Cold Constitution Research Articles

Physiological characteristics of women’s cold constitution and effects of exercise

Physiological characteristics of women’s cold constitution and effects of exercise

Acute influence of mild cycle exercise on cold sensory function in young women with awareness of cold constitution

Acute influence of mild cycle exercise on cold sensory function in young women with awareness of cold constitution

Walking exercise intervention for 4 weeks mitigates cold symptoms in young women with a cold constitution

Walking exercise intervention for 4 weeks mitigates cold symptoms in young women with a cold constitution

Analysis of Colorectal Carcinogenesis Paradigm between Cold Constitution and Heat Constitution: Earlier ECM Collagen Deposition.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor around the world. Studying the unique constitution of CRC patients is conducive to the application of personalized medical treatment for CRC. The most common types of constitution in CRC are cold and heat constitution. A previous study has suggested that the malignant progression in cold and heat constitution CRC are different; however, the mechanism remains unclear. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is likely to vary with each individual constitution, which may affect the tumor growth in different constitutions. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the most important component of TME, plays a critical role in disease progression and outcome in patients with CRC. Moreover, collagen, the major component of the ECM, determines the main functional characteristics of ECM and tissue fibrosis caused by collagen deposition, which is one of the signs of CRC malignant progression. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms leading to different colorectal carcinogenesis paradigms between the cold constitution and heat constitution within the context of ECM collagen deposition. We established the CRC rat models and enrolled 30 CRC patients with cold and heat constitution. The collagen-related parameters were detected by using Sirius red staining combined with polarized light microscope, and expressions of collagen (COL I and COL III) and lysyl oxidase (LOX and LOXL2) were determined using immunohistochemistry, while the mRNA levels of COL1A1, COL3A1, LOX, and LOXL2 were measured by qRT-PCR. We found that a higher degree of collagen deposition in the cold-constitution group. The results suggest cold and heat constitution may affect the colorectal carcinogenesis paradigm by influencing the early collagen deposition in colon tissue. The study may provide an effective idea for clinicians to improve the prognosis of CRC patients with different constitutions.

Electroencephalogram Characteristics during Local and Whole-body Skin Cooling in Women with a Cold Constitution

Electroencephalogram Characteristics during Local and Whole-body Skin Cooling in Women with a Cold Constitution

The association between cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet and chronic disease: results of a multicentre study

BackgroundCold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is a common symptom in Korea and patients with CHHF complain of coldness in the hands and feet in an environment that is not considered cold by unaffected people. In traditional East Asian medicine, CHHF is believed to be accompanied by various diseases and symptoms, and is considered a symptom that needs active treatment. CHHF is used for pattern identification in the cold pattern, yang deficiency, and constitution. This study aimed to examine the differences in frequencies of chronic diseases with respect to the presence of CHHF.MethodsDisease history, CHHF, body measurements, and blood test survey data from 6149 patients collected by 25 medical institutes in Korea were obtained from the Korean Medicine Data Center. The participants were divided into CHHF (n = 1909) and non-CHHF groups (n = 3017) according to the CHHF survey. The differences in frequencies of 18 diseases were analysed using chi-square tests, and the odds ratios (ORs) for each disease according to CHHF status were examined via logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).ResultsBased on chi-square test results, the CHHF group showed a higher frequency of the following diseases: anaemia, hypotension, chronic gastritis, reflux oesophagitis, chronic rhinitis, dysmenorrhoea, and gastroduodenal ulcer. Diseases found in lower frequencies were as follows: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose, dyslipidaemia, stroke, fatty liver, and angina pectoris. In addition, from the logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, the CHHF group showed a lower OR in diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia than the non-CHHF group, but a higher OR in degenerative arthritis, chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, reflux oesophagitis, and chronic rhinitis.ConclusionsThis study showed that CHHF is associated with chronic disease. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to validate these associations.

