Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Research Articles

Development and validation of non-invasive prediction models for migraine in Chinese adults

BackgroundMigraine is a common disabling neurological disorder with severe physical and psychological damage, but there is a lack of convenient and effective non-invasive early prediction methods. This study aimed to develop a new series of non-invasive prediction models for migraine with external validation.MethodsA total of 188 and 94 subjects were included in the training and validation sets, respectively. A standardized professional questionnaire was used to collect the subjects' 9-item traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score, Zung's Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Self-rating Depression Scale scores. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk predictors of migraine, and a series of prediction models for migraine were developed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the models. The predictive performance of the models were further validated using external datasets and subgroup analyses were conducted.ResultsPSQI score and Qi-depression score were significantly and positively associated with the risk of migraine, with the area of the ROC curves (AUCs) predicting migraine of 0.83 (95% CI:0.77–0.89) and 0.76 (95% CI:0.68–0.84), respectively. Eight non-invasive predictive models for migraine containing one to eight variables were developed using logistic regression, with AUCs ranging from 0.83 (95% CI: 0.77–0.89) to 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89–0.96) for the training set and from 0.76 (95% CI: 0.66–0.85) to 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.91) for the validation set. Subgroup analyses showed that the AUCs of the eight prediction models for predicting migraine in the training and validation sets of different gender and age subgroups ranged from 0.80 (95% CI: 0.63–0.97) to 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91–1.00) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.64–0.84) to 0.93 (95% CI: 0.82–1.00), respectively.ConclusionsThis study developed and validated a series of convenient and novel non-invasive prediction models for migraine, which have good predictive ability for migraine in Chinese adults of different genders and ages. It is of great significance for the early prevention, screening, and diagnosis of migraine.

Application of machine learning models in predicting insomnia severity: an integrative approach with constitution of traditional Chinese medicine.

This study sought to explore the utility of machine learning models in predicting insomnia severity based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution classifications, with an aim to discuss the potential applications of such models in the treatment and prevention of insomnia. We analyzed a dataset of 165 insomnia patients from the Shanghai Minhang District Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital. TCM constitution was assessed using a standardized Constitution in Chinese Medicine (CCM) scale. Sleep quality, or insomnia severity, was evaluated using the Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire (SSQ). Machine learning models, including Random Forest Classifier (RFC), Support Vector Classifier (SVC), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), were utilized. These models were optimized using Grid Search algorithm and were trained and tested on stratified patient data, with the TCM constitution classifications serving as primary predictors. The RFC outperformed others, achieving a weighted average accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of 0.91, 0.94, 0.92, and 0.92 respectively, it also effectively classified the severity of insomnia with high area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) values. Feature importance analysis demonstrated the Damp-heat constitution as the most influential predictor, followed by Yang-deficiency, Qi-depression, Qi-deficiency, and Blood-stasis constitutions. The results demonstrate the potent utility of machine learning, specifically RFC, coupled with TCM constitution classifications in predicting insomnia severity. Notably, the constitution classifications such as Damp-heat and Yang-deficiency emerged as crucial determinants, emphasizing its potential in guiding targeted insomnia treatments. This approach enables the development of more personalized and efficient interventions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.

The Integrated Bioinformatic Assay of Genetic Expression Features and Analyses of Traditional Chinese Medicine Specific Constitution Reveal Metabolic Characteristics and Targets in Steatosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

In this study, our primary aim is to analyze the genetic expression feature and analyze specific Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution distribution in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and reveal the metabolic characteristic of NAFLD. For revealing genetic features, we obtained the gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI). The genetic data on NAFLD were analyzed by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), associated pathways, co-expressed genetic networks, and gene set enrichment function. Concurrently, we assessed specific constitution distributions among local NAFLD patients through established TCM constitution models and determined the independent variable, including specific constitution to the NAFLD via the regression analyses. The analyses on GEO datasets showed that simple steatosis in NAFLD is strongly associated with HOMA-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Analyses of GEO datasets revealed significantly altered genetic expression profiles between NAFLD and normal populations. For TCM constitution analyses, we demonstrated a decline in yin-yang harmony (YYH) and yang-asthenia (YAAC) constitution, whereas there was an increase in qi-stagnation (QSC) and phlegm-dampness (PDC) in NAFLD. The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that besides other metabolic parameters, YYH, qi asthenia (QAC), YYAC, and yin-asthenia (YAC) were the independent variables of NAFLD, while YAC was the independent variables of T2D. The multilinear regression analyses suggested that NAFLD, DM, BMI, waist, TC, TG, hypertension, ALT, AST, and YAC were the significant determinators of the FPG. This study presents a relatively comprehensive metabolic profile in steatosis of NAFLD, revealed by significant genetic expression feature alterations and different TCM constitution distribution in NAFLD. Through this method, the study intends to associate the genetic feature with the phenotype of TCM constitution. The results could be applied to assist integrative medicine research in exploring the appropriate personalized approaches for NAFLD.

