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ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of modified Yigongsan combined with multi-enzyme tablets and bifidobacterium triple live powder on infantile anorexia with spleen-stomach Qi deficiency syndrome. MethodA total of 112 infantile patients anorexia with spleen-stomach Qi deficiency syndrome treated at Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled and divided into a control group and an observation group， with 56 cases in each group， according to a random number table. Children in the control group were treated with multi-enzyme tablets and Bifidobacterium triple live powder， while those in the observation group were treated with modified Yigongsan in addition to the treatment in the control group. During the study， one case dropped out in the control group and two cases dropped out in the observation group. The clinical efficacy of the two groups of children was compared， including changes in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores （main symptoms， secondary symptoms， tongue， and pulse）， time to restore normal food intake， and increase in body weight. Changes in calcium， iron， zinc levels， hemoglobin， and albumin levels before and after treatment， as well as changes in gastrointestinal hormones such as gastrin and motilin， vasoactive intestinal peptide， somatostatin， neuropeptide Y， orexin， and leptin， were observed. The occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups of children during the study was also recorded. ResultThe total effective rate of children in the control group after treatment was 85.19% （46/54）， while that in the observation group was 98.15% （53/54） （χ2 =5.939， P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， the time for food intake to return to normal in the observation group was shorter， and the increase in body weight was greater （P<0.05）. Compared with the results before treatment， the TCM syndrome scores （main symptoms， secondary symptoms， tongue， and pulse） in both groups of children significantly decreased， while the levels of calcium， iron， zinc， hemoglobin， albumin， gastrin， motilin， neuropeptide Y， and orexin increased， and the levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide， somatostatin， and leptin decreased （P< 0.01）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the improvement in the above indicators in the observation group was more significant （P<0.01）. The incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups of children during the treatment period was similar， and the difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionModified Yigongsan combined with multi-enzyme tablets and Bifidobacterium triple live powder is highly effective in treating infantile anorexia （spleen-stomach Qi deficiency syndrome）. After treatment， symptoms of the children were improved，appetite and food intake increased， gastrointestinal function was improved， body weight increased， and adverse reactions were few， indicating that the treatment was safe and reliable.
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Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the common chronic complication of diabetes, which can lead to foot ulcers, gangrene, and amputation in severe cases, seriously affecting their quality of life. DPN belongs to the category of "arthralgia", "hemorrhoids" and other categories of TCM, and the main pathogenesis is the deficiency of qi and blood, yin and yang, and the obstruction of the meridians by phlegm and stasis. Clinically, DPN is more common with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Based on the theory of "qi meridian constant communication" in the Huang Di Nei Jing, this article proposed that for patients with DPN with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, the treatment should be based on the principle of "invigorating qi and activating blood circulation, dissolving stasis and arthralgia", so that the patients' qi meridian can be accessible, delay the disease progression, and provide reference for the TCM treatment of DPN.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Qigui Tongluo Oral Liquid(a hospital preparation developed by Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and being composed of Astragali Radix,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,Spatholobi Caulis,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Pheretima,etc.)combined with moxibustion for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)of qi deficiency and blood stasis type on the basis of qi-collateral theory.Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 60 CFS patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 30 patients in each group according to the therapy.The control group was treated with mild moxibustion on Shenque(CV8)point with moxa sticks,and the observation group was treated with Qigui Tongluo Oral Liquid on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment lasted for 4 weeks.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,Fatigue Scale-14(FS-14)scores,serum immunoglobulin IgA,IgM,IgG levels,and cortisol(COR)level in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 96.67%(29/30),and that of the control group was 80.00%(24/30).The intergroup comparison showed that the clinical efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores and FS-14 scores of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the effect on decreasing TCM syndrome scores and FS-14 scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the serum IgA and IgG levels of the two groups as well as the serum IgM and COR levels of the observation group were significantly increased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the effect of the observation group on increasing serum IgA,IgM,IgG,and COR levels was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)During the treatment,there were no significant adverse reactions occurring in the two groups.Conclusion Healthy-qi deficiency and collateral obstruction contribute to the core pathogenesis of CFS.Based on the TCM qi-collateral theory and following the therapeutic principle of replenishing deficiency and unblocking collaterals,Qigui Tongluo Oral Liquid combined with moxibustion for the treatment of CFS patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type can achieve certain efficacy.The combined therapy could significantly alleviate the clinical symptoms,improve the immunity level,and regulate the neuro-endocrine-immune(NEI)network of the patients.
