Traditional Chinese Medicine Group Research Articles

The role of traditional Chinese medicine on fracture surgery, hospitalization, and total mortality risks in diabetic patients with osteoporosis.

Studies have confirmed that osteoporosis has been considered as one of the complications of diabetes, and the health hazards to patients are more obvious. This study is mainly based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (TNHID). Through the analysis of TNHID, it is shown that the combined treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medicine in patients of diabetes with osteoporosis (T2DOP) with lower related risks. According to the study design, 3131 patients selected from TNHID who received TCM treatment were matched by 1-fold propensity score according to gender, age, and inclusion date as the control group. Cox proportional hazards analyzes were performed to compare fracture surgery, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality during a mean follow-up from 2000 to 2015. A total of 1055/1469/715 subjects (16.85%/23.46%/11.42%) had fracture surgery/inpatient/all-cause mortality of which 433/624/318 (13.83%/19.93%/10.16%) were in the TCM group) and 622/845/397 (19.87%/26.99%/12.68%) in the control group. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that subjects in the TCM group had lower rates of fracture surgery, inpatient and all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.467; 95% CI = 0.225-0.680, P<0.001; adjusted HR = 0.556; 95% CI = 0.330-0.751, P<0.001; adjusted HR = 0.704; 95% CI = 0.476-0.923, P = 0.012). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of fracture surgery, inpatient and all-cause mortality was significantly different between the case and control groups (all log-rank p<0.001). This study provides longitudinal evidence through a cohort study of the value of integrated TCM for T2DOP. More research is needed to fully understand the clinical significance of these results.

Exploring the Mechanisms of Yishen Tongluo Decoction on Repairing DNA Damage in Mouse Spermatogonia Cells Based on Whole Transcriptome Sequencing.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism through which Yishen Tongluo decoction (YSTL) repairs DNA damage caused by benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE) in mouse spermatocytes (GC-2). The GC-2 cells were divided randomly into the control group, BPDE group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose YSTL groups of YSTL decoction. A comet assay was used to detect the DNA fragment index (DFI) of cells in each group. Based on the DFI results, whole transcriptome sequencing was conducted, followed by trend analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and ceRNA network analysis. Compared with the control group, the BPDE group reported a significant increase in the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (p < .05). Compared with the BPDE group, the low-, high- and medium-dose YSTL groups had a significantly reduced DFI (p < .05). Whole-transcriptome sequencing revealed seven differentially expressed circRNAs, 203 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 3,662 differentially expressed mRNAs between the control group and the BPDE group. There was a total of 12 differentially expressed circRNAs, 204 miRNAs, and 2150 mRNAs between the BPDE group and the traditional Chinese medicine group. The pathways involved include DNA repair pathway, nucleotide excision repair pathway, base excision repair pathway, etc. The ceRNA network reported that Hmga2 was the core protein involved, novel_cir_000117 and mmu-miR-466c-3p were located upstream of Hmga2, and they were regulatory factors associated with Hmga2. Finally, we conclude that YSTL decoction may repair sperm DNA damage caused by BPDE through the novel_cir_000117-mmu-miR-466c-3p-Hmga2 pathway.

Exploring the Mechanism of Yiwei Decoction in the Intervention of a Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Rat Based on Network Pharmacology and the miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network.

