Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global public health problem due to its highly contagious nature. This article aims to discuss the current situation of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and to provide a basis for traditional Chinese medicine research and scientific and standardized treatment of COVID-19.In this article, the etiology, pathogenesis, treatment plan and research progress were summarized, analyzed and concluded by retrieving and reviewing the literature and clinical reports related to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 with traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine has obvious effects in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, improvement of clinical symptoms, and control of disease progression, which had the unique advantages of mild curative efficacy and safety. It has important practical significance in relieving patients' early symptoms and reducing the incidence of progression from mild to severe, and had great potential for development in the treatment of COVID-19. The traditional Chinese medicine intervention and the formulation of diagnosis and treatment plans for the COVID-19 need to be continuously optimized and improved. Scientific and rational application of traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat COVID-19, optimization diagnosis and treatment programs, and in-depth exploration of pharmacological mechanisms, especially the provide reference for early intervention of new coronavirus pneumonia by traditional Chinese medicine, the control of disease progression in the middle stage, and improve prognosis in the late stage with Western medicine.

BACKGROUNDResistin, a newly discovered cysteine-rich hormone secreted mainly by adipose tissues, has been proposed to form a biochemical link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the resistin receptor has not yet been identified. This study aimed to identify resistin binding proteins/receptor.

METHODSThree cDNA fragments with the same 11 bp 5' sequence were found by screening a cDNA phage display library of rat multiple tissues. As the reading frames of the same 11 bp 5' sequence were interrupted by a TGA stop codon, plaque lift assay was consequently used to prove the readthrough phenomenon. The stop codon in the same 11 bp 5' sequence was replaced by tryptophan, and the binding activity of the coded peptide [AWIL, which was designated as resistin binding peptide (RBP)] with resistin was identified by the confocal microscopy technique and the affinity chromatography experiment. pDual GC-resistin and pDual GC-resistin binding peptide were co-transfected into 3T3-L1 cells to confirm the function of resistin binding peptide.

RESULTSThree cDNA fragments with the same 11 bp 5' sequence were found. The TGA stop codon in reading frames of the same 11 bp 5' sequence was proved to be readthroughed. The binding activity of RBP with resistin was consequently identified. The expression of the resistin binding peptide in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes expressing pDual GC-resistin significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation.

CONCLUSIONRBP could effectively rescue the promoted differentiation of resistin overexpressed 3T3-L1 preadipocyte.

3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Carrier Proteins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Mice ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Peptide Library ; Rats ; Resistin ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6 gene) differentially expressed in adipose tissue of obese and normal human subjects or rats. To explore the relationship between the differential expression of TSG-6 and adipocyte differentiation, adipogenesis and obesity, the present study aimed to investigate the changes of TSG-6 gene expression during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation and to analyze the regulative role of TNF-alpha on TSG-6 gene expression in matured 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHODS3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured in vitro and differentiated into the matured adipocytes. TNF-alpha in different concentrations (0.1 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml, 10.0 ng/ml) was added into the culture medium of fully differentiated adipocytes (day 10) for various times (0.5 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h). Total RNA from these adipocytes was extracted and the levels of TSG-6 gene mRNA expression were evaluated by RT-PCR.

RESULTS(1) In preadipocytes, the level of TSG-6 gene mRNA expression remained low. In the presence of dexamethasone (Dex), MIX and insulin, with the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes being differentiated into the matured adipocytes, the level of TSG-6 gene mRNA expression was upregulated and reached the higher level in fully differentiated adipocytes. There is a significant difference between any two detected phases in the levels of TSG-6 gene mRNA expression (P < 0.05), except that the levels of TSG-6 gene mRNA expression did not increase obviously on day 0 to day 2, day 3 to day 5, day 4 to day 6 and day 7 to day 10 (P > 0.05). (2) Treatment of day 10 3T3-L1 adipocytes with TNF-alpha of different concentrations (0.1 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml, 10.0 ng/ml) resulted in a significant decrease in the level of TSG-6 gene mRNA expression. The inhibition effect of TNF-alpha on TSG-6 gene mRNA expression generally tended to be reinforced with the increasing concentrations of TNF-alpha and the elongation of time course, except for the period of 6 - 24 h after the stimulation of 10.0 ng/ml TNF-alpha. When 0.1 ng/ml TNF-alpha was applied, the level of TSG-6 gene expression decreased by 33.73% at 6 h, 97.39% at 12 h. While 1.0 ng/ml TNF-alpha was used, the level of TSG-6 gene expression decreased by 78.68% at 6 h, which remained until 24 h. At a concentration of TNF-alpha up to 10.0 ng/ml, the level of TSG-6 gene expression decreased by 96.27% at 2 h. TSG-6 gene expression was almost fully inhibited.

