Electroacupuncture stimulation to modulate neural oscillations in promoting neurological rehabilitation.

Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is a modern neuromodulation technique that integrates traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy with contemporary electrical stimulation. It involves the application of electrical currents to specific acupoints on the body following acupuncture. EA has been widely used in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Recent research suggests that EA stimulation may modulate neural oscillations, correcting abnormal brain electrical activity, therefore promoting brain function and aiding in neurological rehabilitation. This paper conducted a comprehensive search in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI using keywords like "electroacupuncture," "neural oscillations," and "neurorehabilitation", covering the period from year 1980 to 2023. We provide a detailed overview of how electroacupuncture stimulation modulates neural oscillations, including maintaining neural activity homeostasis, influencing neurotransmitter release, improving cerebral hemodynamics, and enhancing specific neural functional networks. The paper also discusses the current state of research, limitations of electroacupuncture-induced neural oscillation techniques, and explores prospects for their combined application, aiming to offer broader insights for both basic and clinical research.

Effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San on central neuroendocrine and pharmacokinetics in female ovariectomized rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional Chinese medicine formula Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) has been reported to have estrogen-like effects and therapeutic effects on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore whether the central oxytocin and neuroendocrine system is involved in the modulating effects of DSS on the cognition and neuropsychiatric hebaviors in female AD rats, and to investigate the pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in female AD rats with DSS treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DSS (1.2, 3.2, 8.6 g/kg/day) was orally administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and saline was orally administered to sham operation rats as control group. The Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and passive avoidance test were conducted for evaluation of learning and memory abilities, while elevated plus maze test and forced swim test were performed to assess anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of estrogen (E), estrogen receptor α (ERα), oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholin esterase (AchE), and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) in the cortex. The concentrations of Ach, glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus were assessed by HPLC-MS. The changes of neuronal morphology in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining. The pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in OVX rats with DSS treatment were studied by HPLC. RESULTS: In the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and passive avoidance test, OVX rats showed cognitive impairment. In the elevated plus maze test and forced swim test, the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats were significant as compared to the control group. Treatment of DSS significantly imporved the cognitive deficits, and ameliorated anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats. The expression of E, ERα, OT, OTR, AchE and ChAT in the cortex of model group were significantly decreased, and DSS significantly reversed these changes. The concentrations of Ach, Glu, GABA, 5-HT and NE in the hippocampus of OVX rats were significantly decreased, whereas DSS significantly increased the levels of Ach, Glu, GABA, 5-HT and NE. There was no significant difference in the concentration of DA in the hippocampus among groups. Degenerating neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region were observed in OVX rats, and the number of neurons was decreased. DSS treatment reduced the degenerating neurons, and incresed the number of neurons. The MRT (0 - ∞), AUC (0 - ∞), Cmax and t1/2z values of paeoniflorin, and the AUC 0-∞ and Cmax value of ferulic acid were higher in DSS-treated OVX rats than those in the DSS-treated control rats. CONCLUSIONS: DSS improves the learning and memory ability, and attenuates anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats. The mechanism may be through increasing estrogen, reducing cholinergic damage, and modulating neurotransmitters. The increase in absorption and elimination time of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in OVX rats may enhance the efficacy of DSS.

Male Infertility Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In recent years，with the change in lifestyle and social environment and the increase in pressure in both life and work，male fertility has decreased significantly in China，and the incidence of male infertility has increased year by year，which has brought great challenges to andrologists. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has a definite curative effect in the treatment of male infertility and is widely applied in clinical practice. In order to clarify the role of TCM in different types and each stage of male infertility，the China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） invited outstanding young andrologists in the clinic of TCM and western medicine to discuss topics such as idiopathic oligospermia and teratospermia，abnormal semen liquefaction，varicocele，immune infertility，improving success ratio of assisted reproductive technology，and ameliorating depression or anxiety. They conducted in-depth discussions on the advantages，characteristics，disadvantages，diseases responding specifically，and advantageous aspects of TCM treatment. The causes of male infertility and related links of treatment were summarized. Due to the unclear etiology and complex pathogenesis of male infertility，western medicine cannot achieve a good curative effect，while TCM，taking the holistic view as the core，specializes in improving functional diseases and can correspond to multiple targets and factors，with comprehensive treatments such as internal treatment and external treatment. This study summarized the advantageous diseases and advantageous stages of TCM treatment alone and integrated TCM and western medicine treatment and put forward suggestions for the treatment of the diseases by TCM and western medicine in order to promote the therapeutic effects and advantages of TCM among andrologists，increase mutual learning and communication between TCM and western physicians，provide patients with excellent and personalized treatment plans in clinical practice，and improve the curative effect of male infertility and fertility of males in China.

