Multifunctional AuPt Nanoparticles for Synergistic Photothermal and Radiation Therapy.

Background: Photothermal therapy (PTT) has gained considerable interest as an emerging modality for cancer treatment in recent years. Radiation therapy (RT) has been widely used in the clinic as a traditional treatment method. However, RT and PTT treatments are limited by side effects and penetration depth, respectively. In addition, hypoxia within the tumor can lead to increased resistance to treatment. Methods: We synthesized multiple sizes of AuPt by modulating the reaction conditions. The smallest size of AuPt was selected and modified with folic acid (FA) for PTT and RT synergy therapy. Various methods including transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) are used to determine the structure and composition of AuPt-FA (AF). In addition, we researched the photothermal properties of AF with IR cameras and infrared lasers. Flow cytometry, colony formation assays, CCK8, and fluorescent staining for probing the treatment effect in vitro. Also, we explored the targeting of AF by TEM and In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS). In vivo experiments, we record changes in tumor volume and weight as well as staining of tumor sections (ROS, Ki67, and hematoxylin and eosin). Results: The AuPt with particle size of 16 nm endows it with remarkably high photothermal conversion efficiency (46.84%) and catalase activity compared to other sizes of AuPt (30 nm and 100 nm). AF alleviates hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, leading to the production of more reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the treatment. In addition, the therapeutic effect was significantly enhanced by combining RT and PTT, with an apoptosis rate of 81.1% in vitro and an in vivo tumor volume reduction rate of 94.0% in vivo. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that AF potentiates the synergistic effect of PTT and RT and has the potential for clinical translation.

[Exploration of the diagnosis and treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia with acupuncture based on jingjin theory].

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is caused by kidney deficiency and impaired qi transformation of the urinary bladder and is manifested by the stagnation of essence chamber. Based on jingjin (muscle region of meridian, sinew/fascia) theory and taking the visceral membrane as the principal, acupuncture is delivered at sinew/fascia to promote qi circulation, resolve stasis and open the orifice. Guided by CT, the needle is inserted at Zhongji (CV 3), the front-mu point of the urinary bladder, and then goes to the prostatic capsule, meaning "the disease of zang organ is treated by needling the front-mu point". In treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, this acupuncture therapy stimulates the different layers of fascia, by which, the defensive qi on the exterior is regulated and "essence orifice" in the interior is adjusted so that the urination can be promoted.

The nutritional literacy of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and its association with treatment self-regulation and perceived social support.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy can lead to malnutrition and post-menopausal recurrence among breast cancer (BC) patients, who need to achieve nutritional literacy (NL) to cope. The objective of this study was to explore the NL level in Chinese BC patients receiving chemotherapy and its predictors including both internal motivation and the external environment. METHODS: A total of 326 BC female patients from three hospitals were enrolled. Participants completed the Nutrition Literacy Measurement Scale for Chinese Adult (NLMS-CA), Chinese version from the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (TSRQ-C), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) to assess NL, treatment self-regulation, and social support. Stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to identify the main factors of NL. RESULTS: The total NL score was 151.31 ± 16.85, the "knowledge understanding" dimension had the lowest score. In the final regression model, patients with higher scores for "autonomous motivation" and "introjected regulation" on the TSRQ-C and "family support" and "other support" on the PSSS, higher educational levels and average monthly household incomes and endocrine therapy had higher NL levels (adjusted R2 = 66.7%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The overall NL score among Chinese BC patients receiving chemotherapy was satisfactory, but the knowledge understanding score was low. Higher autonomous motivation, introjected regulation, family support and other support scores, higher educational and household income levels, and endocrine therapy were predictors of NL in female patients. Interventions should be designed according to the specific performances and predictors of NL in female patients.

[Application characteristics of Qugu (CV 2) in ancient and modern literature].

