKEP and PKRP groups in the operation time (［69.3 ± 8.8］ vs ［72.2 ± 7.9］ min, P = 0.126), but the former, as compared with the latter, showed a markedly less postoperative loss of hemoglobin (［3.9 ± 2.8］ vs ［13.9 ± 5.2］ g/L, P 0.05) and other postoperative complications.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Both PKEP and PKRP are effective methods for the treatment of BPH, but PKEP is worthier of clinical recommendation for a better safety profile, more thorough removal of the prostate tissue, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and better improved quality of life of the patient.

Risk factors and therapeutic strategies for primary biliary cholangitis patients with poor prognosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

With the progress in detection methods and the update of diagnostic and therapeutic concepts, more and more patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have been diagnosed and treated. A high proportion of PBC patients, however, progress to liver decompensation, with an increased risk of liver transplantation and death and a significant reduction in long-term survival. These patients need early diagnosis and urgent treatment. This article discusses how to identify the PBC patients with poor prognosis early from the aspects of biochemical response, disease features, and biomarkers, and reviews the progress in related complementary therapies and new drugs including Ocaliva, Fibrates, UDCA-derived drugs, and molecular targeted drugs.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Siguan on Expression of Tax1-binding Protein 1 in Cerebral Cortex in Focal Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Baihui(GV20)and Siguan(Hegu/LI4 and Taichong/LR3)of affected side on expression of Tax1-binding protein 1(TAX1BP1)in cerebral cortex in focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats,so as to in-vestigate its protective mechanism in inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and promoting neurobehavioral recovery. Methods A total of 105 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into sham group,model group and EA group.Each group was ran-domly assigned into reperfusion six hours,twelve hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours groups after two hours of ischemia.The model was es-tablished by right middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.EA group received electroacupuncture at Baihui and left Siguan(Hegu and Taichong)acupoints.Neurobehavioral evaluation,TAX1BP1 protein expression,TAX1BP1 positive cell count,zink finger protein A20 expression, and nuclear NF-κB p65 protein expression were tested in each group. Results There was no neurological deficit in the sham group. Compared with the model group, the neurological scores at 48 hours, 72 hours after reperfusion decreased in EA group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group,the TAX1BP1 expression at twelve hours,24 hours and 48 hours after reperfusion increased in the model group(P<0.05),and further increased at twelve hours,24 hours,48 hours and 72 hours after reperfusion in EA group(P<0.05),and peaked at 24 hours after reperfusion.Compared with the sham group,the expression of A20 and NF-κB p65,and the number of TAX1BP1 positive cells increased in the model group(P<0.05),and the expression of A20 and the number of TAX1BP1 positive cells further increased,(P<0.05)and the expression of NF-κB p65 decreased in EA group(P<0.05)at 24 hours after reperfusion.Immunofluorescence labeling indicat-ed that TAX1BP1 protein primarily expressed in the cytoplasm,TAX1BP1 protein and A20 protein co-expressed in the cytoplasm.Immuno-histochemistry showed indicated that NF-κB p65 mainly expressed in the nucleus in the model groupr,and mainly expressed in the cyto-plasm in the EA group.Conclusion Electroacupuncture could significantly inhibit neuronal NF-κB signaling pathway and promote neurobe-havioral recovery in focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion,which may related with up-regulating TAX1BP1 protein expression.

Flying needling therapy combined with clomiphene for ovulation failure in polycystic ovary syndrome:a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy among the combined treatment of flying needling therapy and clomiphene, the simple application of flying needling therapy and simple clomiphene in the treatment of ovulation failure in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety patients of PCOS were randomized into a flying needling therapy group, a medication group and a combined treatment group, 30 cases in each one. In the flying needling therapy group, the flying needling therapy was simply applied to Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zhongji (CV 3). The unilateral back-points were used alternatively in each treatment. The needles were inserted rapidly with rotation technique and even-needling manipulation. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week. In the medication group, clomiphene was taken orally on the 5th day of menstruation, continuously for 5 days. In the combined treatment group, the flying needling therapy and clomiphene were used in combination. All of the patients were treated for 3 months and followed up for 1 month. The ovulation rates were compared among the three groups. The levels of androgen testosterone were compared before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the combined treatment group, the ovulation rate was 86.2% (100/116), better than 66.7% (80/120) in the flying needling therapy group and 69.6% (78/112) in the medication group (both<0.05). The efficacy was similar between the fly needling therapy group and the medication group (>0.05). After treatment, the level of testosterone was reduced in the three groups (all<0.05). In the combined treatment group, the improvement in androgen level was better than those in the flying needling therapy group and the medication group (both<0.05). The efficacy was similar between the flying needling therapy group and the medication group (>0.05). The adverse reactions in the combined treatment group and the flying needling therapy group were lower than those in the medication group (both<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The flying needling therapy effectively improves in the ovulation failure of PCOS and its effect is similar to clomiphene. The allied treatment of them apparently improves the clinical efficacy and alleviates the adverse reactions.</p>

