Pathological Observation of Blood Stasis Syndrome in Non-diabetic Peripheral Neuropathies: A Retrospective Analysis Based on Nerve Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathological features of blood stasis syndrome (BSS) in non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Clinical data of 31 patients with non-diabetic peripheral neuropathy who had undergone nerve biopsy during December 2004 and December 2010 in Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. According to Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome differentiation and signs, 26 patients were blood stasis type and 5 patients were non-blood stasis type. Clinical and pathological data were compared in detail. RESULTS: Clinically, although both groups shared similar symptoms of limb numbness, weakness and sensory disturbances, the prevalence of neuralgia was much grievous in BSS group (73.1%, 26/31) compared with the non-BSS group (0%, 0/5). As for signs, dermal nutrients disturbance (84.6%, 22/26), dark or purple tongue (100.0%, 26/26), and sublingual varices (80.7%, 21/26) were more common in the BSS group than the non-BSS group (0%, 60%, 20%, respectively). The prevalence of qi deficiency cases (19/26) in the BSS group was significantly higher compared with the non-BSS group (1/5). The unique histological manifestations of BSS were axonal degeneration (16/26 vs 2/5 in non-BSS group), which was the hallmark of ischemia. Cases with BSS had prominent microangiopathy (61.5%, 16/26), manifested as epineurium vasculitis (inflammatory cell infiltrated to the vessel wall, obliteration and recanalization, vascular proliferation, extravascular hemosiderin deposition), angiotelectasis, proliferation and hyaline degeneration of endoneurium capillary. In the BSS group, impaired blood-nerve barrier was indicated by sub-perineurial edema (46.2%, 11/26) and endoneurial edema (15.4%, 4/26). The Renaut body (15.4%, 4/26) and amyloid deposition (3.8%, 1/26) found in the BSS group were absent in the non-BSS group. CONCLUSIONS: BBS was common in non-diabetic peripheral neuropathies. The nerves exhibited ischemic alteration of primary axon degeneration and secondary demyelination. The interstitial tissue revealed microcirculation impairment, blood-nerve barrier disturbance, amyloid deposition and proliferation changes. The high prevalence of qi deficiency also highlights the therapy of promotion of blood circulation and removal of blood stasis.

Experimental study of airway pressure release ventilation in the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is a ventilator mode which has demonstrated potential benefits in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. We therefore sought to compare relevant pulmonary data and safety outcomes of this mode to the conventional ventilation and sustained inflation. Canines admitted after intravenous injection of oleic acid requiring mechanical ventilation were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6), namely conventional ventilation group, low tidal volume ventilation with recruitment group (LTV+SI) and APRV group. The changes of oxygenation, ventilation, airway pressure, inflammatory reaction and hemodynamics at the basic state were observed at 0, 1, 2 and 4 h during the experiment. The levels of PaO2/FiO2 in APRV group were higher than LTV+SI group at 2 and 4 h (P<0.05). In APRV group, the PCO2 levels at 1, 2 and 4 h is much lower than LTV+SI group (P<0.05). Outcome variables showed no differences between APRV, LVT+SI and conventional mechanical ventilation for plateau airway pressure (24±1 vs. 29±3 vs. 25±4), mean arterial pressure (92.9±16.5 vs. 85.8±21.4 vs. 88.7±24.4), cardiac index (4.3±1.7 vs. 3.5±1.9 vs. 3.4±2.1), ERO2 (13.4±10.3 vs. 16.1±6.8 vs. 17.6±9.1), lac (2.5±1.7 vs. 3.1±1.6 vs. 3.9±1.9), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (132±11 vs. 140±6 vs. 195±13) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. For canines sustaining acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation, APRV can significantly improve oxygenation and keep hemodynamic stability compared with LTV+SI. The results of TNF-α and MMP-9 suggest that APRV could be as protective for ARDS as LTV with recruitment group.

Part of plasmapheresis with plasma filtration adsorption combined with continuous hemodiafiltration in the treatment of severe acute liver failure.

