Qi-deficiency Constitution Research Articles

The correlation between traditional Chinese medicine constitution and primary osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In recent years, as societal awareness of the risks associated with primary osteoporosis (POP) has deepened, numerous studies have explored the relationship between POP and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution types. To further clarify the TCM constitution types closely associated with POP and provide evidence-based medical support for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis from a TCM perspective, we have employed evidence-based methods to investigate the relationship between POP and TCM constitution types. We conducted a comprehensive search of observational studies on the relationship between POP and TCM constitutional types in databases, including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), up to October 2023. After literature selection, data extraction, and bias assessment, 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 20 cross-sectional studies and 9 case-control studies. Using R software (version 4.2.3), we analyzed the distribution of TCM constitutional types in POP patients and compared the TCM constitutional types between POP patients and healthy individuals. The meta-analysis results revealed that in POP patients, Yang-deficiency constitution accounted for 22.7% (95% CI: 19.8-25.8%), Yin-deficiency constitution accounted for 15.8% (95% CI: 13.0-18.6%), and Qi-deficiency constitution accounted for 14.1% (95% CI: 12.2-16.0%). The proportions of the three mentioned TCM constitutions all exceed that of the Balanced constitution, with the balanced constitution accounting for 12.3% (95% CI: 7.4-18.1%). The proportions of Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, and Qi-deficiency constitutions were higher in POP patients compared to healthy individuals, with odds ratios (OR) of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.43-3.89), 1.69 (95% CI: 1.36-2.04), and 1.80 (95% CI: 1.23-2.64), respectively, while the Balanced type was lower in POP patients with an OR of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.11-0.23) compared to healthy individuals. The evidence suggests that the Yang-deficiency constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, and Qi-deficiency constitution are the predominant TCM constitutional types in POP patients. Furthermore, Yang-deficiency constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, and Qi-deficiency constitution may serve as potential risk factors for POP, while the Balanced constitution may act as a protective factor.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BODY CONSTITUTIONS AND THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION AMONG ELDERLY IN PATIENTS IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE HOSPITAL OF THUA THIEN HUE

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the distribution of Traditional Medicine (TM) body constitutions, examine the factors associated with depression among elderly inpatients in Traditional Medicine Hospital of Thua Thien Hue, and further contribute to enhancing the value of traditional medicine theory's quintessence in preventing depression in medical facilities and in the community. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of 420 elderly inpatients in Traditional Medicine Hospital of Thua Thien Hue from July 2022 to March 2024, screening for depression, using the Geriatric Depression Scale 30 items (GDS-30) and determining the TM body constitutions, using the Constitution in Traditional Medicine questionnaire (CCMQ). The multiple logistic regression model was applied to examine the factors associated with depression. Results: The proportion of the balanced constitution was the lowest (0%). Among the unbalanced constitutions, the highest proportion was the Phlegm-dampness constitution (70.2%), followed by Qi stagnation constitution (66.9%), Yin deficiency constitution (62.6%), Blood-stasis constitution (58.3%), Qi deficiency constitution (56.6%), Dampness-heat constitution (46.9%), Inherited-special constitution (38.8%) and the lowest was Yang deficiency constitution (31.9%). The higher odds of depression were observed in Qi stagnation constitution (p < 0.001, OR = 5.787, 95%CI: 3.275 – 10.227), Qi deficiency constitution (p < 0.001, OR = 4.369, 95%CI: 2.643 – 7.222), Yang deficiency constitution (p < 0.001, OR = 3.682, 95%CI: 2.097 – 6.277), Gender (p < 0.001, OR = 3.451, 95%CI: 1.980 – 6.017), Dampness-heat constitution (p < 0.001, OR = 2.534, 95%CI: 1.545 – 4.156), Inherited-special constitution (p = 0.003, OR = 2.160, 95%CI: 1.302 – 3.584) and Yin deficiency constitution (p = 0.028, OR = 1.771, 95%CI: 1.064 – 2.948). Conclusion: This study indicated the distributions of TM body constitutions and the factors associated with depression among elderly inpatients in Traditional Medicine Hospital of Thua Thien Hue. Therefore, the assessment of the TM body constitutions contributes to the prevention strategy and early detection of depression in the health facilities as well as in the community.

