Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory Research Articles

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Treatment.

In recent years, due to advancements in medical conditions and the development of scientific research, the fundamental research of TCM antitumor treatments has progressed from the cellular level to the molecular and genetic levels. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in antitumor therapy through various mechanisms and pathways. Its mechanism of action is closely associated with cancer biology across different stages. This includes inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, blocking invasion and metastasis to surrounding tissues, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, regulating immune function, maintaining genome stability, preventing mutation, and regulating cell energy metabolism. The use of TCM for eliciting antitumor effects not only has a good therapeutic effect and low side effects, it also provides a solid theoretical basis for clinical treatment and medication. This paper reviews the mechanism of the antitumor effects of TCM based on tumor characteristics. Through our review, we found that TCM not only directly inhibits tumors, but also enhances the body's immunity, thereby indirectly inducing an antitumor effect. This function aligns with the TCM theory of "strengthening the body's resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors". Furthermore, TCM will play a significant role in tumor treatment in clinical settings.

Anti-aging mechanism and effect of treatment with raw and wine-steamed Polygonatum sibiricum on D-galactose-induced aging in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating gut microbiota

BackgroundPolygonatum sibiricum (PS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) first recorded in Mingyi Bielu. The book documents that PS can nourish five internal organs, be taken for a long time, relax the body and prolong lifespan. Presently, PS is widely used in TCM to prevent premature graying of hair. Based on TCM theory and clinical trials, the wine steaming processed product from PS provides a better effect. However, no published study has elucidated the anti-aging mechanism.PurposeThe study aim was to investigate the anti-aging mechanism of PS and its wine steaming processed product in mice, specifically focusing on the effect of D-galactose (D-gal) surrounding the intestinal flora and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Keap1/Nrf2/ARE) pathway.MethodsThe chemical components in Raw PS (RPS) and Wine-steamed PS (WPS) were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS). An aging model using Kunming mice was established through intraperitoneally injected D-gal. Concentrations of RPS and WPS at 5, 10, or 15 g/kg/day levels were administered intragastrically, respectively. The body weight, liver and spleen indexes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities in serum and brain tissue were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained brain tissue was histopathologically examined. The expressions of Keap1, Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the brain tissue at the mRNA and protein levels were respectively detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB). Moreover, an Illumina Hiseq platform was used for 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the proportions of intestinal flora in aging mice.ResultsThe proportions of saccharides, flavonoids, and triterpene acids were different between RPS and WPS. In the aging model mice, WPS outperformed RPS in improving body weight and mental state by increasing the spleen index, SOD and GSH-PX activities, decreasing the liver index and MDA activities, and restoring the histopathological morphology in D-gal-induced aging mice. At the mRNA levels, RPS and WPS significantly reduced the expression of Keap1 and increased the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1. The trend in protein expressions was similar to that of the mRNA results, and WPS had a stronger effect than RPS. Fecal microbiota analysis showed that RPS and WPS restored intestinal microbiota proportions to normal levels.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that PS and its WPS had a positive effect in relieving oxidative stress in aging mice. WPS outperformed RPS, which might be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway and regulation of intestinal flora.

Multi-omics analysis of kidney, bone and bone marrow explored potential mechanisms of Erzhi Wan against osteoporosis with kidney-Yin deficiency

Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease that can lead to major health challenges. The theory of Traditional Chinese medicine believes that kidney-Yin deficiency (KYD) is the main cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of EZW on anti-osteoporosis with KYD, and explore potential mechanisms from the perspective of the kidney, bone and bone marrow through analysis of metabolomics and proteomics. The model of OP with KYD was established by rats treated with bilateral ovariectomy (OVX), and then given intragastric administration of thyroid and reserpine to induce. Micro-CT was applied to determine the microstructures of bone. Serum levels associated with bone turnover markers and kidney-Yin deficiency were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. The differential metabolites in the kidney, bone and bone marrow were analyzed by metabolomics. The differentially expressed proteins in these three tissues were detected via proteomics. The findings suggested that EZW could alleviate a variety of metabolites and proteins among the kidney, bone and bone marrow, primarily in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and lipid metabolism, thus leading to improvements of OP with KYD, which provided theoretical basis for clinical treatment of EZW on OP with KYD.