To summarize and analyze the clinical application characteristics of Qugu (CV 2) in ancient and modern literature based on data mining technology. The Chinese Medical Code (the 5th edition) was taken as the retrieval source of ancient literature, while the CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were taken as the retrieval source of modern literature. The indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone or with compatible acupoints, compatible acupoints, acupuncture-moxibustion manipulation, etc., were systematically sorted out. As a result, a total of 140 articles of ancient literature were included. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone were urinary retention, profuse vaginal discharge and hernia. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used with compatible acupoints were profuse vaginal discharge, stranguria and hernia. Sixty-four acupoints were concurrently used with Qugu (CV 2), Qugu (CV 2) was mainly compatible with acupoints of conception vessel, bladder meridian and liver meridian, and the high-frequency acupoints included Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); five-shu points were the most used special acupoints, and moxibustion therapy was often used. A total of 73 modern articles were included. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone were urinary retention, erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis; the common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used with compatible scupoints were urinary retention, erectile dysfunction and prostatic hyperplasia. Thirty-six acupoints were concurrently used with Qugu (CV 2), Qugu (CV 2) was mainly compatible with acupoints of conception vessel, kidney meridian and spleen meridian, and the high-frequency acupoints included Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36); front-mu points were the most used special acupoints, and acupuncture therapy was often used. Qugu (CV 2) treats a wide range of diseases in ancient times, the distant treatment effectiveness of acupoints is emphasized; and it mainly treats local diseases in modern times, the nearby treatment effectiveness of acupoints is emphasized.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward healthy eating among Chinese cancer patients treated with chemotherapy: A systematic review.

Side effects from chemotherapy may disturb healthy eating. There are many food taboos among Chinese patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy; they may be conservative in food intake and seek help from traditional Chinese medicine to adjust to healthy eating. Differences in eating cultures may lead Chinese patients with cancer to generate different knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward healthy eating. This systematic review explored the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward healthy eating and summarized influencing factors among Chinese patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy. Two English and three Chinese databases were searched since 2007. The eligibility criteria were quantitative descriptive studies, participants who were adult Chinese patients with cancer who received chemotherapy, and primary outcomes that included knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors toward healthy eating. A total of 12 studies were identified. The 11-item tool from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was used to assess quality. All studies were of moderate quality. Narrative qualitative analysis was considered to summarize the findings, and the results were reported by scores or percentages. Four studies measured knowledge, and the information about what to eat and how much to eat was contradictory and confused patients, with little known about Chinese food therapy. Ten studies involved attitudes, and patients were aware of the importance and willingness for eating guidance before, during, and after chemotherapy. Strategies to relieve vomiting and nausea, engage in healthy food choices, and seek food therapy were the main behaviors. The influencing factors were found only in behaviors, including demographic and psychological factors. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward healthy eating are not satisfactory and need to be improved. More high-quality studies should regard health behavior as a distal outcome and explore the influences of knowledge and attitudes on behaviors.

Qu-Du-San-Jie decoction induces growth inhibition and vascular normalization in NF2-associated vestibular schwannoma.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare genetic syndrome that predisposes individuals to develop bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs) causing a high risk of life-threatening neurological complications. Traditional treatment options for NF2-associated VS usually cause neurological damage, and to date, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NF2. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of Qu-Du-San-Jie (QDSJ) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on NF2-associated VS and to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods: Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS) analysis was performed to identify the components of QDSJ and their targets. To determine the relationships between the putative targets of QDSJ and the differential genes of NF2-associated VS, the drug-disease crossover genes were screened using the UHPLC-MS data combined with our previous gene expression profiling data. The differentially expressed genes were imported into the STRING database to generate a PPI network. Differentially expressed gene targets and pathways were identified using GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. The in vitro and in vivo drug efficacy of QDSJ decoction was tested using a patient-derived schwannoma cell line and a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, respectively. H&E staining, immunochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and tumor vessels. Results: A total of 133 compounds were identified in QDSJ decoction using UHPLC-MS analysis. Network pharmacology showed that the regulation of necroptosis, apoptosis, cell cycle, angiogenesis, adherens junction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction could be associated with the efficacy of QDSJ in treating NF2-associated VS. Treatment with QDSJ induced necrotic cell death and apoptosis of schwannoma cells in vitro and suppressed the tumor growth in vivo. Histopathological analysis revealed areas of cell necrosis and enlarged tumor blood vessels in the QDSJ-treated tumors. The numbers of cells positive for Cyclin D1 and Ki-67 were significantly reduced in QDSJ-treated tumors compared to control tumors. Immunofluorescence staining of CD31 and αSMA showed a decreased number and density of tumor vessels and normalized vessel structure in QDSJ-treated tumors. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that QDSJ decoction shows significant antitumor activity against NF2-associated schwannoma and is a possible candidate for future clinical trials.