Study on the related factors of TCM constitution and hemodynamics in patients with coronary heart disease.

The concepts of "individualization" and "preventive treatment" should be incorporated into the precise diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). Both hemodynamics and Chinese medicine constitution studies align with these two concepts. This study utilized data from 81 patients with CHD, including 12 patients with balanced constitution (BC), 20 patients with blood stasis constitution (BSC), 17 patients with phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC), 15 patients with qi-deficiency constitution (QDC), and 17 patients with other constitutions. Clinical data provided information on the patients' blood property, heart function, degree of coronary stenosis, coronary hemodynamics, and so on. These parameters were compared between patients with balanced constitution vs. biased constitutions as well as between those with blood stasis constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, and qi-deficiency constitution. Compared to biased constitution (BC), patients with balanced constitution exhibited lower total cholesterol (TC) levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Additionally, they had lighter stenosis degrees in the Left anterior descending branch (LAD) and Left circumflex branch (LCX) branches. The hemodynamic condition of the LAD and LCX was better for those with balanced constitution; however there was no difference in heart function. Among the groups categorized by blood stasis, phlegm dampness or qi deficiency constituions, patients classified under phlegm dampness had higher levels of LDL compared to those classified under blood stasis or qi deficiency, while patients classified under qi deficiency had higher levels of blood glucose compared to those classified under blood stasis or phlegm dampness. Hemodynamic environments also differed among the LAD and LCX for each group but there were no significant differences observed in heart function or degree of coronary stenosis among these three groups. The balanced constitution demonstrates superior blood property, degree of coronary artery stenosis, and coronary hemodynamics compared to the biased constitution. Furthermore, among the three constitutions with CHD, variations in blood property and certain hemodynamic parameters are observed. These findings emphasize the significant clinical value of incorporating physical factors into the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CHD.

Modified Jade Wind-Barrier Formula (MJWB) for Preventing Common Cold in Elderly with Qi-deficiency Constitution: A Controlled Trial

Modified Jade Wind-Barrier Formula (MJWB) for Preventing Common Cold in Elderly with Qi-deficiency Constitution: A Controlled Trial

Validation of the Cantonese version of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Body constitution Questionnaire in elderly people

BackgroundThe Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Body Constitution Questionnaire (For Elderly People) (TCMECQ) is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire developed in Mandarin in 2013 to differentiate the body constitutions of the elderly aged 65 and above. Considering the cultural and linguistic differences between Mainland China and Hong Kong (HK) Special Administrative Region, the TCMECQ was translated into Cantonese following “back translation” policy and validated in proper process.MethodsTen Chinese Medicine Practitioners (CMPs) and 30 senior citizens aged 65 or above were recruited to evaluate the first version of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution Questionnaire (For Elderly People) (Cantonese version) (TCMECQ-C). Based on their comments, the second version was developed and discussed in the panel meeting to form the third version, validated the third version on 270 recruited seniors. Based on the validation results, a panel of 5 experts finalized the Questionnaire as the final version. The TCMECQ-C developers finalized the Questionnaire as the validated endorsed third version (i.e. final version).ResultsThe item-level content validity index of most items of the TCMECQ-C (First Version) were ranging from 0.80 to 1.00 in terms of clarity, relevance and appropriateness. Factor loadings of Qi-deficiency Constitution ranging from 0.37 to 0.71, Yang-deficiency Constitution ranging from 0.36 to 0.65, Yin-deficiency Constitution ranging from 0.36 to 0.65, and Stagnant Qi Constitution ranging from 0.68 to 0.82. The chi-squared degree-of-freedom ratio was 2.13 (928.63/436), Goodness-of-Fit Index (0.83), Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index (0.79), Normed Fit Index (0.66), Comparative Fit Index (0.78), Incremental Fit Index (0.78), Relative Fit Index (0.61) and Tucker–Lewis Index (0.75), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (0.07) and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (0.07), implied acceptable Confirmatory Factor Analysis model fit of the overall scale. A Pearson correlation coefficient (r) showed the sufficient convergent validity for excessive subscales (Phlegm-dampness Constitution and Dampness-heat Constitution with r = 0.35, p < 0.01). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged from 0.56 to 0.89, including Qi-deficiency Constitution (0.67), Yang-deficiency Constitution (0.84), Yin-deficiency Constitution (0.59), Stagnant Blood Constitution (0.56), Stagnant Qi Constitution (0.89), Inherited Special Constitution (0.76) and Balanced Constitution (0.73), indicating acceptable internal consistency for subscales. The intra-class correlation coefficients of the TCMECQ-C ranged from 0.70 to 0.87 (p < 0.001), indicating moderate to good test–retest reliability.ConclusionTCMECQ-C is a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessing the body constitution in Cantonese elderly.

