[Clinical symptoms and distribution characteristics traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of pulmonary nodules].

A cross-sectional study method combined with two types of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome differentiation methods was adopted to investigate the clinical symptoms and distribution characteristics of TCM syndromes in patients with pulmonary nodules from the perspectives of number, size, nature, and stability of pulmonary nodules by using the χ~2 test, systematic clustering and Apriori algorithm correlation analysis. The common clinical symptoms of pulmonary nodules were fatigue(77.35%) and irritability(75.40%), and 40 symptoms were clustered into 3 groups(digestive system symptoms, respiratory system symptoms, and emotional and systemic symptoms) and 8 major symptom categories. The proportion of cold and heat in complexity syndrome(63.43%) was higher based on cold-heat syndrome differentiation. The top two syndromes were Qi deficiency syndrome(88.03%) and Qi depression syndrome(83.17%) based on disease syndrome differentiation. Yang deficiency syndrome(60.52%) was more than Yin deficiency syndrome(50.16%). There were higher proportions of phlegm syndrome(78.67%) and Yang deficiency syndrome(69.33%) of so-litary pulmonary nodules in terms of the number of pulmonary nodules. In terms of size, the proportion of phlegm syndrome decreased as the mean diameter of pulmonary nodules increased, while the proportions of Yang deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome increased. The distribution of Qi depression syndrome was more in those with mean diameter<10 mm(85.02%, P=0.044) and cold syndrome was more in those with mean diameter ≥10 mm(16.67%, P=0.024). In terms of the nature of pulmonary nodules, the proportions of Qi depression syndrome and heat syndrome decreased with the increase in solid components of pulmonary nodules, while the proportions of Yin deficiency syndrome and cold and heat in complexity syndrome increased. The blood stasis syndrome accounted for a higher proportion of pulmonary nodules with solid components. In terms of the stability of pulmonary nodules, dampness syndrome(72.97%), blood stasis syndrome(37.84%), and cold and heat in complexity syndrome(70.27%) accounted for higher proportions. In addition, patients with new nodules presented higher proportions in Qi inversion syndrome(52.00%, P=0.007) and cold and heat in complexity syndrome(66.00%, P=0.008). Meanwhile, 11 syndromes were associated and 4 common compound syndromes were obtained(Qi deficiency and depression syndrome, Qi depression and phlegm coagulation syndrome, Qi deficiency and phlegm coagulation syndrome, and Qi deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome). Qi deficiency syndrome and Qi depression syndrome could be associated with other syndromes. The results show that the main clinical symptoms of pulmonary nodules are fatigue and irritability. The main TCM syndromes of pulmonary nodules are Qi deficiency syndrome, Qi depression syndrome, Yang deficiency syndrome, and cold and heat in complexity syndrome. The distribution of TCM syndromes is significantly correlated with the size of pulmonary nodules and the presence or absence of new nodules. The common compound syndromes are Qi deficiency and depression syndrome, Qi depression and phlegm coagulation syndrome, Qi deficiency and phlegm coagulation syndrome, and Qi deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome.

Regulation of T cells by myeloid-derived suppressor cells: emerging immunosuppressor in lung cancer.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), major components maintaining the immune suppressive microenvironment in lung cancer, are relevant to the invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis of lung cancer, through the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, remodeling of the immune microenvironment, and regulation of angiogenesis. MDSCs regulate T-cell immune functions by maintaining a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment and promoting tumor invasion. This raises the question of whether reversing the immunosuppressive effect of MDSCs on T cells can improve lung cancer treatment. To understand this further, this review explores the interactions and specific mechanisms of different MDSCs subsets, including regulatory T cells, T helper cells, CD8 + T cells, natural killer T cells, and exhausted T cells, as part of the lung cancer immune microenvironment. Second, it focuses on the guiding significance confirmed via clinical liquid biopsy and tissue biopsy that different MDSC subsets improve the prognosis of lung cancer. Finally, we conclude that targeting MDSCs through action targets or signaling pathways can help regulate T-cell immune functions and suppress T-cell exhaustion. In addition, immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting MDSCs may serve as a new approach for enhancing the efficiency of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for lung cancer in the future, providing better comprehensive options for lung cancer treatment.