Analysis of the medication rules and academic thoughts of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of premature ejaculation based on the ancient Chinese medicine books / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the medication and prescription rules in ancient Chinese medicine books in the treatment of premature ejaculation based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Inheritance Supporting Platform.Methods:Search for the relevant literature concerning treating premature ejaculation with TCM in the ancient books before 1949, conduct data mining with Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Supporting Platform, analyze the medication and the prescription rules, so as to summarize the academic thoughts of the ancient physicians in treating premature ejaculation.Results:Among 39 selected eligible ancient books, a total of 45 prescriptions were included, involving 118 kinds of Chinese medicines. Among them, 14 Chinese medicines were used more than 10 times. The top five Chinese medicines were Ginseng radix et rhizoma, Schisandrae chinensis fructus, Dioscoreae rhizoma, Polygalae radix, Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma; in the classification of Chinese medicines tonic Chinese medicine, tranquilizers, and astringent are used frequently. The most frequently used Chinese medicine pairs were Corni fructus- Ginseng radix et rhizoma, Ginseng radix et rhizoma- Dioscoreae rhizoma, Ginseng radix et rhizoma- Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma; 33 core combinations of 3 Chinese mediciness and 4 core combinations of 4 Chinese medicines were obtained. Conclusion:The medication that could treat premature ejaculation in the ancient TCM books are mainlythe kidney, liver, and heart meridian. The main principle is to invigorate the kidney, replenish the essence, and replenishing qi and soothing the nerves. It can provide reference for clinical treatment of premature ejaculation.

Effect of moxibustion on M2 and P2X3 receptors of bladder tissue in rats with neurogenic bladder of detrusor areflexia after lumbar-sacral spinal cord injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Shenque" (CV 8) on acetylcholine (Ach), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and muscarinic-type choline receptor (M2) and purine receptor P2X3 in bladder tissue in the rats with neurogenic bladder (NB) of detrusor areflexia after lumbar-sacral spinal cord injury and explore the underlying mechanism of moxibustion for promoting detrusor contraction.@*METHODS@#Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into a model preparation group (n=45) and a sham-operation group (n=15). In the model preparation group, the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to prepare the model of NB. In the sham-operation group, the spinal cord transection was not exerted except laminectomy and spinal cord exposure. Among the rats with successfully modeled, 30 rats were selected and divided randomly into a model group and a moxibustion group, with 15 rats in each one. On the 15th day after the operation, moxibustion was applied at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Shenque" (CV 8) in the moxibustion group, 10 min at each acupoint, once a day. The consecutive 7-day treatment was as one course and the intervention for 2 courses was required. Urodynamic test was adopted to evaluate bladder function in rats. Using HE staining, the morphological changes in bladder tissue were observed. The content of Ach and ATP in bladder tissue was measured with biochemical method, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of M2 and P2X3 receptors in bladder tissue were detected with Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantification PCR method.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham-operation group, the maximum bladder capacity, leakage point pressure and bladder compliance were increased in the rats of the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the maximum bladder capacity, the leakage point pressure and bladder compliance were decreased in the rats of the moxibustion group (P<0.05). In the model group, the detrusor fibres were arranged irregularly, bladder epithelial tissues were not tightly connected and cell arrangement was disordered, combined with a large number of vacuolar cells. In the moxibustion group, compared with the model group, the detrusor fibres were arranged regularly, bladder epithelial cells were well distributed and vacuolar cells were reduced. Compared with the sham-operation group, the content of Ach and ATP in bladder tissue was decreased (P<0.05), the protein and mRNA expression levels of M2 and P2X3 receptors were reduced (P<0.05) in the model group. In the moxibustion group, the content of Ach and ATP in bladder tissue was increased (P<0.05) and the protein and mRNA expression levels of M2 and P2X3 receptors were increased (P<0.05) as compared with the model group.@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Shenque" (CV 8) may effectively improve bladder function in the rats with NB of detrusor areflexia after lumbar-sacral spinal cord injury and its underlying mechanism is related to promoting the release of Ach and up-regulating the expression of M2 receptor, thereby enhancing the release of ATP and increasing the expression of P2X3 receptor. Eventually, detrusor contraction is improved.

