Current IssueBased on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis of “Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis” in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), this study elucidates the microscopic mechanism underlying DFU from the perspective of dysregulated coordination between mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. We propose that qi-deficiency corresponds to insufficient functional mitochondria caused by impaired biogenesis, resulting in compromised oxidative phosphorylation and reduced ATP production, thereby generating a “low-renewal” wound milieu. Blood-stasis is defined as the failure to eliminate damaged mitochondria and toxic metabolites such as mtROS due to defective mitophagy, establishing a “high-stasis” chronic inflammatory microenvironment. These two processes mutually reinforce each other, forming a vicious cycle that impedes wound healing. Tonifying Qi enhances mitochondrial biogenesis, whereas activating blood resolves stasis by restoring mitophagy; their synergism disrupts the cycle of mitochondrial quality-control imbalance. This mechanism provides a scientific rationale for the TCM strategy of “tonifying qi and activating blood” in re-establishing mitochondrial homeostasis and promoting DFU repair, offering a novel theoretical basis for integrated Chinese-Western management of DFU.
The clinical manifestations of cardiac diseases are complex and varied, often combined with a variety of co-morbidities, which significantly increases the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment of the disease and clinical risk. The “syndrome-based approach” is to take the syndromes as the core and integrate different diseases into a unified framework to grasp the whole. This model emphasizes the simplification of complex clinical problems by comprehensively analyzing the underlying syndromes, grasping the core disease mechanism, and combining it with the dynamic evolution of the disease. Although the evolution of the disease follows a certain pattern, it is by no means a mechanical application, but needs to be organically integrated with the “evidence” and flexibly utilized. Cardiac qi deficiency is a common pathogenetic mechanism throughout the development of cardiac diseases. Based on the evidence of heart qi deficiency, this paper systematically proposes three major laws for the evolution of cardiac diseases: the theory of four levels of heart qi deficiency (to quantify the severity of symptoms), the theory of three levels of accumulation of internal organs (to explain the pathway of disease transmission), and the pathological transformation of “water-dampness-phlegm-blood stasis” (to reveal the evolution of pathological products). The management model of cardiac diseases was constructed with this framework, and the heterogeneous characteristics of the five aspects of disease location, disease condition, degree, concurrent symptoms and concurrent diseases were summarized while taking into account the commonality of the same evidence. The aim of this paper is to provide diagnostic and therapeutic ideas with Chinese medicine characteristics for the clinical management of cardiac diseases, and to improve clinical efficacy by optimizing evidence-based thinking.
To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Anmeidan (AMD) against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced injury in astrocytes and neurons by regulating the EphA4/ephrinA3 signaling pathway.
An invitro OGD/R model was established using mouse astrocytes (C8-D1A) and hippocampal neurons (HT22 cells). Control serum and AMD-containing serum were prepared. Cells were divided into control, OGD/R, OGD/R+AMD, and OGD/R+melatonin groups. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed via CCK-8 assay to determine the optimal AMD serum concentration. Apoptosis rates were measured by flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate fluorescence intensity of neuronal marker NeuN, astrocytic marker GFAP, and neurogenesis marker BrdU. Protein expression of ephrinA3, EphA4, EAAT1, EAAT2, and SYN was analyzed by Western blot. Cellular ultrastructure was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Compared with the control group, the OGD/R group showed reduced fluorescence intensity of NeuN and GFAP (P<0.01), abnormal neuronal morphology, upregulated EphA4/ephrinA3 protein expression (P<0.01), and decreased EAAT1/EAAT2 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). AMD treatment significantly enhanced GFAP and NeuN fluorescence intensity, improved neuronal morphology, downregulated EphA4/ephrinA3 expression (P<0.01), upregulated EAAT1, EAAT2, SYN (P<0.05), and reduced apoptosis rates (P<0.01).
Anmeidan alleviates OGD/R-induced astrocyte and neuronal injury by downregulating the EphA4/ephrinA3 signaling pathway and modulating glutamate transport, which may underlie its therapeutic potential in sleep deprivation-related neural damage.
To evaluate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOP) as well as their acute and long-term toxicity, thereby providing a scientific basis for clinical application within a safe dosage range.