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Objective To study the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution and pathogenic factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS).Methods One hundred patients of AS and their family members who had medical consultation in the Fifth Hospital of Xi'an(i.e.,Shaanxi Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine)in August 2019 and September 2020 were selected as the study subjects.The guidelines of Classification and Determination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution issued by the China Association of Chinese Medicine were adopted to determine the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types of the study subjects.The sociodemographic information,living habits,clinical symptoms,and TCM constitution types of the AS patients and their family members were collected by means of questionnaires and clinical investigations,and then the pathogenic factors of the patients with AS were investigated.The binomial Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between TCM constitution types and pathogenic factors in patients with AS.Results(1)Among the 100 AS patients,the majority of them had the biased constitutions,and the biased constitutions with the occurrence frequency in descending order were yang deficiency constitution,qi deficiency constitution,and damp-heat constitution,which accounted for 33.00%,14.00%,and 18.00%,respectively.(2)The prevalence rates of AS in the first-,second-,and third-degree relatives of AS patients were 56.25%,40.00%and 25.00%,respectively.For the positive rates of human leukocyte antigen B27(HLA-B27)in AS patients and their family members,HLA-B27 in AS patients was all positive,while the positive rates of HLA-B27 in the first-,second-,and third-degree relatives of AS patients were 44.31%,30.67%and 15.63%,respectively.(3)The results of regression analysis showed that the disease duration of AS patients was significantly correlated with qi deficiency constitution,the grading of sacroiliac arthritis was correlated with qi stagnation constitution,and age was correlated with blood stasis constitution(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The results indicated that disease duration and age were the important factors affecting the constitution types of AS patients,and disease duration was closely related to qi deficiency while age was closely related to blood stasis.Conclusion AS is a highly hereditary autoimmune disease,and its onset is associated with HLA-B27.Yang deficiency is the basic constitution type of AS,and damp-heat constitution is the main constitution type in the progression of AS(especially in the active stage of the disease).The prolongation of the disease will exacerbate the illness condition of AS and then the manifestations of qi deficiency will be more obvious.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Yiqi Huayu Decoction(mainly composed of Astragali Radix,Dioscoreae Rhizoma,Poria,fried Euryales Semen,Ecliptae Herba,Rosae Laevigatae Fructus,charred Crataegi Fructus,Ligustri Lucidi Fructus,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,and Leonuri Herba)combined with Calcium Dobesilate in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN)with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and to observe the effect of the therapy on vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1).Methods Ninety patients with DN of qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 45 patients in each group.All patients received basic hypoglycemic therapy and treatment for controlling blood pressure and regulating lipid metabolism disorders.Moreover,the patients in the control group were given Calcium Dobesilate orally,and the patients in the observation group were given Yiqi Huayu Decoction combined with Calcium Dobesilate.The course of treatment lasted for 3 months.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,renal function parameters and serum VEGF and IGF-1 levels in the two groups of patients were observed before and after the treatment,and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after treatment.Results(1)After 3 months of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 91.11%(41/45),and that of the control group was 75.56%(34/45).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic effect of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After one month and 3 months of treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the scores after 3 months of treatment in the two groups were significantly lower than those after one month of treatment(P＜0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the reduction of TCM syndrome scores of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group after one month and 3 months of treatment(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the levels of renal function parameters such as serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and glomerular filtration rate(GFR)in the two groups of patients were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the observation group's effect on the improvement of all renal function parameters was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum VEGF and IGF-1 levels in the two groups of patients were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the observation group's effect on the decrease of serum VEGF and IGF-1 levels was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.01).(5)In the course of treatment,no significant adverse reactions occurred in the two groups of patients,with a high degree of safety.Conclusion Yiqi Huayu Decoction combined with Calcium Dobesilate exerts certain therapeutic effect in treating DN patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.The combined therapy can effectively down-regulate the serum levels of VEGF and IGF-1,significantly improve the renal function,and alleviate the clinical symptoms of the patients,with a high degree of safety.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training in treating qi deficiency and blood stasis type of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the recovery stage.Methods A total of 132 patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the recovery period were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 66 cases in each group,the control group was given western medicine conventional treatment combined with rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with acupuncture on the basis of the control group.Both groups of patients were treated for 12 consecutive weeks.After 12 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes of simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),National Institutes of Health Neurological Impairment Scale(NIHSS),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,as well as the changes of serum interleukin 6(IL-6),homocysteine(Hcy),and endothelin 1(ET-1),serum matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels were observed before and after the treatment of the patients in the two groups.The changes of serum serine-threonine protein kinase(AKT),phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K),and Bcl-2-related X protein(bax)levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results(1)After treatment,the serum IL-6,Hcy,ET-1 levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the serum IL-6,Hcy,ET-1 levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the serum MMP-9 and BDNF levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum MMP-9 and BDNF levels,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum AKT,PI3K,bax levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum AKT,PI3K,bax levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the FMA score,TCM syndrome scores,and NIHSS score of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the FMA score,TCM syndrome scores,and NIHSS score,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)The total effective rate was 93.34%(62/66)in the observation group and 81.82%(54/66)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for the treatment of patients recovering from hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage of qi deficiency and blood stasis type can significantly reduce the patient's inflammatory response,regulate the level of neurofactors,inhibit neuronal apoptosis,and promote the recovery of neurological function,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.