Therapeutic effect of gene silencing peptidyl arginine deaminase 4 on pulmonary interstitial lesions induced by collagen-induced arthritis mice / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of gene silencing peptidyl arginine deaminase 4 (PAD4) on pulmonary interstitial lesions induced by collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice, and possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#A CIA mouse model was established in DBA/1 mice, followed by a tail vein injection of the virus solution prepared by the PAD4-siRNA expression vector once a week for 8 times. The mice were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The expression of PAD4 mRNA in lungs was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of PAD4 protein was detected by tissue immunohistochemistry. Cell culture was performed by spleen tissue. Flow cytometry changes in the ratio of Tfh cells to Tfr cells were examined; lung staining was performed in the lungs to observe changes in lung pathology.@*RESULTS@#(1) Compared with the blank group, the expression of PAD4 mRNA in the lung tissue of the model group increased, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). PAD4 mRNA in the lung tissue of the CIA mice after PAD4-siRNA treatment. The expression level was significantly lower than that of the model group and the negative control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). (2) Red fluorescence was less in the lung tissue of the blank group, while more red fluorescence was observed in the inflammatory cell infiltration area and trachea around the lung tissue of the model group and the negative control group, and the red fluorescence of the three groups after PAD4-siRNA treatment was significantly reduced; (3) Compared with the blank group, the proportion of Tfh cells in the model group increased, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), the proportion of Tfh cells in spleen cells of the CIA mice after PAD4-siRNA treatment was significantly lower than that of the model group and the negative control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); compared with the blank group, in the mouse spleen cells in the model group the proportion of Tfr cells was slightly decreased, but the difference was not statistically signifi-cant. The proportion of Tfr cells in the spleen cells of the mice increased after PAD4-siRNA treatment, but the difference was statistically significant only in the PAD4-siRNA2 group compared with the model group and the negative control group (P < 0.05); (4) The proportion of Tfh/Tfr in the spleen cells of the model group was increased, compared with the blank group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); the ratio of Tfh/Tfr in the three groups after PAD4-siRNA treatment all decreased, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); (5) Compared with the blank group, the alveolar wall of the lung tissue of the model group was thickened, the inflammatory cell infiltration was increased, and the lung tissue destruction and inflammatory infiltration of the CIA mice were decreased after PAD4-siRNA treatment. The degree of reduction was reduced.@*CONCLUSION@#Gene silencing of PAD4 can reduce the proportion of Tfh cells, increase the proportion of Tfr cells, reverse the proportion of Tfh/Tfr, and reduce the degree of interstitial lesions and inflammatory infiltration of lung tissue.

Study on mechanism of Phytolaccae Radix and its split components based on network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to explore the mechanism of the split components of Phytolaccae Radix by means of network pharmaco-logy. Based on the theoretical hypothesis of the nature and taste of traditional Chinese medicine, the chemical components of the separated components of Phytolaccae Radix were selected by using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database(TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicines IntegratedDatabase(TCMID) databases in combination with related literatures. Relevant target analysis was carried out based on PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Targets corresponding to disease were excavated based on GeneCards for each split component, corresponding potential targets were obtained through mapping the target set of target compounds to disease targets. GO biological process analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the mapped targets with the help of DAVID database. Based on Cytoscape software and the corresponding efficacy, the network diagram of "medicinal material-split components-compound-target-pathway" was constructed to explore the mechanism of different efficacy of the separated components of Cytoscape. And the target purgation and diuretic mapping was used as the target of the traditional efficacy of smoothening secretion for the first time. The study explored esculentoside component, fatty oil component and phenolic acid component, a total of 30 target compounds and 301 corresponding targets, involving 44 potential targets for "anti-inflammatory", 50 potential targets for "immunoregulation", 52 potential targets for "smoothening secretion", 28 potential targets for "antibacterial activity", 28 potential targets for "antiviral effect", and 29 potential targets for "antitumor effect". Topological analysis revealed 14 key gene targets such as MAPK8, MAPK14, EGFR and PTGS2. A total of 684 GO entries and 235 KEGG pathways were obtained through bioinformatics enrichment analysis, mainly involving TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. This study revealed the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel action mechanism of the split components of Phytolaccae Radix, which provided certain basis for the next step to clarify the split components of Phytolaccae Radix through the method of system biology, and injected new content and significance into the study of properties and flavors theory.