The correlation between pulse diagnosis and constitution identification in traditional Chinese medicine

ObjectivesOur study aimed to correlate pulse wave parameters such as augmentation index (AI) and heart rate variability with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution for evaluating health status. DesignOut of 177 subjects, 69 healthy subjects were enrolled in the present study, and others were excluded because of cardiovascular, liver, kidney, or other diseases. Each subject was invited to complete pulse wave examination and the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire. Independent Student’s t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the correlation between pulse wave parameters and TCM constitution. ResultsQi-deficient individuals had higher AI (p=0.006) and lower diastolic blood pressure (p=0.011); yang-deficient individuals had lower dP/dt max (p=0.030), systolic blood pressure (p=0.020), and pulse pressure (p=0.048); and damp-heat individuals had higher subendocardial viability index (SEVI) scores (p=0.011). We then categorized the phlegm dampness and yang-deficiency individuals into the cold group and those with damp-heat and yin-deficiency into the heat group. A comparison of the two constitution groups showed higher AI in the cold group (p=0.026). Binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only AI was a determinant, as evidenced by the finding that an increase of one unit in AI corresponded to an increase of 5% in the odds ratio for individuals to have a cold constitution (p=0.026). ConclusionsIndividuals with qi-deficient and cold constitutions had higher AI and lower SEVI, potentially reflecting an increase in arterial stiffness. This study can provide a basis for further investigation of the physiological indicators of TCM constitutions in modern medicine.

Desensitization of menthol-activated cold receptors in lower extremities during local cooling in young women with a cold constitution.

To test the hypothesis that topical menthol-induced reactivity of cold sensation and cutaneous vasoconstriction to local cooling is augmented in individuals with a cold constitution, we examined thermal sensation and cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses at menthol-treated and untreated sites in the legs during local skin cooling in young women complaining of chilliness (C group) and young women with no complaint as a normal control group (N group). During local skin cooling, the sensitivity to cold sensation was greater in the C group than in the N group. The application of menthol enhanced the cold sensation at a low temperature in the N group, but not in the C group. Cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses to local skin cooling were not altered by menthol treatment in either of the two groups. These findings suggest the desensitization of menthol-activated cold receptors in the legs of C group subjects, and a minor role of cold receptor activity in cutaneous vasoconstrictor response to local cooling.

Symptoms and effects of physical factors in Japanese middle-aged women.

The aim of the study was to clarify the prevalence and severity rates of symptoms and investigate whether symptoms varied in relation to body mass index (BMI). The study group composed of 1,969 women, aged 40 to 60 years, who presented at our department from 1993 through 2014. The participation rate was 98%. The presence or absence of symptoms was evaluated by having the participants complete the Keio Questionnaire, a self-administered questionnaire. To allow the results to be compared according to ovarian function, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol were measured. Participants were classified into three groups according to BMI: underweight, normal weight, and overweight. Symptoms were also compared among these subgroups. The most common symptom was general fatigue. Vasomotor symptoms differed significantly between pre- and postmenopause status. When symptoms were analyzed according to BMI, the severity rates of the following symptoms were significantly higher in the overweight group than in the normal weight and underweight groups: hot flushes, sweats, joint pain, numbness, and incontinence. On the contrary, the underweight group had significantly higher severities of cold constitution, nervousness, and wrinkled skin than did the other groups. In addition, an increase in BMI was associated with an increased severity of vasomotor symptoms. The prevalence and severities of shoulder stiffness, considered a characteristic symptom in Japanese women, were high. Increased BMI was shown to be associated with a higher severity of vasomotor symptoms, joint pain, nervousness, and urinary symptoms.

The cutaneous vasoconstrictor response in lower extremities during whole-body and local skin cooling in young women with a cold constitution

To clarify the characteristics of the thermal control of skin blood flow (SkBF) in individuals with a cold constitution, we examined the cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses in the calf and dorsal foot during whole-body and local skin cooling in young women complaining of chilliness (C group) and young women not suffering from it (N group). During whole-body skin cooling, the vasoconstrictor sensitivity in the dorsal foot, but not in the calf, was greater in the C group than in the N group. The C group also showed greater vasoconstrictor responses in the dorsal foot, but not in the calf, during local skin cooling and the iontophoretic application of norepinephrine. These findings suggest that the C group possesses a specific SkBF controlling system that is characterized by higher adrenergic sensitivity for greater cutaneous vasoconstriction in the distal portion of the lower extremities during cold exposure.