Chinese Medicine Constitution that Influences Sleep Quality and Fatigue among Chinese Nurses Working in Shifts in Japan and China

Nurses who work in shifts may face poor sleep quality and oppressive fatigue. The purpose of this study was to clarify Chinese medicine constitution that influences sleep quality and fatigue among Chinese nurses engaged in shift work. Considering that these conditions might differ according to living environments, studies were conducted both in Japan and China. Data were gathered using the attributes of nurses, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to evaluate sleep quality, the Jikaku-sho shirabe to evaluate fatigue, and the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire, which evaluates Chinese medicine constitution according to nine criteria. The survey was conducted via internet, with data analyzed from 100 Chinese subjects in Japan and 100 Chinese subjects in China. Increase in age, living in China, Qi-deficiency constitution and Blood-stasis constitution were causal factors for lower sleep quality. Sleep quality was significantly lower among nurses in China than those in Japan. The following factors were observed to be causal factors for increased fatigue: longer histories of working in shifts, living in Japan, poorer quality sleep, Qi-deficiency constitution, Yang- and Yin-deficiency constitution, Qi-stagnation constitution and Inherited special constitution. Nurses in Japan showed significantly greater fatigue at the end of a night shift than did those in China. It is suggested that adjustments of Qi-deficiency constitution and Blood-stasis constitution can improve sleep quality in nurses who work in shifts. We believe that improving sleep quality and making adjustments to the five types of Chinese medicine constitution can work to reduce fatigue.

Relationship between traditional Chinese medicine constitution and pregnancy outcome in elderly primiparae

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and pregnancy outcomes in elderly primiparae.Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on 113 elderly primiparae who were delivered in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China from January 2019 to December 2019. The elderly primiparae was the study group. Using a random ratio of 1:3, 393 primiparous women of suitable age who were delivered in the hospital at the same period were selected as the control group. A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) questionnaire was used to collect clinical data, and differences between the two groups were compared.Results: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in the study group (elderl y primiparae) with phlegm dampness constitution and qi stagnation constitution than in control group (appropriate-age primiparae) (p &lt; 0.05). The incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in the study group with yin deficiency constitution and special constitution than in control group (p &lt; 0.05). The frequency of selective cesarean section in study group with a biased qi-deficiency constitution, yang-deficiency constitution, and yin-deficiency constitution were significantly higher than control group (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: There is a correlation between pregnancy outcomes in old age and TCM constitution. Individualized diet and exercise programs may be formulated in early pregnancy (based on the type of physique) to improve pregnancy outcomes in elderly primiparae.