Effect of (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53 /miR-502-5p /NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe effects of (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53, miR-502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore mechanism of TLZT gel preparation in treating KOA.@*METHODS@#Thirthy-six Wistar rats aged 8 weeks and weighed 200 to 220 g (meaned 208 g) were randomly divided into normal group, model group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, 12 rats in each group. KOA model was established by modified Hulth method. After 4 weeks of modeling, TCM group treated with TLZT gel preparation for external use, 3 times daily for 2 weeks;normal group and model group were fed normally without intervention. After treatment, morphological changes of specimens in each group were observed, changes of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR, and contents of p53, NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR and Western Blot respectively.@*RESULTS@#(1)Morphological observation of specimens showed that the articular cartilage in model group was hyaline and uneven, the synovial membranes were hypertrophic and proliferative with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating, the joint fluid was thicker in texture;the articular cartilage in TCM group was more transparent and smooth, synovial hyperplasia was mild with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, the texture of articular fluid was clear and sparse. (2) Compared with normal group, content of miR-502-5p of synovial tissue in model and TCM group were increased, mRNA and expression of p53 decreased, expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 increased. (3)Compared with model group, content of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue of TCM group decreased (<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of p53 increased (<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 decreased (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Expression of p53, miR-502 -5p, NF -κBp65 in synovial tissue is closely related to synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory reaction, TLZT gel preparation may reduce proliferation and inflammatory reaction of KOA synovium by regulating the expression of p53, miR- 502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissues.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Brain Function of APP/PS1 Mice: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (DU24) on brain function of APP/PS1 mice. Methods:Sixteen 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice in the same litter were randomly divided into model group (n = 8) and electroacupuncture group (n = 8). Eight transgenic negative mice in the same litter were as control group. The electroacupuncture group accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting for 16 weeks. They were assessed with Object Recognition Test before and after intervention, and observed under small animal functional magnetic resonance imaging with regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis. Results:Compared with the control group, the discrimination ratio decreased in the model group after intervention (P < 0.05), while it increased in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, ReHo of right basal forebrain and left hippocampus decreased in the model group before intervention. Compared with the control group, ReHo decreased in bilateral hippocampus group and increased in retrosplenial cortex in the model group after intervention; while it increased in bilateral hippocampus and motor cortex and decreased in anterior cingulate gyrus in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group. Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting may delay the decline of learning and memory ability in Alzheimer's disease model mice, which may relate to the regulation of functional activities in hippocampus.

Clinical application and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of lung cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor characterized by a rapid proliferation rate, less survivability, high mortality, and metastatic potential. This review focuses on updated research about the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as an adjuvant therapy to lung cancer treatment and the mechanisms of TCM effect on lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. We summarized the recent 5 years of different research progress on clinical applications and antitumor mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of lung cancer. As a potent adjuvant therapy, TCM could enhance conventional treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and epidermal growth factor receptors [EGFRs] tyrosine kinase inhibitors [TKIs]) effects as well as provide synergistic effects, enhance chemotherapy drugs chemosensitivity, reverse drug resistance, reduce adverse reactions and toxicity, relieve patients' pain and improve quality of life (QOL). After treating with TCM, lung cancer cells will induce apoptosis and/or autophagy, suppress metastasis, impact immune reaction, and therapeutic effect of EGFR-TKIs. Therefore, TCM is a promisingly potent adjuvant therapy in the treatment of lung cancer and its multiple mechanisms are worthy of an in-depth study.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on Learning-memory and Expression of β-site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 in APP/PS1 Mice / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (GV24) on Alzheimer's disease, and possible mechanism for it.Methods A total of 24 eight-month-old APP/PS1 male mice were randomly divided into model group (n = 8), electroacupuncture group (n = 8) and non-acupoint group (n = 8), and other eight wild-type mice were as wild-type group.The electroacupuncture group accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting, while the non-acupoint group accepted electroacupuncture at bilateral subcostal non-acupoint area, and the wild-type group and the model group accepted the same grasping and fixing, for 28 days. Then they assessed with Morris water maze test. The levels of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) in cerebral cortex were detected with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence respectively, and the level of BACE1 m RNA with RT-PCR.Results Compared with the model group, the escape latency decreased in the electroacupuncture group (P ＜ 0.001), and the times crossing platforms increased (P ＜ 0.001), while the expression of BACE1 and Aβ decreased (P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve the learning-memory ability by inhibiting the expression of BACE1 in the cerebral cortex of APP/PS1 mice to decreasing the level of Aβ.