Traditional Chinese Medicine constitution among patients with allergic rhinitis and its correlation with anxiety and depression.

To preliminary investigate the distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution among patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and reveal the related factors with anxiety and depression. Between July 2020 and June 2021, specialist doctor recruited AR patients in Beijing and Shanghai. A total of 630 patients admitted to participate in the survey, and 516 (81.9%) (male 54.3%, female 45.7%) participants completed the questionnaires. Three scales including Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and The Patient Health Queationaire-9 (PHQ-9) were applied. The χ2 and the Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the classification data, multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the related factors of anxiety and depression. According to 516 AR patients, the most commonly first-constitution was Yang-deficiency (22.1%) and frequent of all constitutions was inherited-special (21.6%). One third of AR patients (33.5%) suffered from anxiety, nearly half of AR patients (46.5%) were found to be depressive. Inherited-special (27.7%) was the most common constitution in patients with anxiety whereas Yang-deficiency (26.7%) was most common constitution in patients with depression. Sex, duration of symptoms, balanced, Qi-deficiency, phlegm-dampness, Qi-stagnation, and inherited-special constitutions were related with anxiety; Sex, income, duration of symptoms, balanced, Qi-deficiency, Yang-deficiency, phlegm-dampness, Qi-stagnation, and inherited-special constitutions were related with depression. According to our study, the commonly constitution types of AR were Yang-deficiency and inherited-special. We found that the prevalence value of anxiety and depression were high. People with Qi-deficiency, phlegm-dampness, Qi-stagnation, and inherited-special constitutions were more likely to have mental problems than the others. Controlling these influential factors might be beneficial for clinical health management of AR patients, and the government should apply appropriate mental health treatment services to offer psychiatric support.

Exploratory correlation analysis of ear morphological features and traditional Chinese medicine constitutions based on inspection diagnosis

Exploratory correlation analysis of ear morphological features and traditional Chinese medicine constitutions based on inspection diagnosis

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 < 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 < 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 < 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.

Grey correlation analysis on influencing factors of Yang deficiency constitution

ObjectiveTo explore the influencing factors of Yang deficiency constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from the perspective of mathematics with the use of calculation formulas, so as to protect patients from getting diseases caused by Yang deficiency constitution and provide suggestions for TCM disease prevention. MethodsBased on the classification and determination criteria of TCM constitution implemented by China Association of Chinese Medicine, data for 24 solar terms from May 5, 2020 (Start of Summer) to April 20, 2021 (Grain Rain) for the identification of Yang deficiency were collected by mobile constitution identification system. The grey correlation analysis method was used to determine the grey correlation degree of the factors influencing Yang deficiency constitution. In addition, a random forest model was constructed for the verification of the results from the grey correlation analysis, and for the evaluation of correlation degree between Yang deficiency constitution and its influencing factors. ResultsA total of 16 259 sets of data were collected from healthy or sub-healthy individuals aged from 18 to 60 years living in the central and northeastern parts of Sichuan Province (China) for the identification of TCM constitutions. After screening and preprocessing, a total of 544 sets of data for the identification of Yang deficiency constitution, involving 18 aspects of factors influencing Yang deficiency constitution. The results of the grey correlation analysis showed that there were 12 influencing factors whose grey correlation degree with Yang deficiency constitution was greater than 0.6. The accuracy of these 12 influencing factors with the training set and validation set of the Yang deficiency constitution random forest model were 98.39% and 93.12%, respectively. ConclusionIn the sample data selected in this paper, grey correlation analysis is the appropriate technology to analyze the influencing factors of Yang deficiency constitution. It provides a new idea and a new methodological reference for the research and analysis of the influencing factors of TCM constitution.