The anti-inflammatory mechanism of DOP was comprehensively investigated through in vitro cell experiments and in vivo animal studies. In the cell experiment, a mouse macrophage RAW264.7 inflammation model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Different concentrations of DOP (50, 100, 200 μg/mL) were added, and the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) were measured. In the animal experiment, a xylene-induced ear edema model was used to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of DOP, and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by ELISA. Additionally, acute toxicity tests and long-term toxicity tests were conducted to monitor mouse survival rate, body weight changes, biochemical indicators (ALT, AST, BUN, Cr), and to assess the risk of immune-allergic reactions.
Cell experiment results showed that DOP significantly downregulated the expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). In animal experiments, DOP significantly reduced xylene-induced ear thickness and serum inflammatory cytokine levels in mice, demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory activity. In toxicity experiments, a high dose of DOP (5 000 mg/kg) reduced mouse survival rate to 40% and significantly inhibited body weight gain (P<0.05), while low to medium doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) showed no obvious acute toxicity. Long-term toxicity tests indicated that a high dose of DOP (200 mg/kg) significantly elevated liver and kidney function indicators ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr (P<0.05), suggesting that high doses may induce liver and kidney injury.
DOP exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects with low toxicity within low to medium dosage ranges. However, potential acute toxicity and risk of liver and kidney injury exist at high doses. while also suggesting that long-term use requires caution and close monitoring of toxic reactions.
To compare the superior processing synergistic efficacy of Thirteen-processed Cyperi Rhizoma with Xiushan characteristic processing technology, and to provide a research basis for the modern industrial improvement of regional characteristic processed TCM products.
On the basis of inheriting the unique Xiushan processing technology for Thirteen-processed Cyperi Rhizoma, multiple rat models of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes were established, including primary dysmenorrhea, threatened abortion with uterine hemorrhage, and liver depression, qi stagnation and blood stasis. The therapeutic advantages of this regional characteristic processed product were comprehensively compared with those of clinically commonly-used processed products in modern practice and representative processed varieties recorded in successive dynasties.
Thirteen-processed Cyperi Rhizoma significantly reduced the writhing times (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased the uterine organ coefficient (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered serum levels of PGF2α, GnRH and LH (P<0.05) in mice with primary dysmenorrhea. It also remarkably relieved vaginal bleeding volume and reduced FSH and LH levels (P<0.05) in the rat model of threatened abortion with uterine hemorrhage. In addition, it significantly decreased whole blood high-, medium-and low-shear viscosity, plasma viscosity, as well as serum ALT and AST levels (P<0.05) in rats with liver depression, qi stagnation and blood stasis.
As an inheritance of local characteristic processing technology, Thirteen-processed Cyperi Rhizoma is insufficient in repairing substantial organic lesions. However, it presents prominent processing potentiating effects in the intervention and treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, threatened abortion with uterine hemorrhage, and liver depression, qi stagnation and blood stasis. It can be regarded as a distinctive processed medicinal material for further in-depth research and modern industrial transformation and optimization.
In view of the current situation of vague TCM syndrome classification standards for endometriosis (EMS) and the lack of data-driven research, this study aims to reveal the distribution pattern of TCM syndromes in EMS through multi-center large sample data, combined with cluster analysis and expert consensus as well as TCM theory, and to construct a dynamic syndrome classification model. Furthermore, it aims to provide evidence-based support for precise TCM diagnosis and treatment by integrating the new pathogenesis theory of “disorder of Chong meridian-blood stasis and vessel obstruction”.
A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and 714 EMS patients from 7 tertiary hospitals across the country were included. A 69-item syndrome questionnaire was optimized through the Delphi method. based on frequency analysis (frequency≥15%), 62 core symptoms were selected. K-means clustering algorithm (K=5 determined by the elbow method) was used for syndrome classification. Model stability was verified through Bootstrap resampling (1 000 times), and syndrome names and theoretical explanations were completed through expert consensus (consistency rate≥80%).
