Discussion on the Scientific Connotation of Fortifying Spleen， Resolving Phlegm and Dispelling Stasis in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease under the Guidance of Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoprotein / 中医杂志

The key pathogenesis of coronary heart disease （CHD） is spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis， and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein （dys-HDL） may be the biological basis for the occurrence of CHD due to spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis. Considering the biological properties and effects of high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， it is believed that the structure and components of HDL are abnormal in the state of spleen deficiency which led to dys-HDL； and dys-HDL contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques through two major pathways， namely， mediating the dysfunction of endothelial cells and mediating the foaminess of macrophages and smooth muscle cells， thus triggering the development of CHD. It is also believed that dys-HDL is a microcosmic manifestation and a pathological product of spleen deficiency， and spleen deficiency makes foundation for the production of dys-HDL； dys-HDL is also an important biological basis for the phlegm-stasis interactions in CHD. The method of fortifying spleen， resolving phlegm， and dispelling stasis， is proposed as an important principle in the treatment of CHD by traditional Chinese medicine， which can achieve the therapeutic purpose by affecting the changes in the structure and components of dys-HDL， thus revealing the scientific connotation of this method， and providing ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of CHD by traditional Chinese medicine.

Cinobufagin Combined with Thalidomide/Dexamethasone Regimen in the Treatment of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma of Phlegm and Stasis Obstruction： A Retrospective Study / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of cinobufagin tablets combined with thalidomide/dexamethasone （TD） regimen in the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma （NDMM） with phlegm and stasis obstruction. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients with NDMM of phlegm and stasis obstruction who were hospitalized at the Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from June 1st， 2015 to July 31th， 2019 were retrospectively analyzed， and they were divided into a control group （bortezomib/dexamethasone-containing regimen， 27 cases） and an observation group （cinobufagin tablets combined with TD regimen， 23 cases）. The clinical efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups after two or three courses of treatment. The primary outcomes were clinical remission rate including overall response rate and deep remission rate， one-year and two-year overall survival rate， and adverse effects. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of plasma cells in bone marrow， hemoglobin， β2-microglobulin， lactate dehydrogenase， serum creatinine， blood urea nitrogen， bone pain score， and KPS functional status score （KPS score） before and after treatment. ResultsIn terms of clinical efficacy， there was no statistically significant difference （P＞0.05） in the overall response rate ［the observation group 69.57%（16/23） vs the control group 70.37% （19/27）］ and deep remission rate ［the observation group 56.52% （13/23） vs the control group 55.56% （15/27）］ between groups after the treatment. The one-year overall survival rates of the observation group and the control group were 90.9% and 92.4%， and the two-year overall survival rates were 81.8% and 80.9% respectively， with no statistically significant differences between groups （P＞0.05）. During the treatment， no renal function injury occurred in both groups. The incidence of peripheral nerve injury in the observation group was 8.70%， which was lower than 48.15% in the control group （P＜0.01）. After the treatment， the proportion of myeloma plasma cells， β2-microglobulin， serum creatinine level， and bone pain score decreased， while the hemoglobin level and KPS score increased in both groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared between groups after treatment， the bone pain score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group， while the KPS score was higher than that of the control group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionThe clinical efficacy of cinobufagin tablets combined with TD in the treatment of NDMM is equivalent to bortezomib/dexamethasone-containing regimen， but the former is more helpful in relieving the pain and improving the quality of life， and has better safety.

Analysis of the Treatment Strategy of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Based on ZHANG Boli's Theory of “Damp-turbidity and Phlegm-rheum Type of Diseases” / 中医杂志

Professor ZHANG Boli believed that the core pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF） is weak pulse at yang and wiry pulse at yin. By referring to the theory of “damp-turbidity and phlegm-rheum type of diseases”， he proposed that yin pathogens of damp-turbidity and phlegm-rheum may damage yang qi in each stage of HFpEF， thus aggravating the trend of weak pulse at yang and wiry pulse at yin， which played an important role in the deterioration of HFpEF. Therefore， Professor ZHANG Boli advocated that importance should be attached to the elimination of yin pathogen and the protection of yang qi during the various stages of HFpEF in order to delay the aggravation of weak pulse at yang and wiry pulse at yin； he put forward the idea of staged treatment that “yin pathogen should be dispelled and yang qi should be demonstrated”； and he formulated the treatment strategy of treating the disease as early as possible， eliminating pathogens and protecting yang， interrupting the disease trend， using warm-like medicinals， and activating blood circulation， to enrich the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of HFpEF.