Care patterns and Traditional Chinese Medicine constitution as factors of depression and anxiety in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Care patterns and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution affects the emotion and health of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) while the prevalence of COVID-19 may aggravate such patients' emotion and health. We investigated the depression and anxiety levels of patients with SSc during the pandemic to identify the correlation between care patterns, TCM constitution, and patients' emotion. This was a cross-sectional study. Patients with SSc and healthy individuals were surveyed using the patient health questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7, and constitution in Chinese medicine questionnaire and a modified care pattern questionnaire. Factors correlated with depression and anxiety were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 273 patients with SSc and 111 healthy individuals were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients with SSc who were depressed was 74.36%, who had anxiety was 51.65%, and who experienced disease progression during the pandemic was 36.99%. The proportion of income reduction in the online group (56.19%) was higher than that in the hospital group (33.33%) (P = 0.001). Qi-deficiency [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.250] and Qi-stagnation (adjusted OR = 3.824) constitutions were significantly associated with depression. Remote work during the outbreak (adjusted OR = 1.920), decrease in income (adjusted OR = 3.556), and disease progression (P = 0.030) were associated with the occurrence of depression. Chinese patients with SSc have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the care patterns of Chinese patients with SSc, and work, income, disease progression, and change of medications were correlates of depression or anxiety in patients with SSc. Qi-stagnation and Qi-deficiency constitutions were associated with depression, and Qi-stagnation constitution was associated with anxiety in patients with SSc. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=62301, identifier ChiCTR2000038796.

The Correlation between Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Hyperuricemia and Gout: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

To investigate the correlation between the constitution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout. Databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBMdisc), PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Excerpta Medical Database (Embase) were searched to collect observational studies about TCM constitution in HUA and gout from inception to November 21, 2021. The distribution of TCM constitution types in HUA and gout patients was presented by proportion, while the correlation was presented by odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Meta-analysis was performed using StataCorp Stata (STATA) version 16.0 software. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies and 10 case-control studies involving 38028 samples were included, among which 27526 patients were diagnosed with HUA and 2048 patients with gout. Phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC), damp-heat constitution (DHC), and qi-deficiency constitution (QDC) are the most common types, accounting for 24% (20%-27%), 22% (16%-27%), and 15% (12%-18%), respectively, in HUA patients, while DHC, PDC, and blood stasis constitution (BSC) accounted for 28% (18%-39%), 23% (17%-29%), and 11% (8%-15%), respectively, in gout patients. PDC and DHC were the main constitution types in patients with HUA or gout in south China, east China, north China, southwest China, northwest China, and northeast China. There was no difference in the distribution of PDC and QDC in male or female patients with HUA, while males with DHC in HUA were more common than females. The proportion of PDC or DHC among HUA patients was 1.93 times and 2.14 times higher than that in the general population (OR and 95% CI: 1.93 (1.27, 2.93), 2.14 (1.47, 3.13)), while the proportions of PDC, DHC, and BSC were 3.59 times, 4.85 times, and 4.35 times higher than that of the general groups (OR and 95% CI: 3.59 (1.65, 7.80), 4.85 (1.62, 14.57), and 4.35(2.33, 8.11)). PDC, DHC, and QDC are the main constitution types of patients with HUA, while PDC and QDC may be the risk factors for HUA. DHC, PDC, and BSC are the main constitution types of patients with gout, and they may be the risk factors for gout. In clinical and scientific research, more attention should be paid to the relationship between the above-mentioned TCM constitution in HUA or gout. Nevertheless, because the quality of the included observational studies is low, more prospective cohort studies related to TCM constitution and HUA or gout can be carried out to verify the causality between TCM constitution and HUA or gout.

ResNet for recognition of Qi-deficiency constitution and balanced constitution based on voice.