2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine protects retinal photoreceptors against endoplasmic reticulum stress by modulating ATF4-mediated inhibition of PRP aggregation.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a common threat to photoreceptors during the pathogenesis of chronic retinopathies and often results in irreversible visual impairment. 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), which possesses many beneficial pharmacological activities, is a potential drug that could be used to protect photoreceptors. In the present study, we found that the cellular growth rate of 661 W cells cultured under low glucose conditions was lower than that of control cells, while the G2/M phase of the cell cycle was longer. We further found that the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was lower and that ER stress factor expression was increased in 661 W cells cultured under low glucose conditions. TMP reversed these trends. Visual function and cell counts in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were low and the TUNEL-positive rate in the ONL was high in a C3H mouse model of spontaneous retinal degeneration. Similarly, visual function was decreased, and the TUNEL-positive rate in the ONL was increased in fasted C57/BL6j mice compared with control mice. On the other hand, ER stress factor expression was found to be increased in the retinas of both mouse models, as shown by reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. TMP reversed the physiological and molecular biological variations observed in both mouse models, and ATF4 expression was enhanced again. Further investigation by using western blotting illustrated that the proportion of insoluble prion protein (PRP) versus soluble PRP was reduced both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that TMP increased the functions of photoreceptors by alleviating ER stress in vitro and in vivo, and the intrinsic mechanism was the ATF4-mediated inhibition of PRP aggregation. TMP may potentially be used clinically as a therapeutic agent to attenuate the functional loss of photoreceptors during the pathogenesis of chronic retinopathies. KEY MESSAGES: • Already known: TMP is a beneficial drug mainly used in clinic to enhance organ functions, and the intrinsic mechanism is still worthy of exploring. • New in the study: We discovered that TMP ameliorated retinal photoreceptors function via ER stress alleviation, which was promoted by ATF4-mediated inhibition of PRP aggregation. • Application prospect: In prospective clinical practices, TMP may potentially be used in the clinic as a therapeutic agent to attenuate the photoreceptors functional reduction in chronic retinopathies.

The effect of coenzyme Q10 plus trimetazidine on acute viral myocarditis treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plus trimetazidine (TMZ) in treating acute viral myocarditis (AVMC) and the combination's influence on the oxidative stress markers and the patients' quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This retrospective analysis enrolled 156 patients with AVMC admitted to the Department of Cardiology of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2019. Based on the treatment method each patient was administered, the patients were classified into a control group (n=72, CoQ10 therapy) and a combination group (n=84, CoQ10+TMZ therapy). The clinical effectiveness was observed in the two groups two weeks after the treatment, and the changes in the patients' serum inflammatory factor levels, oxidative stress indexes, myocardial enzyme levels, and cardiac function were compared. RESULTS: The combination group had a far superior total effective rate than the control group (90.5% vs. 77.8%, P<0.05). After the treatment, the serum inflammatory factor levels, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and C-reactive protein (CRP), decreased in both groups, and the index levels in the combination group were significantly better than they were in the control group (P<0.05). The oxidative stress indicators, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), improved more significantly in the combination group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The myocardial zymogram creatine kinase (CK), cardiac troponin (cTnI), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were reduced in the two groups, with lower levels in the combination group. The left ventricular systolic function and the patients' QoL were better in the combination group compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CoQ10 plus TMZ yields a favorable clinical effectiveness in the treatment of AVMC, and it can effectively promote cardiac function recovery, alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, and bolster patients' QoL.