Effect of Modified Cangfu Daotantang on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Simple Obese Children with Phlegm Dampness and Stagnation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe and compare the intervention effect of modified Cangfu Daotantang on glucose and lipid metabolism in simple obese children with phlegm dampness and stagnation. MethodA total of 60 children with simple obesity were randomly divided into two groups according to the simple randomization method of the random number table. The odd number was included in the test group， and the even number was included in the basic treatment group， with 30 cases in each group. On the basis of signing the informed consent notice， the treatment group was given modified Cangfu Daotantang combined with basic treatment， while the control group was only given basic treatment. After three months of treatment， the body mass index （BMI）， glucose and lipid metabolism level ［total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， fasting plasma glucose （FPG）， fasting insulin （FINS）， and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance （HOMA-IR）］， the change in the total score of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes， and the effective rate of treatment were observed and compared. ResultAfter treatment， the BMI of the observation group and the control group decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the BMI level in the observation group decreased significantly （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C in the observation group and the control group decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the levels of TC， TG， and LDL-C in the observation group decreased significantly （P<0.05）. In addition， the level of TC in the observation group improved significantly compared with that in the control group （P<0.01）. The levels of FPG， FINS， and HOMA-IR in the observation group and the control group were significantly lower than those before treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， compared with the control group， the levels of FPG， FINS， and HOMA-IR in the observation group were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. The level of FPG in the observation group was significantly improved compared with that in the control group （P<0.01）. After treatment， the total score of TCM syndromes in the two groups decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the total score of TCM syndromes in the observation group was lower （P<0.01）. After treatment， the total effective rate of treatment was 86.67% （26/30） in the observation group and 73.33% （22/30） in the control group. By rank sum test， the total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group （Z=-2.100， P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Cangfu Daotantang combined with basic treatment can effectively reduce the BMI of obese children and improve their glucose and lipid metabolism. It has good clinical effects and high clinical application value， which is worth further in-depth research and promotion.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Modified Houpo Dahuangtang in Moderate and Severe ARDS Patients Based on Electrical Impedance Tomography / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified Houpo Dahuangtang in moderate and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome （ARDS） patients with phlegm-heat accumulation，and monitor the pulmonary ventilation changes of patients before and after treatment by electrical impedance tomography（EIT）. MethodThe 62 cases of moderate and severe ARDS patients with phlegm-heat accumulation who required mechanical ventilation in the department of intensive care unit （ICU） in Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2021 to June 2022 were selected，and divided into an experimental group（31 cases）and a control group（31 cases）using a random number table. On the basis of regular Western medicine treatment，the experimental group received modified Houpo Dahuangtang and the control group received warm water by a nasogastric tube for seven days. The changes in the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM），the oxygenation index［arterial oxygen partial pressure （PaO2）/fractional inspired oxygen（FiO2），P/F］，lactic acid（Lac），acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ（APACHE Ⅱ） score，compliance，plateau pressure，gas distribution parameters monitored by EIT（Z1，Z2，Z3 and Z4），inflammatory factors［interleukin-6 （IL-6），IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and C-reactive protein （CRP）］ of both groups before and after treatment were recorded. Besides， the mechanical ventilation time， length of stay in ICU， 28-day mortality and incidence of adverse reactions（delirium，abdominal pain and diarrhea）in the two groups were also observed. ResultThere was no significant difference in the baseline indexes of patients in the two groups，and thus the two groups were comparable. After treatment for one week， the total effective rate for TCM syndromes in the experimental group was 90.30%（28/31）， higher than the 67.74%（21/31）in the control group（Z=-2.415，P<0.05）.Compared with the same group before treatment， the plateau pressure and Lac decreased （P<0.01）and the compliance and P/F increased （P<0.01） in experimental group， while the Lac decreased （P<0.05）and the P/F increased （P<0.05）， and the compliance and plateau pressure did not change significantly in the control group. After treatment，the plateau pressure and inflammatory factors in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group（P<0.05）， but the compliance and P/F in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group（P<0.05）， and the gas distribution parameters Z1，Z2，Z3，Z4，Z1+Z2，and Z3+Z4 monitored by EIT in the experimental group were all higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in mechanical ventilation time， ICU hospitalization time， 28-day mortality， delirium， abdominal pain， diarrhea and other adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionModified Houpo Dahuangtang can significantly improve the P/F，pulmonary ventilation in gravity-dependent regions and pulmonary compliance，reduce the release of inflammatory factors in moderate and severe ARDS patients. Compared with conventional methods，EIT can timely monitor the pulmonary ventilation changes in ARDS patients，which suggests its clinical feasibility.

