[Correlation between traditional Chinese medicine and reduced risk of readmission in rheumatoid arthritis patients with hypoproteinemia:a retrospective cohort study].

This study aimed to explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and reduced risk of readmission in patients having rheumatoid arthritis with hypoproteinemia(RA-H). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 2 437 rheumatoid arthritis patients in the information system database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from 2014 to 2021, and 476 of them were found to have hypoproteinemia. The patients were divided into TCM users and non-TCM users by propensity score matching. Exposure was defined as the use of oral Chinese patent medicine or herbal decoction for ≥1 month. Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors of clinical indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the use of TCM during hospitalization was analyzed, and analysis of association rules was conducted to investigate the correlation between TCM, improvement of indicators and readmission of patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to compare the readmission rate of TCM users and non-TCM users. It was found the readmission rate of RA-H patients was significantly higher than that of RA patients. By propensity score matching, 232 RA-H patients were divided into TCM group(116 cases) and non-TCM group(116 cases). Compared with the conditions in the non-TCM group, the readmission rate of the TCM group was lowered(P<0.01), and the readmission rate of middle-aged and elderly patients was higher than that of young patients(P<0.01). Old age was a risk factor for readmission of RA-H patients, while TCM, albumin(ALB) and total protein(TP) were the protective factors. During hospitalization, the TCMs used for RA-H patients were mainly divided into types of activating blood and resolving stasis, relaxing sinew and dredging collaterals, clearing heat and detoxifying, and invigorating spleen and resolving dampness. The improvement of rheumatoid factor(RF), immunoglobulin G(IgG), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) and ALB was closely related to TCM. On the basis of western medicine treatment, the application of TCM could reduce the readmission rate of RA-H patients, and longer use of TCM indicated lower readmission rate.

Ameliorative Effects of Propolis and Royal Jelly against CCl4 -Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) is known to have hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. During the two-month CCl4 exposure of Wistar rats, propolis extract (PE) and royal jelly (RJ) were added in order to test the potential protective effect against hepato-renal injury. Ketonuria, proteinuria, high creatinine and urea levels are the result of CCl4 -induced nephrotoxicity. Severe disorders of hematological indicators indicate anemia; high values of leukocytes indicate inflammatory condition. Cytogenetic impairments in hepatocytes, aggregation of platelets, and hypoproteinemia indicate severe liver impairment. Results suggest a more significant protective role of RJ compared to PE. Both extracts regulated proteinuria, ketonuria, hypoproteinemia and reduced platelet aggregation in the hepatic circulation. The increase in the number of erythrocytes (RBC) suggest protective effects against anemia; the decrease in the number of leukocytes can be linked to anti-inflammatory effects. PE and RJ have a beneficial effect against hepato-renal injury, anemia and anti-inflammatory conditions caused by CCl4 .

Correlation between traditional Chinese medicine and reduced risk of readmission in rheumatoid arthritis patients with hypoproteinemia:a retrospective cohort study / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and reduced risk of readmission in patients having rheumatoid arthritis with hypoproteinemia(RA-H). A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 2 437 rheumatoid arthritis patients in the information system database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from 2014 to 2021, and 476 of them were found to have hypoproteinemia. The patients were divided into TCM users and non-TCM users by propensity score matching. Exposure was defined as the use of oral Chinese patent medicine or herbal decoction for ≥1 month. Cox regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors of clinical indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the use of TCM during hospitalization was analyzed, and analysis of association rules was conducted to investigate the correlation between TCM, improvement of indicators and readmission of patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to compare the readmission rate of TCM users and non-TCM users. It was found the readmission rate of RA-H patients was significantly higher than that of RA patients. By propensity score matching, 232 RA-H patients were divided into TCM group(116 cases) and non-TCM group(116 cases). Compared with the conditions in the non-TCM group, the readmission rate of the TCM group was lowered(P<0.01), and the readmission rate of middle-aged and elderly patients was higher than that of young patients(P<0.01). Old age was a risk factor for readmission of RA-H patients, while TCM, albumin(ALB) and total protein(TP) were the protective factors. During hospitalization, the TCMs used for RA-H patients were mainly divided into types of activating blood and resolving stasis, relaxing sinew and dredging collaterals, clearing heat and detoxifying, and invigorating spleen and resolving dampness. The improvement of rheumatoid factor(RF), immunoglobulin G(IgG), erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) and ALB was closely related to TCM. On the basis of western medicine treatment, the application of TCM could reduce the readmission rate of RA-H patients, and longer use of TCM indicated lower readmission rate.