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BACKGROUND:Serum-specific biomarkers between normal healthy individuals and populations with developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome)have not been fully defined. OBJECTIVE:To screen and identify the potential biomarkers of developmental cervical canal stenosis with Qi deficiency and blood stasis. METHODS:Serum samples were collected from nine patients with developmental cervical canal stenosis with Qi deficiency and blood stasis and eight healthy people.Differentially expressed proteins in serum were screened and identified using isotope relative labeling and absolute quantification combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.Western blot was used to verify some significant differentially expressed proteins. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 61 differentially expressed proteins(P<0.05)were identified using tandem mass spectrometry techniques.Compared with the healthy normal population group,14 differentially expressed proteins such as complement component C1q receptor,apolipoprotein A4,and C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 were significantly upregulated,while 47 differentially expressed proteins such as myosin light chain 3,mitochondrial translation elongation factor,and nucleolar phosphoprotein 1 were significantly downregulated.The results of gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins might participate in molecular functions such as regulation of chromosomal tissue,mitochondrial membrane tissue,and muscle system processes.Protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that 38 common differential proteins,including complement component C1q receptor,apolipoprotein A4,C-C motif chemokine ligand 18,myosin light chain 3,mitochondrial translation elongation factor,and nucleolar phosphoprotein 1,were located at functional network nodes between healthy normal individuals and those with developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome),and were closely related to the local energy metabolism of the cervical spine,the production of cervical vertebral osteocytes,and the formation of osteoclasts.The main differentially expressed protein myosin light chain 3 was validated using western blot assay,and the validation results were consistent with the proteomic results.To conclude,the preliminary discovery of differentially expressed proteins in serum between healthy normal individuals and those with developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome)through absolute quantitative technology combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology suggests that myosin light chain 3 may be a specific serum marker for developmental cervical canal stenosis(Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome).
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Objective To investigate the effect of atractylenolideⅠon lung injury in rats with recurrent respiratory tract infection(RRTI)of lung and spleen qi deficiency by regulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)pathway.Methods Eighty-four rats were randomly separated into a control group,a model group,a low-dose atractylenolideⅠgroup,a high-dose atractylenolideⅠgroup,a positive drug group,an insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)group,and a high-dose atractylenolide Ⅰ+IGF-1 group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for the control group,the RRTI rat model of lung and spleen qi deficiency was constructed using a combination of fatigue,dietary disorders,and fumigation method with shavings and tobacco among rats in other groups.After the model is successfully copied,the model was administered once a day for 6 weeks.Animal lung function instrument was applied to detect the changes of peak expiratory flow(PEF),forced expiratory volume in first second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC)in rats.The changes of wet/dry mass ratio of lungs in rats were detected.HE staining was applied to detect pathological changes of lung tissue in rats of each group.ELISA was applied to detect the levels of interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),malondialdehyde(MDA)and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)in rat lung tissue.Western Blot was applied to determine the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR in rat lung tissue.Results Compared with the control group,rats in the model group showed a decrease in PEF,FEV1 and FVC(P＜0.01)and an increase in the wet/dry mass ratio of lungs(P＜0.01).The alveolar septa in lung tissues had become larger.Pulmonary interstitial edema and a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration were found.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α and MDA in lung tissue increased(P＜0.01),and the SOD activity decreased(P＜0.01).The protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR in lung tissue increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,rats in the low-,high-dose atractylenolideⅠgroups,and positive drug group showed an increase in PEF,FEV1,and FVC,and a decrease in the wet/dry mass ratio of lungs(P＜0.01).Pathologic damage in lung tissue was alleviated.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α,MDA decreased and SOD activity in lung tissue increased(P＜0.01).The protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR in lung tissue decreased(P＜0.01),while the corresponding indicators in the IGF-1 group showed opposite trends(P＜0.01).Compared with the high-dose group of atractylenolide I,rats in the high-dose atractylenolide I+IGF-1 group showed a decrease in PEF,FEV1 and FVC,and an increase in the wet/dry mass ratio of lungs(P＜0.01).Pathologic damage in lung tissue was increased.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α,MDA increased and the SOD activity in lung tissue decreased(P＜0.01).The protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR in lung tissue increased(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion AtractylenolideⅠmay improve lung injury in RRTI rats of lung and spleen qi deficiency by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