Neuroprotective Effect of Chinese Medicinal Compounds Effective in Supplementing Qi and Resolving Phlegm on Alzheimer's Disease： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Alzheimer's disease （AD） is a common chronic degenerative neurological disease in the elderly and is mainly manifested by the impairment of cognition， memory， and behaviors. At present， the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease have not been fully unraveled， and the research on related drugs for alleviating the disease progression is still in clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） believes that the elderly have reduced visceral function. Deficiency of vital Qi and turbid phlegm obscuring orifices are the core pathogenesis of AD. Qi deficiency and phlegm obstruction run through the whole pathological process of AD， and the important role of therapeutic principles of supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm is emphasized in treatment. In recent years， the Chinese medicinal compounds effective in supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm represented by Kaixin Powder have been widely used in the clinical and basic research of AD. As reported， in addition to the improvement of the cognitive function of AD， it can also reduce β amyloid （Aβ） deposition， inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation， improve neurotransmitter activity， regulate neuronal synaptic plasticity， resist oxidant stress injury， and inhibit the central inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis. Therefore， this article reviewed and analyzed the theoretical basis of the treatment of AD by supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm and the mechanism of Chinese medicinal compounds effective in supplementing qi and resolving phlegm against AD to provide theoretical support and a scientific basis for the clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of AD.

Inflammatory Mechanism of Coronary Heart Disease and Intervention Strategies of Chinese Medicine Based on ''Phlegm，Stasis，Toxin'' Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

More and more evidence shows that there is a close relationship between the inflammatory state and coronary heart disease. Inflammatory state triggers the damage of vascular endothelium in the early stage of coronary heart disease and ultimately mediates the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. The mechanism of occurrence and development of heart disease is of great significance. Phlegm is a pathological product formed by the subtle imbalance of the spleen and stomach in the transportation and transformation of water and grain. It is the general summary of a series of abnormally accumulated inflammatory substances， such as low density lipoprotein， inflammatory cells， and inflammatory factors. The nature of Phlegm determines the invasiveness and turbidity of Phlegm. Phlegm invades the meridians， causing damage to the meridians and gradually accumulating， which eventually causes the local meridian damage to aggravate. This process is similar to the persistent damage of the vascular endothelium caused by inflammation. Phlegm blocks the meridians， affects the operation of Qi and blood， causes Qi stagnation and blood stasis， and finally forms the outcome of heart and blood stasis. This process is similar to the mechanism of atherosclerotic plaques formed by continuous inflammatory damage. Heart blood stasis， depression and heat， heat toxin endogenous， forming the syndrome of heat toxin stasis， which is similar to the process of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and thrombosis causing acute cardiovascular events.The formation of Phlegm is rooted in the deficiency of spleen. Based on the ''phlegm，stasis，toxin'' theory， spleen deficiency is the intrinsic pathogenesis of the inflammatory state of coronary heart disease， and the invasion of phlegm， blood stasis of heart， heat and blood stasis are the evolution of inflammatory damage of coronary heart disease. Traditional Chinese medicine differentiation and treatment is based on strengthening the spleen and nourishing Qi to treat the root and removing phlegm and blood stasis， and clearing heat and detoxifying to treat symptoms. The related Chinese medicine compounds， Chinese patent medicines， and single Chinese medicines can reduce the inflammatory indicators of coronary heart disease， thereby improving the prognosis of coronary heart disease.

Analysis of the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Pulmonary Nodules based on the “Six Constraints” Theory / 中医杂志

Based on ZHU Zhenheng's “six constraints” theory， it is proposed that the formation of pulmonary nodules is closely related to the six constraints， which are constraint of qi， blood， phlegm， fire， dampness and food. All six constraints might lead to pulmonary nodules， among which qi constraint is the dominant one. When qi constraint lasts for a long time， it will turn into fire constraint， resulting in the failure of spleen to transport， which may lead to phlegm constraint， dampness constraint and food constraint； when qi fails to move blood， blood constraint is formulated. Mutual generation of six constraints lead to the disease， and the pathogenesis is interrelated， jointly promoting the occurrence and development of pulmonary nodules. The treatment is mainly to unblock qi， usually using Yueju Pills （越鞠丸）， a classic formula commonly used for six constraints， as the basic formula. And according to the six constraints partiality， it is suggested to flexibly add the medicinals of soothing the liver and rectifying qi， clearing heat and dissipating masses， dissolving phlegm and dissipating masses， fortifying spleen and dissipating dampness， promoting digestion and removing accumulation， invigorating blood and dissolving stasis.