Retrospective Clinical Study on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine in Treatment of Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of integrated Chinese and Western medicine extending the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) patients after the first-line chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: The data of 67 LS-SCLC patients who received combined treatment of CM and Western medicine (WM) between January 2013 and May 2020 at the outpatient clinic of Guang'anmen Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-six LS-SCLC patients who received only WM treatment was used as the WM control group. The medical data of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using the product-limit method (Kaplan-Meier analysis). The median OS and PFS were calculated, and survival curves were compared by the Log rank test. The cumulative survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were estimated by the life table analysis. Stratified survival analysis was performed between patients with different CM administration time. RESULTS: The median PFS in the CM and WM combination treatment group and the WM group were 19 months (95% CI: 12.357-25.643) vs. 9 months (95% CI: 5.957-12.043), HR=0.43 (95% CI: 0.27-0.69, P<0.001), respectively. The median OS in the CM and WM combination group and the WM group were 34 months (95% CI could not be calculated) vs. 18.63 months (95% CI: 16.425-20.835), HR=0.40 (95% CI: 0.24-0.66, P<0.001), respectively. Similar results were obtained in the further stratified analysis of whether the duration of CM administration exceeded 18 and 24 months (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination treatment of CM and WM with continuing oral administration of CM treatment after the first-line chemoradiotherapy for LS-SCLC patients produced better prognosis, lower risks of progression, and longer survival than the WM treatment alone. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200056616).

[Research of Feiliuping Gao and its combination with different types of drugs intervention on expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB in lung metastatic microenvironment].

The aim of this paper was to observe the effect of Feiliuping Gao and its combination with different types of drugs intervention on the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB in lung metastatic microenvironment, and to reveal the advantage of Chinese medicine intervention time on the key molecule in lung metastatic microenvironment. The mouse model of Lewis lung carcinoma was established, and lung tissues were collected at 14 days, 21 days and 28 days after the intervention of Feiliuping Gao, and the expressions of PI3K, AKT and NF-κB were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. At 14 days, there was no significant difference in PI3K expression between each group and the control group. The expression of AKT protein was significantly inhibited in the celecoxib (CLB) group, the Feiliuping Gao (FLP) combination with cyclophosphamide (FLP+CTX) group, and the Feiliuping Gao combination with celecoxib (FLP+CLB) group (P<0.05). The inhibition of AKT protein expression in FLP+CLB group was superior. The FLP+CLB group can inhibit the expression of NF-κB protein (P<0.05). At 21 days, compared with the control group, the expression of PI3K was inhibited in FLP group and the FLP+CTX group (P<0.05), while the expression of PI3K was best inhibited in the FLP+CLB group (P<0.001). Only the FLP+CLB group could significantly inhibit the expression of AKT protein (P<0.01). The FLP+CTX group had the best effect in inhibiting the expression of NF-κB protein (P<0.001). At 28 days, compared with the control group, the expression of PI3K and AKT was inhibited in the FLP+CLB group (P<0.001). Feiliuping ointment combination with celecoxib has an advantage in regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB molecules in lung metastatic microenvironment.

Malignancy as a comorbidity in rheumatic diseases: a retrospective hospital-based study.