Huanshao Capsules for oligoasthenospermia: A multicentered clinical trial / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huanshao Capsules (HSC) in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia with spleen and kidney asthenia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This randomized, open, multicentered, positive drug controlled clinical trial included 200 cases of oligoasthenospermia with spleen and kidney asthenia, which were assigned to a trial and a control group of equal number to be treated with HSC at the dose of 3 capsules tid and Wuziyanzong Pills at 6 g bid, respectively, both for 12 weeks. We compared the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility and percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) as the main therapeutic indicators as well as the pregnancy rate as the secondary therapeutic indicator between the two groups of patients before and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after medication.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally, 190 of the patients completed the clinical observation, 96 in the trial and 94 in the control group. Compared with the baseline, the patients of the trial group showed significant time-dependent increases at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after medication in the mean sperm concentration (14.78 vs 15.33, 20.98 and 28.78 ×10⁶/ml, P < 0.05), percentage of grade a sperm (12.17% vs 15.05%, 21.17% and 26.97%, P < 0.05), PMS (24.78% vs 28.97%, 37.23% and 47.67%, P < 0.05), and sperm viability (38.64% vs 44.18%, 51.67% and 60.45%, P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the trial than in the control group 29.17% vs 18.09%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Huanshao Capsules can improve the semen quality and pregnancy rate in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia patients with spleen and kidney asthenia, and therefore deserves a wide clinical application.</p>

Huotan Jiedu Tongluo decoction alleviates early atherosclerosis of rabbits by inhibiting eNOS uncoupling pathway / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to study the curative effect of Huotan Jiedu Tongluo (HTJDTL) decoction on a rabbit model with early atherosclerosis (AS),and furtherly to explore whether it could inhibit the BH4/eNOS uncoupling ROS or not. Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, HTJDTL decoction group and atorvastatin group. Rabbit models with early atherosclerosis were established by high fat diet, nitrogen drying and carotid artery balloon injury. The rabbits were sacrificed at 7th days after balloon injury and several parameters were measured. The pathological morphology of the common carotid artery was observed by HE staining. The blood lipids were detected by peroxidase method. The ratio of vascular eNOS dimer and monomer was measured by Western blot. The ELISA and biochemical technology were respectively used for testing BH4 and ROS levels in serum. The results showed that compared with the sham operation group, the model group had mild stenosis of the common carotid artery lumen, uneven intimal hyperplasia, lipid deposition in the intima and media, and obvious hyperplasia of the adventitia with inflammatory cell infiltration. The HTJDTL decoction could significantly inhibit the intimal hyperplasia compared with the model group, meanwhile, reduce the lipid deposition of the media and the infiltration of the adventitial cells. Compared with the sham operation group, the blood lipids and ROS of the model animals significantly increased, but BH4 and the ratio of eNOS dimer/monomer decreased. Compared with the model group, HTJDTL decoction significantly reduced the TC, ox-LDL and ROS levels, and also up-regulated eNOS dimer/monomer ratio, but it increased BH4 trend without statistical difference. According to the results, it was found that HTJDTL decoction couldsignificantly prevent and improve the vascular remodeling of rabbits model with early atherosclerosis. The mechanism of decoction may largely be related to the inhibition of BH4/eNOS uncoupling and the reduction of oxidative stress.

Additive Benefits of Twice Forest Bathing Trips in Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Chronic heart failure (CHF), a clinical syndrome resulting from the consequences of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is increasingly becoming a global cause of morbidity and mortality. We had earlier demonstrated that a 4-day forest bathing trip can provide an adjunctive therapeutic influence on patients with CHF. To further investigate the duration of the impact and the optimal frequency of forest bathing trips in patients with CHF, we recruited those subjects who had experienced the first forest bathing trip again after 4 weeks and randomly categorized them into two groups, namely, the urban control group (city) and the forest bathing group (forest). After a second 4-day forest bathing trip, we observed a steady decline in the brain natriuretic peptide levels, a biomarker of heart failure, and an attenuated inflammatory response as well as oxidative stress. Thus, this exploratory study demonstrated the additive benefits of twice forest bathing trips in elderly patients with CHF, which could further pave the way for analyzing the effects of such interventions in CVDs.