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ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Yiqi Huoxue Formula （益气活血方， YHF） in the adjuvant treatment of chronic pulmonary heart disease （CPHD） and heart failure （HF）with qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern. MethodsOne hundred and twenty patients with CPHD and HF with qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern were allocated randomly into treatment group and control group， with 60 case in each group. The control group was given conventional basic western medicine， while the treatment group was given oral administration of YHF granules in addition， one dose per day. The treatment course for both groups was 8 weeks. The TCM symptom scores， Minnesota Life Quality Scale （MLHF-Q） scores， echocardiographic indicators including right ventricular end-diastolic diameter （RVEDD）， left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD）， left atrial end-diastolic diameter （LAEDD） and pulmonary artery mean pressure （PAMP）， six-minute walking distance （6MWD）， and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-ProBNP） level were compared between the groups. The effectiveness regarding cardiac function and TCM syndromes were compared between the two groups after treatment， and the occurrence of adverse events was observed. ResultsWith two drop-outs both in the treatment group and control group， and 58 cases in each group were included in the outcome analysis. The total effective rate regarding cardiac function and TCM syndromes in the treatment group were 91.38% （53/58） and 96.55% （56/58）， respectively， significantly higher than the corresponding 70.69% （41/58） and 48.27% （28/58） in the control group （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the TCM symptom scores and RVEDD level were significantly reduced in the treatment group， and MLHF-Q score， plasma NT-ProBNP level and PAMP level decreased significantly， while 6MWD increased in both groups （P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the control group， the TCM symptom scores， MLHF-Q score， plasma NT-ProBNP level and PAMP level significantly decreased， while 6MWD increased in the treatment group （P＜0.01）. There were no obvious abnormalities in the blood， urine， stool routine and liver and kidney function indicators in both groups. One adverse reaction each occurred in both groups， and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rates（P＞0.05）. ConclusionYHF combined with conventional western medicine can significantly improve the clinical efficacy， improve the clinical symptoms and cardiac function， increase the quality of life and exercise tolerance， and is relatively safe.
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It is believed that qi changes throughout the whole process of malignant tumors. Tumour formation is induced by qi constraint in the early stage， qi sinking is the core disease mechanism after tumour surgery， qi counterflow is an important disease mechanism for nausea and vomiting related symptoms in chemotherapy stage， and qi deficiency is the main pathology in recurrence and metastasis stage. It is proposed that the therapeutic principle of “regulating qi with changes” discussed in Miraculous Pivot-Wei Qi Disorder （《灵枢·卫气失常》） should be implemented in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pattern identification and treatment of malignant tumours， modifying the treatment with changes， and regulating qi with corresponding methods： for qi constraint， it should soothe to eliminate the tumour by the method of rectifying qi to resolve constraint， with treatment as Shugan Jianpi Formula （疏肝健脾方）； for qi sinking， it should raise to lift up postoperative viscera by the method of boosting qi to raise sinking， with treatment as Shengxian Decoction （升陷汤） from Records of Chinese Medicine with Reference to Western Medicine （《医学衷中参西录》）； for qi counterflow， the method of moving qi and direct counterflow downward will be used to dissipate the accumulated medicinal toxicity， and patients with retention of medicinal toxicity in the middle jiao and ascending counterflow of stomach qi treated by Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction （旋覆代赭汤） from On Cold Damage （《伤寒论》）， patients with middle yang deficiency and turbid ying failing to descend treated by Wuzhuyu Decoction （吴茱萸汤） from On Cold Damage （《伤寒论》） ； for qi deficiency， it should tonify to prevent the tumor toxin from spreading by the method of boosting qi to resolve toxins， treated by Fuzheng Jiedu Formula （扶正解毒方）.
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ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Bimin Formula （鼻敏方） in treating lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome of allergic rhinitis （AR） with high mucin secretion. MethodsThirty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group （8 rats）， a model group （8 rats）， a low-dose Bimin Formula group （8 rats）， and a high-dose Bimin Formula group （10 rats）. Except for the blank group， the other groups were subjected to AR lung-spleen qi deficiency rat models induced by smoking， gavage of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract， and ovalbumin. After modeling， rats in the low- and high-dose Bimin Formula groups were given Bimin Formula concentrate （concentration of 2.16 g/ml） by gavage at doses of 1.08 g/100 g and 2.16 g/100 g， respectively， while rats in the model group were given 0.5 ml/100 g of normal saline by gavage， once daily for 28 days； the blank group was not intervened. Behavioral assessments were performed after intervention. ELISA was used to detect the levels of peripheral blood total immunoglobulin E （IgE）. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of nasal mucosa epithelium in rats， while immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of transmembrane protein 16A （TMEM16A） and mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） protein in nasal mucosa. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） protein， and RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of TMEM16A， MUC5AC， and NF-κB mRNA in nasal mucosa. ResultsHE staining showed that the nasal mucosa epithelial cell structure in the blank group was intact without shedding， swelling， or necrosis； the nasal mucosa epithelial tissue of rats in the model group was thickened and partially shed， with infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes visible； the pathological changes in nasal mucosa tissue of rats in the high- and low-dose Bimin Formulagroups were improved， and more improvement was showen in the high-dose group. Compared with those in the blank group， the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the model group significantly increased， as well as the expression of TMEM16A， MUC5AC， and NF-κB proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosa （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the high-dose Bimin Formula group decreased， and the expression of TMEM16A， MUC5AC， and NF-κB proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosaalso decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the low-dose Bimin Formula group were reduced， and the expression of TMEM16A and MUC5AC proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosa， as well as the expression of NF-κB protein decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， but the difference in NF-κB mRNA expression was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. Compared with the low-dose Bimin Formula group， the expression of NF-κB protein in the high-dose group decreased （P＜0.01）. ConclusionBimin Formula may improve the symptoms and high mucus secretion of AR lung-spleen qi deficiency by regulating the TMEM16A/NF-κB/MUC5AC signaling pathway in nasalmucosa.
