OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of Qinzao jiufei decoction on radiation-induced lung injury and expression of plasma transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-?1)and interleukin-1(IL-1).METHODS:Local middle and advanced thoracic tumor patients with radiotherapy were randomized into treatment group and control group. Both groups were given radiotherapy. Treatment group were additionally given Qingzao jiufei decoction (200 mL,b.i.d.) for 6 months. The level of TGF-?1 and IL-1 were determined before and after radiotherapy. After 15 days of radiotherapy,clinical symptoms,lung function and high-resolution CT manifestation of thorax were evaluated. RESULTS:There were statistical significance between two groups in respect of TGF-?1 and IL-1 in serum(P

Objective To observe the lung protection of Astragalus membranaceus against radiotherapy to intermediate-stage and terminal thoracic neoplasm, and its influence on TNF-α and ET expression.Methods The patients with intermediate-stage and terminal thoracic neoplasm under radiotherapy were divided into a treatment group and a control group.Patients in the treatment group took 10 ml of Asragalus membranaceus twice a day.for consecutive 6 months from the beginning of radio therapy.TNF-α and ET in the plasma were measured before and after the radiotherapy.The clinical symptom,iconographic changes and lung diffusion were observed from the 15th day of radiotherapy.Results The TNF-α and ET in plasma afterthe radiotherapy were(2.48±0.75)as/ml and(69.32±23.03)pg/ml for the treatment group,and(5.12±1.01)ns/ml and(97.87±37.83)pg/ml for the control group with the statistial difference(x2=7.49,6.57,P<0.001).The decrease of CO diffusion 5 and 10 months after the radiotherapy in the treatment group was statistically different compared with that in the control group(x2=3.98,3.78,P<0.05).There was a statistical difference of the incidence of acute radiation pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis between these two groups(P<0.05).Conclusions Astragalus membranaceus could inhibit the excess expression of TNF-α and ET in plasma and reduce the deterioration of diffusion after radiotherapy,so that it can be used for intervention of lung injuries from radiotherapy.

Objective To explore the relating factors for cognitive dysfunction in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods Totally 150 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and 150 gender and age-matched healthy subjects (controls) received the cognitive and depression function assessment.150 AECOPD cases were classified into two groups:COPD patients with or without cognitive dysfunction.Fasting blood uric acid (UA) was measured and compared between the two groups.Relating factors for cognition dysfunction were analyzed.Results The score of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was reduced in AECOPD patients as compared with controls [(19.01±3.58) vs.(26.58±1.42)scores,t=-3.48,P=0.032].The score of Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale was higher in AECOPD patients than in controls [(18.05 ± 4.50) vs.(9.98 ± 3.51) scores,t =4.63,P =0.028].The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the patients with AECOPD was 82 cases (54.7％).The serum UA level was lower in the AECOPD patients with cognitive impairment than in patients without cognitive impairment [(235±42) μmol/L (n=82) vs.(332±45) μmol/L (n=68),t=-6.65,P=0.003].In AECOPD patients,the cognitive function was correlated with education,length of hospital stay,serum UA level,COPD stages,disease duration and the depression level,but was not correlated with smoking and body mass index.Conclusions The cognitive impairment is highly prevalent in patients with AECOPD,which is associated with lower serum UA level,longer hospital stay and disease severity.