Can The Medications We Are Prescribing Cause Myocardial Infarction?

Introduction: Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in United States and it is characterized when there is a decrease or complete cessation of blood supply to myocardium. In this article, the author will show that the use of any kind of highly concentrated medication can reduce or cause Blood stagnation in any part of the body and can cause myocardial infarction when the blood stagnates in myocardial tissue leading to myocardial infarction in this new type of population that we are attending nowadays. This is caused by alteration in the energy part of the five internal massive organs energy (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs and Kidney) of the five elements theory of traditional Chinese medicine, caused by the modernization of telecommunication leading to a state of immunodeficiency. The use of any kind of highly concentrated medication in the treatment of variety of disease can evolve to blood stagnation and cause thrombosis in any part of the body and can lead to myocardial infarction or even death.

Possible mechanisms of auricular acupoint stimulation in the treatment of migraine by activating auricular vagus nerve.

Under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory, the clinical research of auricular acupoint stimulation in the treatment of migraine has gained a lot, and the curative efficacy is definite, but its mechanism remains unclear. In the present paper, we discussed the efficacy of auricular acupoint stimulation including "transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation" (taVNS) in the treatment of migraine in recent years. Through bibliometric analysis, we screened out top 10 auricular acupoints (Shenmen［TF4］, Pizhixia［AT4］, Jiaogan［AH6a］, Gan［CO12］, Yidan［CO11］, Neifenmi［CO18］, Shen［CO10］, Nie［AT2］, Zhen［AT3］ and E［AT1］) which were the most frequently used for migraine. Majority of these auricular acupoints just distributed in the region innervated by auricular vagus nerve. Thus, we thought that the analgesic effect of needling these auricular acupoints for migraine was produced by triggering the auricular vagus nerve, and concluded that the central mechanism underlying induction of analgesic effect by activating auricular vagus nerve may be achieved by activating the descending pain regulation pathway of the locus coeruleus nucleus and dorsal raphe nucleus. In addition, taVNS-induced 1) regulation of the activities of brain's default network and pain matrix, 2) activation of the cortical descending pain regulation pathway, and 3) inhibition of the neuroinflammatory response may also contribute to its ameliorating effect of migraine. This paper may provide ideas for the future research on the mechanism of auricular acupoint treatment of migraine.

Compatibility with Fructus Ligustri Lucidi Effectively Mitigates Idiosyncratic Liver Injury of Epimedii Folium by Modulating NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 Inflammasome Activation

Abstract Background: Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) is a serious side effect of drugs, Epimedii Folium (EF) is unequivocally implicated in idiosyncratic liver injury onset, potentially due to its ability to perturb the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL), a frequently used medicinal combination with EF, has not yet been investigated for its ability to ameliorate EF-associated hepatotoxicity. Aims and Objectives: Study on the mechanism of compatibility of FLL to alleviate liver injury caused by EF. Materials and Methods: Western blot was used to determine the expression of related proteins, ELISA was used to detect the secretion of related inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α, liver injury indexes were detected and liver pathological tissue staining was used to evaluate the liver injury. Results: Our results demonstrated that EF exerted a particular augmenting effect on the stimulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome mediated by nigericin or ATP, whereas FLL suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome stimulation. Furthermore, an equal EF to FLL ratio significantly reduced the stimulatory effects of EF. Moreover, EF has the potential to induce hepatic injury and augment pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis in rats subjected to LPS. However, when combined with FLL, the detrimental effects of EF were mitigated. Conclusion: FLL possesses the capacity to attenuate EF-associated hepatotoxicity by suppressing EF-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, FLL holds promise for improving the clinical safety profile of EF, shedding light on the potential of compatibility and detoxification theories in traditional Chinese medicine.

The Clinical Progress of the Combined Treatment of Lung and Intestine on Immune Response

Lung-intestinal homoeopathy is a comprehensive therapeutic strategy that combines traditional theories of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical concepts. We review the clinical progress of lung-gut homoeopathy on immune function. aiming to positively affect the immune function of patients with lung diseases. By regulating the intestinal microbiota, influencing intestinal mucosal immunity, and modulating immune mediators, some clinical treatments has been proved to be effective. In addition, lung-intestinal homoeopathy can improve the immune function of patients with lung diseases by regulating the expression of immunity and immune mediators in the intestinal mucosa and influencing the play of immune response. Although lung-intestinal homoeopathy has made some progress in the regulation of immune function, further clinical studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety.