The anti-aging effects of Renshen Guben on thyrotoxicosis mice: Improving immunosenescence, hypoproteinemia, lipotoxicity, and intestinal flora.

With the rapid aging of the population, the control of age-related disease susceptibility and prognosis faces greater challenges. There is an urgent need for a strategy to maintain the vitality of elderly people. In this study, the effect of Renshen Guben (RSGB) oral liquid was investigated on an accelerated aging mice model of thyrotoxicosis by conventional detection methods combined with multiomics technology. The results showed that RSGB increased the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes, enhanced the function of lymphocytes, and increased the levels of complement and antimicrobial peptides, which indicated that RSGB improved the immunity of thyrotoxicosis mice at the cellular and molecular levels. RSGB corrected malnutrition in thyrotoxicosis mice by improving anemia, hypoalbuminemia, ion transporters, and vitamin-binding proteins. RSGB significantly reduced the lipotoxicity by reducing the level of fatty acids, triglyceride, sphingolipids, and glucocorticoids, thus increasing the level of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and bile acids, which contributed to improve immunosenescence. The intestinal defense ability of thyrotoxicosis mice was enhanced with the increase of bile acids and lactic acid bacteria by the RSGB treatment. The plant metabolomics analysis showed that there were various active components in RSGB oral liquid and medicated serum, including terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, organic acids, phenolamines, amino acids, and others. They have antioxidant, immune regulation, and anti-aging effects, which was the material basis of RSGB. Totally, RSGB protected the thyrotoxicosis mice against aging by improving immunosenescence, hypoproteinemia, lipotoxicity, and the intestinal flora. It will be beneficial for improving the disease susceptibility and prognosis of the elderly.

Effects of Nutritional Treatment on the Frequency of Pneumonia in Bedridden Patients Receiving Oral Care.

Objective Pneumonia develops in bedridden patients, even in those receiving oral care, and malnutrition is associated with the development of pneumonia. We examined the effects of nutritional treatment on the prevention of pneumonia. Patients and Methods We retrospectively examined the effects of nutritional treatment on the prevention of pneumonia by analyzing the records of bedridden patients (n=68; mean age: 68.0 years) who stayed in a hospital for 2 years or longer. Results Among the analyzed patients, pneumonia developed in 52 (76%) patients, and the mean frequency of pneumonia was 1.6 times per year during the first year of stay. In a multivariate analysis, the serum albumin level at admission in the pneumonia group was lower than that in the non-pneumonia group. The frequency of pneumonia during the second year of stay was lower than that during the first year of stay. Serum levels of albumin and total protein (TP) at one year after admission were higher than those at admission in all analyzed patients, and in all patients (n=52) and elderly (≥65 years) patients (n=31) in the pneumonia group. The proportions of patients with hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) and hypoproteinemia (<6.5 g/dL) at one year after admission were lower than those at admission. The increases in the proportions of patients presenting a reduced frequency of pneumonia were correlated with increases in the proportions of patients presenting increased levels of albumin and/or TP. Conclusion Nutritional treatment may reduce the frequency of pneumonia by improving malnutrition in bedridden patients receiving oral care.

Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Manifested as Unusual Edemas and Effusions: A Case Report.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by diffuse or localized dilation and eventual rupture of the enteric lymphatic vessels in mucosa, submucosa, and/or subserosa. Lymph, rich in all kinds of proteins and lymphocytes, leaks into the gastrointestinal tract via the affected lymphatic vessels causing hypoproteinemia and lymphopenia. The main symptom is variable degrees of pitting edemas of bilateral lower limbs. But edemas of any other parts of body, and mild serous effusions may also occur sometimes. PIL occurs in conjunction with a right hemifacial edema, a right upper limb lymphedema, asymmetric bilateral calves edemas, and a unilateral massive pleural effusion seems never to be reported before. In addition, increased enteric protein loss that may cause severe hypoproteinemia usually get overlooked, and the lymphatic system disorders always put the diagnoses in a dilemma.We described a case of a 17-year-old Chinese girl with a history of gradually progressive swellings of right-sided face, right upper limb, and bilateral calves since 3 to 4 months of age. A right-sided massive pleural effusion, a moderate pericardial effusion, and a mild ascites have been proved unchanged by a series of computerized tomography (CT) scans since 5 years ago. The diagnosis of PIL was finally confirmed by severe hypoproteinemia, endoscopic changes, and histology of jejunum biopsy. Further lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography also identified lymph leakage in her bowel and several abnormal lymphatic vessels. A high-protein, low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) showed some benefit.This case suggested that PIL was a rare but important etiology of hypoproteinemia, effusions, and edemas. PIL, effusions, and lymphedema can be the features of multisegmental generalized lymphatic dysplasia. In addition, both lymphoscintigraphy and intranodal lymphangiography could be considered when lymphatic system disorders are suspected.