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ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Bushen Huoxue Formula （补肾活血方） in the treatment of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. MethodsA total of 277 patients of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction with syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis were randomly divided into the treatment group （139 cases） and the control group （138 cases）. The control group was given conventional western medicine， and the treatment group was given Bushen Huoxue Formula on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-pro BNP） level， cardiac function grade， Minnesota heart failure quality of life score， anxiety score， depression score， and the major incidence of cardiovascular adverse events and re-hospitalization rate after 6-month treatment were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsThere were 10 withdrawals in the treatment group and 6 withdrawals in the control group， so 129 cases in the treatment group and 132 cases in the control group completed the trial. After treatment， LVEF increased and NT-pro BNP level decreased in both groups （P＜0.05）； compared with those in the control group， LVEF increased and NT-pro BNP level decreased in the treatment group （P＜0.05）. The total rate of graded improvement of cardiac function in the treatment group （97.67%， 126/129 cases） was higher than that in the control group （84.09%， 111/132 cases） （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the Minnesota heart failure quality of life score， anxiety score， and depression score were lower in both groups （P＜0.05）， and the above scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group （P＜0.05）. After 6-month treatment， there was no death event in both groups， and there was no significant difference in the major incidence of cardiovascular adverse events between the treatment group （25.58%， 33/129 cases） and the control group （33.33%， 44/132 cases） （P＞0.05）. The rate of re-hospitalization in treatment group （14.73%， 19/129 cases） was lower than that in control group （30.30%， 40/132 cases） （P＜0.05）. ConclusionBushen Huoxue Formula can increase LVEF， reduce NT-pro BNP， improve quality of life， improve anxiety and depression， and reduce the rate of re-hospitalization in patients of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction with syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Huqi Zhengxiao Formula （槲芪癥消方） on the survival rate and quality of life of patients with stage Ⅲ hepatitis B-associated primary liver cancer （PLC） with syndrome of healthy qi deficiency and toxic stasis accumulation after transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation （TACE） treatment. MethodsOne hundred and twenty-six patients with stage Ⅲ hepatitis B-associated PLC who were identified as syndrome of healthy qi deficiency and toxic stasis accumulation after TACE treatment were selected， and were randomly assigned to 63 cases each of the treatment group and the control group in a ratio of 1∶1 by using the random number table method； the control group was given symptomatic supportive treatments with western internal medicine， and the treatment group was given the addition of Huqi Zhengxiao Formula on the basis of the control group. All patients were treated for a period of 48 weeks， and were followed up at weeks 4， 8， 12， 24， 36， and 48 of the treatment process. The primary effectiveness index was the 1-year survival rate， and the secondary effectiveness index was the Karnofsky score and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-meier method， and Log-rank test was used to compare the differences between the survival curves of each group. ResultsSix withdrawals in the treatment group and seven withdrawals in the control group， and finally 57 patients in the test group and 56 patients in the control group were included in the statistical analysis. The 1-year survival rate of patients in the treatment group was 56.1% （32/57）， which was higher than that of 33.9% （19/56） in the control group （P = 0.033）. The mean survival time was （275.30±15.50） days in the treatment group， higher than （227.16±17.11） days in the control group （P = 0.039）. Thirty-two patients in the treatment group and 19 patients in the control group completed the Karnofsky score and TCM symptom score at each time point. At weeks 4， 8， 12 and 36， the difference in the Karnofsky score between the two groups was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）； at weeks 24 and 48， the Karnofsky score in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group at the same time point （P＜0.05）； analysis of variance of repeated measurements found that the downward trend of the Karnofsky score in the treatment group was slower than that in the control group （F = 4.47， P = 0.037）. The difference between the TCM symptom scores of the two groups at each follow-up observation point was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）； there was a tendency for the TCM symptom scores of the two groups to increase， but the ANOVA of repeated measurements found that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant either （F = 0.31， P = 0.58）. Concusion The oral administration of Huqi Zhengxiao Formula can improve the survival rate， prolong the survival time， and improve the quality of life of patients with stage Ⅲ hepatitis B-associated PLC with syndrome of healthy qi deficiency and toxic stasis accumulations after TACE treatment.