The present study is a retrospective analysis of 11 cases with severe acute liver failure combined with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) performed during the period June, 2012 to December, 2014. After part of plasmapheresis with plasma filtration adsorption combined with continuous hemodiafiltration treatment, good curative effects were obtained and the main clinical symptoms and biochemical index were significantly improved. Following treatment, 8 of the 11 patients survived at a survival rate of 72.7%, and 3 patients succumbed with a mortality of 27.3%. The results suggested that part of plasmapheresis with plasma filtration adsorption combined with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) treatment is beneficial in the removal of metabolites and toxins. Additonally, it can effectively improve liver function and clinical symptoms, improve hepatic encephalopathy, correct the disorder of internal environment, and improve the prognosis of patients.

Clinical observation on the treatment of acute liver failure by combined non-biological artificial liver.

The clinical efficacy and safety of different combinations of non-bio artificial liver in the treatment of acute liver failure was examined. A total of 61 cases were selected under blood purification treatment from the patients with severe acute liver failure admitted to the severe disease department of the hospital from December, 2010 to December, 2015. Three types of artificial liver combinations were observed, i.e., plasma exchange plus hemoperfusion plus continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (PE+HP+CVVHDF), PE+CVVHDF and HP+CVVHDF. The heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory index (PaO2/FiO2), liver and kidney function indicator, as well as platelet and coagulation function were compared. A comparison before and after the treatment using the three methods, showed improvement in the HRs, MAPs, PaO2/FiO2, total bilirubins (TBIL) and alanine aminotransferases (ALT) (P<0.05), of which TBIL and ALT were decreased more significantly (P<0.01) in the PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups. Only changes in the PE+HP+CVVHDF and PE+CVVHDF groups were statistically significant after prothrombin time and albumin treatment (P<0.05). The difference between the decrease in TBIL in the PE+HP+CVVHDF group and that in the HP+CVVHDF group was statistically significant (P<0.05). Treatment of the 61 patients using the artificial liver support system yielded a survival rate of 62.3% (38/61), and a viral survival rate of 35.0% (7/20); with the non-viral survival rate being 75.6% (31/41). In conclusion, following the treatment of three types of artificial livers, the function was improved to varying degrees, with the PE+HP+CVVHDF and the PE+CVVHDF method being better. By contrast, after the treatment of non-viral liver failure, the survival rate was significantly higher than the patients with viral liver failure.

Effect of the Shenfu Injection Combined with Early Goal-Directed Therapy on Organ Functions and Outcomes of Septic Shock Patients.

Shenfu injection (SFI) derived from traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used in cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of SFI and conventional early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) on organ functions and outcomes of septic shock patients. For this purpose, a total of 45 septic shock patients were randomly divided into control group A (24 patients on EGDT) and experimental group B (21 patients on SFI + EGDT). SFI was administered (100@20 mL/h) twice daily. Hemodynamic status, lactic acid, and vasoactive drug use were observed before and after treatment. Other indicators included ventilator weaning time, ICU stay time, free of organ failure time, and 28-day hospital mortality. Regarding experimental group, compared with controls, BUN/creatinine decreased significantly at 3, 5, and 7 days while PaO2/FiO2 increased at 1 and 3 days (P < 0.05). APACHE-II and SOFA scores decreased in both groups at 3, 5, and 7 days (P < 0.05), whereas SOFA scores improved more in experimental group as compared with controls. Ventilator weaning time and ICU stay were significantly shorter in experimental group as compared with controls. In both groups, mean arterial pressure/systemic vascular resistance index post-treatment levels increased and lactic acid decreased at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h (P < 0.05). Heart rate decreased at 24, 48, and 72 h (P < 0.05); while gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase levels increased at 1 day and 1 and 3 days, respectively (P < 0.05). Combined use of SFI and EGDT can improve hemodynamics, reduce the damage to vital organs, and shorten ventilation and ICU stay times in septic shock patients.