The Impact of Protein Nutritional Supplementation for Massive Weight Loss Patients Undergoing Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: As more patients undergo bariatric surgery to assist with weight loss, the demand for post-bariatric body contouring surgery, to address both functional and aesthetic concerns, is increasing. However, high wound healing complication rates remain a significant problem for these patients. One theory is that chronic malnourishment and hypoproteinemia may contribute significantly to these wound healing complications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pretreatment protein nutritional supplementation on wound healing in post-bariatric surgery massive weight loss patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Our hypothesis was that protein supplementation would decrease wound healing complications. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 23 post-bariatric surgery patients undergoing abdominoplasty who received pretreatment protein nutritional supplementation. This group was compared with a historical control group of 23 post-bariatric surgery patients who underwent abdominoplasty in the period immediately before the implementation of the protein supplementation protocol. Patient demographics and procedural characteristics were similar for the two groups. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were identified who had undergone abdominoplasty, half of whom were prescribed the protein supplementation protocol. Overall wound healing complication rates were significantly lower in the protein-supplemented group (0.0% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the protein supplementation and historical control groups in regards to total complication rate. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment protein supplementation is a simple intervention that can significantly decrease wound healing complications in post-bariatric surgery massive weight loss patients undergoing abdominoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: Therapeutic.

[Case of atopic dermatitis in infant treated with Chinese herbal medicines and nsaids ointment, which induced weight loss, electrolyte disturbance and hypoproteinemia].

We report here a 4-month-old girl with atopic dermatitis accompanied by weight loss, electrolyte disturbance, hypoproteinemia and hypogammaglobulinemia. She has suffered from eczema since one-month of age. Although she was treated with Chinese herbal medicines, including Syosaikotokakikyosekko, Tokishigyakukagoshuyushokyoto and Jumihaidokuto and ibuprofen ointment since three-month of age, she was referred to our hospital due to deteriorated eczema, severe diarrhea and failure to thrive. Laboratory examination revealed hyponatremia, hyperpotassemia, hypoproteinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia and elevated levels of serum IL-18, TARC and fecal EDN. Drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests were positive for the prescribed Chinese herbal medicines. Discontinuation of these medicines and application of steroid ointments improved loose bowels and skin lesions as well as laboratory data. It is suggested that the application of inadequate ointment and Chinese herbal medicines exaggerated inflammation in the skin and the intestinal mucosa leading to electrolyte disturbance, hypoproteinemia and hypogammaglobulinemia. Chinese herbal medicines are depicted as an additional therapy in Japanese guideline for atopic dermatitis, whereas their indication to infants with atopic dermatitis should be carefully assessed.

A novel distal very long Roux-en Y gastric bypass (DVLRYGB) as a primary bariatric procedure--complication rates, weight loss, and nutritional/metabolic changes in the first 355 patients.