Association of Qi-stagnation constitution and subjective sleep characteristics with mild cognitive impairment among elderly in community: A cross-sectional study

Depression and sleep disturbance are commonly reported in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, it remains unclear whether Qi-stagnation constitution is still a risk factor for MCI before the older adults suffer from depression. Subjects from 34 community elderly day care centers in China. Intensive face-to-face interviews were conducted using tools such as Montreal cognitive function assessment, AD8 dementia screening questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), and Traditional Chinese medicine constitution assessment scale. Multi-factor logistical regression was employed to analyze the association among subjective sleep quality, TCM constitution, and MCI. A total of 1,071 cases were analyzed in this study, including 314 patients with MCI. The probability of Qi-deficiency and Qi-stagnation suffering from MCI was 1.559 times and 1.706 times higher than that of the older adults without Qi-deficiency and Qi-stagnation, respectively (P<0.05). In the PSQI scale, individuals with MCI had poorer subjective sleep quality, longer sleep latency, shorter sleep duration, and aggravated daytime dysfunction (P<0.05) compared with those without MCI. The results of multi-factor logistical regression showed that sleep latency (OR=1.168), daytime dysfunction (OR=1.261), and Qi-stagnation (OR=1.449) were the risk factors for MCI; the OR of suffering from MCI in elder with sleep disturbance and Qi-stagnation was 2.581. (all P<0.05). MCI patients have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders and Qi-stagnation, and may show specific changes in their daytime and nighttime sleep characteristics, with the specific manifestations such as difficulty in falling asleep, easily waking up at night/ early morning, and daytime dysfunction, among others. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000039411

Correlation between successful aging and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Aims and objectives: To investigate the correlation between successful aging (SA) and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and quality of life (QOL) in elderly diabetic patients.&#x0D; Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be used in the management of elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to improve their quality of life (QOL).&#x0D; Design: This was a cross-sectional study in elderly patients with T2DM.&#x0D; Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to recruit elderly patients with T2DM at the Community Health Service Center, from May to August 2019. The study methods were compliant with the Strobe checklist (See Supplementary File 1).&#x0D; Results: The average score of SA was 58.0±7.7 points in 143 participants. The factors associated with SA were sex, education, way of living, drinking habits, exercising, sleeping, health condition, and participation in social activities. The elderly diabetic patients with Yin-Yang harmony had the highest score of SA. The elderly diabetic patients with Yin-Yang harmony had the highest score of QOL in all dimensions. The score of SA was positively correlated with QOL in all dimensions (total score: r=0.498, P&lt;0.001; subscores: r=0.281-0.550, all P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: The status of the SA of elderly diabetic patients in the community was moderate. TCM constitution, QOL, and SA were correlated with each other.

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.

Traditional Chinese Medicine constitution types of high-normal blood pressure: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveWe determined the distribution of constitutional types of high-normal blood pressure in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and provided evidence for the prevention of high-normal blood pressure and hypertension. MethodsEight digital databases were searched from January 2011 to November 2022, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, CNKI, CBM, Wangfang, and CQVIP. We performed a meta-analysis with the random-effects model or fixed-effects model to describe the distribution of constitutional types of high-normal blood pressure in TCM. The studies were assessed based on heterogeneity testing and the potential for publication bias. The meta-analysis was performed on Stata software 15.0. ResultsA total of 17 studies with 8118 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The proportion of the biased constitution (82.3%; 95% CI: 75.6%–89.1%, p < 0.001) was higher than the balanced constitution (17.3%; 95% CI: 10.7–23.8%, p < 0.001). Phlegm-dampness constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, and damp-heat constitution accounted for 16.0% (95%CI: 10.5–21.5%, p < 0.001), 14.8% (95% CI: 11.0–18.6%, p < 0.001), 11.3% (95% CI: 8.0–14.5%, p < 0.001) of the total high-normal blood pressure cases, respectively. The subgroup analyses performed that region, age and gender were positively associated with the distribution of constitution types of high-normal blood pressure in TCM. Compared with the general population, the risk of high-normal blood pressure in people with the phlegm-dampness constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, and blood-stasis constitution was 2.665 (95%CI: 2.286–3.106, p < 0.001), 2.378 (95%CI: 1.197–4.724, p = 0.013), 1.965 (95%CI: 1.634–2.363, p < 0.001) times of the general population, respectively. Meanwhile, the risk of high-normal blood pressure was lower in people with a balanced constitution (0.248, 95%CI: 0.165–0.372, p < 0.001). ConclusionsPhlegm-dampness constitution, Yin-deficiency constitution, and damp-heat constitution were the common constitution types of high-normal blood pressure. There might also be differences in the distribution characteristics of TCM constitution among people with high-normal blood pressure in different regions, ages, and genders. Finally, a balanced constitution might be a protective factor for hypertensive people.