Combined use of non-biological artificial liver treatments for patients with acute liver failure complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) caused by viral and non-viral hepatitis is often accompanied with severe metabolic disorders, the accumulation of toxic substances and continuous release and accumulation of a large number of endogenous toxins and inflammatory mediators. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of various combined non-biological artificial liver treatments for patients with acute liver failure (ALF) complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: Thirty-one patients with mid- or late-stage liver failure complicated by MODS (score 4) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: plasmapheresis (PE) combined with hemoperfusion (HP) and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF), PE+CVVHDF, and HP+CVVHDF, respectively. Heart rate (HR) before and after treatment, mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory index (PaO2/FiO2), hepatic function, platelet count, and blood coagulation were determined. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in HR, MAP, PaO2/FiO2, total bilirubin (TBIL) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after treatment (P<0.05). TBIL and ALT decreased more significantly after treatment in the PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups (P<0.01). Prothrombin time (PT) and albumin were significantly improved only in the PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups (P<0.05). TBIL decreased more significantly in the PE+HP+CVVHDF group than in the HP+CVVHDF and PE+CVVHDF groups (P<0.05). The survival rate of the patients was 58.1% (18/31), viral survival rate 36.4% (4/11), and non-viral survival rate 70% (14/20). CONCLUSION: Liver function was relatively improved after treatment, but PE+HP+CVVHDF was more efficient for the removal of toxic metabolites, especially bilirubin. The survival rate was significantly higher in the patients with non-viral liver failure than in those with viral liver failure.

[Distribution laws of Chinese medical syndrome types and analyses of risk factors in senile hypertension patients: a clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the distribution laws of TCM syndrome types and to analyze the distribution of dynamic blood pressure curve, atherosclerosis, and age in senile hypertension patients. METHODS: Totally 1 131 senile hypertension patients were recruited from 7 provinces and municipal cities. Features of TCM syndromes, classification and distribution curves, and syndrome distribution laws were observed. The distribution curves of dynamic blood pressure, carotid atherosclerosis, and age were compared in each TCM syndrome types. RESULTS: There were four main syndrome types in 736 cases (56.15%), i.e., excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (210 cases, 16.02%), yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome (177 cases, 13.50%), Gan-Shen yin deficiency syndrome (79 cases, 6.03%), and deficiency of qi and yin syndrome (252 cases, 19.22%). Besides, there were two more sub-types, i.e., collateral obstruction by blood stasis syndrome and collateral obstruction by phlegm and stasis. Circadian blood pressure monitor was completed in 211 cases. Of them, abnormal circadian blood pressure occurred in 152 cases (accounting for 72. 38%); yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome, excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome, deficiency of qi and yin syndrome plus collateral obstruction by blood stasis syndrome were most often seen. Color ultrasound of carotid artery was performed in 660 patients of main syndromes. The incidence was quite higher in those of excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome (182 cases, 27. 58%), deficiency of qi and yin syndrome plus collateral obstruction by blood stasis syndrome or collateral obstruction by phlegm and stasis (322 cases, 48.79%). Yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome was dominant in patients 60 -79 years old, while deficiency of qi and yin syndrome and Gan-Shen yin deficiency syndrome were dominant in patients older than 80 years. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome, yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang syndrome, Gan-Shen yin deficiency syndrome, and deficiency of qi and yin syndrome were main syndrome types in senile hypertension patients. There was statistical difference in the distribution curves of blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and age of various TCM syndrome types.

Hemodiafiltration combined with resin-mediated absorption as a therapy for hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether hemodiafiltration combined with resin-mediated absorption is a better therapy for hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis. Patients (n = 67) with acute pancreatitis treated in ICU from January 2009 to December 2012 were included in this study. Seven of these 67 cases were diagnosed hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP). All the 7 HLAP patients went through fast, gastrointestinal decompression, anti-shock treatment, inhibition of pancreatic secretion, antiseptic treatments, and hemoperfusion (HP) combined with continuous veno venous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). After one round of treatment by resin adsorption, there was a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) (29.78 %) and total cholesterol (TC) (24.02 %) levels (p < 0.01). TG and TC levels dropped by 49.02 and 37.66 %, respectively, after 1-day treatment of HP + CVVHDF; by 62.81 and 47.37 % on day 2 post-treatment; and by 69.57 and 49.47 % on day 3 post-treatment. All the 7 patients survived. The average time spent in the ICU was 7 ± 3.8 days, and the average duration of hospitalization was 19 ± 15.1 days. Our results show that hemoperfusion combined with hemodiafiltration is an efficient treatment as this approach can reduce plasma lipid levels effectively and reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis due to hyperlipidemia.

Efficacy of various combined blood purification techniques for treating patients with non-viral acute liver failure.