Development of sustained-release pellets to modulate the in vivo processes of the main active components of Danshen: A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Danshen is a first-line traditional Chinese medicine derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge consisting mainly of tanshinone IIA, tanshinol, protocatechuic aldehyde, and salvianolic acid B, it is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases based on the synergistic effect of its multiple active components. Recent studies have indicated that the overall effect of traditional Chinese medicine is closely related to the in vivo coexistence of a variety of active components. HYPOTHESIS: The prolongation of the coexistence of the four active components in Danshen in vivo by regulating their pharmacokinetic processes may contribute to better efficiency. METHODS/STUDY DESIGNS: Individual sustained-release pellets of the four main active components in Danshen were respectively prepared according to the optimised formulations developed in our previous studies to modulate their in vivo processes, in which the desired release profiles of each kind of sustained-release pellets for formulation optimisation were calculated based on the point-area deconvolution and circadian rhythm of variant angina. The four kinds of sustained-release pellets were filled into capsules on the basis of the original weight ratio of the four active components in purified Salvia miltiorrhiza extract for further in vitro release and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations. RESULTS: The release behaviours of the combined Danshen capsules composed of the four kinds of sustained-release pellets were evaluated in three media with different pH levels (pH 1.2, 6.8, and pure water). The release profiles of each kind of sustained-release pellets in pH 6.8 PBS and pH 1.2 HCl were similar to the release profile of those in pure water (similarity factors f2 > 50). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the four kinds of sustained-release pellets in the combined Danshen capsules possessed the same Tmax and similar and extended MRT. Moreover, pharmacodynamic studies indicated that the combined Danshen capsules had much better anti-angina effects than commercial Danshen capsules according to comprehensive evaluations via electrocardiogram, serum index (CK-MB, cTn-I, ET, and NO), myocardial oxidative damage, and myocardial pathologic biopsy. CONCLUSION: Sustained-release preparations can markedly prolong the in vivo coexistence of multiple components in Danshen to enhance their overall effects, which provides a potent strategy for developing the combination therapy of traditional Chinese medicine.

[Effects of tannins in Galla Chinensis on pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in vivo and in vitro].

This study was aimed to explore the effects of tannins in Galla Chinensis on rifampicin in vivo. In the experiment in vitro, UV spectrophotometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to investigate the solubility of rifampin in pH 1.3, 6.8, artificial gastric juice environment and artificial intestinal fluid environment as well as the effects of tannins on solubility of rifampin in the above conditions. In the experiment in vivo, the process of rifampicin was studied after intragastric administration of rifampicin and rifampicin+ tannins in Galla Chinensis, and then the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The results showed that rifampicin was constantly precipitated in the artificial gastric juice environment over time, and nearly 85% of the rifampicin was precipitated after 6 hours; it showed a good solubility in the artificial intestinal juice environment. After adding the said tannins, the concentration of rifampicin was decreased significantly in both environments, and the concentration of rifampicin in artificial intestinal juice remained relatively stable, while that in artificial gastric juice remained the original downward trend. The pharmacokinetic parameters displayed that as compared with rifampicin alone, AUC0-t and Cmax were decreased significantly, MRT0-t slowed down significantly, Tmax doubled to 7.0 h and the bioavailability was only 31.65% in rifampicin + tannins in Galla Chinensis group. The experiment indicated rifampicin had a poor solubility in acidic environment and the decrease of bioavailability of rifampicin when in combination with tannin was mainly due to the reduction of rifampicin solubility in intestinal tract by complexation of rifampicin with tannin, thus affecting its absorption in intestinal tract. Therefore, rifampicin and the Chinese herbal medicines or Chinese patent medicines rich in tannin should not be taken simultaneously.