Proximal Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) representing the most frequently performed bariatric procedure yields a weight loss failure rate of around 20 %. In order to reduce failure rates, we established a novel distal RYGB variant characterized by a very long alimentary (Roux) limb and a short common channel. Up to 5 years, follow-up data (complication rates, weight loss, nutritional/metabolic changes) of the first 355 patients (mean ± SD preoperative age, 41.4 ± 10.8 years; BMI, 48.5 ± 11.5 kg/m(2)) who underwent the novel Distal Very Long Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass (DVLRYGB) were analysed. Overall follow-up rate was 98.9 %, mean follow-up time 1.6 ± 1.4 years. Limb lengths were as follows: common channel 76 ± 7 cm, biliopancreatic limb 79 ± 14 cm, and alimentary (Roux) limb 604 ± 99 cm. The operation was performed laparoscopically in 95.2 % of the cases. Thirty-day mortality was zero; major and minor complication rate was 4.5 % and 10.4 %, respectively. Average excess weight loss (EWL) was >74 % 3, 4, and 5 years after the operation and failure rate defined by an EWL < 50 % remained < 6 %. Annually blood measurements revealed a relatively low incidence rate of severe nutritional deficiencies, but mild anaemia and hypoproteinemia were frequently observed. Laparoscopic revision with a proximalization of the lower anastomosis was required in 4 (1.1 %) patients. Data indicate that our DVLRYGB leads to excellent weight loss results. Furthermore, within the setting of a structured multidisciplinary follow-up program, the incidence of severe malnutrition states was relatively low.

Severe feeding disorder and malnutrition in 2 children with autism.

Leanna, a 10-year-old girl with autism, was hospitalized for severe malnutrition and 20 pound weight loss secondary to reduced intake over 4 months. Her food choices became increasingly restrictive to the point where she only ate certain types and brands of foods. She gradually stopped drinking and developed severe constipation and encopresis. A new behavior of collecting saliva in her mouth and spitting onto napkins also emerged. Vital signs and electrolytes were normal on admission. A nasogastric tube was placed because she refused to eat. A behavior modification plan was implemented that awarded points for completing specific tasks related to feeding, which could later be redeemed for specific rewards, such as computer time. Although her ideal body weight increased from 68% to 75% (due to continuous nasogastric tube feeds), her refusal to eat persisted. Upon further data gathering, the staff learned that she moved and changed schools 5 months ago. She was cared for by either a family friend or paid caregiver while her mother worked. Although she could conduct basic self-care activities without assistance and write and draw at a third-grade level, she functioned cognitively at a 4-year-old level. The behavior plan was modified, breaking the tasks into shorter components with immediate and tangible rewards. She soon began eating small portions of food and spitting less frequently. Toileting was later incorporated into this plan. She was referred to a behavioral therapist in the community to work with her at home and school. Weekly visits with her pediatrician and appointments with a child psychiatrist and dietician were made. Orlando, a 3-year-old boy with autism, was evaluated in the emergency room for lethargy and generalized edema for 6 weeks. The history revealed a restrictive diet of commercial pureed fruit and coconut juice for 2 years. He only ate a particular brand and with specific containers; the limited food intake occurred only with his favorite blanket. He refused to eat other types of food. Outpatient treatments were unsuccessful. On physical examination, he was irritable with an erythematous, scaly rash throughout his body. His hair was thin, coarse, and blonde. He had nonpitting edema in his arms, legs, and periorbital region. The laboratory evaluation was significant for anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoproteinemia. He was admitted to the pediatric service where nutritional formula feedings were initiated through a nasogastric tube. Weight gain was adequate, and the hemoglobin, serum albumen, and protein became normal. The rash improved with zinc supplementation. He was transferred to an inpatient feeding disorders unit where a team of occupational therapists implemented a behavioral modification program to overcome his severe food aversion.

[Protein-losing gastroenteropathy: unremembered cause of hypoalbuminemia?]. / Gastroenteropatía pierde proteínas: ¿causa olvidada de hipoalbuminemia?

Protein-losing gastroenteropathy (PLE) consists on an active digestive tract protein loss syndrome and it is related to some diseases. After a wide research into bibliography (MEDLINE - Pubmed),we have found few references to this gastroenteropathy as a cause of hypoalbuminemia related to malnutrition. This has motivated us to review this entity, detailing some recent clinical cases of our experience.

[Nutritional support in the treatment of gastric cancer].

The investigation involved 307 patients operated on for gastric adenocarcinoma. Nutritional support was given enterally (50), parenterally (98) and by standard methods (159). Enteral nutrition should be recommended because it was followed by relatively higher total protein and serum albumin levels.

Co-administration of l-cystine and l-theanine enhances efficacy of influenza vaccination in elderly persons: nutritional status-dependent immunogenicity.