Patients with Rheumatic diseases (RDs) are at an increased risk of malignancies compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the relative frequency of several cancers in a single homogeneous cohort of patients with different RDs. Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM), or polymyositis were included. Out of 3982 adult residents admitted to the division of rheumatology, 61 malignancies were observed. The 2009 National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR) of China served as the reference for calculating standardized ratio (SR). The malignancy frequency had no difference between RDs with malignancy and the general population. Patients with SS and DM/PM showed an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SR for SS patients = 9.709, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.602 to 17.916; SR for DM/PM = 35.714, 95% CI = 25.001 to 49.527). Patients with DM/PM and SSc showed an increased risk of lung cancer (SR for DM/PM = 10.638, 95% CI = 5.245 to 19.131; SR for SSc patients = 7.752, 95% CI = 3.295 to 15.309). Patients with SS and DM/PM showed an increased risk of ovary cancer (SR for SS patients = 8.177, 95% CI = 3.566 to 15.888; SR for DM/PM = 32.258, 95% CI = 22.126 to 45.490). Patients with SLE showed an increased risk of cervix cancer (SR for AS patients = 6.897, 95% CI = 2.748 to 14.144). Patients with AS showed an increased risk of pancreas cancer (SR for AS patients = 7.576, 95% CI = 2.181 to 15. 071). Different RDs have an increased risk of particular cancers. Among hematologic cancers, the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was higher than general population. Among solid tumors, the risk of cancers of the lung, ovary, cervix, and pancreas was higher than general population.

[Effects of Feiliuping Ointment Containing Serum on EMT Related mRNA and Protein Expressions under Co-culture Conditions of A549 Cells and Macrophage].

Objective To observe the effects of Feiliuping Ointment (FLP) containing serum on A549 cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related mRNA and protein expressions under macro- phage co-culture conditions. Methods FLP containing serum was prepared. A co-culture system of A549 cells and macrophages was established. A549 cells were divided into 3 groups, i.e., the blank serum group (A549 +NRS) , the co-culture cells + blank serum group (co-culture + NRS) , the co-culture cells with FLP containing serum group (co-culture + FLP). The effects of FLP on A549 cell EMT related gene (SNAIL1, SNAIL2, ZEB1, CDH1, CDH2, VIM, TJP1, CLDN1, CTNNB1, FLRT1) and proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadher- in, ZO-1, Vimentin) expressions were observed under co-culture conditions by fluorescent quantitative PCR. Results A549 cells developed into mesenchymal-like cells in co-culture conditions, which could been blocked by FLP containing serum in part. Compared with the A549 +NRS group, mRNA expressions of SNAIL1, ZEB1, CTNNB1, FLRT1, CDH2, and VIM were up-regulated (P <0. 05), but the expression of TJP1 was down-regulated in the co-culture + NRS group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the co-culture + NRS group, mRNA expressions of SNAIL2, TJP1, CLDN1, CDH1, and VIM were up-regulated, but mRNA ex- pressions of CTNNB1, FLRT1, and CDH2 were down-regulated in the co-culture + FLP group (all P <0. 05). Immunofluorescent results showed that E-cadherin expressed on cell membrane and inside cytoplasm, and most expressed on cell membrane. N-cadherin expressed on cell membrane and inside cytoplasm, and most expressed inside cytoplasm. Vimentin expressed within the cytoplasm. ZO-1 expressed mainly in cell junction. Parts of the cell membrane were positively stained. Compared with the A549 +NRS group, mRNA expression of E-cadherin was down-regulated in A549 cells, and mRNA expressions of N-cadherin and Vi- mentin were up-regulated in the co-culture +NRP group. However, E-cadherin was up-regulated and protein expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin were down-regulated after intervention of FLP containing serum. (all P <0. 05). Conclusion FLP could inhibit the EMT of A549 cells under co-culture conditions.

Adjuvant effects of fermented red ginseng extract on advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adjuvant therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) extract on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with advanced NSCLC were divided into two groups using a random number table, i.e., the gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy alone group (26 patients) and the FRG + GP chemotherapy group (34 patients), for 60-day treatment. Patients were then assessed according to the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Chinese medicine symptoms score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung. In addition, chemotherapy toxicity and tumor biomarkers were measured. RESULTS: For NSCLC patients after chemotherapy, FRG extract significantly improved the FSI score, CM symptoms score, psychological status, physical conditions, and quality of life and reduced chemotherapy toxicity, but the expression levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragments, and neuron-specific enolase were not significantly different between the chemotherapy alone and the FRG + chemotherapy groups or between pre- and post-treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that FRG extract had an adjuvant effect on advanced NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy. Further studies with a larger sample size will verify the current findings.