High-frequency symptoms included fatigue (56.16%), lumbar and knee weakness (51.40%), dysmenorrhea (50.00%), and cold pain in the lower abdomen (46.50%). Cluster analysis revealed five syndrome types: Cold aggregation and blood stasis syndrome (36.41%), qi Stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (22.69%), kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (16.53%), qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (14.29%), and damp-heat and blood stasis syndrome (10.08%).
This study constructed a dynamic TCM syndrome classification model for EMS, with five representative syndromes including cold aggregation and blood stasis syndrome. Combined with the new pathogenesis theory of “disorder of Chong meridian-blood stasis and vessel obstruction”, it provides theoretical support for the standardized TCM diagnosis and accurate treatment of EMS.
Patients with premature ovarian insufficiency face numerous challenges in terms of endometrial receptivity in clinical practice. The progression of their condition is often insidious and complex. Western medical treatment mainly focuses on the single regulation of ovarian function, which is difficult to comprehensively improve the complex problem of reduced endometrial receptivity. This article introduces Professor Wu Quansheng's unique theoretical system of collaterals, providing a new perspective for treating the reduction of endometrial receptivity in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency. Based on this theory, it emphasizes “insufficiency of the uterine collateral, lack of nourishment”, “stagnant blood not removed, uterine collateral not unobstructed”, and “deficiency of the body and retention of pathogenic factors, toxins remaining in the body”. In terms of treatment strategies, it focuses on the core of “tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis”, aiming to nourish the uterine collateral and eliminate blood stasis to restore its normal function, provide a reference for the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency with traditional Chinese medicine and the improvement of endometrial receptivity based on the theory of collaterals.
“Self-stabilization Function of Rehabilitation Mechanism” is the body's compliance with the operating law of biochemistry and restraint, as well as the dynamic adjustment process of balance-imbalance-rebalance and stabilizing mechanism, which can guide the reversal of hyperactivity and the prevention of disease. Psychosomatic problems and visceral hypersensitivity play an important role in refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD) and are regulated by a key mechanism of Glu/GABAergic neuronal imbalance. Physiologically, Glu and GABAergic neurons are opposite and interact with each other, and when the birth-control and regulatory mechanisms between the two are malfunctioning, “Loss of Self-stabilization Function of Rehabilitation Mechanism” occurs, leading to neuronal micro-environmental disorders and promoting visceral hypersensitivity and the development of the disease. Based on this theory, this paper discusses the intrinsic connection between the imbalance of Glu/GABAergic neurons and the core mechanism of rGERD, which is “disorder of the pivot, dysregulation of qi, and stagnation and deficiency against the gastroesophageal”, and proposes that the essence of treating rGERD is to harmonize the balance relationship of pivot, with emphasis on regulating the pivot and qi. The treatment principle of “regulating the pivot and treating the epigastric region” is to adjust the pivot of the liver and stomach in order to lower the turbidity and rebelliousness, adjust the pivot of mind in order to resolve the depression, and benefit the yang and nourish the yin in order to help the smoothing and moisturizing as the treatment method, so as to make the body return to the state of “Self-stabilization”. We also summarize the relevant studies of TCM intervening in the imbalance of Glu/GABAergic neurons and restoring the E/I balance, which will provide new ideas for the clinical research and mechanism exploration of the combination of TCM and Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of rGERD.
To observe the effect of acupuncture of Jinjin, Yuye and posterior pharyngeal wall in the treatment of swallowing dysfunction in the acute phase of cerebral infarction.
The study started and ended from March 2024 to March 2025, 88 patients with swallowing dysfunction in the acute phase of cerebral infarction admitted to Beijing Gulou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included and randomly divided into two groups, 44 cases in each group: acupuncture group (conventional treatment+acupuncture) and conventional treatment group (conventional treatment). The swallowing function, quality of life, nutritional indicators, and nerve injury marker levels of the acupuncture group and the conventional treatment group were evaluated/measured and compared, and the efficacy was evaluated, and the occurrence of complications related to swallowing dysfunction was recorded.