[Effects of Zhuang-medical thread moxibustion combined with needle-pricking on vascular oxidative stress injury in the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Zhuang-medical thread moxibustion combined with needle-pricking on vascular oxidative stress injury in oxidative stress injury rats. METHODS: Eighty Wistar rats were randomly allocated to normal control, sham operation (sham), model, and combined treatment groups (n=20 in each group). The oxidative stress injury model was established by ligation of the left sciatic nerve to induce chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain stress stimulation. Zhuang-medical thread moxibustion was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), once a day for 3 weeks. Needle-pricking was applied to left "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) and left "Huantiao" (GB 30), once a day for 3 weeks except Sundays. Plasma 6-keto-PGF 1α, thromboxane B 2 (TXB 2), NO and ET contents were assayed by radioimmunoassay. COX-2 immunoactivity of the femoral artery was determined by immunohistochemistry, and pathological changes of the femoral artery were detected by H. E. staining. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the levels of plasma 6-keto-PGF 1α and NO in the model group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), while those of plasma TXB 2 and ET and COX-2 expression in the femoral artery were obviously increased in the model group (P<0.01). After moxibustion plus needle-pricking treatment, CCI-induced decrease of plasma 6-keto-PGF 1α and NO contents, and increase of plasma TXB 2 and ET and COX-2 expression levels were obviously reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The tubal wall of the femoral artery in rats of the model group got thicker, while that of the combined treatment group was relatively thinner, suggesting an inhibition of vascular intimal hyperplasia after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Zhuang-medical thread moxibustion combined with needle-pricking of ST 36, GB 34 and GB 30 can reduce the expression of femoral artery COX-2 and regulate the balance of both plasma PGI 2/TXA 2 and plasma NO/ET in CCI-induced oxidative stress rats, which may contribute to its effect in suppressing oxidative stress-induced vascular intimal hyperplasia.

[Effects of needle pricking therapy of Zhuang minority medicine on expression of pulmonary T-bet, GATA-binding protein 3 genes and thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein in the lung of asthma mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of needle pricking therapy on the expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) protein, T-box expressed in T cells(T-bet)mRNA and GATA-binding protein-3 (GATA 3) mRNA in the lung tissue of mice with asthma, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of asthma. METHODS: Thirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control, model and needle pricking groups (10 mice/group). The asthma model was established by i. p. of Ovalbumin (OVA) suspension fluid (containing Aluminium Hydroxide 400 microg and OVA 100 microg, 50 microg/L) and forced inhalation of atomized OVA. A sharp needle was held to prick "Dazhui" (GV 14),"Feishu" (BL 13), "Dingchuan" (EX-B 1),"Fengmen" (BL 12),"Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Pishu" (BL 20) acupoint regions to let a little bit of white fibrous tissue out, then to insert into the acupoints to about 1 mm in depth, once a day for seven times. The lung tissue was taken for detecting the expression of T-bet mRNA and GATA-3 mRNA by RT-PCR and for determining the immunoactivity of TSLP by immunofluorescence method. In addition, HE staining was used to examine the pathologic changes of the lung tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression levels of GATA-3 mRNA and TSLP protein of the lung tissue in the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01), whereas that of T-bet mRNA was remarkably decreased (P < 0.05). Following needle prick stimulation treatment, the expression levels of GATA-3 mRNA and TSLP protein were markedly down-regulated (P < 0.01) and that of T-bet mRNA was obviously upregulated (P < 0.05). After the treatment, pathological changes including hyperemia of the pulmonary alveoli, epithelial thickening, narrowing of the lumina, and infiltration of many inflammatory cells around the tracheal blood vessels were improved. CONCLUSION: Needle pricking therapy can regulate the expression of pulmonary TSLP protein and GATA 3 and T-bet genes in mice with asthma, which may contribute to its effect in improving pulmonary pathological changes of asthma mice.

[Assessment of external methods of traditional Chinese medicine in patients with chronic ulcer of the lower extremities: study protocol of a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, prospective trial].