Comprehensive treatment with Chinese medicine in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A multicenter, prospective, cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether additional Chinese medicine (CM) could prolong survival and improve the quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with Western medicine (WM) alone. METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study. A total of 474 hospitalized patients with stage III-IV NSCLC were recruited and divided into 2 groups. Patients in the WM group received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and optimal supportive therapy according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. In the integrative medicine (IM) group, individualized CM (Chinese patent medicines and injections) and WM were administered. The primary end point was overall survival, and the secondary end points were time to disease progression, adverse events, and QOL. Follow-up clinical examinations and chest radiography were performed every 2 months. RESULTS: The median survival was 16.60 months in the IM group and 13.13 months in the WM group (P<0.01). The incidences of loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting in the IM group were significantly lower than those in the WM group (P<0.05). The QOL based on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung in the IM group was markedly higher than that in the WM group at the fourth course (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Additional CM may prolong survival and improve the QOL patients with NSCLC. The adverse effects of radio- and chemotherapy may be attenuated as CM is used in combination with conventional treatments.

Chinese herbal decoction based on syndrome differentiation as maintenance therapy in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: an exploratory and small prospective cohort study.

Objective. To investigate the treatment effect and treatment length of Chinese herbal decoction (CHD) as maintenance therapy on patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and to reflect the real syndrome differentiation (Bian Zheng) practices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Patients and Methods. Different CHDs were prescribed for each patient based on syndrome differentiation. The length of CHD treatment was divided into two phases for analyzing progression-free survival (PFS) and postprogression survival (PPS). Results. Three hundred and fifty-seven CHDs were prescribed based on syndrome differentiation during the study period. Median PFS was significantly longer in patients who received CHD >3 months than patients who received CHD ≤3 months in the first phase (8.7 months versus 4.5 months; hazard ratio (HR), 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-0.99; P = 0.0009). Median PPS was significantly longer in patients who received CHD >7 months than patients who received CHD ≤7 months in the second phase (11.7 months versus 5.1 months; HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.90-2.74; P = 0.002). Conclusion. CHD could improve PFS and PPS, which are closely related to treatment time and deepness of response of first-line therapy. In addition, CHD could improve body function and keep patients in a relatively stable state.

[Discussion of tumor treatment from the theory of ascending and descending activities of qi].

The theory of ascending and descending activities of qi is one basic theory that guides diagnosis and treatment of disease clinically. It has been esteemed by ancient physicians throughout their academic thinking and clinical diagnosis. As a kind of unbalanced disease in the whole body, the basic internal mechanism of tumor formation may be caused by unbalanced ascending and descending activities of qi. Better clinical efficacy is liable to get by applying the theory of ascending and descending activities of qi in cancer treatment. Therefore, we hope to provide a reference for clinicians from the following aspects: historical status and academic value of the theory of ascending and descending activities of qi, case examples and classical prescriptions.

[Study on percutaneous absorption of xiaozheng zhitong cataplasm].

OBJECTIVE: To study the transdermal behavior of Xiaozheng Zhitong cataplasm in rats. METHOD: With tetrahydropalmatine as the index, the Franz diffusion cell method was adopted for the experiment. Sample content was determined with HPLC. RESULT: The transdermal permeability and the transmission rate of tetrahydropalmatine accumulated for 24 h were 20.20% and 0.744 1 microg x cm(-2) x h(-1), respectively. CONCLUSION: The transdermal behaviors of Xiaozheng Zhitong cataplasm were ideal in conformity with the zero order kinetic model.

[Safety evaluation of Chinese medicine on tumor therapy].