Introduction of Western Medicines into China and Improvement on Decoctions during Modern China

Abstract: During the late Qing dynasty (1840 A.D.-1912 A.D.), a large quantity of Western medicines entered China, which continuously impacted the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) market and revealed the shortcomings of Chinese medicines. Some personages in the TCM community followed the trend of learning from the West, and attempted to reform TCM, with the improvement on decoction becoming an important aspect of this effort. Through debates and trials, the improvement on decoction underwent three stages of conceptual evolution: “taking Chinese medicines as the foundation and referring to the dosage forms of Western medicines”, “introducing Western techniques to serve the preparation of decoctions” and “integrating the theories of TCM and Western medicine to improve decoctions”. The study on the improvement on decoction highlights the effective complementarity between modern TCM and Western medicine in the field of pharmacy, and provides valuable experience and support for the reevaluation of the value of TCM in contemporary society.

The anti-depression effect and potential mechanism of the petroleum ether fraction of CDB: Integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics

The combination of Chaidangbo (CDB) is an antidepressant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription simplified by Xiaoyaosan (a classic antidepressant TCM prescription) through dismantling research, which has the effect of dispersing stagnated liver qi and nourishing blood in TCM theory. Although the antidepressant effect of CBD has been confirmed in animal studies, the material basis and possible molecular mechanism for antidepressant activity in CBD have not been clearly elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of CDB antidepressant fraction (petroleum ether fraction of CDB, PEFC) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression-like behavior in mice using network pharmacology and metabolomics. First, a UPLC-QE/MS was employed to identify the components of PEFC. To extract active ingredients, SwissADME screening was used to the real PEFC components that were found. Potential PEFC antidepressant targets were predicted based on a network pharmacology approach, and a pathway enrichment analysis was performed for the predicted targets. Afterward, a CUMS mouse depression model was established and LC-MS-based untargeted hippocampal metabolomics was performed to identify differential metabolites, and related metabolic pathways. Finally, the protein expressions in mouse hippocampi were determined by Western blot to validate the network pharmacology and metabolomics deduction. A total of 16 active compounds were screened in SwissADME that acted on 73 core targets of depression, including STAT3, MAPKs, and NR3C1; KEGG enrichment analysis showed that PEFC modulated signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, endocrine resistance, and MAPK to exert antidepressant effects. PEFC significantly reversed abnormalities of hippocampus metabolites in CUMS mice, mainly affecting the synthesis and metabolism of glycine, serine, and threonine, impacting catecholamine transfer and cholinergic synapses and regulating the activity of the mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that PEFC significantly influenced the main protein levels of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in the hippocampus of mice subjected to CUMS. This study integrated metabolomics, network pharmacology and biological verification to explore the potential mechanism of PEFC in treating depression, which is related to the regulation of amino acid metabolism dysfunction and the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in the hippocampus. The comprehensive strategy also provided a reasonable way for unveiling the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways in TCM with antidepressant effect.

Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of GCs of PCOS via KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR) is a herbal recipe created on the basis on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and clinical practice, and is mainly used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the underlying mechanism for this fact has not been clearly elucidated. Aim of the studyTo verify whether ZQLHR regulates granulosa cells (GCs) proliferation and apoptosis through the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) - CCATT enhancer-binding proteinβ (C/EBPβ) pathway, and to provide in vitro molecular mechanism supporting for the effects of ZQLHR to enhance follicular development and treat patients with PCOS. Materials and methodsBased on previous experiments, we performed the following experiments. Firstly, we treated KGN cells (a steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line) for 48 h using different concentrations of ZQLHR in order to observe apoptosis in each group. Secondly, the mRNA and protein expression levels of KLF4 and C/EBPβ in KGN cells after administrated with ZQLHR were examined by quantitative real-time PCR(q-PCR) and Western blot assay. Thirdly, after knocking down KLF4 and C/EBPβ using siRNAs, the relationship between KLF4 and C/EBPβ in KGN cells was detected. Further, cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry were used to verify whether ZQLHR promotes proliferation and facilitates apoptosis in KGN cells through the KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway. Finally, q-PCR and Western blot were used to test whether ZQLHR mediated proliferation and apoptosis-related factors such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cleaved caspase-3 to affect the proliferation and apoptosis of KGN cells through the KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway. ConclusionsZQLHR, containing 0.2% by volume, administered to KGN cells resulted in the lowest rate of apoptosis. The expression levels of KLF4 and C/EBPβ were increased in KGN cells following ZQLHR treatment. Additionally, ZQLHR promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of KGN cells by modulating proliferation and apoptosis-related factors via the KLF4-C/EBPβ pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed that KLF4 and C/EBPβ regulate each other in KGN cells. These findings indicate that ZQLHR enhances the proliferation of GCs and suppresses their apoptosis, which constitutes a therapeutic mechanism for treating patients with PCOS.

Body constitutions of traditional Chinese medicine caused a significant effect on irritable bowel syndrome.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), all types of body constitutions, except for the Gentleness (i.e., the control group in our study), have disease susceptibility and affect the disease development process. This study attempted to investigate the relationship between TCM body constitutions and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This cross-sectional study was based on Taiwan Biobank (TWB) and collected clinical data from 13,941 subjects aged 30-70. The results of the study showed that subjects with Yang-deficiency (N=3,161 subjects, OR=2.654, 95% CI=1.740-3.910), Ying-deficiency (N=3,331 subjects, OR=1.096, 95% CI=0.627-1.782) or Stasis (N=2,335 subjects, OR=1.680, 95% CI=0.654-3.520) were more likely to have IBS. If the subjects with two or more TCM body constitutions: Yang-deficiency + Ying-deficiency (OR=3.948, 95% CI=2.742-5.560), Yang-deficiency + Stasis (OR=2.312, 95% CI=1.170-4.112), Ying-deficiency + Stasis (OR=1.851, 95% CI=0.828-3.567), or Yang-deficiency + Ying-deficiency + Stasis (OR=3.826, 95% CI= 2.954-4.932) were also prone to IBS. These results confirmed the high correlation between TCM body constitutions and IBS. Because the current treatment for IBS is not entirely satisfactory, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine might provide patients with an alternative treatment option to alleviate IBS.

Advantages of Chinese herbal medicine in treating rheumatoid arthritis: a focus on its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.

Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an imbalance between the oxidative and antioxidant processes within the human body. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is significantly influenced by the presence of oxidative stress, which acts as a pivotal factor in its pathogenesis. Elevated levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation have been found to be closely associated in the plasma of patients with RA. The clinical treatment strategies for this disease are mainly chemical drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids (GCs) and biological agents, but it is difficult for patients to accept long-term drug treatment and its side effects. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), RA is thought to be caused by the attack of "wind, cold, damp humor," and herbs with the effect of removing wind and dampness are used to relieve pain. Chinese herbal medicine boasts a rich heritage in effectively attenuating the symptoms of RA, and its global recognition continues to ascend. In particular, RA-relevant anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidative effects of TCM herbs/herbal compounds. The main aim of this review is to make a valuable contribution to the expanding pool of evidence that advocates for the incorporation of Chinese herbal medicine in conventional treatment plans for RA.

Structural characterization of a galactoglucomannan with anti-neuroinflammatory activity from Ganoderma lucidum

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) presents certain effects for nourishing nerves and calming the mind. G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) have various biological activities; however, the structural characterization and the structure-activity relationship in anti-neuroinflammation of GLPs needs to be further investigated. In this work, the crude polysaccharide GL70 exhibited a remarkable impact on enhancing the spatial learning and memory function, as well as reducing the anxiety symptoms of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A galactoglucomannan (GLP70-1-2) was isolated from GL70, and characterized by monosaccharide composition, partial acid hydrolysis, methylation, and NMR analysis. The backbone of GLP70-1-2 was →6)-α-D-glcp-(1 → 6)-β-D-galp-(1 → [6)-β-D-manp-(1]3 → 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-α-D-glcp-(1 → 2)-β-D-galp-(1 → [4)-α-D-glcp-(1 → 6)-β-D-manp-(1 → 2)-β-D-galp-(1]2 → 6)-β-D-glcp-(1 → 6)-β-D-glcp-(1→ with two side chains attached to O-4 of →6)-β-D-galp-(1→ and O-3 of →6)-β-D-glcp-(1→, respectively. In addition, GLP70-1-2 exhibited remarkable efficacy in decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-activated BV2 cells through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Collectively, GLP70-1-2 exhibited significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity and may have the potential for developing as a drug for AD.