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, a Qi-deficiency constitution is characterized by a lower voice frequency, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, an introverted personality, emotional instability, and timidity. People with Qi-deficiency constitution are prone to repeated colds and have a higher probability of chronic diseases and depression. However, a person with a Balanced constitution is relatively healthy in all physical and psychological aspects. At present, the determination of whether one has a Qi-deficiency constitution or a Balanced constitution are mostly based on a scale, which is easily affected by subjective factors. As an objective method of diagnosis, the human voice is worthy of research. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to improve the objectivity of determining Qi-deficiency constitution and Balanced constitution through one's voice and to explore the feasibility of deep learning in TCM constitution recognition. The voices of 48 subjects were collected, and the constitution classification results were obtained from the classification and determination of TCM constitutions. Then, the constitution was classified according to the ResNet residual neural network model. A total of 720 voice data points were collected from 48 subjects. The classification accuracy rate of the Qi-deficiency constitution and Balanced constitution was 81.5% according to ResNet. The loss values of the model training and test sets gradually decreased to 0, while the ACC values of the training and test sets tended to increase, and the ACC values of the training set approached 1. The ROC curve shows an AUC value of 0.85. The Qi-deficiency constitution and Balanced constitution determination method based on the ResNet residual neural network model proposed in this study can improve the efficiency of constitution recognition and provide decision support for clinical practice.

Analysis of Sleep Quality and TCM Constitution Characteristics in 258 Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Outpatient Cases.

Objective To explore the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutions and insomnia by studying the distribution characteristics of different TCM constitutions in an outpatient insomnia population. Methods From November 2020 to March 2021, 258 patients in the outpatient department of the Traditional Medicine Department of Tongren Hospital were interviewed using some questionnaires (Athens Insomnia Scale and constitution of traditional Chinese medicine), and correlation analysis was conducted. Results The participants consisted of 152 (58.91%) insomniacs and 106 (41.09%) noninsomniacs. The top four biased constitutions of the insomniac population (the same patient may have two or more constitutions simultaneously), as determined from the proportions of constitutions in ascending order, are as follows: Qi deficiency constitution, 95 cases (62.50%); Yang deficiency constitution, 85 cases (45.95%); blood stasis, 70 cases (37.84%); and qi stagnation, 65 cases (35.14%). The results of the Spearman correlation analysis showed that the standard scores of qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, blood stasis, and Qi stagnation were positively correlated with the total score of AIS (P < 0.05). Conclusion Insomnia is correlated and the TCM constitution bias, Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, blood stasis, and Qi stagnation exhibiting the highest correlation.

Comprehensive fecal metabolomics and gut microbiota for the evaluation of the mechanism of Panax Ginseng in the treatment of Qi-deficiency liver cancer

Ethnopharmacological relevanceQi deficiency liver cancer (QDLC) is an important part of liver cancer research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the course of its treatment, Panax ginseng is often selected as the main Chinese herbal medicine, and its function has special significance in the tumor treatment of Qi deficiency constitution. However, its mechanism is not clear. Aim of the studyThe research tried to evaluate the mechanism of Panax ginseng in the treatment of QDLC through fecal metabonomics and gut microbiota on the basis of previous pharmacodynamic evaluation. Materials and methodsFirstly, biomarkers and related metabolic pathways were screened and identified by metabonomics and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Then, 16S rRNA sequencing technique was used to investigate the composition, β diversity and key differences of gut microbiota. Finally, the relationship among phenotypes, gut microbiota and fecal metabolites was comprehensively analyzed by spearman correlation coefficient. Results31 pharmacodynamic potential biomarkers and 20 synergistic potential biomarkers of effective parts of Panax ginseng on QDLC were screened and identified by fecal metabonomics. And then, 6 major metabolic pathways were searched, including bile acid biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism. In the study of gut microbiota, at the genus level, 25 species of bacteria with significant differences of effective parts on QDLC and 23 species of bacteria with significant differences of synergistic action of ginsenosides and polysaccharides were screened. In addition, Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a complex potential relationship among phenotype, gut microbiota and fecal metabolites during the development of QDLC and Panax ginseng intervention, which was mainly reflected in the close potential relationship between bacteria and fecal metabolites such as bile acids, unsaturated fatty acids and indole compounds. Conclusion: Through the changes of fecal endogenous metabolites and intestinal bacteria, the mechanism of Panax ginseng on QDLC were preliminarily clarified.