As a characteristic tumor therapy in China, Chinese medicine (CM) plays an important position in comprehensive treatment of tumor. It's a critical issue of objective realization, analysis and evaluation of CM safety for scientific decision-making in tumor safe medication and it also is a pivotal issue which affects the international communication. The safety evaluation of CM includes three phases: pre-clinical safety evaluation, clinical trials (micro-dose studies and traditional clinical trials) and post-marketing CM safety assessment. The key point of evaluation should be distinguished among different stages and various types of CM (such as classic formulas, Chinese herbal extracts, etc). Emphasis should be given to chronic toxicity when evaluating oral Chinese herbal , microdose studies and quality control must be underlined while injection is evaluated and more attention should be pay to the dose-effect relationship and time-effect relationship when turned to toxic Chinese medicine , and so as for the toxicity grading study. Moreover, we should constantly improve CM safety assessment method in various stages of tumor treatment, such as introducing the concept of syndrome classification theory, bringing in metabonomics and real-world research method which are similar to the CM therapeutic concept. Most importantly, we must keep its own feature of CM theory when we learn the concept of safety evaluation from abroad. Actively exploring the anti-tumor medicine safety evaluation methods and strategies is of great significance for clinical and experimental research, and it can provide supportability platform to CM's international communication.

[Discussion on six errors of formulas corresponding to syndromes in using the classic formulas].

The theory of formulas corresponding to syndromes is one of the characteristics of Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shanghan Zabing Lun) and one of the main principles in applying classic prescriptions. It is important to take effect by following the principle of formulas corresponding to syndromes. However, some medical practitioners always feel that the actual clinical effect is far less than expected. Six errors in the use of classic prescriptions as well as the theory of formulas corresponding to syndromes are the most important causes to be considered, i.e. paying attention only to the local syndromes while neglecting the whole, paying attention only to formulas corresponding to syndromes while neglecting the pathogenesis, paying attention only to syndromes while neglecting the pulse diagnosis, paying attention only to unilateral prescription but neglecting the combined prescriptions, paying attention only to classic prescriptions while neglecting the modern formulas, and paying attention only to the formulas but neglecting the drug dosage. Therefore, not only the patients' clinical syndromes, but also the combination of main syndrome and pathogenesis simultaneously is necessary in the clinical applications of classic prescriptions and the theory of prescription corresponding to syndrome. In addition, comprehensive syndrome differentiation, modern formulas, current prescriptions, combined prescriptions, and drug dosage all contribute to avoid clinical errors and improve clinical effects.

Alleviation of cancerous pain by external compress with Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effectiveness of a topical application of Xiaozheng Zhitong: Paste (, XZP) in alleviating the cancerous pain of patients with middle/late stage cancer METHODS: By: adopting a random number table, 124 patients enrolled were randomized into the treatment group (64 patients) and the control group (60 patients). In addition to the basic therapy [including the three-ladder (3L) analgesia] used in both groups, topical application of XZP was given to patients in the treatment group for pain alleviation. The analgesic efficacy was recorded in terms of pain intensity, analgesia initiating time and sustaining time, and the optimal analgesic effect revealing time. Meanwhile, the quality of life (QOL) and adverse reactions that occurred in patients were recorded as well. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the treatment group was: 84.38% (54/64), and in the control group it was 88.33% (53/60), showing no significant difference between them (P>0.05), but the analgesia initiating time and the optimal analgesia effect revealing time in the treatment group were significantly shorter (both P<0.01). Moreover, XZP was better in improving patients' QOL, showing more significant improvements in the treatment group than those in the control group in aspects of mental condition, walking capacity, working capacity, social acceptability, sleep and joy of living (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Lower incidence of adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, mouth dryness, dizziness, etc., especially constipation, was noted in the treatment group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Applying an external compress: of XZP showed a synergistic action with 3L analgesia for shortening the initiating time and the optimal effect revealing time, and could evidently enhance patients' QOL with fewer adverse reactions.

[Clinical randomized controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs].