Experience of ZHANG Boli in Staged Treating Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on the Theory of “Similar Diseases and Syndromes of Damp-Turbidity-Phlegm-Rheum” / 中医杂志

This article summarizes the experience of Professor ZHANG Boli in the staged treatment of very early onset inflammatory bowel disease （VEO-IBD）. Grounded in the theory of “similar diseases and syndromes of damp-turbidity-phlegm-rheum”， it is believed that dampness and turbidity are crucial pathogenic factors in VEO-IBD. During the acute phase， the core pathogenesis centers on the accumulation of turbid toxins in the intestines. The treatment focuses on dispelling dampness and clearing turbidity to eliminate turbid toxins， while also regulating the flow of qi and nourishing the spleen and kidney. During the remission phase， the core pathogenesis involves spleen and kidney deficiency， which is treated by invigorating the spleen and warming the kidney to strengthen the body resistance. Additionally， promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis is integrated throughout the treatment process. Medications are chosen to be mild and gentle， emphasizing balance and harmony， and attention is given to the methods of administration and psychological well-being， ensuring comprehensive care for both body and mind.

Discussion on the Treatment Thoughts of Bronchiectasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine based on Hypothesis of “Vicious Circle” / 中医杂志

Bronchiectasis is characterized by a “vicious cycle” involving compromised host defense， mpaired clearance of airway mucus， bacterial colonization， infections， and inflammation， leading to frequent acute exacerbations and diminished quality of life. Based on the hypothesis of “vicious circle”， this paper explores the treatment of bronchiectasis by traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） from three aspects. Firstly， dissipating excessive “phlegm” secretion and enhancing airway clearance form the foundation of the treatment， aiming to improve the condition of mucus hypersecretion. Secondly， invigorating spleen for strengthening vital energy can improve the function of immune system and reduce recurrent infections and acute attacks. Lastly， clearing heat and purging the lung can alleviate infection and inflammatory damage. By employing these methods， TCM can disrupt the progression of the “vicious circle”， delaying disease advancement， minimizing acute exacerbations， and improving the quality of life for patients.

Treatment of Menopausal Syndrome Based on Phlegm，Stagnation，and Fire / 中医杂志

Menopausal syndromes are mostly based on kidney deficiency， which could be expalined that kidney governing essence storage and controlling innateness， so when the kidney water was deficient and the liver fail to nourish， then led to liver depression and transform into fire； deficiency of the kidney， loss of warmth of the spleen， and inability to transport and transform the water and dampness will easily lead to phlegm and fire； the decline of the kidney yin and loss of water and fire will easily cause the exuberance of heart fire. Therefore， clinical symptoms of hot flashes， insomnia， and palpitations are common due to phlegm， depressions， and fire. Based on this， at the beginning of the treatment， we should treat the symptoms firstly by resolving phlegm， relieving depression and clearing fire， and commonly use Huanglian Wendan Decoction （黄连温胆汤）， Yigan Powder （抑肝散）， Chaihu plus Longgu Muli Decoction （柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤）， and Qingxin Zishen Decoction （清心滋肾饮）， etc. After improving the symptoms of hot flashes and sweating， irritability， dreaming and frightening， then we should give the prescriptions to tonify kidney yang and nourish kidney yin， in order to eliminate the pathogens and reinforce healthy qi， and to treat both the manifestations and the root cause， so that the symptoms of the patients can be better alleviated.

Effect of Gandouling Decoction Combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Impulse Control Disorders in Wilson's Disease with Syndrome of Combined Phlegm and Stasis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Gandouling decoction combined with cognitive behavioral therapy （CBT） in the treatment of impulse control disorders in patients with Wilson's disease （WD， syndrome of combined phlegm and stasis）. MethodA prospective study was conducted on 90 WD patients with the syndrome of combined phlegm and stasis and impulse control disorders （ICD） treated in the Department of Encephalopathy of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from August 2018 to February 2023. They were randomized into a control group， a CBT group， and a treatment group， with 30 patients in each group. The control group received routine Western medicine treatment （basic copper removal）. The CBT group received cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to the therapy in the control group， and the treatment group received Gandouling decoction in addition to the therapy in the CBT group. Each course of treatment was 8 days， and the patients were treated for 4 courses. Before and after treatment， the 24-hour urine copper （24 h U-Cu）， non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper （NCC）， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， unified WD rating scale part Ⅲ （UWDRS Ⅲ） score， Barratt Impulse Scale Version 11 （BIS-11） score， Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire （BPAQ） score， modified overt aggression scale （MOAS） score， and treatment emergent symptom scale （TESS） score of three groups of patients were determined and statistically analyzed. ResultBefore treatment， there was no statistically significant difference in the level of 24 h U-Cu or NCC among the three groups. After treatment， all the three groups showed an increase in 24 h U-Cu （P<0.01） and a decrease in the NCC level （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There was no significant difference in the 24 h U-Cu level among the three groups after treatment. After treatment， the NCC level showed no significant difference between the control group and the CBT group， while the NCC level in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group and CBT group （P<0.05）. Before treatment， there was no statistically significant difference in the TCM syndrome score among the three groups. After treatment， the TCM syndrome scores of all the three groups decreased （P<0.01）. Moreover， the treatment group had lower TCM syndrome score than the control group and CBT group （P<0.05）. Before treatment， the UWDRS Ⅲ， BIS-11， BPAQ， and MOAS scores had no statistically significant differences among the three groups. After treatment， the UWDRS Ⅲ， BIS-11， BPAQ， and MOAS in all the three groups declined （P<0.05）. Moreover， the CBT group and treatment group had lower UWDRS Ⅲ， BIS-11， BPAQ， and MOAS scores than the control group （P<0.05）， and the treatment group had lower BIS-11 and BPAQ scores than the CBT group （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe combination of Gandouling decoction and CBT can ameliorate impulse control disorders in the WD patients with combined phlegm and stasis.