After treatment, the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) and Water Swallow Test (WST) scores of the acupuncture group were lower than those of the conventional treatment group, and the Swallowing Quality of Life Scale (SWAL-QOL) score was higher than that of the conventional treatment group (P<0.01). After treatment, the serum albumin (ALB) and prealbumin (PAB) levels of the acupuncture group were higher than those of the conventional treatment group (P<0.01). After treatment, the serum soluble protein-100β (S100β) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) levels of the acupuncture group were lower than those of the conventional treatment group (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the acupuncture group was higher than that of the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). The total incidence of complications such as aspiration pneumonia and suffocation in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05).
Acupuncture of Jinjin, Yuye and the posterior pharyngeal wall to treat swallowing dysfunction in the acute phase of cerebral infarction can promote the recovery of patients' swallowing function, reduce their neurological damage, improve their nutritional indicators and quality of life, and reduce complications.
To study the efficacy and immune mechanism of pivot acupuncture combined with estazolam in the treatment of insomnia.
80 patients diagnosed with insomnia after examination in the Department of Moxibustion of Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine were selected, and the enrollment time was within the range from August 2023 to January 2025. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the conventional group (40 cases, estazolam) and the treatment group (40 cases, pivot acupuncture+estazolam). The clinical efficacy was compared, and the changes in sleep structure (total sleep time, sleep efficiency, the percentages of non-rapid eye movement stage 1, 2, and 3 and rapid eye movement stage time in total sleep time), serum neurotransmitter levels (serum γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid), and immune function of the body (serum interleukin-6, interleukin-1 β, tumor necrosis factor α) before and after treatment were also compared.
The treatment group had higher effective rates (90.00% vs. 65.00%) (P<0.01). After treatment in both groups, the total sleep time, sleep efficiency, the percentage of non-rapid eye movement stage 3 and rapid eye movement stage time to the total sleep time, the contents of serum γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid showed higher values than those before treatment, while scores of TCM syndromes, the levels of non-rapid eye movement stage 1 and 2, serum interleukin-6, interleukin-1 β and tumor necrosis factor α showed lower values (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed higher total sleep time, sleep efficiency, non-rapid eye movement stage 3, the percentage of rapid eye movement stage time to total sleep time, and the contents of serum gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamic acid, while lower scores of TCM syndromes levels of non-rapid eye movement stage 1 and 2, serum interleukin-6, interleukin-1 β, and tumor necrosis factor α (P<0.05).
The therapeutic effect of pivot acupuncture combined with estazolam in the treatment of insomnia is obvious. It is speculated that it may be related to its mechanisms such as improving the sleep structure of patients, regulating the levels of serum neurotransmitters, and enhancing the immune function of the body.
To observe the therapeutic effects of Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Decoction on ventricular arrhythmia (VA) of Qi and Yin deficiency type.
A Total of 80 patients with VA of Qi and Yin deficiency type admitted to Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital from March 2023 to March 2025 were selected and assigned into the control group (40 cases, conventional Western medicine) and the test group (40 cases, with the addition of Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Decoction on top of the control group) through the random number table. The therapeutic effect, cardiac function, electrocardiogram indicators, serological indicators, and adverse drug reaction (ADR) were compared.
Comparing total effective rate, the test group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). After therapy, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of both groups raised compared with that before therapy, and with the test group being greater than the control group (P<0.05). The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), QT interval, QT dispersion, galectin-3 (Gal-3), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1) in both groups decreased compared with those before therapy, and the values in the test group were smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the total incidence of ADR between two groups (P>0.05).
Yiqi Yangyin Huayu Decoction can achieve good results in treating VA of Qi and Yin deficiency type. It can improve cardiac function and electrocardiogram indicators, reduce Gal-3, PARP1 and sTNFR1, and does not raise the occurrence of ADR.
To investigate the intervention efficacy and underlying mechanism of Modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder on steroid-related adverse reactions in children with nephrotic syndrome.
A total of 64 children with newly diagnosed nephrotic syndrome admitted to the Pediatric Ward of Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2024 to December 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table, with 32 cases in each group. Both groups received routine basic treatment for nephrotic syndrome plus standardized glucocorticoid therapy. In addition, the control group received Huaiqihuang Granules, while the observation group received Modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder. The treatment course lasted 8 weeks. The following parameters were observed and compared between the two groups at three time points: T1 (at the time of achieving dry weight), T2 (14 days after achieving dry weight), and T3 (after 8 weeks of full-dose steroid therapy): Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome scores, body fat-related indicators (BMI and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]), HPA axis function indicators (cortisol [COR], adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], 24-hour urinary free cortisol [24 hUFC], and low-dose dexamethasone suppression test [LDST]), and bone metabolism markers (25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide [P1NP]).