CONCLUSION(1) TSG-6 gene may be involved in adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. (2) TNF-alpha can downregulate the mRNA expression of TSG-6 gene in matured adipocytes. The inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha on TSG-6 gene expression is generally dose-correlated.

3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; genetics ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; genetics ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Mice ; RNA, Messenger ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Time Factors ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of the treatment for the distal clavicle fracture with two different methods.

METHODSThere were 120 cases of the distal clavicle fractures involved in the study. Among them, 75 cases were treated by self-improved elastic band inclined "8" fixation (Manipulation group), 45 cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with clavicular hook plate (Operation group).

RESULTSThere was statistically significant difference between manipulation group (6.71+/-2.35 weeks) and operation group (11.38+/-4.58 weeks) in the time of fracture union (P<0.01); but, there was no statistically significant difference between manipulation group (100%) and operation group (97.8%) in the rate of fracture union (P>0.05). According to the evaluation of shoulder-joint function, 56, 14 and 5 cases obtained excellent, good and bad result respectively in manipulation group; 38, 5 and 2 cases obtained excellent, good and bad respectively in operation group. There was no statistically significant difference between manipulation group (93.3%) and operation group (95.5%) in the rate of excellent and good (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompared with open reduction and internal fixation with clavicular hook plate, treatment with self-improved elastic band inclined "8" fixation can shorten the union time of fracture and reduce therapeutic risks, so it is an economical, practical and safe method for the distal clavicle fracture.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Clavicle ; injuries ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; methods ; Middle Aged

BACKGROUNDLiver cirrhosis is the fatal consequence of chronic hepatitis, making early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis critical. Liver biopsy is still the standard diagnostic method for liver cirrhosis, although its use in a broad population with alcoholism or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains difficult. In this study, we used a metabonomic approach to detect potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.

METHODSSerum specimens were collected prospectively from normal control subjects (n = 22) and patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 18) or HBV-induced cirrhosis (n = 19). The serum metabonome was analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography (LC)/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) integrated with chemometrics. The acquired LC-MS data were normalized and processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA).

RESULTSSignificant differences in the metabonomics among the three groups were observed. Lysophosphatidyl cholines (LPCs) (LPC C16:0, LPC C18:0, LPC C18:2, LPC C18:3, LPC C20:3, LPC C20:5) were decreased in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis, whereas bile acids (glycocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid), hypoxanthine, and stearamide were increased in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis. These metabolites are considered "common" biomarkers for hepatic cirrhosis. Oleamide and myristamide were increased in the serum of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis but decreased in those with HBV-induced cirrhosis. These could be specific biomarkers for differential diagnosis between alcohol- and HBV-induced hepatic cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONSThere are significant metabonomic differences between alcohol- and HBV-induced liver cirrhosis. Metabonomics is a top-down systems biology tool for conducting research on clinical problems.