Factors influencing the outcomes of the traditional Chinese medicine percutaneous release treatment for the stenosal tendosynovitis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the factors influencing the outcomes of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) percutaneous release treatment for the stenosal tendosynovitis. Methods A total of 119 eligible participants, from outpatient of Dongzhimen Hospital during June, 2014 to April, 2017, were included into the study. The participants received TCM percutaneous release treatment, and were followed-up and assessed outcomes at 27 w. Responders were defined as participants with normal movement in week 27 compared with the baseline period. The NRS assessment in both groups was described, and the baseline characteristics of participants potentially related to cure response were mainly analyzed using Logistic regression analysis. Results Cure group and non-cure group were determined according to the cure response. And the outcomes of pain relief along the timeframe showed the feasibility of criteria of cure response. The uni-factor Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors age,course of disease,interventions and pain severity were significantly different between the cure and non-cure groups,and the multi-factor Logistic regression confirmed the four factors influenced the cure response of the TCM percutaneous release treatment for the stenosal tendosynovitis. The cutting knife was 5.85 fold than the traditional needling knife at increasing the cure response (OR=5.853,95% CI 1.853-18.485;P=0.003).All the factors that age equal to or older than 60 years(OR=6.170, 95% CI 1.890-20.141; P=0.003), course of disease more than six months (OR=4.696, 95% CI 1.371-16.085;P=0.014)and pain severity from 6 to 7(OR=5.184,95% CI 1.416-18.975;P=0.013)were negatively associated with clinical response. Conclusions The patients with increasing age, long course of disease and distinct pain severity may be less likely to respond to the TCM percutaneous release treatment. These findings contribute to guiding clinical practice in terms of pretreatment patient selection. Further research is needed to confirm the association.

Effects of Warming Acupuncture Therapy on Expressions of IL-6 and SOCS3 in Spinal Cord in Rats with Neuropathic Pain / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe effects of warming acupuncture therapy on expressions of IL-6 and SOCS3 in spinal cord in rats with neuropathic pain; To discuss its mechanism for treating neuropathic pain. Methods Experimental rats were randomly divided into: normal group, model group, warming acupuncture and IL-6 group, with 6 rats in each group. Sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury neuralgia model was established in the model group, without intervention. After modeling for 5 days in the warming acupuncture group, "Pishu" and "Shenshu" acupoints were chosen for warming acupuncture therapy for 10 times. After modeling for 5 days in the IL-6 group, IL-6 group was successfully intrathecally injected 3 times with recombinant IL-6. After finishing all experiments, the mechanical pain behavior was measured with electronic Frye fibers. The mRNA levels of IL-6 and SOCS3 and protein concentration of spinal Iba-1were detected with ELISA and RT-PCR analysis. Results Compared with model group, mechanical withdrawal thresholdsin the warm acupuncture group significantly increased, and the content of Iba-1 decreased significantly (P<0.01); The mRNA level of IL-6 decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the mRNA level of SOCS3 significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion Warming acupuncture therapy can reduce the pain response in rats with neuropathic pain through inhibiting spinal cord microglial activation, down-regulating the gene expression of lL-6 and up-regulating the gene expression of SOCS3.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine combined with sildenafil in the treatment of ED in Chinese men： A real-world study / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To make a real-world study on the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) that failed to respond to TCM medication.@*METHODS@#This study included 1 038 ED patients with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores ≤21 and improvement <30% after 4 weeks of TCM medication, differentially diagnosed with kidney-yang or kidney-yin deficiency syndrome. We administered TCM combined with sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd) at 100 mg 1 hour before sexual intercourse. After 2 and 4 weeks of medication, we recorded the scores in IIEF-5, erection hardness, Sexual Encounter Profile question 2 (SEP-2: whether vaginal penetration is successful), SEP-3 (whether sexual intercourse is successful), and TCM Syndromes Scale as well as the indexes of routine blood, urine, liver function, and renal function of the patients, and compared them with those obtained before treatment.@*RESULTS@#No serious adverse reactions were observed in any of the patients. Compared with the baseline, the patients achieved significantly increased IIEF-5 scores after 2 and 4 weeks of medication (15.01 ± 2.25 vs 16.96 ± 2.55 and 19.41 ± 2.82, P <0.05), penileelectionhardness remarkably improved at 4 weeks (3.36% vs 44.58%, P<0.05), and the positive answers to SEP-2 and SEP-3 both markedly increased at 2 (38.11% vs 90.49%, P<0.05; 22.01% vs 63.77% , P<0.05) and 4 weeks (38.11% vs 96.95% , P<0.05; 22.01% vs 89.73%, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#TCM combined with sildenafil is safe and effective in the treatment of ED in Chinese men, which can significantly improve the IIEF-5 score and erection hardness of the patients.