Effect of aqueous extract from roots of Arctium lappa on vascular remolding in hypertensive rats / 中草药

Objective: To observe the effect of aqueous extract from roots of Arctium lappa (AERAL) on vascular remolding in hypertensive rats. Methods: The hypertensive rat model was induced by N-nitro-L-arginine from 50 female Wistar rats, and randomly divided into model control group, positive control group (15 mg/kg), low-, mid-, and high-dose AERAL (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg), groups. After six weeks of continuous gavage administration, rat tail artery systolic pressure, angiotensin II (Ang-II), endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), left ventricular mass index (LVWI), and thickness of thoracic aortic tunica media (TTATM) were detected. Results: Compared with the normal control group, Ang-II, ET-1, TNF-α, LVWI, and TTATM were increased and rat tail artery systolic pressure was elevated in the model control group, with significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05); Compared with the model control group, rat tail artery systolic pressure in each treatment groups declined, serum Ang-II, ET-1, TNF-α, LVWI, and TTATM were all lowered, showing significant differences among them (P < 0.05). Conclusion: AERAL can significantly improve vascular remolding in rats with hypertension.

Effect and mechanism of jianpi qinghua recipe on renal functions of adriamycin-induced nephropathic rats from the angle of inhibiting renal fibrosis / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Jianpi Qinghua Recipe (JQR) on renal functions of adriamycin-induced focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) rats from the angle of activating fibroblasts to myofibroblast (MyoF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 56 rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (n=8), the sham-operation group (n =8), and the model group (n=40). The FSGS rat model was induced by nephrectomy of left kidney plus intravenous injection of adriamycin. Successfully modeled rats were further divided into 5 groups, i.e., the model group, the JQR group, the JPR (Jianpi Recipe) group, the QHR (Qinghua Recipe) group, and the NDQ (Niaoduqing) group, 8 in each group. Corresponding drugs were administered to rats in all groups, 2 mL each time, for 56 days. The effect of JQR on serum creatinine (SCr), urea nitrogen, 24-h urinary protein excretion, a-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) mRNA, collagen type III (Col III) mRNA, fibronectin (FN) mRNA, and collagen type IV (Col IV) mRNA were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>JQR could significantly lower SCr, urea nitrogen, and 24-h urinary protein excretion levels (P < 0.01), and significantly decrease mRNA levels of alpha-SMA, Col III, FN, and Col IV (P < 0.01). It was advantageous over the NDQ group. Compared with JPR, the relative expression levels of Col III mRNA and FN mRNA of JQR and QHR were significantly lower (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>JQR could improve the renal function and renal fibrosis in the adriamycin-induced nephropathic model rats. Its efficacy was superior to that of NDQ. Its mechanisms might be linked with inhibiting activation of fibroblasts.</p>

Yimusake Tablet: safe and efficacious for premature ejaculation / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To objectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yimusake Tablet in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE) through a multi-centered large-sample trial.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a multi-centered, open, fixed-dose, and self-compared clinical trial among 300 patients with diagnosed PE. The trial lasted 12 weeks, including 4 weeks without any medication and 8 weeks of treatment with Yimusake Tablet, 2 pills (1 g) per night. We observed the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) before and after treatment, evaluated the safety of medication, and performed a questionnaire investigation on the patients' satisfaction.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 300 PE patients, 288 accomplished the clinical trial. The patients ranged in age from 22 to 60 years, averaging at 31.6 years. The mean IELT of the patient was 62.5 seconds at baseline, 168.9 seconds after 4 weeks of treatment with Yimusake Tablet, and 222.2 seconds after 8 weeks of medication. Among the 157 patients with normal erectile function (IIEF >21), the mean IELT was 71.4 seconds before treatment, 147.4 seconds after 4 weeks of medication, and 172.5 seconds after 8 weeks of medication. The patients' satisfaction was significantly increased after treatment. Those complicated by mild to moderate erectile dysfunction achieved different degrees of improvement in the IIEF-5 score, with a mean increase of 3.8. Only a few patients experienced mild adverse events, including constipation, dry mouth, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, and lumbosacral pain, which were all relieved without drug withdrawal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Yimusake Tablet is a safe and effective medicine for the treatment of PE.</p>