Cold constitution and single nucleotide polymorphisms of β-adrenergic receptors, uncoupling protein 1 and angiotensinogen

Cold constitution and single nucleotide polymorphisms of β-adrenergic receptors, uncoupling protein 1 and angiotensinogen

Anthocyanin-rich Aronia melanocarpa extract improves body temperature maintenance in healthy women with a cold constitution

PurposeSpecific anthocyanin-rich dietary factors have been shown to improve metabolic functions associated with thermogenesis in animal studies. Aronia melanocarpa, commonly known as wild chokeberry, contains a high level of anthocyanin that would be expected to maintain body temperature through thermogenesis. We here investigated the effects of Aronia melanocarpa extracts on body temperature and peripheral blood flow in healthy women with a cold constitution.MethodsA pre/post comparison trial was performed in 11 women with a cold constitution, who were taking Aronia melanocarpa extracts (150 mg/day) for 4 weeks. Physiological and biochemical parameters, along with psychological tests were examined.ResultsThe subjects’ body surface temperature was significantly higher in the post-trial than in the pre-trial. In psychological tests, factors related to cold were significantly improved by Aronia intake. On the other hand, peripheral blood flow was not affected by Aronia supplementation. Plasma noradrenalin level was significantly elevated by Aronia intake, and subjects with a higher level of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the pre-trial showed decreased levels in the post-trial.ConclusionsThese data suggest that dietary Aronia melanocarpa extract improves the maintenance of body temperature in healthy women with a cold constitution, which may be mediated by noradrenalin and oxidative stress levels.

Effects of Hot and Cold Foods on Signals of Heart Rate Variability and Nail Fold Microcirculation of Healthy Young Humans: A Pilot Study

In traditional Chinese medicine, hot- and cold-attribute of food ingredients are a major part of dietary therapy. The aim of this study was to establish a suitable scientific methodology to define the attributes of food ingredients by investigating the relationship between food attributes and the physiological signals produced in healthy young subjects with different constitutions. Thirty subjects were grouped into hot and cold constitutions by Chinese medical doctors. Every subject took water, aged ginger tea and coconut water, which are well recognized as having neutral-, hot- and cold-attribute, respectively, on different visits. The different physiological signals induced by the samples were observed using skin and axillary temperature sensors, a heart rate variability analyzer and a laser Doppler anemometer. We found that the capillary red blood cell (RBC) velocity in nail fold microcirculation (NFM) of the subjects with hot constitution accelerated significantly after taking the hot-attribute aged ginger tea, which might be the result of elevated vagal activity leading to arteriole dilation in these subjects. In contrast, in subjects with cold constitution, capillary RBC velocity decelerated significantly and skin temperature decreased markedly after taking the cold-attribute coconut water, which might have been induced by sympathetic nerve activation causing the arteriole to be constricted. Accordingly, the use of capillary RBC velocity of NFM measured by laser Doppler anemometer may be a promising way to classify attributes of food ingredients commonly used in Chinese medicine dietary therapy in accordance with different personal constitutions.

Effects of Nanpao, a Kampo Medicine, on Peripheral Blood Flow and Surface Skin Temperature in Aged Female Rats

The effects of long-term treatment with Nanpao, a kampo medicine, on cold constitution were evaluated in aged female rats. Five-month-old rats were administered Nanpao orally at doses of 0, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day. The peripheral blood flow and surface skin temperature in the hind paws were measured using a laser Doppler blood flow meter and infrared thermography, respectively. In animals treated with Nanpao, the peripheral blood flow increased dose-dependently compared to that in the control group. Moreover, the surface skin temperature after immersion in ice-cold water was higher in the Nanpao-treated groups than in the control group at all measurement times. These results suggest that Nanpao has the potential to improve cold constitution associated with decreased peripheral blood flow in women.

Physiological characteristics and the wearing condition of young women with cold constitution,"Hie-sho"

Physiological characteristics and the wearing condition of young women with cold constitution,"Hie-sho"

Effect of Ninjin-yoei-to (Rensheng-Yangrong-Tang) on olfactory behavior after olfactory nerve transection

Ninjin-yoei-to (NYT), a Japanese traditional medicine, is used to treat athrepsia due to surgery, anorexia, cold constitution, and anemia. There are reports of the effects of NYT on the nervous system; however, there have been no behavioral studies of the effect of NYT on olfactory function. The olfactory system undergoes continuous replacement of sensory neurons. Morphologic and behavioral studies have shown that the olfactory system recovers after bilateral olfactory nerve transection (BNX). However, in the humans, olfactory function does not always recover. In this study, we examined the effect of oral NYT on behavioral recovery after BNX. Fourteen mice were subjected to BNX. The regular diet was mixed with 2% NYT (NYT diet). Mice were separated into two groups; seven mice were fed the regular diet (control group), and seven mice were fed the NYT diet (NYT group). NYT was administered beginning 7 days prior to BNX and continuing for 35 days after BNX. Mice in both groups had free access to food and water. Olfactory function was evaluated by testing each mouse's ability to avoid cotton balls treated with acetic acid. After BNX, mice lost their ability to avoid cotton balls treated with acetic acid. In the control group, the time for behavioral recovery after BNX was 28 days. In the NYT group, the time for behavioral recovery after BNX was 21 days. NYT hastened behavioral recovery after BNX. NYT may have therapeutic benefits for patients with olfactory disorders.