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ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma （HQ-EZ） in alleviating hypercoagulability and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by modulating the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps （NETs） via the complement component 5a （C5a）/C5a receptor （C5aR） pathway. MethodForty male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into four groups： Blank， model， HQ-EZ （8.2 g·kg-1）， and PMX53 （1 mg·kg-1）. The mouse model of Lewis lung cancer was established in other three groups except the blank group. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs from day 3 after modeling. Specifically， the HQ-EZ decoction was administrated for 14 consecutive days， while intraperitoneal injection of PMX53 was implemented on days 3， 6， 9， 12， and 15. Mouse body weight and tumor diameter were measured every two days. On the next day of the last administration， lung microCT was performed to observe the tumor metastasis in vivo. Blood samples were collected from the eyeball after anesthetization， and tumor and lungs were collected after the mice were sacrificed. Tumor weight was measured to calculate the tumor growth inhibitory rate. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of C5a， neutrophil elastase （NE）， citrullinated histone-H3 （Cit-H3）， myeloperoxidase （MPO）， matrix metallopeptidase-9 （MMP-9）， NETs， von Willebrand Factor （vWF）， tissue factor （TF）， and P-selectin in the serum and tumor tissue. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling was conducted to assess apoptosis in the tumor tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to observe lung metastasis， and immunofluorescence （IF） was employed to observe the expression of NETs in the tumor tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of C5aR， MPO， and Cit-H3 in the tumor tissue. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group had nodules in the lung， increased areas with low X-ray transmittance， appearance of nodular foci and multiple hemorrhagic foci in the lungs， and darkening lung color. Furthermore， the modeling elevated the serum levels of C5a， NETs and related proteins， vWF， TF， and P-selectin （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， HQ-EZ and PMX53 reduced the lung metastases， areas with low X-ray transmittance， and nodules in the lungs and lightened the lung color. Compared with the model group， the two drug intervention groups showed flat tumor growth curves， decreased tumor weight （P<0.01）， increased apoptosis of tumor cells （P<0.01）， lowered levels of C5a， NETs and related proteins， vWF， TF， and P-selectin both in the serum and tumor tissue （P<0.05）， and down-regulated protein levels of C5aR， MPO， and Cit-H3 （P<0.05）. ConclusionHQ-EZ inhibited the expression of NETs by suppressing the C5a/C5aR pathway， thereby alleviating hypercoagulability and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis.
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With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in recent years， cardiomyopathy caused by diabetes mellitus has aroused wide concern and this disease is characterized by high insidiousness and high mortality. The early pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） are mitochondrial structural disorders and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility. The turbulence of mitochondrial quality control （MQC） is a key mechanism leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility， which， together with elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation， trigger changes in myocardial structure and function. Qi deficiency and stagnation is caused by the loss of healthy Qi， and the dysfunction of Qi transformation results in the accumulation of pathogenic Qi， which further triggers injuries. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， DCM is rooted in Qi deficiency of the heart， spleen， and kidney. The dysfunction of Qi transformation leads to the generation and lingering of turbidity， stasis， and toxin in the nutrient-blood and vessels， ultimately damaging the heart. Therefore， Qi deficiency and stagnation is the basic pathologic mechanism of DCM. Mitochondria， similar to Qi in substance and function， are one of the microscopic manifestations of Qi. The role of MQC is consistent with the defense function of Qi. In the case of MQC turbulence， mitochondrial structure and function are impaired. As a result， Qi deficiency gradually emerges and triggers pathological changes， which make it difficult to remove the stagnant pathogenic factor and aggravates the MQC turbulence. Ultimately， DCM occurs. Targeting MQC to treat DCM has become the focus of current research， and TCM has the advantages of acting on multiple targets and pathways. According to the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and stagnation in DCM and the modern medical understanding of MQC， the treatment should follow the principles of invigorating healthy Qi， tonifying deficiency， and regulating Qi movement. This paper aims to provide ideas for formulating prescriptions and clinical references for the TCM treatment of DCM by targeting MQC.