Impact of Different Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitutions on the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution and disease occurrence, development, and prognosis are interrelated. This study aimed to investigate the association between TCM constitution and the time to negative nucleic acid test results in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. We identified COVID-19 patients (≥18 years) infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and collected clinical data, including clinical symptoms, time to negative nucleic acid test results, and TCM constitution. Linear and logistic regression analyses explored the relationship between TCM constitution and the time to negative nucleic acid test results in patients with the COVID-19 Omicron variant. We included 486 patients with COVID-19, with a mean age of 40.2 years; 321 (66.0%) men and 165 (34.0%) women. Balanced constitution accounted for 43.8%, and unbalanced constitution accounted for 56.2%. Chi-square test showed that different TCM constitutions had significant differences in the influence of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients (P < 0.01). After controlling for various factors, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that an unbalanced constitution was significantly positively correlated with time to negative nucleic acid test results (P < 0.05). After controlling for various factors, logistic regression analysis revealed that an unbalanced constitution was closely related to the 7-day nucleic acid test conversion rate (odds ratio (OR): 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36-0.80, P < 0.05). After dividing the unbalanced constitution into deficiency constitution and non-deficiency constitution, the non-deficiency constitution was closely associated with the 7-day nucleic acid test conversion rate (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28-0.74, P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that damp-heat constitution in the non-deficiency constitution was associated with the 7-day nucleic acid test conversion rate (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.60, P < 0.05). In patients with COVID-19, an unbalanced constitution is associated with a longer time to negative nucleic acid test results and lower 7-day nucleic acid test conversion rates.

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.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound on Different Types of Knee Osteoarthritis in the Elderly

Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external therapy on knee osteoarthritis patients with different TCM constitutions using musculoskeletal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and to explore the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in knee joint diseases. Methods: A total of 57 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2019 to May 2021 were collected, and they were divided into qi stagnation and blood stasis type group (23 cases) and cold-dampness obstruction type group (34 cases) according to the traditional Chinese medicine method. All patients were given acupuncture combined with TCM fumigation and washing. All patients underwent musculoskeletal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography before and after treatment, observed and recorded relevant data, and compared the treatment effects between the two groups. Results: 85.96% (49/57) of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients had suprapatellar bursa effusion, 42.1% (24/57) had iliotibial band bursae effusion, some of which had poor sound transmission, and thickened synovium was seen in most effusions, 33.33% (19/57) had osteophyte formation. Compared with before treatment, the depth of suprapatellar sac effusion in the Qi stagnation and blood stasis type group decreased after treatment (P < 0.05). The protrusion height decreased (P < 0.05), and the infrapatellar and prefermoral fat pad thickness increased (P < 0.05). The contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the thickened synovial membrane of the knee joint in KOA patients showed different degrees of uniform enhancement, showing slow in and slow out. Compared with the surrounding soft tissue, the arterial phase showed equal enhancement. The enhanced synovium had a clear boundary and a clear boundary with the effusion. In the venous phase, the intensity gradually decreased until clearing. Compared with before treatment, there was no significant difference in contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters in the qi stagnation and blood stasis type group after treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of TCM external therapy on KOA for different TCM constitutions. Dynamic observation of synovial lesions of knee osteoarthritis provides a valuable imaging method for evaluating the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine.

Poor Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men is Associated with Excess-Type Constitution of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This study explored the pathological constitution as it relates to low quality of life in HIV-infected MSM patients, as a reference for clinical treatment. It had a cross-sectional research design using structured questionnaires to collect data, including patient's basic data, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, Wang Qi constitution, and WHOQOL-BREF-Taiwan version questionnaires. We considered the association between constitutions and quality of life of HIV-infected MSM patients. Results and Discussion. The project accepted 203 HIV-infected MSM participants. The three most common pathological constitutions were Yang deficiency 15.5%, yin deficiency 13.1%, and qi deficiency 11.2%. The study determined scores for various quality of life domains: psychological (13.44 ± 2.27), social relationship (13.81 ± 2.80), physiological (14.43 ± 2.41), and environmental (14.78 ± 2.21). The TCM constitution is strongly correlated with the quality of life. Excess constitution had the worst quality of life. Comparing the infected time over one year with the time of <0-2 weeks, the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were determined for abnormal CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (OR: odds ratio: 0.03, 0.07, respectively, p < 0.001). Compared with the Gentleness constitution, there is a significant difference between the Deficiency and Excess constitution in sleep status and negative mood by multiple regression analysis (p < 0.001). The Excess constitutions was correlated with worse quality of life. Even if the immune system was restored, the psychosocial domain, sleep status, and negative mood were not improved.

General rule and research progress of constitution of traditional Chinese medicine in treating refractory hypertension

At present, the clinical research of TCM treatment of hypertension is relatively common, and the related research of refractory hypertension is relatively few.As a result, relatively few articles have been published.By summarizing relevant literatures in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and other databases in recent years, different methods of TCM compound, acupoint application, acupoint catgut embedding, combination of acupuncture and medicine, foot bath and other treatments for refractory hypertension were summarized.This paper aims to explore the research progress of refractory hypertension in recent years and summarize the relationship between refractory hypertension and TCM constitution as well as the general law of syndrome distribution.