MAPK p38 pathway may be involved in renal function improvement in chronic renal failure rats treated with Jianpi Qinghua decoction / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the involvement of MAPK p38 pathway in treatment of chronic renal failure with Jianpi Qinghua Decoction in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SPF SD rats were divided into sham group (n=10),model group (n=10), Jianpi Qinghua group (n=10) and losartan group (n=10). Rat chronic renal failure was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (Platt method) in model, Jianpi Qinghua and losartan groups, and rats in sham group received sham operation. Jianpi Qinghua decoction (3.9 g 200 g(-1)) or losartan (3.3 g 200 g(-1)) daily were administrated by gavage in Jianpi Qinghua and losartan groups for 60 days, respectively, Rats in sham and model groups were orally administered with saline of the same volume. The serum levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen were measured by biochemical method, the expression of MAPK p38 was detected by Western Blot,and renal pathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to model group,serum creatinine levels after 60d in Jianpi Qinghua and losartan groups were decreased significantly (42.67 ± 5.98 or 40.90 ± 5.07 compared with 60.90 ± 9.54, both P<0.01), the expression of MAPK p38 was significantly down-regulated (0.555 ± 0.004 or 0.587 ± 0.045 compared with 0.930 ± 0.265,both P<0.01) and serum urea nitrogen was also decreased (8.56 ± 0.75 or 7.97 ± 0.86 compared with 8.62 ± 0.62,both P<0.05). The renal pathology in the model group presented glomerular mesangial proliferation,hyperplasia of glomenrulus mesangial cells and interstitial inflammation. Those pathological changes were attenuated significantly in Jianpi Qinghua and losartan groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions can improve the renal function and renal pathological changes in a rat with chronic renal failure, which may be associated with down-regulation of MAPK p38 immune inflammatory pathways.</p>

Randomized controlled study on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with different acupuncture methods at different stages / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the efficacy on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) treated with different acupuncture methods at different stages.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and eighty cases of KOA were divided into stagnation stage, fascia cramp stage and tendon lesion stage according to the condition of disease, 60 cases in each stage. Each stage was randomized into a staging treatment group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 30 cases in each one. In the staging treatment group, acupuncture at the tendon points of meridians and electric thermal needling method were adopted for the cases at the stagnation stage; the small needle-knife therapy and bleeding method were used for the cases at the fascia cramp stage; and the electric thermal therapy with thick silver needles was applied for the cases at the tendon lesion stage. In the EA group, EA was applied for the cases of all the three stages at Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 96.1% (87/90) in the staging treatment group and was 91.1% (82/90) in the EA group, without significant difference in comparison (P > 0.05). The controlled and remarkably effective rate (88.9%, 80/90) in the staging treatment group was higher apparently than (62.2%, 56/90) in the EA group (P < 0.001). And in the EA group, with the disease progression and the further disease stages, the controlled and remarkably effective rate was reduced. After treatment, the scores of symptoms and signs were decreased in both groups (both P < 0.001), the improvement in the staging treatment group was superior to that in the EA group (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The different acupuncture methods at the three stages improve obviously the clinical effect and are highly targeted. The mechanism of the three stages on "meridian muscle region pathology" and the treatment based on the disease stages can be the effective approach to KOA.</p>

Effects of preconditioning of wufu jingfang on ischemia/reperfusion injury induced apoptosis in rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protective effect of Wufu Jingfang (WJ, containing Aconitum carmichaeli Debx, Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparatae, Rhizoma Pinelliae, and snakegourd fruit) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) of rats, thus exploring the feasibility of recipes containing eighteen incompatible pairs for specific pathological conditions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operative control group (the SH group), the I/R group, the low dose WJ I/R group (the I/R +JFL group), the middle dose WJ I/R group (the I/R +JFM group), the high dose WJ I/R group (the I/R +JFH group), 10 in each group. Rats in the latter three groups were administered with WJ at 0.75 mL/100 g, 1.50 mL/100 g, and 3.00 mL/100 g body weight for 14 consecutive days by gastrogavage. All groups except the SH group received ligation of left anterior descending branch of coronary artery for 30-min ischemia followed by 120-min reperfusion. The micro-structural changes of myocardial mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscope. The ischemic cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected in each group using one-step terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL). The mRNA expressions of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax) were detected by RT-PCR. The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were detected using ELISA. The myocardial infarct size was detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the I/R group, WJ pretreatment significantly suppressed the release of LDH and CK (Besides, the release of LDH and CK reduced along with increased dose.), reduced the myocardial infarct size, and lowered myocardial apoptosis index (P < 0.05). WJ pretreatment also modulated Bcl-2/Bax ratio by up-regulating Bcl-2 expression level while decreasing Bax expression level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>WJ pretreatment might protect the heart from I/R injury via decreasing myocardial cell apoptosis. The results suggested that eighteen incompatible pairs is not absolute, but relative. Chinese medical preparation containing opposite Chinese herbs could be used in specific pathological states such as ischemic cardiomyopathy.</p>