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ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Fuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH） in the patients with the syndrome of healthy Qi deficiency and blood stasis. MethodA total of 94 BPH patients were randomized into control and observation groups， with 47 patients in each group. The control group was treated with doxazosin mesylate sustained-release tablets， and the observation group with Fuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction on the basis of the therapy in the control group. After eight weeks， the international prostate symptom score （IPSS）， quality of life （QOL） score， residual urine volume （RUV）， maximum urinary flow rate （Qmax）， TCM syndrome score， TCM symptom score， electrocardiogram， and liver and kidney function were determined to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups. ResultAfter 8 weeks of treatment， the total response rate in the control group was 63.64% （28/44）， which was lower than that （84.44%， 38/45） in the observation group （χ2=5.026， P<0.05）. The clinical efficacy in the observation group was higher than that in the control group （Z=-2.17， P=0.030）. The treatment in both groups decreased the IPSS， QOL score， RUV， and TCM syndrome scores and increased the Qmax （P<0.05）. Moreover， the observation group had lower IPSS， QOL score， RUV， and TCM syndrome score （P<0.05） and higher Qmax than the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. The treatment in the observation group decreased all the TCM symptom scores （P<0.05）， while that in the control group only decreased the frequency of urination at night and the scores of dysuria， weak urine stream， and post-urinary drainage （P<0.05）. After treatment， the observation group had lower frequency of urination at night and lower scores of mental fatigue， cold limbs， lower abdominal discomfort， and loose stool than the control group （P<0.05）. No adverse events associated with the administration of Fuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction were observed during the treatment period. ConclusionFuzheng Huaji Longbi decoction is effective in treating BPH in the patients with the syndrome of healthy qi deficiency and blood stasis. It can relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life， being a safe and reliable choice for clinical application.
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Objective To observe the clinical effects of Yiweining Capsules combined with rebamipide tablet in the treatment of spleen-stomach qi deficiency syndrome in chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG).Methods Totally 80 patients with CAG were divided into the study group and the control group by using the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.Both groups were given rebamipide tablet,0.1 g/time,3 times a day,orally;on this basis,the study group added Yiweining Capsules 2 g/time,3 times a day,orally.Both groups were treated continuously for 12 weeks.The TCM efficacy,the efficacy of gastroscopy and the efficacy of histopathology in the two groups were observed.The TCM symptom score before and after treatment in two groups were observed.The adverse reactions were recorded.Results No cases fell off in both groups.The total effective rate was 92.5%(37/40)in the study group and 70.0%(28/40)in the control group,and the clinical efficacy of the study group was better than that of the control group(P<0.01).Compared with before treatment,the total TCM symptom scores in the two groups after treatment decreased(P<0.01);Compared with after treatment,the total scores of TCM symptom in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The total effective rate of gastroscopy in the study group(82.5%)was better than that in the control group(67.5%),with statistical significance(P<0.05).The overall efficacy rate of histopathdogy in the study group(87.5%)was better than that of the control group(70.0%),with statistical significance(P<0.01).There were no adverse reactions in both groups.Conclusion Yiweining Capsules combined with rebamipide tablet can effectively improve the clinical symptoms,gastroscopic manifestations and the degree of mucosal lesions in patients with CAG,with remarkable efficacy.
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Objective To investigate the effects of Zhoufei Pingchuan Capsules on the balance of peripheral blood helper T lymphocyte 17 cell/regulatory T lymphocyte cell(Th17/Treg)and related inflammatory factors in peripheral blood of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)with lung-kidney qi deficiency syndrome.Methods Totally 40 COPD patients were randomly divided into the study group and the control group,with 20 cases in each group.Another 20 cases were in the healthy group.The control group was given tiotropium bromide powder inhalation,18 μg/time,1 time/d,inhalation;on the basis of the control group,the study group was given Zhoufei Pingchuan Capsules,3 pills/time,3 times/d,orally.All patients were treated for 8 weeks.The healthy group was not given any intervention.Forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FEV1/FVC),maximum mid-expiratory flow(MMEF),carbon monoxide diffusing capacity/alveolar ventilation(DLCO/VA),arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),COPD assessment test(CAT)score,Th17/Treg ratio,cytokines interleukin(IL)-17,IL-22,IL-10,and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)were compared before and after treatment.Results Compared with before treatment,the lung function indexes(FEV1,FEV1/FVC,MMEF,DLCO/VA),blood gas indexes(PaO2,PaCO2)and CAT score in the study group after treatment were significantly improved(P<0.05).After treatment,the mean values of MMEF,DLCO/VA,PaCO2 and CAT score in the study group were better than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of Th17,IL-17 and IL-22 in the study group were significantly lower,and the levels of Treg,IL-10 and TGF-β1 were significantly higher(P<0.05).After treatment,there were significant differences in Th17,Treg,IL-17,IL-22,IL-10 and TGF-β1 among the three groups(P<0.01).Further pairwise comparison showed that Th17 ranked in the order of high and low was control group>study group>healthy group,Treg in the order of high and low was healthy group>study group>control group,the levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in the order of high and low were control group>study group>healthy group,and the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the order of high and low were healthy group>study group>control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Zhoufei Pingchuan Capsules can improve the lung function,arterial blood gas and symptom score of patients with lung-kidney qi deficiency syndrome in stable stage of COPD.Its mechanism may be related to regulating the balance of Th17/Treg,down-regulating the levels of Th17,IL-17 and IL-22,and up-regulating the levels of Treg,IL-10 and TGF-β1,in order to reduce airway inflammation and regulate immune homeostasis.