Adult ; Aged ; Alcohols ; adverse effects ; Chromatography, Liquid ; methods ; Female ; Hepatitis B virus ; pathogenicity ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; etiology ; metabolism ; virology ; Male ; Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Principal Component Analysis

Background Liver cirrhosis is the fatal consequence of chronic hepatitis, making early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis critical. Liver biopsy is still the standard diagnostic method for liver cirrhosis, although its use in a broad population with alcoholism or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains difficult. In this study, we used a metabonomic approach to detect potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.Methods Serum specimens were collected prospectively from normal control subjects (n=22) and patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (n=18) or HBV-induced cirrhosis (n=19). The serum metabonome was analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography (LC)Rime-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) integrated with chemometrics. The acquired LC-MS data were normalized and processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA).Results Significant differences in the metabonomics among the three groups were observed. Lysophosphatidyl cholines (LPCs) (LPC C16:0, LPC C18:0, LPC C18:2, LPC C18:3, LPC C20:3, LPC C20:5) were decreased in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis, whereas bile acids (glycocholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid), hypoxanthine, and stearamide were increased in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis. These metabolites are considered "common"biomarkers for hepatic cirrhosis. Oleamide and myristamide were increased in the serum of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis but decreased in those with HBV-induced cirrhosis. These could be specific biomarkers for differential diagnosis between alcohol- and HBV-induced hepatic cirrhosis.Conclusions There are significant metabonomic differences between alcohol- and HBV-induced liver cirrhosis.Metabonomics is a top-down systems biology tool for conducting research on clinical problems.

Objective:To retrospectively analyze the treatment status of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in China.Methods:Data of chronic phase (CP) and accelerated phase (AP) CML patients diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2022 from 77 centers, ≥18 years old, and receiving initial imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib or flumatinib-therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China with complete data were retrospectively interrogated. The choice of initial TKI, current TKI medications, treatment switch and reasons, treatment responses and outcomes as well as the variables associated with them were analyzed.Results:6 893 patients in CP ( n=6 453, 93.6%) or AP ( n=440, 6.4%) receiving initial imatinib ( n=4 906, 71.2%), nilotinib ( n=1 157, 16.8%), dasatinib ( n=298, 4.3%) or flumatinib ( n=532, 7.2%) -therapy. With the median follow-up of 43 ( IQR 22-75) months, 1 581 (22.9%) patients switched TKI due to resistance ( n=1 055, 15.3%), intolerance ( n=248, 3.6%), pursuit of better efficacy ( n=168, 2.4%), economic or other reasons ( n=110, 1.6%). The frequency of switching TKI in AP patients was significantly-higher than that in CP patients (44.1% vs 21.5%, P<0.001), and more AP patients switched TKI due to resistance than CP patients (75.3% vs 66.1%, P=0.011). Multi-variable analyses showed that male, lower HGB concentration and ELTS intermediate/high-risk cohort were associated with lower cytogenetic and molecular responses rate and poor outcomes in CP patients; higher WBC count and initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher response rates; Ph + ACA at diagnosis, poor PFS. However, Sokal intermediate/high-risk cohort was only significantly-associated with lower CCyR and MMR rates and the poor PFS. Lower HGB concentration and larger spleen size were significantly-associated with the lower cytogenetic and molecular response rates in AP patients; initial the second-generation TKI treatment, the higher treatment response rates; lower PLT count, higher blasts and Ph + ACA, poorer TFS; Ph + ACA, poorer OS. Conclusion:At present, the vast majority of newly-diagnosed CML-CP or AP patients could benefit from TKI treatment in the long term with the good treatment responses and survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of regulatory B cells (Breg) in pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia(ITP) and its clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 40 ITP patients and 20 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The content of Breg, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The expression level of IL-10,TGF-β, CD40 and CD40L was detected by AimPlex Flow High Throughput Screening Technology. RESULTS: The of Breg cells in ITP patients was significantly lower than that in normal controls (P<0.05)，the expression levels of IL-10,TGF-β and CD40L in ITP patients were also significantly lower than those in normal controls (P<0.05). The contents of Th1 cells in ITP patients were significantly higher than that in normal controls (P<0.05), whereas the contents of Th2, Th17 and Treg cells in ITP patients were significantly lower than those in normal controls (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The Breg cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ITP.
B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; Humans ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; Th17 Cells ; Thrombocytopenia

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.
Adult ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Imatinib Mesylate/adverse effects* ; Incidence ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pyrimidines/adverse effects* ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzamides/adverse effects* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase/drug therapy* ; Aminopyridines/therapeutic use* ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*