BACKGROUND: Chronic ulcer of the lower extremities amounts for a grave and serious problem for public health. Western medicine focuses on controlling infection, improving blood circulation, surgical debridement, skin grafting, etc, but there are bottlenecks in the treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and a legacy of sound clinical efficacy in this area. TCM has developed a unique, effective external theory, and a large number of topical prescriptions and external technology. Through this research, a safe and effective treatment protocol of TCM for chronic ulcer of the lower extremities can be formed. To this end, during China's "Eleventh Five-Year" Plan, special research committees and projects on TCM external treatments and external technologies were established. This study on ulcer of the lower extremities constitutes one of the major research topics. METHODS AND DESIGN: Clinical information of patients with chronic ulcer of the lower extremities will be first collected in a large, multicenter, epidemiological survey. Concurrently, a large multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, prospective study will be launched based on evidence-based medical principles to evaluate the efficacy and safety of external methods for removing carrion, dissolving stasis, reinforcing deficiency and promoting tissue regeneration. The evaluated indexes will include the wound healing percentage for primary outcome, wound healing time, wound healing rate, time and rate of removal of necrotic tissue, and TCM syndromes for secondary outcomes and routine blood test, routine urine test, liver and kidney function, blood mercury content and finally urine mercury content for adverse events. DISCUSSION: In this trial, the authors will evaluate the efficacy and safety of external methods for removing carrion, dissolving stasis, reinforcing deficiency and promoting tissue regeneration in cases of chronic ulcer of the lower extremities for standardizing external therapy of TCM for treatment of this condition, and establishing the clinical assessment system for TCM. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The research program was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry in both English and Chinese in June 2011. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-TRC-11001365.

[Postmenopausal osteoporosis of liver and kidney deficiency type treated with acupoint catgut embedding by stages].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the better treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis of liver and kidney deficiency type. METHODS: One hundred and five cases were randomly divided into an observation group, a control group A and a control group B equally. In control group A, Calcichew D3 tablets were taken with oral administration; in control group B, Calcichew D3 tablets and Xianling Gubao capsule were taken with oral administration. In observation group, Calcichew D3 tablets and acupoint catgut embedding were applied; Shenshu (BL 23), Ganshu (BL 18), Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Weizhong (BL 40) etc. were selected at acute stage; Shenshu (BL 23) and Ganshu (BL 18) etc. were selected at remission stage, once every half a month and 6 months treatment in all. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), bone mineral density(BMD), estradiol (E2) and clinical effects were compared among groups. RESULTS: After 3 and 6 months treatment, the scores of VAS were reduced among groups (all P < 0.01); the reduction in observation group and control group B was superior to that in control group A (all P < 0.001), and it was more obvious in observation group than that in control group B (both P < 0.001). After 6 months treatment, lumbar BMD and the serum level of Ez improved obviously in observation group and control group B (all P < 0.01). The comparison among groups after treatment showed that the BMD in observation group and control group B was superior o o that in control group A (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); the serum level of E2 in observation group was superior to that in control group B and control group A (both P < 0.001), and it in control group B was superior to that in control group A. The total effective rate was 91.4% (32/35) in observation group, superior to that in control group A (57.1%, 20/35); and the total effective rate was 82. 9% (29/35) in control group B, superior to that in control group A. CONCLUSION: Calcichew D3 tablets and acupoint catgut embedding therapy can relieve the pain caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis of liver and kidney deficiency, improve the bone mineral density and serum level of estradiol; in brief, it is the better method.

[Effects and action mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in wound healing of chronic skin ulcers of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects and action mechanisms of Buyang Huanwu Decoction, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in wound healing of chronic skin ulcers of rats. METHODS: A total of 54 male SD rats with back full-thickness skin lesion were used in this study. Except for the normal control group, the rats were injected with hydrocortisone for inducing chronic skin ulcers, and were randomly divided into untreated group and Buyang Huanwu Decoction group. The rate and the time of wound healing were observed. Immunohistochemical method and image analytical method were used to test the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel count (MVC) in granulation tissue of chronic skin ulcers in the rats. RESULTS: The rate of wound healing was significantly lowered in the untreated group as compared with the normal control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the time of wound healing was obviously longer too (P<0.01). In the Buyang Huanwu Decoction group, the rate of wound healing was significantly higher than that in the untreated group (P<0.01), and the time of wound healing was obviously shorter than the latter's (P<0.01). In the untreated group, the expression of VEGF and MVC were significantly lower than those in the normal control group (P<0.01); the expression of VEGF and MVC were obviously increased in the Buyang Huanwu Decoction group as compared with those in the untreated group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Buyang Huanwu Decoction has the effect to promote the wound healing for chronic skin ulcers of rats by regulating the expression of VEGF in granulation tissue of chronic skin ulcers.