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. Polysaccharide alleviates cholestatic liver injury through gut microbiota modulation and Nrf2 signaling pathway activation in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAccording to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, cholestasis belongs to category of jaundice. Artemisia capillaris Thunb. has been widely used for the treatment of jaundice in TCM. The polysaccharides are the one of main active components of the herb, but its effects on cholestasis remain unclear. Aim of the studyTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. polysaccharide (APS) on cholestasis and liver injury. Materials and methodsThe amelioration of APS on cholestasis was evaluated in an alpha-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced mice model. Then nuclear Nrf2 knockout mice, mass spectrometry, 16s rDNA sequencing, metabolomics, and molecular biotechnology methods were used to elucidate the associated mechanisms of APS against cholestatic liver injury. ResultsTreatment with low and high doses of APS markedly decreased cholestatic liver injury of mice. Mechanistically, APS promoted nuclear translocation of hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), upregulated downstream bile acid (BA) efflux transporters and detoxifying enzymes expression, improved BA homeostasis, and attenuated oxidative liver injury; however, these effects were annulled in Nrf2 knock-out mice. Furthermore, APS ameliorated the microbiota dysbiosis of cholestatic mice and selectively increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria growth. Fecal microbiota transplantation of APS also promoted hepatic Nrf2 activation, increased BA efflux transporters and detoxifying enzymes expression, ameliorated intrahepatic BA accumulation and cholestatic liver injury. Non-targeted metabolomics and in vitro microbiota culture confirmed that APS significantly increased the production of a microbiota-derived SCFA (butyric acid), which is also able to upregulate Nrf2 expression. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that APS can ameliorate cholestasis by modulating gut microbiota and activating the Nrf2 pathway, representing a novel therapeutic approach for cholestatic liver disease.

Effects of dietary management combined with exercise interventions on type 2 diabetes: A pilot before-after study in the same patient

BackgroundThe incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been rising rapidly, the regulation of lifestyle is essential for adjuvant treatment of DM. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the patients diagnosed with “Xiaoke” (consumptive thirst), which perfectly matches the symptoms of DM, should follow strict dietary management, namely low intake and high frequency with a low-fat diet. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to assess the effect of TCM theory-guided dietary management combined with exercise interventions for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods30 patients with T2DM were assigned to receive dietary management combined with exercise interventions (over 3 months). The primary outcome was the change from baseline to month 3 in the level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included the changes from baseline in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). ResultsAmong the 30 participants (mean age 62.4 ±8.7 years), 25 completed the study. Mean level of HbA1c at baseline was 8.3% ± 1.9% for patients with type 2 diabetes. At the third month, dietary management combined with exercise interventions had significant decrease in mean HbA1c (6.9% ± 1.5%) with a mean difference of 1.4 ± 1.5% (P < 0.0001). The changes from baseline were significant with differences, including 1.4 ± 2.7 mmol/L of FBG (P = 0.0189), 0.6 ± 0.7 mmol/L of TC (P = 0.0004), and 0.2 ± 0.4 mmol/L of LDL (P = 0.0083). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 8% and all events were classified as mild. ConclusionsModerate-intensity (4−5 MET) aerobic resistance training combined with individualized nutritional therapy for 3 months can reduce HbA1c by approximately 1.4% in patients with T2DM. The provision of this lifestyle intervention could allow individuals with T2DM to achieve improvements in dyslipidemia, with potential long-term benefits for diabetes-related complications and wellbeing. Due to small samples in this pilot study, further research is needed to see whether this intervention will match results of this pilot study.