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ObjectiveTo establish and evaluate a mouse model of heart failure with Qi deficiency syndrome. MethodForty-four KM mice were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， and modified Si Junzitang group （12.89 g·kg-1）. The model group and the modified Si Junzitang group underwent thoracic aortic constriction （TAC）， while the sham operation group only underwent suture without constriction. Echocardiography and pathological examination were used to assess the heart failure model and evaluate the pharmacological effects. Macroscopic characterization， microscopic biology， and formula identification were conducted to collect general signs， body weight， open-field behavior， grip strength， mitochondrial ultrastructure， and other macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of mice. Mitochondrial fission and fusion protein expression were measured to determine the syndrome type. ResultEight weeks after TAC， compared with the sham operation group， the model group showed a significant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） （P<0.01）， and modified Si Junzitang improved LVEF in mice （P<0.05）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining of the heart showed inflammatory cell infiltration and thickening of blood vessel walls in the model group， which was significantly improved by modified Si Junzitang. After 6-8 weeks， compared with the sham operation group and the modified Si Junzitang group， the model group exhibited significant hair loss， hair yellowing， decreased activity， and depression. Moreover， compared with the sham operation group， the model group had a significantly lower increase in body weight （P<0.05）， while the modified Si Junzitang group showed a significant increase in body weight （P<0.05） compared with the model group. After 6-8 weeks， compared with the sham operation group， the model group showed a significant decrease in open-field distance and speed （P<0.05）， while the modified Si Junzitang group exhibited significantly improved open-field distance and speed in the 8th week （P<0.05）. After 6-8 weeks， compared with the sham operation group， the model group exhibited a significant decrease in maximum grip strength （P<0.05）， while the modified Si Junzitang group showed a significant increase in maximum grip strength 8 weeks after TAC （P<0.05）. Transmission electron microscopy of the gastrocnemius muscle showed uneven muscle tissue matrix， mitochondrial swelling， increased volume， matrix dissolution， ridge loss， and vacuolization in the model group， while modified Si Junzitang improved mitochondrial swelling， ridge fracture， and matrix vacuolization. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of the kinetic associated protein 1 （DRP1） in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the expression of mitochondrial fusion hormone 1 （MFN1） significantly decreased （P<0.05） as compared with those in the sham operation group. Furthermore， compared with the model group， the modified Si Junzitang group exhibited a significant decrease in the expression of DRP1 （P<0.05） and a significant increase in MFN1 expression （P<0.01）. ConclusionMice exhibited significant manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome 6-8 weeks after TAC， accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial morphology and function in the gastrocnemius muscle， which were significantly improved by modified Si Junzitang.
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Autophagy， a mechanism of cell self-protection and self-renewal， is associated with the occurrence and development of lung cancer. Favorable autophagy can slow down the progression of lung cancer， while unfavorable autophagy can promote the progression. Therefore， regulating the level of autophagy is of great significance in the treatment of lung cancer. Healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi stagnation is an extension of the theory of deficiency and Qi stagnation proposed by the Academician WANG Yongyan. It refers to the pathological process that the abnormal body fluid metabolism caused by Qi deficiency of lung， spleen， and kidney results in phlegm and blood stasis. Lung cancer has the root cause of Qi deficiency of lung， spleen， and kidney and the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis. The autophagy in lung cancer is interconnected with healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi stagnation. The Qi deficiency of lung， spleen， and kidney is the key factor for the weakening of favorable autophagy in lung cancer， which inhibits the apoptosis of tumor cells and leads to the accumulation of harmful substances. Phlegm and blood stasis is a direct factor enhancing the unfavorable autophagy in lung cancer， which promotes the autophagic death of normal cells， weakens the immunosuppressive effect of immune cells on tumor cells， and leads to the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. The combination of healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi stagnation results in the development of autophagy in an unfavorable direction and finally leads to the continuous progression of lung cancer. Therefore， the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment of lung cancer should follow the principle of reinforcing healthy Qi and expelling pathogenic Qi， removing phlegm and resolving stasis， so as to enhance favorable autophagy while inhibiting unfavorable autophagy. Such therapy can inhibit the proliferation and migration of tumor cells and promote the remission of lung cancer. According to the existing literature， Chinese medicine monomers are mainly used to treat lung cancer by regulating autophagy. The Chinese medicine intervention of autophagy in lung cancer mainly aims to promote the activation of autophagy. This may be because the favorable autophagy weakening caused by the Qi deficiency of lung， spleen， and kidney is the fundamental reason for the development of lung cancer.