Retracted: Comparison between Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Blood Biochemical Markers Associated with Left and Right Mammary Hyperplasia in Rural Areas of Southwest China.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/9274060.].

Beta-sitosterol from sablo ( Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg.) leaves induce apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast cancer cell lines

One of the most common malignancy breast cancer is highly prevalent among women. Based on the natural ingredients it contains, the plants of sablo have the potential to be employed as an anticancer therapeutic. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the chance of developing breast cancer rises with age. Additionally, the prevalence of breast cancer varies according to the different types of biased traditional Chinese medicine constitution, and the Qi-depressed constitution is highly concomitant and increases the prevalence of breast cancer. As a result, the Qi-depressed constitution is a separate risk factor for breast cancer. Previous studies have shown that the ethanol extract of Acalypha wilkesiana and its components have potential as anticancer agent against MCF-7. In the current study, using resazurin assays and flow cytometry, beta-sitosterol extracted from Acalypha wilkesiana was examined in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines. Resazurin experiments demonstrated its capacity to inhibit cell proliferation and trigger apoptosis, and flow cytometry was utilized to examine this capacity. Beta-sitosterol inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer cell proliferation and has an apoptotic activity that is proportional to the dose. The results of this study imply that beta-sitosterol may be used to treat cancer.

Damp-heat constitution influences gut microbiota and urine metabolism of Chinese infants

BackgroundAs an increasingly popular complementary and alternative approach for early detection and treatment of disease, traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) divides human beings into those with balanced constitution (BC) and unbalanced constitution, where damp-heat constitution (DHC) is one of the most unbalanced constitutions. Many studies have been carried out on the microscopic mechanism of constitution classification; however, most of these studies were conducted in adults and rarely in infants. Many diseases are closely related to intestinal microbiota, and metabolites produced by the interaction between microbiota and the body may impact constitution classification. Herein, we investigated the overall constitution distribution in Chinese infants, and analyzed the profiles of gut microbiota and urine metabolites of DHC to further promote the understanding of infants constitution classification. MethodsGeneral information was collected and TCMC was evaluated by Constitutional Medicine Questionnaires. 1315 questionnaires were received in a cross-sectional study to investigate the constitution composition in Chinese infants. A total of 56 infants, including 30 DHC and 26 BC, were randomly selected to analyze gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing and urine metabolites by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. ResultsBC was the most common constitution in Chinese infants, DHC was the second common constitution. The gut microbiota and urine metabolites in the DHC group showed different composition compared to the BC group. Four differential genera and twenty differential metabolites were identified. In addition, the combined marker composed of four metabolites may have the high potential to discriminate DHC from BC with an AUC of 0.765. ConclusionsThe study revealed the systematic differences in the gut microbiota and urine metabolites between infants with DHC and BC. Moreover, the differential microbiota and metabolites may offer objective evidences for constitution classification.

DIA-PRM Proteomic Analysis of Phlegm-Dampness Constitution with Glucolipid Metabolic Disorders by the Intervention of Hua Tan Qu Shi Recipe.

Phlegm-dampness constitution as one of nine constitutions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been a high risk factor for glucolipid metabolic disorders (GLMD). Based on our previous findings, Hua Tan Qu Shi recipe (HTQSR) could effectively improve metabolic indicators of GLMD by targeting on phlegm-dampness constitution. However, the proteomic mechanisms of GLMD with the treatment of HTQSR targeting on phlegm-dampness constitution remain unknown. Clinical participants from phlegm-dampness constitution with the prediabetic state (T), phlegm-dampness constitution with marginally elevated blood lipids (Z), and phlegm-dampness constitution before sickness (W) were included in this study, who orally took HTQSR for 12 weeks and, respectively, marked AT, AZ, and AW. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) were performed to identify the differential proteins; then, Venn analysis was used to investigate coexpressed and coregulated proteins. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software was utilized to explore the related pathways and diseases and biofunctions. LXR/RXR activation, acute phase response signaling, and production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in macrophages were obviously activated between the T and AT groups, as well as the Z and AZ groups. In contrast, these three pathways were inhibited between the W and AW groups. Importantly, one coexpressed and coregulated differential protein, B2MG, was validated by PRM among all groups. This work firstly reported the underlying proteomic mechanisms of GLMD with the treatment of HTQSR targeting on phlegm-dampness constitution, indicating that intervention of phlegm-dampness constitution might be a novel strategy for the preventive treatment of GLMD.