At T1, there were no significant differences between the two groups in syndrome scores, BMI, WHtR, HPA axis indicators, or bone metabolism markers (P>0.05). At T2 and T3, the observation group showed significantly lower Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome scores than the control group (P<0.01). At T3, the observation group had significantly lower BMI and WHtR (P<0.01), and significantly higher levels of COR, 24 hUFC, LDST, 25 (OH) D, and P1NP compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01).
Modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder can effectively alleviate the Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome manifestations induced by glucocorticoid therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome, and attenuate steroid-induced abnormalities in body fat metabolism, HPA axis suppression, and bone metabolism disorders, thereby exerting a counteractive effect against steroid-related adverse reactions.
To investigate the effects of modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction combined with conventional treatment on intestinal function, intestinal barrier, and immune-inflammatory status in patients after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, and to provide evidence-based support for enhanced recovery.
A total of 96 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer at Wujin Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from February 2022 to March 2025 were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 48 cases in each group. The control group received conventional treatment. On this basis, the observation group was additionally given modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction starting from the first day after surgery, one dose per day for 7 consecutive days. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, intestinal barrier function indicators (diamine oxidase [DAO], D-lactic acid [D-Lac], intestinal fatty acid-binding protein [IFABP]), immune-inflammatory indicators (CD4+/CD8+ ratio, natural killer [NK] cell activity, regulatory T cells [Treg], IL-10/IL-6 ratio), and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores were compared before surgery and 7 days after surgery. Postoperative complications and adverse events were also recorded.
On postoperative day 7, the total effective rate in the observation group was 95.83% (46/48), which was significantly higher than that in the control group (72.92%, 35/48) (P<0.01). Compared with postoperative day 1, the levels of DAO, D-Lac, and IFABP in both groups decreased on postoperative day 7 (P<0.05), and the levels in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio, NK cell activity, Treg percentage, and IL-10/IL-6 ratio increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05), with the observation group showing significantly higher values than the control group (P<0.05). The scores for abdominal pain, abdominal distension, difficulty in passing flatus, nausea/reflux, and defecation disorder in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). In the control group, one patient experienced postoperative nausea and dizziness, and one patient developed pruritic erythema; in the observation group, one patient experienced nausea and decreased appetite. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.25% (3/48), which was significantly lower than that in the control group (20.83%, 10/48) (P<0.05).
Adding modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction to conventional treatment can significantly improve intestinal barrier function, immune-inflammatory balance, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, and reduce the incidence of complications, with a favorable safety profile.
To investigate the clinical effects of Huayu Ditan (resolving blood stasis and eliminating phlegm) therapy in treating patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with phlegm and stasis paralysis obstruction, and the effects on the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) and B-lymphoblastoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the peripheral blood.
Based on the random arrangement table method, 90 cases of phlegm stasis paralysis-type AIS patients admitted to Luohe Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2022 to June 2024 were divided into the control group (n=45, conventional western medicine treatment) and the observation group (n=45, combined with the method of resolving stasis and purging phlegm on the basis of the control group), and assessed and compared the clinical efficacy, Chinese medicine symptom scores, blood rheology, oxidative stress, and the levels of other biochemical indicators and the incidence of adverse reactions in both groups.
The total effective rate of treatment in the observation group (91.11% vs. 75.56%) was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); on the next day after the end of the treatment, the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and Bcl-2 were higher than those before the treatment in the two groups, and the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the levels of numbness of the limbs, whole-blood viscosity [high cut and low cut], shortness of breath and fatigue, crookedness of the mouth and tongue, plasma Viscosity, speech allusion, HIF-1α and fibrinogen water were lower than before treatment on average, and the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05); the incidence rate of adverse reactions in the two groups (13.33% vs. 8.89%) was compared with each other, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
The treatment of AIS patients with the method of resolving blood stasis and eliminating phlegm has high clinical efficacy, which can reduce patients' disease symptoms and oxidative stress, and improve haematological rheology while regulating the expression levels of HIF-1α and Bcl-2, with a high degree of safety.