our aim is to explore the mechanism of action of Yiwei decoction (YWD) in addressing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) through a combination of transcriptomics and network pharmacology. By doing so, we hope to identify important pathways of action, key targets, and active components that contribute to the efficacy of YWD. group A comprised of the model + traditional Chinese medicine group, while group B was the model control group and group C was the normal control group. After gavage, serum AMH and E2 levels were measured by using ELISA. HE staining was used to study the impact of YWD on ovarian follicle recovery in POI rats. Additionally, RNA-seq sequencing technology was employed to analyze the transcription levels of mRNAs and miRNAs in the ovarian tissues of each group, and the resulting data were examined using R. YWD used UPLC-Q-TOF-HRMS to analyze its active ingredients. Upon obtaining the sequencing results, the miRWalk database was utilized to forecast the targets of DEmiRNAs. Network pharmacology was then applied to predict the targets of active ingredients present in YWD, ultimately constructing a regulatory network consisting of active ingredients-mRNA-miRNA. The coexpression relationship between mRNAs and miRNAs was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and high correlation coefficients between miRNA-mRNA were confirmed through miRanda sequence combination. the application of YWD resulted in improved serum levels of AMH and E2, as well as an increased number of ovarian follicles in rats with POI. However, there was a minimal impact on the infiltration of ovarian lymphocytes. Through GSEA pathway enrichment analysis, we found that YWD may have a regulatory effect on PI3K-Akt, ovarian steroidogenesis, and protein digestion and absorption, which could aid in the treatment of POI. Additionally, our research discovered a total of 6 DEmiRNAs between groups A and B, including 2 new DEmiRNAs. YWD contains 111 active compounds, and our analysis of the active component-mRNA regulatory network revealed 27 active components and 73 mRNAs. Furthermore, the coexpression network included 5 miRNAs and 18 mRNAs. Our verification of MiRanda binding demonstrated that 12 of the sequence binding sites were stable. our research has uncovered the regulatory network mechanism of active ingredients, mRNA, and miRNA in YWD POI treatment. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of the active ingredients on key miRNAs and mRNAs.

Effective Treatment Approaches for Tic Disorder: A Clinical Analysis of 60 Cases

Objective: To investigate the treatment effect of traditional Chinese medicine and massage application in children. Methods: 60 children with Tourette syndrome from three different hospitals were recruited in this study, with 36 males and 24 females. The children were divided into three groups: massage group (20 people), Chinese medicine group (20 people), and massage + Chinese medicine group ( 20 people). Descriptive statistic and paired t-test were used to analyse the results. Results: The significant efficiency for massage group (group A) accounted for 35%, effective efficiency accounted for 15%, and inefficiency was 65%; the Chinese medicine group(group B) significant efficiency accounted for 75%, effective rate 60%, inefficiency 25%. In massage group combined with traditional Chinese medicine group(group C) , the significant efficiency accounted for 95%, the effective efficiency accounted for 75%, and the inefficiency accounted for 5%. Conclusion: The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and massage is a safe and effective new method for treating Tic disorder, with a significant efficiency of 95% and no obvious side effects.

Effect of melatonin on developmental competence, mitochondrial distribution, and intensity of fresh and vitrified/thawed in vitro matured buffalo oocytes

Background: In livestock breeding, oocyte cryopreservation is crucial for preserving and transferring superior genetic traits. This study was conducted to examine the additional effect of melatonin to maturation and vitrification media on the in vitro developmental capacity, mitochondrial distribution, and intensity of buffalo oocytes. The study involved obtaining ovaries from a slaughterhouse and conducting two phases. In the first phase, high-quality oocytes were incubated in a maturation medium with or without 10−9M melatonin for 22 h (at 38.5°C in 5% CO2). Matured oocytes were fertilized in vitro and cultured in SOF media for seven days. In the second phase, vitrified in vitro matured oocytes were stored in vitrified media (basic media (BM) containing a combination of cryoprotectants (20% Ethyl Glycol and 20% Dimethyl sulfoxide), with or without melatonin, and then stored in liquid nitrogen. Normal vitrified/thawed oocytes were fertilized in vitro and cultured as described. Finally, the matured oocytes from the fresh and vitrified/thawed groups, both with and without melatonin, were stained using DAPI and Mitotracker red to detect their viability (nuclear maturation), mitochondrial intensity, and distribution using a confocal microscope. The study found that adding 10−9M melatonin to the maturation media significantly increased maturation (85.47%), fertilization rate (84.21%)cleavage (89.58%), and transferable embryo (48.83%) rates compared to the group without melatonin (69.85%,79.88%, 75.55%, and 37.25% respectively). Besides that, the addition of melatonin to the vitrification media improved the recovery rate of normal oocytes (83.75%), as well as the cleavage (61.80%) and transferable embryo (27.00%) rates when compared to the vitrified TCM group (67.46%, 51.40%, and 17.00%, respectively). The diffuse mitochondrial distribution was higher in fresh with melatonin (TCM + Mel) (80%) and vitrified with melatonin (VS2 + Mel groups) (76.70%), Furthermore, within the same group, while the mitochondrial intensity was higher in the TCM + Mel group (1698.60) than other group. In conclusion, Melatonin supplementation improves the developmental competence and mitochondrial distribution in buffalo oocytes in both cases(in vitro maturation and vitrification).