We sought to study the clinical efficacy of various combined blood purification techniques in patients with non-viral acute liver failure complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). For this purpose, 19 patients diagnosed of mid- or late-stage liver failure with MODS score-4 were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups of PE+HP+CVVHDF, PE+CVVHDF, and HP+CVVHDF, respectively. Pre- and post-treatment heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial blood gases (pH, PaO2, and PaCO2), hepatic function, platelet count, and blood coagulation were determined. The data show significant improvement in HR, MAP, PaO2/FiO2, total bilirubin (TBIL), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after treatment (P < 0.05). TBIL decreased more significantly after treatment in PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups (P < 0.01). Significant improvement in prothrombin time and albumin was observed only in PE+CVVHDF and PE+HP+CVVHDF groups (P < 0.05). The decrease of TBIL and improvement of PaO2/FiO2 ratio were more pronounced in PE+HP+CVVHDF than in HP+CVVHDF group (P < 0.05). To conclude, liver function was relatively improved by all the three combined blood purification techniques used; however, PE+HP+CVVHDF approach was found more efficient in the removal of toxic metabolites, especially bilirubin. The data suggest that the combined blood purification techniques used were effective and involved minor side effects.

The preventive effect of garlicin on a porcine model of myocardial infarction reperfusion no-reflow.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether garlicin can prevent reperfusion no-reflow in a catheter-based porcine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Twenty-two male Chinese mini swines were randomized into 3 groups: sham-operation group (n=6), control group (n=8), and garlicin group (n=8). The distal part of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in swines of the latter two groups was completely occluded by dilated balloon for 2 h and a successful AMI model was confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG) and electrocardiograph (ECG), which was then reperfused for 3 h. In the sham-operation group, balloon was placed in LAD without dilatation. Garlicin at a dosage of 1.88 mg/kg was injected 10 min before LAD occlusion until reperfusion for 1 h in the garlicin group. To assess serial cardiac function, hemodynamic data were examined by catheter method before AMI, 2 h after occlusion and 1, 2, and 3 h after reperfusion. Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) and double staining with Evans blue and thioflavin-S were performed to evaluate myocardial no-reflow area (NRA) and risk area (RA). RESULTS: Left ventricular systolic pressure and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure significantly improved in the garlicin group after reperfusion compared with the control group P<0.05) and 2 h after AMI (P<0.05). MCE showed garlicin decreased reperfusion NRA after AMI compared with the control group (P <0.05). In double staining, NRA/RA in the garlicin group was 18.78%, significantly lower than that of the control group (49.84%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Garlicin has a preventive effect on the porcine model of myocardial infarction reperfusion no-reflow by improving hemodynamics and decreasing NRA.

Shengjie Tongyu Granule Inhibits Vascular Remodeling in ApoE-Gene-Knockout Mice.

The aim of the present paper was to investigate the effect of Shengjie Tongyu granule on vascular remodeling in atherosclerotic mice and the relevant underlying mechanism. Sixty male ApoE-gene-knockout mice, fed a high-fat diet from 6 weeks of age, were randomized into a Shengjie Tongyu granule group (4.00 g/kg/d), a simvastatin group (9.01 mg/kg/d), and a control group (normal saline: 0.2 mL/d). At the ages of 30 and 40 weeks, we sacrificed the mice for various measurements. The results show that treatment with Shengjie Tongyu granule and simvastatin significantly decreased lumen and plaque areas in the aortic root at 30 and 40 weeks of age, decreased grade II elastic fiber lesions in the ascending aorta at 30 weeks of age, and decreased both grade II and III lesions at 40 weeks of age, compared to controls. The content of superoxide anions, and expression of MOMA-2, plasma ICAM-1, and NFκB p50 in 30- and 40-week-old mice in the Shengjie Tongyu granule and simvastatin groups were also significantly reduced compared to the control group. In conclusion, Shengjie Tongyu granule has a clear inhibitory effect on vascular remodeling and on inflammatory pathways in ApoE-gene-knockout mice.

[Garlicin ameliorated pressure overload induced myocardial fibrosis in rats through partial inhibiting TGF-beta1 mediated Smads signal].