To investigate the efficacy of modified Shechuangzi Powder fumigation and washing combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia (WLV) and its effects on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in patients.
A total of 196 WLV patients with liver-kidney yin deficiency pattern treated at Hengshui Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2023 to June 2024 were selected and randomly divided into a combination group and a control group using a random number table method, with 98 cases in each group. Due to loss to follow-up, 1 case in the combination group and 2 cases in the control group were excluded, resulting in 97 and 96 cases being included in the final statistical analysis, respectively. The control group received HIFU treatment, while the combination group received additional modified Shechuangzi Powder fumigation and washing on the basis of HIFU. The therapeutic efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores were evaluated before and after treatment. Serum and vulvar tissue-related indicators were measured before and after treatment. Adverse reactions and recurrence within 6 months of follow-up were recorded in both groups.
The total effective rate in the combination group was 100.00%, which was higher than that in the control group (90.63%) (P<0.01). After treatment, TCM syndrome scores and DLQI scores in the combination group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Regarding serum indicators, the levels of NGF, substance P (SP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the combination group after treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Regarding vulvar tissue indicators, the optical density (OD) value of NGF positive expression in the combination group after treatment was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), while the OD value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) positive expression was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). The 6-month recurrence rate in the combination group was 3.09%, which was lower than that in the control group (10.42%) (P<0.05).
Modified Shechuangzi Powder fumigation and washing combined with HIFU is safe and effective in the treatment of WLV. It can significantly reduce TCM syndrome scores, down-regulate NGF and pro-inflammatory factor levels, upregulate VEGF expression, reduce the recurrence rate, and improve patients' quality of life.
To observe the efficacy of Qingbu Jiushen Formula combined with Western medicine in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) with Qi-Yin deficiency and damp-heat internal retention, and its effects on peripheral blood levels of Cystatin C and pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP).
A total of 100 CKD patients with Qi-Yin deficiency and damp-heat internal retention admitted to the Department of Nephrology, Luoyang Hospital, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from January 2022 to October 2024, were randomly divided into a Western medicine group and a combination group using the envelope method, with 50 cases in each group. The Western medicine group received routine Western medical treatment, while the combination group received Qingbu Jiushen Formula in addition to the same Western treatment, for 12 consecutive weeks. The following parameters were measured before and after treatment: 24-hour urinary protein (24 h Upro), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Cystatin C, proGRP, and factors related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling pathway. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores were assessed before and after treatment, and the overall response rate and incidence of adverse reactions were recorded.
Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in 24 h Upro, eGFR, UAER, Scr, Cystatin C, or proGRP (P>0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, 24 h Upro, UAER, Scr, Cystatin C, and proGRP decreased significantly in both groups compared with baseline (P<0.05), and the combination group showed significantly lower levels than the Western medicine group (P<0.05). eGFR increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), with the combination group showing a higher eGFR than the Western medicine group (P<0.05). Regarding Nrf2-ARE pathway-related factors, no significant differences were found between the two groups at baseline (P>0.05). After 12 weeks, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) all increased significantly in both groups (P<0.05), and the combination group had significantly higher levels than the Western medicine group (P<0.05). TCM symptom scores were comparable between groups before treatment (P>0.05), but after 12 weeks both groups showed significant reductions (P<0.05), with the combination group scoring lower than the Western medicine group (P<0.05). The overall response rate in the combination group was 92.00% (46/50), which was higher than that in the Western medicine group (76.00%, 38/50). The incidence of adverse reactions was 12.00% (6/50) in the combination group versus 8.00% (4/50) in the Western medicine group, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05).
Qingbu Jiushen Formula combined with Western medicine can improve renal function, regulate the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, and enhance therapeutic efficacy in CKD patients with Qi-Yin deficiency and damp-heat internal retention.
To analyze the clinical efficacy of modified Danggui Buxue Decoction on patients with qi and blood deficiency syndrome after postoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer.