Long-term efficacy and safety of Huangqi ()-based Traditional Chinese Medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To assess the long-term effectiveness of Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici, HQ)-based Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Nine databases were searched to retrieve available randomized controlled trials that compared HQ-based TCM and Western Medicines in the treatment of DPN. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool, and RevMan 5.4 was used for data analysis. The effect estimates of interest were risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The results from 48 available studies assessing 3759 patients demonstrated that cases administered HQ-based TCM [RR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.21, 1.40), P < 0.000 01] or HQ-based TCM combined with Western Medicines [RR = 1.25, 95% CI (1.19, 1.31), P < 0.000 01] exhibited higher total efficacy rates than individuals who received Western Medicine alone. The results showed that the HQ-based TCM group had decreased Toronto Clinical Scoring System scores [MD =－1.50, 95% CI (－1.83, －1.17), P < 0.000 01], and reduced serum interleukin 6 [SMD = －0.57, 95% CI (－0.87, －0.27), P = 0.0002] and tumor necrosis factors-α levels [SMD = －0.60, 95% CI (－0.95, －0.25), P = 0.0009]. In addition, both HQ-based TCM and HQ-based TCM combined with Western Medicine increased nerve conduction velocity and decreased glycaemia compared with Western Medicine alone. In terms of blood lipids, oxidative stress and adverse drug reactions, there were no significant differences between the HQ-based TCM groups and the Western Medicine control group. The current Meta-analysis revealed that HQ-based TCM yields higher efficacy and safety than Western Medicine alone for the treatment of DPN, although further well-designed RCTs are required to validate these findings.

Effect of Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu recipe on inflammatory factors and oxidative stress on viral myocarditis in children.

This observation purposed to investigate the effect of the Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu formula on children with viral myocarditis and its effect on inflammatory factors and oxidative response. A total of 121 children with viral myocarditis were randomly divided into two groups, namely the control group (N = 60) and the traditional Chinese medicine group (N = 61). The control group was mainly treated with routine therapy, while the traditional Chinese medicine group was treated with Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu recipes based on the control group. The creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in viral myocarditis patients were tested to estimate the myocardial function, inflammation, and oxidative situation. After Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu treatment, 15 cases were recovered, 20 were excellent, and 21 were effective, which had a significant difference from the control group. The concentration of creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial isoenzyme, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, cardiac troponin I and brain natriuretic peptide was decreased in the traditional Chinese medicine group. The levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the traditional Chinese medicine group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Superoxide dismutase was higher and malondialdehyde was lower than those in the control group. The use of Yangxin Huoxue Jiedu in the treatment of viral myocarditis has a definite clinical effect, which could improve myocardial function, reduce body inflammation, and promote oxidative recovery.