OBJECTIVE: To observe whether garlicin could ameliorate pressure overload induced myocardial fibrosis in rats through partial inhibiting transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) mediated Smads signal. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i. e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the garlicin group, and the Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) group, 10 in each group. The pressure overload induced myocardial fibrosis rat model was prepared using coarctation of aorta. Three days after modeling 5.0 mg/kg garlicin injection was administered to rats in the garlicin group, 20 mg/kg TMP injection to rats in the TMP group by peritoneal injection, while normal saline was peritoneally injected to rats in the sham-operation group and the model group. Four weeks after medication, the changes of myocardial collagen were observed by picrosirius red staining. The myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) and perivascular collagen areas (PVCA) were calculated. The serum transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression was detected using ELISA. The TGF-beta1 protein expression in the myocardial tissue was observed using immunohistochemical assay. The changes of myocardial Smad2 and Smad7 mRNA expressions were detected using Real-time RT-PCR. The effects of garlicin on TGF-beta1 mediated Smad Signaling through luciferase assay were further verified using Mv1 Lu-(CAGA) 12-Luc cell line response to TGF-beta1. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the myocardial levels of CVF and PVCA, the serum TGF-beta1 level, and the TGF-beta1 protein expression in the myocardial tissue obviously increased in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the PVCA level, the serum TGF-beta1 level, and the TGF-beta1 protein expression in the myocardial tissue of the garlicin group and the TMP group obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P 0O 01). The Smad2 mRNA expression was up-regulated while Smad7 mRNA expression down-regulated in the model group. The Smad2 mRNA expression was obviously down-regulated in the garlicin group and the TMP group (P < 0.05). The Smad7 mRNA expression was obviously up-regulated in the TMP group (P > 0.05). One to 2 microg/mL garlicin could obviously inhibit the luciferase activities of corresponding TGF-beta1, under the stimulation of 2 ng/mL TGF-beta1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Garlicin ameliorated pressure overload induced myocardial fibrosis in rats through partial inhibiting TGF-beta-Smads signal pathway.

[Key points in treating hypertension by integrative medicine].

In China there exist "three high", "three low" and "three no" phenomena in hypertension, so the task of prevention and treatment of hypertension is urgent and difficult. Practices show that treatment by integrative medicine is the best way to prevent and treat hypertension. In clinics several key points should be noticed: holding the difference of therapy philosophy between Chinese medicine and Western medicine, objectively evaluating the curative efficacy of Chinese medicine and Western medicine, insisting on compatible application of Chinese herbs and Western drugs, stressing the combination of disease identification and syndrome typing, preventing and treating target organs' damage in a scientific way, and paying attention to non-drug treatment of hypertension.

[Distribution characteristics of syndrome types in essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution characteristics of syndrome types of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in essential hypertension and to explore the distribution rule of TCM syndromes. METHODS: A multicenter, large-sample survey method of clinical epidemiology was applied to choose the patients with essential hypertension from North, Middle, and South China. A questionnaire was designed and filled in, then 477 untreated patients with first-diagnosed essential hypertension were selected and the information was recorded into FileMaker database. A cluster analysis method was utilized to study the TCM syndrome distribution rule of essential hypertension. RESULTS: Two-step cluster analysis was done from 3 to 7 clusters. Seven clusters were appropriate, which included deficiency of heart and kidney qi, hyperactivity of liver-yang, deficiency of yin and yang, stagnation of phlegm-dampness, phlegm-heat (subtype of stagnation of phlegm-dampness), blood stasis obstructing collaterals, and other syndromes. The symptoms presenting high percentage in each cluster were more significant in TCM theory. The syndromes of hyperactivity of liver-yang (24.1%) and stagnation of phlegm-dampness (27.1%) presented the high percentages, and deficiency of heart and kidney qi (10.1%), deficiency of yin and yang (8.4%), and blood stasis obstructing collaterals (9.0%) presented the low percentages. CONCLUSION: As compared with the current syndrome differentiation criteria, two-step cluster analysis results not only include the syndromes of deficiency of yin and yang, hyperactivity of liver-yang, stagnation of phlegm-dampness, but also cover qi deficiency and blood stasis.