Efficacy and safety of Qiaoshao Formula () on patients with lifelong premature ejaculation of Gan (Liver) depression and Shen (Kidney) deficiency syndrome: A randomized controlled trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effificacy and safety of Qiaoshao Formula (, QSF) on patients with lifelong premature ejaculation (LPE) of Gan (Liver) depression and Shen (Kidney) defificiency syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 LPE patients were randomly divided into treatment (QSF) and control (dapoxetine) groups. The treatment group received QSF twice a day and the control group received dapoxetine 1 to 2 h prior to planned sexual intercourse for 4 weeks. The outcomes included intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT), clinical global impression of change (CGIC), scores of Chinese medicine symptoms (CMSS), sex life satisfaction (SLS) and adverse events (AEs).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the treated group, the median IELT was 3 min vs. 1.5 min before and after treatment (P<0.05). PEDT in the treated group was reduced to 11.76±1.68 from 15.83±2.30 after treatment (P<0.05). Besides, patient's SLS was improved from 1.30±0.05 to 6.30±0.04 (P<0.05), and spouse's SLS was increased from 1.30±0.to 6.10±0.06 (P<0.05); CMSS was decrease from 14.86±3.02 to 9.62±2.87 (P<0.05). In addition, no significant AE was observed in both groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>QSF may be effective and safe on LPE patients with Gan depression and Shen defificiency syndrome.</p>

Short-term efficacy of treating hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure based on cold pattern differentiation with hot herbs: A randomized controlled trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yinchen Zhufu Decoction (, YCZFD) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV-ACLF) with cold pattern in Chinese medicine (CM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This is a multi-center randomized controlled trial of integrative treatment of CM and Western medicine (WM) for the management of HBV-ACLF patients. A total of 200 HBV-ACLF patients with cold pattern were equally randomly assigned to receive YCZFD and WM (integrative treatment) or WM conventional therapy alone respectively for 4 weeks. The primary end point was the mortality for HBV-ACLF patients. Secondary outcome measures included Model for End-Stage Liver disease (MELD) score, liver biochemical function, coagulation function and complications. Adverse events during treatment were reported.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mortality was decreased 14.28% in the integrative treatment group compared with WM group (χ(2) =6.156, P=0.013). The integrative treatment was found to signifificantly improve the MELD score (t=2.353, P=0.020). There were statistically signifificant differences in aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, direct bilirubin and prothrombin time between the two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The complications of ascites (χ(2)=9.033, P=0.003) and spontaneous bacteria peritonitis (χ(2)=4.194, P=0.041) were improved signifificantly in the integrative treatment group. No serious adverse event was reported.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The integrative treatment of CM and WM was effective and safe for HBV-ACLF patients with cold pattern in CM. The Chinese therapeutic principle "treating cold pattern with hot herbs" remains valuable to the clinical therapy. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-10000766).</p>

Causes, Features, and Outcomes of Drug-Induced Liver Injury in 69 Children from China

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a frequent cause of pediatric liver disease; however, the data on DILI are remarkably limited. METHODS: All 69 children hospitalized with DILI between January 2009 and December 2011 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: A total of 37.7% of the children had medical histories of respiratory infection. The clinical injury patterns were as follows: hepatocellular 89.9%, cholestatic 2.9%, and mixed 7.2%. Liver biopsies from 55 children most frequently demonstrated chronic (47.3%) and acute (27.3%) hepatitis. Hypersensitivity features, namely, fever (31.9%), rash (21.7%), and eosinophilia (1.4%), were found. Twenty-four children (34.8%) developed chronic DILI. Antibiotics (26.1%) were the most common Western medicines (WMs) causing DILI, and the major implicated herbs were Ephedra sinica and Polygonum multiflorum. Compared with WM, the children whose injuries were caused by Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) showed a higher level of total bilirubin (1.4 mg/dL vs 16.6 mg/dL, p=0.004) and a longer prothrombin time (11.8 seconds vs 17.3 seconds, p=0.012), but they exhibited less chronic DILI (2/15 vs 18/39, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of DILI in children are caused by antibiotics or CHM used to treat respiratory infection and present with hepatocellular injury. Compared with WM, CHM is more likely to cause severe liver injury, but liver injury caused by CHM is curable.