Clinical Efficacy and Nursing Efficiency Analysis of Jiuwei Zhusheng Decoction in Promoting Cervical Ripening in the Perinatal Midwifery Holistic Care

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Jiuwei Zhusheng Decoction (JWZSD) and perinatal midwifery holistic nursing care in promoting cervical ripening, we conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 80 primiparous and full-term pregnant women with indications for labor induction. The participants were divided into a control group (n = 40) receiving intravenous oxytocin for labor induction and a study group (n = 40) receiving oral administration of JWZSD. Additionally, 30 female Wistar pregnant rats were randomly assigned to the blank group, oxytocin group, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group to compare relevant indicators. In the clinical study, both groups showed significant increases in Bishop scores after treatment. However, the study group demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to the control group. Moreover, the study group exhibited higher rates of clinical effectiveness and successful vaginal delivery than the control group. In the animal experiment, both the oxytocin and TCM groups displayed disorganized and relaxed cervical connective tissue with evident interstitial edema when compared to the blank group. Furthermore, rats in the TCM group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) compared to those in the oxytocin group. The combination of JWZSD and perinatal midwifery holistic nursing care for labor induction can effectively enhance cervical ripening and reduce the incidence of cesarean section, potentially through the regulation of IL-8, MMP-9, COX-2, and PGE2 expression. However, further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Usage Patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan.

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) receive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for clinical needs unmet with psychotropic medications. However, the clinical characteristics of practices and outcomes of TCM in BD are not fully understood. This cohort study investigated the clinical characteristics, principal diagnoses, TCM interventions, and TCM prescriptions in patients with BD. Data for a total of 12,113 patients with BD between 1996 and 2013 were withdrawn from Taiwan's longitudinal health insurance database 2000 (LHID 2000). The chi-square test was used for categorical variables, and the independent t-test was used for continuous variables. A p-value less than 0.05 indicated significance. One thousand three hundred nineteen patients who visited TCM clinics after the diagnosis of BD were in the TCM group, while those who never visited TCM were in the non-TCM group (n = 1053). Compared to the non-TCM group, patients in the TCM group had younger average age, a higher percentage of female individuals, more comorbidities of anxiety and alcohol use disorders, and higher mood stabilizer usage rates. The TCM group exhibited pain-related indications, including joint pain, myalgia, myositis, headache, and sleep disturbances. Corydalis yanhusuo and Shu-Jing-Huo-Xue-Tang were the most useful single herbs and herbal formulae. Physicians need to be aware of the use of TCM in patients with BD.

Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis.

Heart failure (HF), a common cardiovascular condition, is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used as a complementary approach in HF management, systematic evaluations of its impact on clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are lacking. This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on TCM for HF treatment. It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality, a meta-analysis, and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards. The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management. To systematically analyze the effects of TCM on the clinical comprehensive outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels in patients with HF and evaluated the quality of evidence for these trials. RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal, and PubMed. Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software. Finally, the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria. A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved. After screening, 16 RCTs were finally included in our study, which were published between 2020 and 2023. These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients, including 832 in the TCM group [TCM combined with conventional Western medicine (CMW) treatment] and 828 in the CWM group (CWM treatment). The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months. TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs. In all included RCTs, outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels. The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes [risk ratio = -0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.61, -0.47; P < 0.00001], TCM syndrome scores [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001], and BNP levels (WMD = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001). According to the GRADE criteria, RCTs where "TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes" were rated as low-quality evidence, and RCTs where "TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores" or "TCM decreases BNP levels" were rated as medium-quality evidence. TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients. Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs, the application of these results should be cautious.

NSAIDS versus electro-acupuncture in management of low back pain in patients with lumbar spondylosis: a comparative cohort study