Perception of Foot Temperature in Young Women with Cold Constitution: Analysis of Skin Temperature and Warm and Cold Sensation Thresholds

To examine the disease state of cold constitution, physiological measurements of the foot were conducted by investigating thermal sensations under an environmental condition of 25 degrees C-26 degrees C (neutral temperature) in 29 young women with and without cold constitution. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to their experiences with cold constitution: cold constitution, intermediate, and normal groups. Foot skin temperature was measured by thermography. Thermal sensations were measured on the dorsum of the left foot using a thermal stimulator. Cold and warm spots on the dorsum of the right foot were ascertained. Thermal stimulation was delivered by a copper probe. No significant differences in foot skin temperature among these 3 groups were identified as measured in a laboratory under neutral temperature conditions. However, the mean warm sensation threshold was +6.3+/-1.09 degrees C (mean+/-SEM) for the cold constitution group (n=14), +3.4+/-2.10 degrees C (mean+/-SEM) for the intermediate group (n=7), and -0.25+/-1.96 degrees C (mean+/-SEM) for the normal group (n=6). The difference was significant between the cold constitution and normal groups. No significant differences among the 3 groups were found in the cold sensation threshold. This may be attributable to the distribution of thermal receptors and to chronically reduced blood flow in subcutaneous tissues, where the skin temperature receptors responsible for temperature sensation are located.

Indikation und Konstitution in der phytotherapeutischen Qualitätenlehre

Indication and Constitution in the Phytotherapeutic Qualitative Concept In its original form, phytotherapy is based, among other things, on qualitative concept. Starting-point of the concept are the paired terms: warmth/cold and moisture/dryness. Young people tend to have a warm constitution and older individuals a cold constitution. There are, however, type-related differences. Illnesses progress in various phases. A simple cold, for example, can also be split into a cold and warm phase. These phases should be treated separately with different remedies.

女子大学生の冷え症者における心電図と身体所見‐冷え症の重症度との関連‐

本研究では女子大学生を対象にし, 冷え症の程度を弱, 強の2段階に区分けして, 冷え症の程度と身体状況および心電図との関連を調べた。身体計測値を正常者と冷え症者で比較した場合, 身長は両者間で有意差はなかったが, 体重, BMI, 皮下脂肪厚, 体脂肪率, 体脂肪量は有意に冷え症者で低かった。冷え症の3群間で較べてみると, 体重, BMI, 体表面積, 皮下脂肪厚, 体脂肪率, 体脂肪量は“冷え”の程度が増すほど値は低下する傾向があった。また, 心電図 (第II誘導) を比較した場合, R-R間隔とQT時間は“冷え”の度合いが強いほど, 有意に延長していた。冷え症者でみられたQT時間の有意な延長は, 先行するR-R間隔で補正したQTcを正常者と冷え症者2群間で比較すると有意差は消失した。これらのことより, 冷え症の程度と痩せ, 徐脈との間に正の相関があることが分かった。

Is There a Common Cold Constitution?

Constitutional factors might play a role in the susceptibility to clinical illness during the common cold. This study seeks to determine if the likelihood of developing frequent common colds persists during childhood. The Tucson Children's Respiratory Study involves 1246 children enrolled at birth and followed prospectively since 1980 and 1984. Parents reported the occurrence of frequent (> or =4) colds during the past year by questionnaire at 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, and 13 years of age. Blood for ex vivo interferon-gamma responses was obtained at 9 months and 11 years of age. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, children with frequent colds at year 2 or 3 were twice as likely to experience frequent colds at year 6 (relative risk [RR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-3.9), year 8 (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.1-3.3), year 11 (RR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.8-3.1), and year 13 (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.3) compared with children who had infrequent colds at years 2 and 3. At 9 months of age, children who ultimately experienced persistent frequent colds had lower interferon-gamma titers than children without persistent frequent colds (3.05 +/- 1.61 vs 3.74 +/- 1.39, P =.016); this finding persisted at 11 years of age. These data suggest the existence of a common cold constitution, whereby some children are more susceptible to infection and/or the expression of clinical symptoms when infected than are other children.