Effect of Modified Gualou Zhishitang Combined with Piperacillin Sodium and Tazobactam Sodium on Immune Function and Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Stroke-associated Pneumonia with Syndrome of Phlegm-heat Accumulation in Lung / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of modified Gualou Zhishitang combined with piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium on the immune function and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in the patients with stroke-associated pneumonia （SAP， syndrome of phlegm-heat accumulation in lung）. MethodEighty SAP patients with the syndrome of phlegm-heat accumulation in lung were randomized into a control group （40 cases） and a study group （40 cases）. The SAP patients in the control group were treated with piperacillin sodium and tazobtam sodium， while those in the study group were treated with modified Gualou Zhishitang on the basis of the treatment in the control group for 2 consecutive weeks. The clinical therapeutic effects， immune function indexes， inflammation indexes， and lung function of SAP patients in the two groups before and after treatment were determined and compared. ResultAfter treatment， the scores of lesion， pulmonary rales， cough， fever， phlegm color， and constipation in both groups decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced expiratory volume （FEV1/FVC） and forced expiratory volume in the first second as percentage of predicted value（FEV1%） in both groups improved （P<0.05）， and the study group outperformed the control group （P<0.05）. The treatment decreased the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio （NLR） in the two groups （P<0.05）， and the study group had lower NLR than the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. The serum levels of procalcitonin （PCT） and hypersensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） in both groups declined after treatment （P<0.05）， and the declines were more significant in the study group than in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the study group was better than the control group （P<0.05）. The treatment in both groups elevated the levels of CD3+， CD4+， and CD4+/CD8+ in the peripheral blood and lowered the level of CD8+ （P<0.05）， and the changes were more significant in the study group than in the control group （P<0.05）. The total response rate of the study group was 95.00% （38/40）， which was higher than that （80.00%， 32/40） of the control group （χ2=4.114，P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionModified Gualhou Zhishitang combined with piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium demonstrates a significant therapeutic effect on the SAP patients with the syndrome of phlegm-heat accumulation in lung. This therapy can mitigate the clinical symptoms， improve the lung function， lower the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines， and improve the immune capacity， with high safety.

Clinical study on the treatment of spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome in alcoholic cirrhosis with Qinggan Huashi Huoxue Decoction and conventional western medicine / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Qinggan Huashi Huoxue Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of alcoholic cirrhosis with spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 110 patients from Tangshan Fengrun District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2020 to March 2022 were selected as observation objects and divided into 2 groups with 55 patients in each group by computer random drawing method. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine, while the observation group was treated with Qinggan Huashi Huoxue Decoction on the basis of the control group treatment. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score was performed before and after treatment, and the levels of proline peptidase (PLD), type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C) and type Ⅰ procollagen aminopeptidase (PINP) were detected by phthalaldehyde contrast colorimetry, and the levels of pentamylin 3 (PTX3), protein kinase B (Akt) and B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) were determined by ELISA. Adverse events were recorded and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was 92.73% (51/55), while that in the control group was 76.36% (42/55), the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=5.64, P=0.018). After treatment, the score and total score of costal pain and fullness, swelling and firmness, anorexia, white and greasy tongue coating in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 11.02, 7.36, 7.47, 6.38, 9.37, respectively, P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum PLD[(143.28±16.38)U/L vs. (160.69±18.35)U/L, t=5.25], Ⅳ-C[(71.93±8.33)μg/L vs. (83.12±9.91)μg/L, t=6.41], and PINP[(32.36±5.32)ng/L vs. (39.02±5.61)ng/L, t=6.39] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01); The levels of PTX3[(36.82±4.96)ng/L vs. (42.14±5.83)ng/L, t=5.15], Akt[(69.22±7.94)ng/L vs. (77.24±8.63)ng/L, t=5.07], and BAFF-R[(15.29±3.64)ng/L vs. (19.92±4.15)ng/L, t=6.22] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). During the treatment period, the incidence of adverse reactions was 12.73% (7/55) in the observation group and 9.09% (5/55) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.37, P=0.541). Conclusion:Qinggan Huashi Huoxue Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy can improve the Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome and the degree of liver fibrosis damage in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis with spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis syndrome, inhibit the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and improve clinical efficacy.