Onset and Recurrence Characteristics of Chinese Patients with Noncardiogenic Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Medicine Hospital.

To delineate the onset and recurrence characteristics of noncardiogenic ischemic stroke patients in China. A prospective, multicenter and registry study was carried out in 2,558 patients at 7 representative clinical sub-centers during November 3, 2016 to February 17, 2019. A questionnaire was used to collect information of patients regarding CM syndromes and constitutions and associated risk factors. Additionally, stroke recurrence was defined as a primary outcome indicator. A total of 327 (12.78 %) patients endured recurrence events, 1,681 (65.72%) were men, and the average age was 63.33 ± 9.45 years. Totally 1,741 (68.06%) patients suffered first-ever ischemic stroke, 1,772 (69.27%) patients reported to have hypertension, and 1,640 (64.11%) of them reported dyslipidemia, 1,595 (62.35%) patients exhibited small-artery occlusion by The Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. Specifically, 1,271 (49.69%) patients were considered as qi-deficient constitution, and 1,227 (47.97%) patients were determined as stagnant blood constitution. There were 1,303 (50.94%) patients diagnosed as blood stasis syndrome, 1,280 (50.04%) patients exhibited phlegm and dampness syndrome and 1,012 (39.56%) patients demonstrated qi deficiency syndrome. And 1,033 (40.38%) patients declared intracranial artery stenosis, and 478 (18.69%) patients reported carotid artery stenosis. The plaque in 1,508 (41.36%) patients were of mixed. Particularly, 41.09% of them demonstrated abnormal levels of glycated hemoglobin levels. Recurrence in minor and small-artery stroke cannot be ignored. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal HbA1c, intracranial artery stenosis and carotid plaque were more common in stroke patients. Particularly, phlegm-dampness and blood stasis syndromes, as well as qi deficiency and blood stasis constitutions, were still the main manifestations of stroke. (Trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT03174535).

Relationship between Acute Mastitis and Constitution of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chinese Breastfeeding Mothers.

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between acute mastitis and the constitution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the potential risk factors of acute mastitis in Chinese breastfeeding mothers. Method A retrospective study on infant feeding practices was conducted in the Breast Surgery Department of Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2017 and March 2018. A total of 184 women with acute mastitis and 201 women without mastitis of childbearing age were included in this study. All participants filled a baseline questionnaire on demographic characteristics, previous deliveries, and mastitis history and other possible risk factors; data were collected by face-to-face interview. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to ascertain pertinent risk factors affecting the incidence of acute mastitis. The biased constitution of TCM of participants was identified through questionnaires surveyed with the TCM constitution table (ZYYXH/T157-2009). The relationship between acute mastitis and the constitution of TCM was assessed. Results The protective factors included regular nipple cleansing and cesarean section. The risk factors were nipple infection, Primipara, improper diet, emotional stimuli, postpartum colostrum overdue for more than 72 h, breastfeeding more than 7 times each day, and late primiparity age. Forty-five percent of acute mastitis occurred within 8 weeks after postpartum, and the most common biased constitution of TCM at this period was Qi-Deficiency Constitution (QDC) and Qi-Stagnation Constitution (QSC). Another peak was 25–48 weeks after delivery, accounting for 18%, and the most common biased constitution of TCM was QSC and QDC. More participants were or were prone to be classified as Balanced Constitution (BC) in the control group than the case group (88.5% vs 29.6%), while QDC was the most common constitution of TCM in the case group. The logistic regression analysis further proved that BC was the protective factor of acute mastitis while QDC was a risk factor. Conclusions The protective factors of acute mastitis were regular nipple cleansing and cesarean section. The risk factor was nipple infection. Among all the constitutions of TCM, BC was a protective factor, while QDC was a risk factor. For all breastfeeding mothers with various constitutions of TCM, regular nipple cleansing and breast vacuuming, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive mental state can keep mastitis away.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Correlated with Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective To investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) body constitution and ischemic stroke (IS). Methods Literature search was conducted in databases including Wanfang database, Chongqing VIP, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Embase, and PubMed from inception to November 16, 2020. Observational studies evaluating the association between TCM body constitution and IS were included for analysis. The distribution of body constitutional types in IS patients was pooled into meta-analysis. The correlation between constitution and IS was presented by the odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI through the comparison between IS and the general population. Results 41 studies involving 11,211 participants were included. Among the nine constitution types, qi-deficiency constitution (QDC), phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC), and blood stasis constitution (BSC) are the common types, accounting for 25% [0.22, 0.29], 23% [0.20, 0.29], and 17% [0.13, 0.22], respectively, in IS patients. The proportion of PDC and QDC among IS patients is 2.34 times and 3.47 times higher than that in the general population, respectively (OR and 95% CI: 2.34 [1.39, 3.94], 3.47 [1.61, 7.50], respectively). Conclusion PDC and QDC are the common constitutions in IS patients and may have a potential correlation with the incidence of IS. Due to the low or moderate quality of included studies, more well-designed prospective studies are warranted to further evaluate the relationship between TCM constitutions and IS.