A study on the clinical prediction model of the yin deficiency type of perimenopausal syndrome

BackgroundThe yin deficiency type of perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) as a common category of PMS based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a high prevalence with severe symptoms and long course of disease. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a prediction model to assist in diagnosis. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the independent predictors of the yin deficiency type of PMS and to develop a clinical prediction model of this disease. MethodsPMS patients who attended the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University between February 2020 and August 2023 were selected and divided chronologically into training and validation groups. Logistic regression analysis was applied in the training group to clarify the independent predictors of the yin deficiency type of PMS, and a nomogram was plotted. Internal and external validations were performed in the training and validation groups to evaluate the model's accuracy, goodness of fit, and clinical adaptability. ResultsHot flashes and sweating (≥10 episodes/day), palpitations, emotional fluctuations, and abnormal sexual activity were independent predictors of the yin deficiency type of PMS (P > 0.05). Based on the clinical prediction model constructed, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUR OC) in the training group was 0.989 (95%CI 0.980–0.998), and the AUR OC in the validation group was 0.971 (95%CI 0.940–0.999). This demonstrates that the model has superior prediction performance. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit with P = 0.596 for the training group and P = 0.883 for the validation group, indicating a good fit. The decision curve analysis (DCA) curve and clinical impact curve (CIC) indicated good clinical adaptability. ConclusionThe model can accurately predict the occurrence of the yin deficiency type of PMS, which may help clinicians identify such patients at an early stage.

Evaluation and Monitoring System for Exercise Rehabilitation Based on Combined Chinese and Western Medicine Technology

INTRODUCTION: Developing exercise rehabilitation assessment and monitoring systems is essential in rehabilitation medicine. Introduces a sports rehabilitation assessment and monitoring system based on combining Chinese and Western medicine technology, aiming to integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine theory and modern Western medicine technology to provide more comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation services. Through the systematic integration of technologies, the author is committed to building an efficient and precise rehabilitation system to provide patients with more scientific and practical rehabilitation programs. OBJECTIVE: The research system employs various sensor technologies, including motion capture devices, biosensors, and pulse recognition technology, by combining Chinese and Western medicine. The motion capture device enables real-time monitoring of the patient's movement trajectory, joint mobility, and other physiological indicators; the biosensor collects the patient's physiological data, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Meanwhile, Chinese and Western medicine pulse recognition technology was introduced to obtain pulse information specific to Chinese and Western medicine to provide more comprehensive data support for rehabilitation assessment. Integrating these technologies, a multi-level and multi-dimensional rehabilitation assessment system was established. METHODS: This study aims to improve the accuracy and personalization of the rehabilitation assessment and to tailor a rehabilitation plan more in line with the patient's actual situation. Through the combination of Chinese and Western medicine techniques, it aims to break the single perspective of traditional rehabilitation assessment and make the rehabilitation plan closer to the physiological characteristics and pathological state of the patients as well as the needs of the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in the identification and treatment. RESULTS: The system has achieved remarkable results in practical application. The accurate monitoring of the motion capture device provides a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's motor status and accurately analyzes the rehabilitation progress. At the same time, the data collection of biosensors provides doctors with more detailed physiological information, enabling them to formulate rehabilitation plans more comprehensively. The introduction of combined Chinese and Western medicine pulse recognition technology adds a unique auxiliary diagnostic tool of collaborative Chinese and Western medicine to the rehabilitation assessment and improves the personalized level of the rehabilitation plan. CONCLUSION: The sports rehabilitation assessment and monitoring system combining Chinese and Western medicine technology brings new ideas and methods for developing rehabilitation medicine. By fully utilizing the advantages of modern technology and traditional medical knowledge, a comprehensive and in-depth rehabilitation assessment system was constructed to provide patients with more scientific and caring rehabilitation services. Future research will optimize the system's performance and promote the broad application of integrated Chinese and Western medicine technology in rehabilitation.