Effects of Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction combined with alteplase injection on serum inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial active substances in the patients with acute ischemic stroke and syndrome of wind-phlegm invading collaterals / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction combined with alteplase injection on serum inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial active substances in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 87 patients with AIS admitted to Mengcheng County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2019 and July 2022 were selected as the observation subjects by prospective cohort study, and they were divided into treatment group (44 cases) and control group (43 cases) according to the last number of medical records. The control group was given thrombolytic therapy with alteplase injection on the basis of routine therapy, and the treatment group was given Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. TCM symptoms were scored before and after treatment, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the degree of neurological deficit, and Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL) was applied to evaluate the quality of life. The levels of serum IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), VEGF, NOS and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were detected by ELISA. The adverse reactions were recorded and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 93.18% (41/44) in treatment group and 76.74% (33/43) in control group ( χ2=4.62, P=0.032). After treatment, the scores of hemiparalysis, skin insensitivity, deviated mouth and eye, inhibited speech and headache and dizziness in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=3.38, 3.77, 2.69, 2.60, 2.36, P<0.01 or P<0.05). The NIHSS score was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=7.53, P<0.01) while the ADL score was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=2.99, P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum IL-6, CRP, TNF-α and MCP-1 in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=6.07, 5.70, 5.30, 3.36, P<0.01), and the levels of VEGF [(364.54±33.04)ng/L vs. (346.86±29.63)ng/L, t=2.63] was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05), NOS [(20.77±3.12) μmol/L vs. (29.46±5.36) μmol/L, t=9.27] and ET-1 [(85.41±7.09) ng/L vs. (94.11±9.38) ng/L, t=4.89] were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Zhenfang Baiwanzi Decoction combined with alteplase injection can improve the clinical symptoms, reduce levels of inflammatory factors, protect the vascular endothelial function, and enhance the efficacy of patients with AIS.

Effects of Banxia Shumi Decoction on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA of chronic insomnia rats with internal obstruction of phlegm-dampness / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of Banxia Shumi Decoction on 5-HT 1AR, 5-HT 2AR, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA of chronic insomnia (CI) rats with internal obstruction of phlegm-damp (IOPD) type, to investigate the mechanisms of Banxia Shumi Decoction on resolving and draining dampness, guiding yang into yin and tranquilizing mind. Methods:A total of 48 Wistar rats were divided into control group, model group, Banxia Shumi Decoction low-dosage group, medium-dosage group, high-dosage group, and diazepam group according to random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Except the control group, the CI with IOPD rats model were prepared by the method of "high-fat diet + single-platform water environment" in other groups. The rats in the Banxia Shumi Decoction low-, medium-, high-dosage group were treated with Banxia Shumi Decoction by gavage at the dose of 4.69, 9.38 and 18.75 g/kg respectively, the rats in the diazepam group were given 0.52 mg/kg diazepam aqueous solution by gavage, and the rats in the control group and model group were given the equal volume normal saline, once a day for consecutive 2 weeks. The mRNA expressions of 5-HT 1AR, 5-HT 2AR in rat brain stem were detected by qPCR, the protein expressions of 5-HT 1AR, 5-HT 2AR in rat brain raphe nucleus were detected by Western blot, and the contents of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in rat brain stem were determined by HPLC-MS. Results:Compared with model group, the expression of 5-HT 1AR mRNA significantly increased in the Banxia Shumi Decoction low-, medium-, high-dosage group, and diazepam group ( P<0.01); the expression of 5-HT 2AR mRNA significantly decreased in the Banxia Shumi Decoction high-dosage group and diazepam group ( P<0.05), and the expression of 5-HT 1AR and 5-HT 2AR significantly increased in the Banxia Shumi Decoction high-dosage group and diazepam group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01); 5-HT content significantly increased in the Banxia Shumi Decoction medium-, high-dosage group and diazepam group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01); 5-HIAA content significantly increased in the Banxia Shumi Decoction low-, medium-, high-dosage group, and diazepam group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Banxia Shumi Decoction may intervene CI with IOPD type and perform the actions of resolving and draining dampness, guiding yang into yin and tranquilizing mind by regulating the expressions of 5-HT 1AR, 5-HT 2AR, 5-HT and 5-HIAA.