A total of 98 breast cancer patients with qi and blood deficiency syndrome who underwent postoperative chemotherapy and were admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to January 2025 were randomly divided into two groups by random number table method. The control group was given conventional treatment, while the observation group was additionally treated with modified Danggui Buxue Decoction. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared.
The disease control rate (DCR) of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ and the quality of life score in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, while the level of CD8+ and the scores of each item of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Comparison of the incidence of adverse reactions between groups (P>0.05). The patients were followed up for 6 months. The recurrence rate of the observation group was 4.08% (2/49), which was lower than that of the control group at 16.33% (8/49) (χ2 value 4.009, P value=0.045).
The modified Danggui Buxue Decoction has a significant therapeutic effect on patients undergoing chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery. It can reduce the TCM syndrome score, improve immune function, enhance the quality of life of patients, and has a relatively low recurrence rate.
To study the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine therapy based on the theory of miscellaneous diseases and hidden pathogens in the treatment of elderly patients with lower extremity fractures complicated with pulmonary infection.
132 elderly patients with lower extremity fractures complicated with pulmonary infection who were admitted to Sichuan Province Orthopedic Hospital from March 2023 to January 2025 were selected and evenly divided into two groups by random single-blind method, including control group (66 cases, conventional western medicine therapy) and trial group (66 cases, traditional Chinese medicine therapy based on the theory of miscellaneous diseases and hidden pathogens in addition to control group). The TCM symptoms scores, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS), detection indicators, course of infection and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.
After treatment, the scores of dimensions of primary syndromes and secondary syndromes in the two groups of patients were decreased (P<0.05), and the scores in trial group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of dimensions of CPIS were reduced in the two groups of patients (P<0.05), and the reductions in trial group were higher compared to control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors in both groups of patients were declined (P<0.05), and the levels were lower in trial group than those in control group (P<0.05). The course of infection in trial group was shorter than that in control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the occurrence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).
For elderly patients with lower extremity fractures complicated with pulmonary infection who are differentiated as spleen deficiency and phlegm dampness and blood stasis, the implementation of traditional Chinese medicine therapy based on the theory of miscellaneous diseases and hidden pathogens is helpful to alleviate the symptoms of body discomfort, relieve the degree of pulmonary infection, reduce the levels of inflammatory factors, and shorten the time of antibiotic use, with high safety.
To investigate the correlation among cytokine levels, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, and clinical efficacy in patients with radiation-induced vaginitis after cervical cancer who were treated with heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal irrigation.
A total of 124 patients with radiation-induced vaginitis following cervical cancer admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to May 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into a control group (n=62, receiving conventional vaginal douching) and an observation group (n=62, receiving heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal irrigation). Curative effect, adverse reactions, cytokine levels, TCM syndrome scores, and the correlations between cytokines and TCM syndromes or efficacy in the observation group were evaluated before and after treatment.
Following treatment, the observation group's (93.55 percent) overall effective rate was significantly greater than the control group's (80.64 percent) (P<0.05), and both groups' total effective rates exceeded 80%. There was no statistically significant difference between the observation group's (3.22 percent, P>0.05) and control group's (8.05 percent) overall incidence of adverse responses. Post-treatment, cytokine levels declined significantly in both groups (P<0.05), with the observation group experiencing a larger decline (P<0.05). All TCM syndrome scores were improved after treatment (P<0.05), and the improvement was superior in the observation group (P<0.05). In the observation group after treatment, only “profuse leukorrhea” showed a significant negative correlation with IL-6 level (P<0.01), while “yellow color with foul fishy odor” was positively correlated with IL-8 level (P<0.01).
Heat-clearing and detoxifying herbal irrigation can effectively ameliorate inflammatory symptoms and TCM syndromes in patients with radiation-induced vaginitis after cervical cancer, demonstrating favorable efficacy and safety, and is worthy of clinical application and promotion. The correlation results suggest that its mechanism may involve down-regulating inflammatory cytokines, thereby improving TCM syndromes and ultimately achieving better clinical outcomes.
To explore the clinical efficacy of Danggui Shaoyao Powder combined with low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin calcium in the treatment of early-onset severe preeclampsia.