[Effects of Fuhuang Shengji Yuchuang Ointment on expressions of types I and III collagens in granulation tissue of wound in rats with diabetes].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Fuhuang Shengji Yuchuang (FHSJYC) Ointment, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on the expressions of types I and III collagens in granulation tissue of wound in rats with diabetes. METHODS: Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: wound control group, normal saline (NS) group and FHSJYC Ointment group. Diabetes was induced by injection of 1.5% alloxan and oral gavage of 5% glucose, and skin wound was made in rats of the NS group and the FHSJYC Ointment group. Skin wounds of the rats in the FHSJYC Ointment group were treated with FHSJYC Ointment gauze dressing, while those in the NS group were treated with NS gauze dressing once daily. The rats were executed in turn on the third day and the eleventh day of the treatment, and the changes of the content of types I and III collagens in the wound granulation tissue were observed by immunohistochemical technology. RESULTS: Compared with the NS group, the wound closure index in the FHSJYC Ointment group was increased (P<0.05). After 3-day treatment, the expression of type I collagen showed no significant differences among the three groups, while the expression of type III collagen in the FHSJYC Ointment group was higher than that in the NS group (P<0.05), similar with that in the wound control group. After 11-day treatment, the expressions of both types I and type III collagens in the FHSJYC Ointment group were higher than those in the NS group (P<0.05), similar with those in the wound control group. CONCLUSION: FHSJYC Ointment can affect the process of wound healing by promoting and regulating the expressions of types I and III collagens.

[Therapy mainly for strengthening healthy energy to promote blood circulation in treating 112 diabetic patients with gangrene].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the therapy mainly for strengthening healthy energy to promote blood circulation in treating diabetic patients with gangrene. METHODS: A series of 112 diabetic patients with gangrene were investigated before and after treatment in the changes of wounds, clinical symptoms and quality of life. RESULTS: Fifty-eight cases were cured, 12 cases showed response, 36 cases improved, and 6 cases failure of treatment. The total obvious effect rate was 62.5% (70/112) and the amputation rate was 8.9% (10/112). The 104 diabetic cases of three-stage gangrene were classified into grade I, II and III. The total effect rates of the diabetic cases of grade I, II and III were 83.3% (30/36), 55.6% (35/63) and 20% (1/5), and the amputation rates were 0%, 12.7% (8/63), and 40% (2/5) respectively. After the treatment, the clinical symptoms, gangrene number, gangrene area and gangrene depth were obviously improved (P<0.05), and the quality of life was obviously improved (P<0.01), especially in physical condition, emotional well-being and therapeutic effects on patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Strengthening healthy energy to promote blood circulation is effective in treating diabetic patients with gangrene.

[Effects of Ru'ai Shuhou Recipe on 5-year recurrence rate after mastectomy in breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Ru'ai Shuhou Recipe (RSR), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on 5-year recurrence rate after mastectomy in breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 300 patients with breast cancer were divided into two groups: treatment group and control group. The patients in the treatment group were treated with Western medicine and RSR, and the patients in the control group were treated only with Western medicine (the same as the treatment group). In the two groups, the 5-year recurrence rates after mastectomy in breast cancer were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-four breast cancer patients were lost to five-year follow-up during the course of investigation, and 266 breast cancer patients went through the evaluation. The 5-year recurrence rate after mastectomy in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The recurrence rate after mastectomy was influenced by positive lymph node, primary breast tumor size, clinical stage, and patients' health status. There was significant difference in the 5-year recurrence rates between the two groups (P<0.05) under the following conditions, such as the positive lymph nodes more than four, the primary breast tumor larger than two centimeters, and in the clinical stage II and III, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/progesterone receptor (PR)-positive and ER-negative/PR-negative. The recurrence rate was not associated with the operation method and age distribution. CONCLUSION: RSR can reduce the 5-year recurrence rate after mastectomy in breast cancer.