Effects of xinfuli granule on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with dilated heart failure induced by adriamycin / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Xinfuli Granule (XG) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with adriamycin-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the irbesartan group, the low dose XG group, the medium dose XG group, and the high dose XG group. The DCM heart failure rat model was established using peritoneal injection of ADR. Equal volume of normal saline was injected to those in the normal control group, once per week for 6 consecutive weeks. The medication was started from the 5th week by gastrogavage. XG was dispensed into 0.5 g/mL suspension with distilled water. The XG was administered at the daily dose of 0.675 g/kg, 1.350 g/kg, and 2.700 g/kg to those in the low dose XG group, the medium dose XG group, and the high dose XG group, respectively. Irbesartan was administered to rats in the irbesartan group at the daily dose of 50 mg/kg. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to those in the normal control group and the model group by gastrogavage, once in the morning for 4 consecutive weeks. Myocardial apoptosis was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and the expressions of the Bcl-2 and Bax protein of cardiomyocytes were measured by immunohistochemical assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal control group, the cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate and Bax expression level obviously increased, but the expression of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of Bax and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased significantly in the high dose XG group and the irbesartan group (P < 0.01). The Bax expression level obviously decreased in all groups except the normal control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>XG could obviously attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the adriamycin-induced DCM rats, and reverse the occurrence and development of heart reconstruction. The underlying mechanism might be related to regulating and controlling the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2.</p>

Estrogen-like effects of Menoprogen on female ovariectomized rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the estrogen-like action mechanism of Menoprogen on ovariectomized female rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Ovariectomized rat model (OVX) was established and estradiol (17beta-estradiol, E2) was used as positive control. The uterine coefficient and serum E2 level were determined after administration of Menoprogen for 2 weeks. The uterine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), water channel protein (aquaporin, AQP), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and the expression of proto-oncogenes (c-jun, c-fos) were observed by immunohistochemical method. Yeast two-hybrid assay was applied to detect the existence of components combining with ERalpha or ERbeta in Menoprogen.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Both Menoprogen and E2 could significantly elevate the uterine coefficient of OVX rats, increase the level of serum E2 and up-regulate the expressions of VEGF, AQP2 as well as AQP5 in uterus. E2, not as E2 Menoprogen couldn't promote the expressions of ERalpha, PR, c-jun and c-fos in OVX rat uterus. And yeast two-hybrid assay showed no components combining with ERalpha or ERbeta in Menoprogen.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Menoprogen has estrogen-like effect, and can be used to treat menopause syndrome. The risk of estrogen-mediated endometrial cancer is low for this treatment because its mechanism is different from estrogen-like substances.</p>

Auricular acupuncture for insomnia: a randomized controlled trial / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of auricular acupuncture therapy (AAT) and standardized acupoints on sleep parameters among people with insomnia. Methods A single-blind,randomized pilot study where the treatment group AAT on active points and the control group received AAT on sham points during a 4-week treatment period. Participants were recruited from the Acupuncture Outpatient Clinics in the General Hospital of People' s Liberation Army. In all, 125 patients were included in the study, with 63 in treatment group and 62 in control group. Sleep parameters were obtained by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results (1)Significant improvement in the PSQI total score and seven components score including sleep quality,time on falling asleep, sleeping time, efficiency and disorder of sleep, hypnotic and daytime functional disorder after treatment in both treatment group and control group (P＜0.01). (2) After treatment, there was a statistically significant difference seen in the PSQI total score and six components score (P＜0.01) except for hypnotic between the two groups. There were statistically significant differences in the rank differential value of total score and seven components of two groups (P＜0.01). (3) There were statistically significant differences in the mean rank of PSQI seven components using Mann-Whitney test (P＜0.01). Conclusion Evidence was found to support the hypothesis that AAT played an effective role in improving the quantity and quality of sleep in those subjects with insomnia. A standardized AAT might help the treatment of insomnia, especially when combined with other treatments as psychological and behavioral therapies.