Clinical study of Tongbu Qijing Acupuncture combined with metformin hydrochloride tablet in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome combined with insulin resistance of kidney-deficiency phlegm dampness type / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Tongbu Qijing Acupuncture combined with metformin hydrochloride tablet on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) combined with insulin resistance (IR) of kidney-deficiency phlegm dampness type.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. 84 patients with PCOS and IR in the hospital were enrolled as the observation objects between November 2019 and November 2021. According to random number table method, they were divided into observation group (Tongbu Qijing Acupuncture combined with metformin hydrochloride tablets) and control group (oral metformin hydrochloride tablets), 42 in each group. All were treated for 3 courses of treatment (1 month/course). TCM syndromes were scored before and after treatment. The height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference of patients were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR). The levels of serum TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C were detected by biochemical analyzer, fasting blood glucose (FPG) was detected by glucose oxidase method, fasting insulin (FINS) was detected by electrochemiluminescence method, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The recovery rates of menstruation and ovulation were observed and compared after treatment, and the clinical curative effect was evaluated.Results:There were significant differences in total response rate between observation group and control group [95.24% (40/42) vs. 80.95% (34/42); χ2=4.09, P=0.043]. After treatment, scores of TCM syndromes, BMI and WHR in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=20.36, 23.77, 3.44, P<0.01). After treatment, serum FPG [(4.86±0.51) nmol/L vs. (5.41±0.55) nmol/L, t=4.75], FINS [(8.31±0.85) mU/L vs. (10.11±1.02) mU/L, t=8.79] levels and HOMA-IR [(1.88±0.19) vs. (2.44±0.25), t=11.97] in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). After treatment, levels of serum TG, TC and LDL-C in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=16.54, 4.81, 5.35, P<0.01), while HDL-C was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=6.78, P<0.01). After treatment, there were significant differences in recovery rates of menstruation and ovulation between observation group and control group [57.14% (24/42), 47.62% (20/42) vs. 80.95% (34/42), 69.05% (29/42); χ2=5.57, 3.97, P<0.05]. Conclusion:Tongbu Qijing Acupuncture combined with metformin hydrochloride tablet can effectively improve syndromes and signs, regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, reduce IR and promote the recovery of menstruation and ovulation in patients with PCOS and IR.

Clinical study of self-made Huatan Prescription combined with conventional western medicine therapy in the treatment of severe pneumonia of phlegm turbidity / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of external therapy with self-made Huatan Prescription combined with conventional western medicine therapy in the treatment of severe pneumonia of phlegm turbidity obstructing lung.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 114 patients with severe pneumonia of phlegm turbidity obstructing lung in the hospital between July 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups by the random number table method, with 57 in each group. On the basis of conventional western medicine therapy, the treatment group was given external therapy of self-made Huatan Prescription, and the control group was given the placebo. Both groups were applied continuously for 5 days. The TCM syndromes were scored before and after treatment. The disease severity was evaluated by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ). The levels of WBC and procalcitonin (PCT) were detected by automatic blood analyzer. The levels of serum CRP and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. The adverse reactions during treatment were recorded and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:After treatment, the total respinse rate was 92.98% (53/57) in treatment group and was 70.18% (40/57) in control group ( χ2=9.87, P=0.002). The scores of fever, unconsciousness, cough and expectoration, nausea and vomiting, tongue coating and pulse and total score in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=8.95, 7.30, 6.93, 7.37, 12.02, 12.59, 14.29, P<0.01). SOFA (18.12±3.55 vs. 21.46±3.58, t=5.00) and APACHE Ⅱ (13.39±2.72 vs. 16.52±3.13, t=5.70) in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). The levels of WBC [(11.12±1.61) ×10 9/L vs. (12.69±1.82) ×10 9/L, t=4.88], PCT [(3.72±0.81) μg/L vs. (5.19±0.92) μg/L, t=9.05], serum CRP [(62.09±11.41) mg/L vs. (91.77±15.54) mg/L, t=11.62] and IL-6 [(193.14±32.28) ng/L vs. (235.68±38.75) ng/L, t=6.37] in treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). During treatment, there were no obvious adverse reactions in both groups. Conclusion:Self-made Huatan Prescription external therapy combined with conventional western medicine therapy can improve the clinical symptoms, inhibit the inflammatory response, relieve the disease condition and improve the prognosis of patients with severe pneumonia of phlegm turbidity obstructing lung safely.