[Effects of garlicin on NIH3T3 cell proliferation and collagen synthesis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of garlicin on fibroblasts proliferation and type I collagen synthesis and explore its anti-fibrosis mechanism. METHODS: Garlicin was added into the culture fluid of NIH3T3 cell, taking Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae as the control medicine. The spiking of H3-thymidine DNA was detected, also the hydroxyproline (HOP) concentration in the culture fluid by alkali digestion method and the protein expression of type I collagen in NIH3T3 cells by immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: The NIH3T3 cell growth and proliferation rate were obviously reduced after garlicin treatment concentration-dependently in range of 0.2 - 5 microg/mL; HOP level and protein expression of type I collagen also lowered. CONCLUSION: Garlicin could inhibit NIH3T3 cell proliferation, reduce the synthesis and protein expression of type I collagen so as to exert the anti-fibrosis effect.

[Potential of using pattern diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine to improve the clinical use of antihypertensive agents].

Despite the availability of six classes of antihypertensive agents, control of blood pressure and improving patients' quality of life remain far from ideal. There is a wide variability in terms of the hypotensive effect and side effect profile for the same antihypertensive agent used in different patients. How to select the right agent to provide the most beneficial results in terms of efficacy and improvement of quality of life as well as to decrease clinical symptoms and minimize adverse reactions is an important therapeutic challenge. It has been suggested that clinical usage of pattern (Zheng) diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine may improve the accuracy in selecting the right antihypertensive agents with improved efficacy and deceased adverse effects. Limited research in this area suggested the calcium channel blocker may work better in treating phlegmatic damp excess pattern and blood stasis pattern while beta-blockers may be more beneficial in the liver yang rising pattern. On the other hand, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors may be more suitable in a yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity pattern as well as combined liver and kidney yin deficiency pattern. More research studies using this innovative approach in improving the selection of antihypertensive agents including mechanistic studies are urgently needed.

[Exploration of TCM syndrome differentiation of coronary heart disease and coronary arteriography].

Coronary arteriography (CAG) examination is the widely accepted gold standard for diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD) nowadays. In order to explore the situation and value of CAG applied in TCM syndrome differentiation of CHD, and to facilitate the research on disease-syndrome diagnosis of CHD in integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM), the relationship between coronary arterial pathological changes and the TCM syndrome types was probed through reviewing literatures concerning the application of CAG in studying syndrome differentiation of CHD since 2000. The results showed that syndrome types are correlated to the severity and number affected of coronary artery branches. Along with the aggravation of CHD, TCM syndrome typing become even more complicated. There is a gap between the previous detectable index for CHD as well as the TCM syndrome typing and clinical practice. CAG is of vital importance in exploring rules of integrated syndrome differentiation and disease diagnosis of CHD. Therefore, to launch a nationwide multi-centric study on large sample of syndrome differentiation with ICWM is necessary, which should be based on the evidence-based medicine and by dint of the modern medical detecting technique to conduct the study comprehensively in combining differentiation of syndrome and disease, and in both macroscopic and microscopic views.

[Progress in integrative Chinese and Western medicine study on prevention and treatment of myocardial fibrosis].

Myocardial fibrosis is an inevitable process of many heart diseases, such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, etc. in development from earlier period to terminal stage. To prevent or reverse the process of fibrosis is one of the most important approaches to retard the occurrence of heart failure and reduce the accidence of arrhythmia. In traditional Chinese medicine myocardial fibrosis belongs to the category of "Xinbi". Studies on the occurrence and regulation of myocardial fibrosis, and its treatment by using integrative Chinese and Western medicine or by Chinese drugs singly and their components were reviewed in this paper.

Clinical study on effect of Garlicin in stabilizing the carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque in patients with primary hypertension and coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of garlicin in treating carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque (CAAP) in patients with primary hypertension and coronary heart disease (PHT-CHD). METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with PHT-CHD were randomly divided into the treated group (39 patients) treated with garlicin and fosinopril and the control group (40 patients) treated with fosinopril alone. The change of CAAP was evaluated by high frequency ultrasonic examination every six months, and the changes of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured by ELISA, with the observation proceeding for 52 weeks totally. RESULTS: By the end of the experiment, the number of complex plaques, Crouse integrals, intima-media thickness, serum ICAM-1 and hs-CRP were significantly lower in the treated group than those in the control group with significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Garlicin could stabilize CAAP to a certain extent and shows a definite vascular protective effect in patients with PHT-CHD.