Background: Low back pain in lumbar spondylosis remains one of the most prevalent conditions, imposing a significant socio-economical burden. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of low back pain treatment between NSAIDS and electro-acupuncture combined with infrared light (TCM) in patients with lumbar spondylosis. Materials and methods: We conducted a non-randomized prospective cohort study on lumbar spondylosis patients who had low back pain treated with either methods: NSAIDS or electro-acupuncture combined with infrared light therapy. Results: 75 patients were included, with a mean age of 53.39 ± 10.61 years. After 8 weeks of treatment, VAS scores decreased significantly from 7.5 ± 0.6 to 2.85 ± 0.4, p-value &lt; 0.05 in NSAIDS group and from 5.8 ± 0.9 to 2.7 ± 0.6, p-value &lt; 0.05 in TCM group. Schober index significantly increased over time (NSAIDS group from 10.36 ± 0.5 to 13.48 ± 0.7, TCM group from 10.88±0,8 to 13.61 ± 0.7, both with p-values &lt; 0.05), whereas ODI score in both groups decreased (NSAIDS group from 37.4 ± 5.5 to 22.2 ± 5.5, TCM group from 28.68 ± 5.4 to 15.13 ± 6.4, with p-values &lt; 0.05). The magnitude of improvement in VAS scores, Schober index, and ODI scores were more profound in NSAIDS group, with p-values &lt; 0.05. Side effect associated with TCM treatment was seen in 8% of cases with pain at acupunture sites. Meanwhile in NSAIDS group, dyspepsia and flatulence were fairly common, at 24%. Conclusions: The use of NSAIDs in the management of low back pain in lumbar spondylosis patients is associated with better outcomes compared to TCM, with a trade-off for a higher risk of treatment-related side effects. Key words: NSAIDS, electro-acupuncture, infrared light, low back pain, lumbar spondylosis

Study on the Prognosis Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy – A Nationwide, Population-based Study in Taiwan

Abstract Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the common chronic complications, leading to limb disability and increased risks of hospitalization and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been commonly applied in Taiwan as an adjunctive treatment to ameliorate diabetes-associated chronic complications, including neuropathy. Aim: We aimed to investigate whether the clinical treatment of DN combined with TCM can reduce the associated hospitalization and mortality using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan. Methods: We selected 1,152 patients with DN who received TCM treatment as the study cohort group, and 4,940 patients with DN who did not receive TCM treatment from Taiwan NHIRD were further matched 1:1 for sex, age, and index year as the comparison cohort group. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to compare hospitalization and mortality during a mean follow-up period of 15 years. Results: A total of 687/225 enrolled patients (29.82%/9.77%) had hospitalization/mortality, including 298/97 in the TCM group (25.87%/8.42%) and 389/128 in the comparison group (33.77%/11.11%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of hospitalization and mortality for patients in the TCM group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] of 0.434, 95 confidence interval [CI] =0.172–0.798, P &lt; 0.001; adjusted HR of 0.689, 95 CI = 0.372–0.981, P = 0.039). The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the cumulative risk of hospitalization and mortality in the study and comparison cohort groups was significantly different (log-rank P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the application of TCM might be beneficial for patients with DN to lower the risks of hospitalization and mortality; however, further prospective cohort studies are still required to confirm our observations.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of Yougui Wan in rats with intervertebral disk degeneration

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Yougui Wan on deformed lumbar intervertebral disk structure in rats.MethodsThirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 10 rats in each group. The animals in the blank control group were healthy rats without specific treatment, and those in the model group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group were used to establish the intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) model by puncturing the annulus. Four weeks after modeling, rats in the TCM group were administered Yougui Wan by gavage for 2 consecutive weeks. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-10), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA, and the protein expression levels of collagen II and Notch1 in intervertebral disk tissues were examined by Western blotting. Apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL method.ResultsCompared with those in the blank group, IL-10, MIF and TNF-α levels in the model group and TCM group were increased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of collagen II were decreased, and the protein expression levels of Notch1 were increased. Compared with those in the model group, the levels of IL-10 in the TCM group were increased (P < 0.05), the levels of MIF and TNF-α were decreased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of collagen II were increased, and the protein expression levels of Notch1 were decreased.ConclusionYougui Wan can inhibit the inflammatory response in IDD rats, reduce the degradation of extracellular matrix, reduce apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells, and alleviate intervertebral disk degeneration. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Notch signaling pathway.