AIM: The immune response to influenza vaccine is attenuated in elderly persons, though they are at greatest risk for morbidity and mortality by influenza virus infection. Experimental studies demonstrate that co-administration of l-cystine and l-theanine enhanced antigen-specific production of immunoglobulin in aged mice infected with influenza virus. We thus investigated the effect of l-cystine and l-theanine on antibody induction by influenza vaccines in elderly persons. METHODS: Residents in a nursing home were randomly allocated to l-cystine and l-theanine (n = 32) or placebo (n = 33). The test substances were administered p.o. for 14 days before immunization. Serum influenza virus antibody titers were measured before and 4 weeks after vaccination. RESULTS: Vaccination significantly elevated hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for all the three strains of influenza viruses (A/New Caledonia [H1N1], A/New York [H3N2] and B/Shanghai) in both groups. HI titers after vaccination were not significantly different between the two groups for either strain. Also, the seroconversion rate was not significantly different between the two groups in the aggregate. A stratified analysis showed that the rate of seroconversion was significantly greater in the l-cystine and l-theanine group compared with the placebo group for influenza virus A (H1N1) among subjects with low serum total protein (63% vs 10%, P < 0.05) or low hemoglobin (71% vs 9%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Co-administration of l-cystine and l-theanine before vaccination may enhance the immune response to influenza vaccine in elderly subjects with low serum total protein or hemoglobin.

A Case of Protein Losing Enteropathy Caused by Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare congenital cause of protein losing enteropathy that is characterized by chronic diarrhea, generalized edema, ascites, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and lymphopenia. We encountered an 18-year-old woman who suffered from longstanding diarrhea and progressive leg edema. The laboratory findings showed the typical features of this disorder. The presence of enteric protein loss was documented with the 24 hour fecal clearance of alpha(1)-antitrypsin and (99m)Tc human serum albumin scintigraphy. A duodenoscopy and biopsy showed scattered white spots and markedly dilated lymphatics in the tips of the villi, respectively. The patient's clinical symptoms improved after placing her on a high protein and low fat diet with medium chain triglyceride supplements.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with corticosteroid induced acute gut injury and bacterial translocation in rat / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Use of corticosteroid appears to increase the risk of upper gastrosintestinal side effects associated with NSAIDs. But, there is no study for the effects of these drugs to NSAID induced small intestinal damage. Therefore, we examed the effects of corticosteroid to NSAID induced enteropathy and bacterial translocation. METHODS: Rat received no drug, NSAID alone (diclofenac 80 mg/kg per os), corticosteroid alone (dexamethasone 5 mg/kg intraperitoneal, 2 times) or NSAID with corticosteroid. Amounts of food intakes, body weight, intestinal permeability, enteric aerobic bacterial counts in small and large intestine, serum biochemical profiles, and pathologic findings of ileum were measured. Cultures of the mesenteric lymph nodes, as well as liver, spleen and systemic blood were taken. RESULTS: Diclofenac or dexamethasone alone administration caused gut barrier damage, enteric bacterial overgrowth and increased bacterial translocation. The supplements with dexamethasone increased NSAID induced gut barrier damage, villous atrophy, enteric bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen and systemic blood. Also, these increased diclofenac induced body weight loss, but not hypoproteinemia. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid increase NSAID induced body weight loss, gut barrier dysfunction, villous atrophy, enteric bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation in experimental animals.

Effects of Cassia occidentalis Aqueous Leaf Extract on Biochemical Markers of Tissue Damage in Rats

Purpose: Among the Hausas of Northern Nigeria; it is claimed by local (traditional) healers that the infusion of C. occidentalis leaves is used as a cure for hepatitis. This study was designed to evaluate the possible negative effects of the aqueous extract of this herb on serum total proteins; albumin; bilirubin; alanine amino transferase (ALT); aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); as part of a larger study undertaken by these authors to ascertain the hepatoprotective potential of the plant extract. Methods: Fresh leaves of C. occidentalis were extracted with water and screened for phytochemical components. The extract was used for the treatment of 18 albino rats. Serum from these animals was used for the determination of the test parameters. Results: The extract showed hypoproteinaemic effect. ALT; AST and ALP levels were significantly elevated (P 0.05). Conclusion: Hypoproteinaemic effects; and increase in ALT; AST and ALP are indications that the crude extract of C. occidentalis leaves may be slightly toxic as a concoction for liver ailments

Developmental atrazine exposure suppresses immune function in male, but not female Sprague-Dawley rats.