96 patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia admitted to Shuyang Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to September 2024 were included.96 patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 48 cases in each group. The control group received subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin calcium, while the observation group received treatment in combination with Danggui Shaoyao Powder. After one week of treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, blood pressure, vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), angiotensinⅡ (AngII), coagulation indicators [thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), plasma fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer], proteinuria [24-hour urine protein quantification, microalbumin (mAlb), transferrin (TRF), urinary alpha 1-microglobulin (α 1-MG)], perinatal outcomes, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.
After treatment, the scores of dizziness, headache, blurred vision, abdominal or chest discomfort, and edema decreased in both groups (P<0.05), and the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed prolonged PT and TT (P<0.05), with the observation group exhibiting longer durations than the control group (P<0.05). Both groups experienced a decrease in FIB and D-dimer levels (P<0.05), with the observation group showing lower levels than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, serum VCAM-1, serum AngII, 24-hour urinary protein quantification, mAlb, TRF, and α 1-MG (P<0.05), with the observation group being lower than the control group (P<0.05). The gestational age of delivery in the observation group was longer than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the birth weight of newborns was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the incidence of fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, and neonatal asphyxia was lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05).
Danggui Shaoyao Powder in the treatment of early-onset severe preeclampsia helps alleviate clinical symptoms and improve perinatal outcomes.
Childhood tic disorders (TD) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders, with core pathological mechanisms closely linked to dopaminergic system dysfunction. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated advantages such as holistic regulation multi-target and multi-pathway intervention in the prevention and treatment of pediatric TD. The dopaminergic signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of TD. By regulating the functions of dopamine D1/D2 receptors, the expression of dopamine transporter (DAT), the activity of dopamine-metabolizing enzymes, and synaptic plasticity, TCM can restore the homeostasis of neurotransmitters and thereby alleviate tic symptoms. Formulas such as Tianma Gouteng Decoction, Jianpi Zhidong Decoction, Ningdong Granules and Chaihu Plus Longgu Muli Decoction can participate in reconstructing the homeostasis of the dopaminergic system and relieve tics. Specifically, they act by balancing the function of D1/D2 receptors, modulating DAT expression, regulating the activity of dopamine-metabolizing enzymes such as COMT and MAO-B, as well as optimizing the expression of synaptic-related proteins and the function of neural circuits. This article reviews the mechanisms of active ingredients of Chinese medicinal herbs, TCM compound prescriptions and proprietary Chinese medicines in treating pediatric TD via regulating the dopaminergic signaling pathway, aiming to provide theoretical basis and research ideas for the prevention and treatment of TD with TCM.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head and neck malignant tumor with relatively high incidence rate, and radiotherapy is its main treatment method. However, the effect of radiotherapy is affected by many factors, so increasing the radio-sensitivity is an important goal of clinical treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine compound and traditional Chinese medicine monomer can effectively play the role of reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency through multi-target and multi-channel role mechanism and have potential value on radio-sensitivity of NPC. This paper aims to review the research progress on application of traditional Chinese medicine compound and traditional Chinese medicine monomer in the intervention of NPC radio-sensitivity in recent years, summarize the role mechanism and clinical results of traditional Chinese medicine compound and traditional Chinese medicine monomer for NPC radio-sensitivity and explore the limitations of existing research and future development direction, in order to provide reference for clinical practice and in-depth research of NPC radio-sensitivity.
Acupoint needle-embedding demonstrates definitive therapeutic effects and high safety in the treatment of simple obesity. It effectively reduces patient body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other indicators. When combined with methods such as traditional Chinese medicine or Tuina, it produces synergistic effects. The clinical efficacy is influenced by the depth of embedding and the treatment frequency. Acupoint needle-embedding achieves weight loss through multiple pathways, including ameliorating leptin resistance, regulating peripheral fat metabolism, alleviating chronic inflammatory responses, and correcting intestinal flora disturbances. Current research still has limitations, such as short follow-up periods and insufficient procedural standardization. Future efforts should be directed toward rigorous clinical and mechanistic studies to enhance the standardization and precision of this therapy.
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