OBJECTIVE: To seek the effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. METHODS: Sixty-four cases of peripheral neuropathy induced by Paclitaxel or Oxaliplatin were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 32 cases in each group. The acupuncture group was treated with therapeutic principle of dredging meridians and collaterals, tonifying qi and eliminating blood stasis, supplementing liver and kidney, nourishing blood and tendon. Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Zusanli (ST 36), Qihai (CV 6) and Quchi (LI 11) etc. were selected. The medication group was treated with intramuscular injection of Cobamamide. The neurotoxicity of two groups was compared with questionnaire of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate for sensory nerve disorder of acupuncture group was 66.7% (20/30), which was superior to that of 40.0% (12/30) in medication group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is more effective than Cobamamide for treatment of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic drugs, especially for moderate and severe sensory nerve disorder induced by paclitaxel.

Protective effects of tetrahydropalmatine against gamma-radiation induced damage to human endothelial cells.

AIMS: Irradiation-induced damage to pulmonary endothelial cells is thought to be an important mediator of the pathogenesis of radiation pneumonopathy. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) has been shown to have a protective effect against oxidative stress. This study was designed to investigate the potential radioprotective effect of THP against irradiation-induced endothelial cellular damage and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. MAIN METHODS: Human EA.hy926 cells were treated with THP and irradiation. Cell viability was measured using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For the detection of apoptosis, morphological observation, flow cytometry and a caspase-3 activity assay were employed. The expression of cytochrome-c and Bax/Bcl-2 protein were detected by western blot analysis. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured to assess cellular oxidative stress induced injury. KEY FINDINGS: Preincubation of EA.hy926 cells with THP before gamma-radiation resulted in significant inhibition of apoptosis and enhancement of cell viability, as revealed by morphological observation, flow cytometry and MTT assay. THP significantly reduced intracellular ROS formation, levels of intracellular MDA and LDH, and enhanced the production of intracellular antioxidants (GSH and SOD) in EA.hy926 cells. Meanwhile, THP also inhibited the decrease of intracellular mitochondrial membrane potential (psim), caspase-3 activation, cytochrome-c release and reduced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in THP pretreated, irradiated cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings demonstrated THP could effectively protect endothelial cells against gamma-irradiation injury, which could potentially be applied to the prevention of endothelial cell dysfunctions associated with ionizing irradiation-induced lung injury.

[Effect of feiliuping ointment and its disassembled prescriptions on dendritic cell of mice with transplanted Lewis lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible immuno-regulating mechanism of action of Chinese drugs in different combinations (assembled depending different therapeutic principles) through observing the effects of Feiliuping ointment (FLP) and its disassembled prescriptions on dendritic cells (DC) in blood, spleen and tumor in mice with transplanted Lewis lung cancer (LLC). METHODS: Percentages of DC in blood, spleen and tumor of mice with transplanted LLC treated by FLP and its disassembled prescriptions were estimated, and the S-100 protein expression in tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: The percentage of DC (per thousand) in tumor bearing mice was 0.43 +/- 0.26 in peripheral blood, and 0.32 +/- 0.16 in spleen, significantly lower than those in normal mice 4.68 +/- 0.90 and 3.68 +/- 1.58, P<0.01); and S-100 protein expression in tumor was weakened. After FLP treatment, the percentages of DC (per thousand) in tumor bearing mice were increased to 2.55 +/- 0.29 in peripheral blood and 2.70 +/- 0.63 in spleen (P<0.01), with the S-100 protein expression in tumor tissue up-regulated significantly (P<0.01). Study on different assembled prescriptions of FLP showed that the qi supplementing components of FLP displayed the optimal actions. CONCLUSION: FLP, a Chinese herbal prescription made depending on Chinese medicine therapeutic principle of strengthening body resistance and consolidating constitution, has an obvious anti-tumor effect, to improve the immunological anti-tumor function of organism by promoting the amount and expression of DC might be the possible intrinsic mechanism.