Serum protein complex profiling reveals heterogeneity of Balanced constitutional population in traditional Chinese medicine through blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Pulse-taking is widely used for diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and protein complexes in serum perform various biological functions. The Balanced constitution is one of the major constitutions in TCM, people with Balanced constitution can also share some common characteristics with unbalanced constitution types. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) was applied to the serum of 25 people with balanced constitutions. The patterns of the protein complexes could be recognized according to the number, molecular weight, and intensity of the gel bands. All of the individual bands from these patterns were cut and in-gel-digested with trypsin, followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis for protein identification and biological function analysis. The protein complex patterns were roughly categorized as type A and B with high stability and reproducibility, and there were 15 and 16 gel bands in type A and type B, respectively. Among the 25 serum samples, 14 belonged to type A, and 11 belonged to type B. High-abundance proteins significantly decreased from 99% to 44% after BN-PAGE separation. The unique proteins in type A were mainly related to lipid metabolism, while the unique proteins in type B were involved in biological processes related to immune response and inflammatory regulation. The Qi-deficiency constitution converted score of type A was higher than that of type B, while the Damp-heat constitution converted score of type A was lower than that of type B. Our study provided an objective reference for diagnosis and prognosis, which might lay a foundation for establishing the characteristic protein complex spectra of all of the TCM constitutions.

Survey of the TCM Constitution and exercise habits of 672 students in a college of Shaanxi province

Objective: The purpose of this study is exploring the influence of physical exercise on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution of college students and providing evidence for the intervention methods of college students' TCM constitution by the survey of the TCM Constitution and exercise habits of 672 students in the college of Shaanxi province. Methods: All 672 students who are from three grades in the university were investigated by using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Scale and the self-made questionnaire on exercise habits. Results: Among 672 college students, 203 students were in gentleness type (30.2%), 447 students were in biased types (66.5%).Among 447 biased types of students, 252 cases (37.5%) were in Yang-deficiency constitution, 236 cases (35.1%) were in Yin-deficiency constitution and 224 cases (33.3%) were in Qi-deficiency constitution. The probability of gentleness type of college students with exercise habit is higher than those doing little exercise, and the probability of biased types are lower than that without exercise habit. Among the college students who have the habits of exercising, the students doing aerobic exercises showed a lower level of biased types than those doing strength training or flexibility training. The exercise frequency was negatively correlated with Qi-deficiency constitution, Yang-deficiency constitution, Phlegm-dampness constitution and Qi-stagnation constitution (r=0.041, 0.003, 0.005, 0.024), the exercise time was negatively correlated with Phlegm-dampness constitution (r=0.026), and positively correlated with Special-diathesis constitution (r=0.038), all the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion: The distribution of biased types has a particularly prominent feature between college students who have exercise habit and those who have no exercise habits. Among the three common exercise modes, the improvement of aerobic exercise on biased types is better than strength training or flexibility training. The increase of exercise frequency and exercise duration are both beneficial to improve students' Phlegm-dampness constitution. It is of great significance to formulate corresponding non-drug health care intervention methods according to different TCM constitution types to improve college students' quality of life.