Mechanism of phlegm-stasis co-treatment for myocardial protection in rats with diabetes mellitus by regulating JNK signaling pathway / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the intervention mechanism of phlegm-stasis co-treatment for the JNK signaling pathway in the myocardium of diabetes rats.Methods:Totally 50 male SD rats of SPF grade were selected. Diabetes model was established by single intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) solution. After continued feeding for 3 weeks, the rats were divided into normal group, model group, alachloramine group, blood stasis removing group, phlegm removing group and phlegm-blood stasis co-treatment group according to random number table method, with 6 rats in each group. Xiaoxianxiong Decoction (4.05 g/kg), Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (7.02 g/kg), Didang Xianxiong Decoction (8.10 g/kg) were administered to the stomach respectively in the phlegm removing group, the blood stasis removing group and the phlegm-blood stasis co-treatment group. Alachloramine (3 mg/kg) was administered to the stomach by gavage in the alachloramine group. After 8 weeks, HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of myocardial tissue in diabetic rats. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in the myocardial interstitium in rats. The expression of JNK1 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. JNK1 mRNA, IRS1 mRNA and NLRP3 expression levels were detected by Real-time PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of IRS-1, p-Akt and NLRP3.Results:The myocardial cells in the model group were disorganized, with hypertrophy, blurred texture, inflammatory infiltration of interstitium, increased collagen fibers, and focal necrosis. All treatment groups could improve fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration and reduce myocardial collagen deposition in different degrees. Compared with the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK1 and NLRP3 bodies decreased ( P<0.01), the IRS-1 mRNA and protein increased ( P<0.01), and p-Akt protein expression increased ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The phlegm and stasis co-treatment can effectively improve the cardiomyopathy of diabetes rats, and the effect is better than the phlegm-resolving method or the stasis resolving method alone. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of JNK signaling pathway activation, reduce the expressions of JNK1 and NLRP3, and increase the IRS-1 and Akt.

Effects of TCM compounds for Eliminating phlegm and removing blood stasis on the ultrastructure of atrial myocardium and the oxidative stress in rats with atrial fibrillation / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the effects of TCM compounds for eliminating phlegm and removing blood stasis on the ultrastructure of atrial myocardium in atrial fibrillation (AF) rats; To explore its possible mechanism.Methods:Totally 60 male SD rats were divided into blank group (10 rats) and model group (50 rats) according to random number table method. The atrial fibrillation model was established by tail vein injection of ACh-CaCl 2 mixture for 7 consecutive days, and then the rats with successful modeling were divided into model group, verapamil group, TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups according to random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups were given Chinese herbal decoction 41.25, 20.63, 10.31 g/(kg?d) by gavage, respectively, and the verapamil group was given verapamil solution 25 g/(kg?d). The blank group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for consecutive 14 days. After 14 consecutive days, electrophysiological recorder was used to measure the duration of atrial fibrillation in each group of rats; the changes of ultrastructure of atrial myocytes in each group were observed under transmission electron microscope; serum ROS, SOD and GSH-Px levels of rats were detected by ELISA. Results:Compared with the model group, the duration of atrial fibrillation in TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups and verapamil group decreased ( P<0.05); the ultrastructural damage of atrial myocytes was improved; the content of ROS [(139.20±3.34) ng/ml,(139.00±3.28) ng/ml, (139.25±3.82) ng/ml vs. (155.60±7.32) ng/ml] in TCM compounds high- and medium-dosage groups and verapamil group decreased; the contents of SOD [(2.41±0.26) ng/ml, (2.40±0.12) ng/ml, (2.37±0.06) ng/ml vs.(2.12±0.21) ng/ml] increased ( P<0.05); the content of GSH-Px [(3.61±0.06) ng/ml, (3.60±0.08) ng/ml, (3.47±0.15) ng/ml, (3.51±0.19) ng/ml vs.(3.27±0.12) ng/ml] in TCM compounds high-, medium- and low-dosage groups and verapamil group increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:TCM compounds for eliminating phlegm and removing blood stasis can shorten the duration of atrial fibrillation in rats, reduce the damage of ultrastructure of atrial myocytes in AF rats, regulate the expressions of serum ROS, SOD and GSH-Px in AF rats, and inhibit oxidative stress, which may be one of its mechanisms of action in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.