A fascinating finding: The application of traditional Chinese medicine in aquaculture prevents the spread and diffusion of antibiotic resistance genes among gut microbes

Currently, the spread and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is of great concern due to the overuse of antibiotics, especially oxytetracycline (OTC), in aquaculture. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in aquaculture because of its advantages in improving the intestinal flora. However, there is a lack of direct evidence on whether TCM impacts antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. In this article, a short-term simulated cultivation microcosm was established to investigate the ARGs distribution and microbial community composition in the gut of fish exposed to OTC and five TCMs (Emodin, Matrine, Berberin, Andrographolide and Astragalus Polysacharin) alone or in combination using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and high-throughput quantitative PCR. The results showed that TCM alone did not significantly increase the abundance of ARGs, but ARGs abundance increased when a TCM was combined with OTC, and there was no significant interaction effect between any of the TCMs and OTC (P > 0.05). Principal component analysis indicated that OTC had a stronger effect on gut resistomes than the TCMs. TCM exposure increased the ratio of beneficial intestinal bacteria (Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes), while OTC decreased this ratio. β-diversity analysis showed that TCM had a smaller effect on the intestinal microbiome than OTC. The host network of ARGs and microorganisms showed that Enterobacter, Aeromonas, and Niveibacterium may be hosts of ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Variation partitioning analysis suggested that the effects of MGEs accounted for 17.8% and 7.1% of the variation in the ARG spectrum in the TCM and co-exposure treatment groups, respectively. Overall, this study indicates that the risk of developing and spreading ARGs in the gut environment under exposure to TCMs is lower than that under antibiotics exposure; thus, TCM may provide a solution for antibiotic-free aquaculture in the future.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of menopause-like syndrome for breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIn recent years, breast cancer (BC) incidence and mortality have been the highest in females. Menopause-like syndrome (MLS), arising from hypoestrogenism caused by endocrine therapy, significantly affects the quality of life for females. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has advantages in ameliorating MLS, but the efficacy of TCM in patients with BC has not been systematically evaluated.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Clinical Trial Registry from inception to September 4, 2023. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool was used for the quality evaluation of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Review Manager 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used for quality evaluation of the synthesized evidence.ResultsThis review included 42 studies involving 3112 female patients with BC. The results showed that the TCM group was better at decreasing the Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores (standardized MD, SMD = − 1.84, 95% confidence interval, CI [− 2.21–-1.46], Z = 9.63, P < 0.00001). Regarding the main symptoms of MLS, the TCM groups could significantly decrease the scores of hot flashes and night sweats (SMD = − 0.68, 95% CI [− 1.1–-0.27], Z = 3.24, P = 0.001), paraesthesia (SMD = − 0.48, 95% CI [− 0.74–-0.21], Z = 3.53, P = 0.0004), osteoarthralgia (SMD = − 0.41, 95% CI [− 0.6–0.21], Z = 4.09, P < 0.0001), anxiety (MD = − 0.85, 95% CI [− 1.13, − 0.58], Z = 6.08, P < 0.00001) and insomnia (MD = − 0.61, 95% CI [− 0.8, − 0.43], Z = 6.51, P < 0.00001). TCM can effectively improve the symptoms of MLS in patients with BC. Moreover, TCM could improve the objective response rate (ORR) by 50% (RR = 1.5, 95% CI [1.37–1.64], Z = 9.01, P < 0.00001). Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (E2) had no significant difference compared with the control group (p = 0.81 and p = 0.87), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the TCM group decreased significantly (MD = − 0.99, 95% CI [− 1.38, − 0.5], Z = 5.01, P < 0.00001). This means that the use of TCM does not negatively affect endocrine therapy and may even have a synergistic effect. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was lower in the TCM groups than in the control groups.ConclusionsThe meta-analysis stated that TCM could better improve the MLS of patients, alleviate related symptoms, and did not increase adverse drug reactions in BC survivors. This review brings more attention to MLS, and the present findings shed light on the potential applications of TCM in the treatment of MLS in BC survivors.