Synergistic Mechanism of stir-baked Curcumae Radix with Vinegar in Dysmenorrhea Rats Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Metabolomics

Curcumae Radix (i.e. Huangsiyujin: HSYJ), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used in clinical practice for many years to treat depression and primary dysmenorrhea. Modern pharmacological researches have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and dysmenorrhea relief effects. According to the processing theory of TCM, it is believed that stir-baked HSYJ with vinegar may enhance the ability to disperse stagnant hepatoqi and alleviate pain. However, whether the vinegar concoction of HSYJ with vinegar can enhance the therapeutic effect on the Qi stagnation due to liver depression (LDQS) type of dysmenorrhea and what its mechanism is have not been well explained. Based on the processing drugs theory of "stir-baked with vinegar into liver", a metabolomic approach was used to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of stir-baked HSYJ with vinegar to enhance the treatment of dysmenorrhea in rats. By establishing a rat model of dysmenorrhea of the “LDQS” type, observation of blood rheology, uterine pathological sections, COX-2 and OTR protein expression and other indicators; analysis of urinary metabolic changes in rats by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique, to compare the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways in the treatment of dysmenorrhea due to "liver stagnation and qi stagnation" before and after stir-baked HSYJ with vinegar. Stir-baked HSYJ with vinegar significantly inhibited the writhing response of rats, improved blood rheology, repaired damaged diseased uterus and inhibited high expression of COX-2 and OTR proteins in uterus; 68 differential metabolites were screened from the urine of rats, compared with the raw HSYJ, the levels of 14 metabolites were significantly changed in stir-baked HSYJ with vinegar, involving the pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. The potentiating effect of stir-baked HSYJ with vinegar may be related to the regulation of multiple amino acid metabolic pathways.

Biological Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula and Herbs in Treating Diseases from the Perspective of Cold and Hot

Abstract Cold and Hot syndrome, also known as “ZHENG” in Mandarin, is a fundamental theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of diseases in TCM. Diseases are treated with varying formulas according to the specific syndrome differentiations in TCM. A way of the principles followed in TCM medical strategy is “cold herbs for hot syndrome, and hot herbs for cold syndrome.” Therefore, from the perspective of cold/hot syndrome, we summarizes the present research regarding the characteristics and mechanisms of cold/hot herbs (including herbs with cool and warm properties) in digestive system diseases, respiratory diseases, and autoimmune diseases, among others. As novel technologies have advanced, various methods, such as those based on network target, machine learning, and deep learning, have emerged to reveal the mechanisms underlying cold/hot syndrome and cold/hot herbs. With the help of these technologies, it has been found that cold and hot herbs, as well as formulae with cold or hot intentions, have similarities and differences in the treatment of these diseases. In conclusion, cold and cool may have stronger antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, whereas hot and warm herbs may specifically enhance immune regulation. With the assistance of advancing data algorithms, uncovering the mechanisms of cold/hot herbs may accelerate and provide a new research paradigm for further achieving precision in TCM.

TCMSSD: A comprehensive database focused on syndrome standardization

BackgroudQuantitative and standardized research on syndrome differentiation has always been at the forefront of modernizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. However, the majority of existing databases primarily concentrate on the network pharmacology of herbal prescriptions, and there are limited databases specifically dedicated to TCM syndrome differentiation. PurposeIn response to this gap, we have developed the Traditional Chinese Medical Syndrome Standardization Database (TCMSSD, http://tcmssd.ratcm.cn). MethodsTCMSSD is a comprehensive database that gathers data from various sources, including TCM literature such as TCM Syndrome Studies (Zhong Yi Zheng Hou Xue) and TCM Internal Medicine (Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue) and various public databases such as TCMID and ETCM. In our study, we employ a deep learning approach to construct the knowledge graph and utilize the BM25 algorithm for syndrome prediction. ResultsThe TCMSSD integrates the essence of TCM with the modern medical system, providing a comprehensive collection of information related to TCM. It includes 624 syndromes, 133,518 prescriptions, 8,073 diseases (including 1,843 TCM-specific diseases), 8,259 Chinese herbal medicines, 43,413 ingredients, 17,602 targets, and 8,182 drugs. By analyzing input data and comparing it with the patterns and characteristics recorded in the database, the syndrome prediction tool generates predictions based on established correlations and patterns. ConclusionThe TCMSSD fills the gap in existing databases by providing a comprehensive resource for quantitative and standardized research on TCM syndrome differentiation and laid the foundation for research on the biological basis of syndromes.