Each year, 75 million pounds of the broadleaf herbicide atrazine (ATR) are applied to crops in the United States. Despite limited solubility, ATR is common in ground and surface water, making it of regulatory concern. ATR suppresses the immunomodulatory hormones prolactin (PRL) and the thyroid hormones (THs), with developmental exposure to ATR permanently disrupting PRL regulation. We hypothesized that ATR may cause developmental immunotoxicity through its disruption of PRL or THs. To test this hypothesis, pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to 35-mg ATR/kg/d from gestational day (GD) 10 through postnatal day (PND) 23. Separate groups were exposed to bromocryptine (BCR) at 0.2 mg/kg/2x/day to induce hypoprolactinemia or to propylthiouracil (PTU) at 2 mg/kg/day to induce hypothyroidism. After the offspring reached immunologic maturity (at least 7 weeks old), the following immune functions were evaluated: natural killer (NK) cell function; delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses; phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages; and antibody response to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). ATR decreased the primary antibody and DTH responses in male offspring only. Neither PTU nor BCR caused immunosuppression in any measured variable, although PTU increased phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages. These results demonstrate that developmental exposure to ATR produced gender-specific changes in immune function in adult rats and suggest that immune changes associated with ATR are not mediated through the suppression of PRL or THs.

Treatment of complications due to peritoneal dialysis for chronic renal failure with traditional Chinese medicine.

In this paper, the experience in the treatment of complications due to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for chronic renal failure with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is reported. Modified Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Nutrition Decoction) was used for anorexia and hypoproteinemia; modified Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang (Decoction of Cyperus and Amomum with Six Noble Ingredients) for abdominal pain and distension; modified Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) for peritonitis; modified Shenling Baizhu San (Powder of Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes) for diarrhea due to insufficiency of the spleen with abundance of dampness; Lizhong Tang (Decoction for Regulating the Function of Middle-jiao) and modified Sishen Wan (Pills of Four Miraculous Drugs) for insufficiency of both the spleen and the kidney; Siwu Tang (Decoction of Four Ingredients) added with other drugs for cutaneous pruritus, and Guishao Sijunzi Tang (Decoction of Four Noble Drugs added with Chinese Angelica Root and white Peony Root) for renal anemia. The therapeutic principles of invigorating the liver and kidney, strengthening the bones and muscles, and promoting blood circulation to eliminate blood stasis were adopted in the treatment of renal osteopathy, and the therapeutic principles of invigorating the liver and kidney, expelling phlegm and resolving dampness, and promoting blood circulation to eliminate blood stasis in the treatment of hyperlipemia. Shen Tekang capsules (capsules for improving the renal function) was administered to patients for strengthening the viability and improving the nutrition state, and the recipe for treating renal function failure (both formulated by the authors) for improving the renal function so as to decrease the frequency and duration of dialysis.

[Molecular mechanism and therapy of hypoalbuminemia in peritoneal infection].

Albumin mRNA expression was studied by the use of reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the molecular mechanism in peritoneal infection. Albumin mRNA content markedly decreased. Endotoxin inhibited albumin mRNA expression in vivo probably by stimulating TNF,IL-1, and IL-6 production. Changes of the hormone levels were not the cause of hypoalbuminemia in infection. Reconbined growth hormone and astragalus polysaccharides alleviated inhibition albumin synthesis inhibition increasing albumin serum concentration in rats with peritoneal infection. The results suggested that hypoalbuminemia is associated with endotoxemia during sepsis, which inhibites hepatocytes albumin synthesis probably by stimulating nonparenchymal cells to produce TNF, IL-1, and IL-6.

Chronic toxicity of propoxur on carbohydrate, protein and serum electrolyte levels in catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis.

Alterations in the biochemical parameters of the catfish treated with low sublethal concentration (2.15 mg.L-1; 1/3 of 96 h LC50) of a carbamate pesticide-propoxur under static laboratory conditions for 10, 20 and 30 days were assayed. The fish elicited consistent hyperglycemia, concomitant with liver and muscle glycogenolysis, and hypoproteinemia in muscle and liver except 10 day post exposure to the pesticide, where hyperproteinemia was noticed in the liver. Throughout the exposure period the fish exhibited hyperphosphatemia. Hypocalcemia were recorded after 20 and 30 days, and serum magnesium level increased significantly only at 30 day exposure to the pesticide.