Use of Transcriptome Sequencing to Analyze the Effects of Different Doses of an Astragalus-Rhubarb-Saffron Mixture in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease.

To investigate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mixture consisting of Astragalus, rhubarb, and saffron in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Forty-eight db/db mice received no TCM (DKD model), low-dose TCM, medium-dose TCM, or high-dose TCM, and an additional 12 db/m mice received no TCM (normal control). Intragastric TCM or saline (controls) was administered daily for 24 weeks. Blood glucose, body weight, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood lipids, and urinary microalbumin were measured every four weeks, and the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) was calculated. After 24 weeks, kidney tissues were collected for transcriptome sequencing, and the main functions of these genes were determined via functional enrichment analysis. Compared with the DKD model group, the medium-dose and high-dose TCM groups had significantly decreased levels of SCr, BUN, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and UAER (all p<0.05). We identified 42 genes that potentially functioned in this therapeutic response, and the greatest effect on gene expression was in the high-dose TCM group. We also performed functional enrichment analysis to explore the potential mechanisms of action of these different genes. A high-dose of the Astragalus-rhubarb-saffron TCM provided the best prevention of DKD. Analysis of the kidney transcriptome suggested that this TCM mixture may prevent DKD by altering immune responses and oxygen delivery by hemoglobin.

Effect of Danshen for improving clinical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer: a retrospective, population-based study.

Introduction: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a broad application in healthcare, with Danshen being a notable herb used in Eastern medicine for cancer treatment. This study aims to explore the relationship between Danshen use and cardiovascular risks among bladder cancer patients. Methods: Patients were selected based on a confirmed diagnosis of bladder cancer with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to control for certain comorbidities and treatments. Utilizing Taiwan's National Health Insurance data from 2003 to 2013, this retrospective, population-based study identified three groups: 525 patients treated with Danshen, 6,419 patients not treated with TCM, and 4,356 patients treated with TCM but not with Danshen. The Cox proportional hazard model was employed to estimate the risks of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and mortality while accounting for various confounders. Results: The overall incidence of MACEs was significantly lower in the Danshen group (5%) compared to the TCM (8.1%) and non-TCM (9.9%) groups (p < 0.001). The Cox model revealed that bladder cancer patients treated with Danshen had the lowest risk of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.84) and all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.82). Discussion: The findings suggest that Danshen reduces the risk of MACE and all-cause mortality in bladder cancer patients, highlighting its potential benefits. This underpins the necessity for further research to substantiate the cardiovascular benefits of Danshen in bladder cancer patients and potentially broaden its application in oncology healthcare.

Effects of combined traditional Chinese medicine therapy in patients of lower limbs injuries with osteoporosis: A retrospective paired cohort study.

Studies have confirmed that the health hazards of patients with lower limb injuries combined with osteoporosis are more obvious. This study is mainly based on the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, and through big data analysis, it shows that the combined treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is helpful to the health of patients with lower limb injuries combined with osteoporosis. A total of 9989 combined TCM-treated patients and 19,978 2:1 sex-, age-, and index-year-matched controls who did not receive TCM treatment were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. Cox proportional hazards analyzes were performed to compare fracture surgery, inpatient, and all-cause mortality during a mean follow-up period of 17 years. A total of 5406/8601/2564 enrolled-subjects (14.11%/25.46%/5.53%) had fracture surgery/inpatient/all-cause mortality, including 1409/2543/552 in the combined TCM group (14.11%/25.46%/5.53%) and 3997/6058/2012 in the control group (20.01%/30.32%/10.07%). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed a lower rate of fracture surgery, inpatient and all-cause mortality for subjects in the combined TCM group (adjusted hazard ratios [HR] = 0.723; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.604-0.810, P < .001; adjusted hazard ratios [HR] = 0.803; 95% CI = 0.712-0.950, P = .001; adjusted HR = 0.842; 95% CI = 0.731-0.953, P = .007, respectively). After 10 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of fracture surgery in patients combining TCM treatment seems to be half of that without combining TCM treatment those are shown in Kaplan-Meier analysis with statistically significant (log rank, P < .001, P < .001, and P = .010, respectively). This study hopes to provide clinicians with the option of combined TCM treatment for patients of lower limbs injuries combined with osteoporosis, so that such patients will be associate with a lower risk of fracture surgery, inpatient or all-cause mortality.