Clinical observation of Guipi Decoction Combined with non steroidal drugs on sleep in elderly patients with acute traumatic pain and Qi deficiency constitution

Clinical observation of Guipi Decoction Combined with non steroidal drugs on sleep in elderly patients with acute traumatic pain and Qi deficiency constitution

Association between metabolic syndrome and body constitution of traditional Chinese medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The constitution theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) states that body constitution and disease are associated; therefore, the identification of body constitution can provide reference for disease prevention and treatment. A series of clinical studies evaluating the association between TCM constitution and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been conducted in recent years. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and evaluate the clinical evidence of the relationship between constitution and MetS. The PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang Data electronic databases were searched from April 2009 to July 2020. The search terms included “metabolic syndrome,” “constitution,” and “Chinese medicine.” Observational studies evaluating the relationship between body constitution of TCM and MetS were included. The primary outcome included the distribution of constitutional types in the MetS population, and odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) between constitution and MetS. Effect size was expressed as proportion or OR with 95% confidence interval (CI). Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated by the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) or the American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria. Three case–control and 26 cross-sectional studies involving 30 435 cases were included. Phlegm-dampness, qi-deficiency, and damp-heat were the main constitution types in patients with MetS, accounting for 29% (22%–39%), 18% (13%–24%), and 12% (9%–17%) of the population, respectively; the risk of MetS in people with phlegm-dampness and qi-deficiency constitution was 1.74 [1.27, 2.38] and 1.29 [1.01, 1.65] times higher than that in those with other constitutions. There were sex- and age-related differences in the distribution of TCM constitution in patients with MetS. Phlegm-dampness and qi-deficiency were associated with the occurrence of MetS. Well-designed cohort and case–control studies are needed to provide evidence for the use of TCM to prevent and treat MetS.

Fecal-associated microbiome differences between traditional Chinese medicine qi-deficiency and balanced constitutions

Abstract Objective To explore the structural and functional characteristics of the fecal-associated microbiome (FAM) in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) qi-deficiency constitution (QDC) by comparing with balanced constitution (BC) and screen the related biomarkers. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the TCM constitutions of subjects were determined based on published the Classification and Determination of constitution in TCM and further confirmed by a TCM clinician. Clinical characteristics were recorded, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing using the Illumina Miseq platform. The FAM structure was described using alpha-diversity indexes, beta-diversity indexes, and the relative abundances of the dominant taxa. Differences in the FAM distribution and function were analyzed with a Wilcoxon rank-sum test, MetagenomeSeq, and LEfSe analysis, after which a receiver operating characteristic curve based on the specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was constructed to calculate the area under the curve. Results Our study population was composed of 22 BCs and 9 QDCs. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the distribution of clinical characteristics or alpha-diversity indexes, except for the sweets preference and blood glucose level. In principal coordinate analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, the bacterial communities in the BC group samples and QDC group samples clustered separately. Notably, there were 214 OTUs significantly distributed between groups in the MetagenomeSeq analysis, 200 OTUs identified by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and 6 OTUs found by the LEfSe analysis. Predicted function analysis revealed that six metabolic pathways were distinctly distributed between the two groups. The area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curve based on the four specific OTUs was 0.88. Conclusion Unique FAM structural and related functional characteristics are displayed in individuals with a QDC, and four specific OTUs could be used as QDC biomarkers to assist in clinical diagnosis.