Effectiveness and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients: A Meta-analysis.

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease. It can damage the salivary and lacrimal glands and is characterized by dry mouth and eye symptoms, which seriously affects people's normal life. Both modern medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have certain effects in treating SS. However, there are different theories about which treatment is more appropriate. The aim of this research was to compare the efficacy and safety of TCM to Western Medicine in the treatment of pSS. We collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM, integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of pSS in Chinese and foreign databases. A total of 13 articles were eventually included with 780 cases. The final results were expressed in odds ratio (OR), mean difference (MD), 95% confidence interval (CI), and overall effect (z). The effective rate was 86.03% in the TCM group and 67.75% in the western medicine group. Results of the effective rate were OR = 3.57; 95% CI = 2.44-5.23; z = 6.56; p＜0.00001, ESR were MD = -6.90; 95% CI = -10.76--3.05; z = 3.51; p = 0.0005＜0.05, Schirmer's test were MD = 3.39; 95% CI = 1.92-4.86; z = 4.5; p＜0.00001, salivary flow were MD = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.16-1.07; z = 2.63; p = 0.009＜0.05, and adverse reactions were OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.17-0.72; z = 2.84; p = 0.004. TCM has a remarkable effect on the treatment of pSS. Among them Yiguanjian decoction and Liuwei Dihuang decoction were effective prescriptions with the highest frequency of application. Rehmanniae Radix (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.) and Ophiopogonis Radix (Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker-Gawl.) were the most frequently used TCM.

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine nursing intervention in postoperative patients after gastrectomy.

Gastrectomy is a technically demanding procedure for gastric cancer patients that is associated with different degrees of postoperative complications (POCs). Perioperative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing intervention presents benefits for improving the survival of patients with gastric cancer. However, the effects of TCM nursing intervention on POCs and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer following surgery are far from clear. In the present study, the effects of TCM nursing intervention on POCs, postoperative physical capacity, metal status, long-term survival and recurrence were investigated in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy. In total, 1,032 patients with gastric cancer were included in the study. The patients underwent a gastrectomy and were randomly divided into two groups: The TCM nursing intervention group (TCM group; n=520) and the routine nursing intervention group (control group; n=512). Postoperative pain score, hospital stay, POCs, postoperative gastrointestinal function, frequency of postoperative symptoms, inflammatory index, quality of life, physical capacity, mental status, survival and recurrence were compared after gastrectomy in the TCM and control groups. The treatment-related adverse events of TCM in patients after gastrectomy were recorded in the TCM nursing intervention group. The outcomes showed that TCM nursing intervention decreased the postoperative pain score and hospital stay, improved gastrointestinal function, and decreased the POCs and the inflammation index compared with the control group. In addition, TCM nursing intervention improved physical capacity, quality of life, depression, anxiety, immune activity, long-term survival and recurrence in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy. Furthermore, TCM nursing intervention was only associated with a low number of adverse events. In conclusion, outcomes in this study indicate that perioperative TCM nursing intervention improves POCs, mental status, long-term survival and reduces the recurrence of patients with gastric cancer, suggesting that TCM nursing intervention is efficacious and safe with regard to improving the prognosis in these patients after gastrectomy (Retrospective clinical trial registration number, 2015001CW1; name of the register, The First Hospital of Harbin; date of registration, May 7, 2015).