Diagnosis, Differential ; Heart Failure ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Data Collection ; methods ; Metabolomics ; methods

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of treating depressive patients with somatic symptoms with combined TCM and western medicine.Methods 69 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups:a combined therapy group (treated with Yangyin-Qinggan decoction and paroxetine) and mono-therapy (treated with paroxetine alone as an active control),The depressive and somatic symptoms were assessed before (0 week),during (2 weeks and 4 weeks) and at the end point (8 weeks) of the treatment.Results ①Both therapies alleviated the depressive symptoms:HAMD assessed among patients receiving combined therapy are listed as:(0 week:19.29±2.38),(2 weeks:17.38 ± 2.37),(4 weeks:15.27 ± 2.15),(8 weeks:13.35 ± 2.09) ;combined therapy started to ease the depressive symptoms after 2 weeks of treatment (2 week compared with 0weeks),similar improvements could also be noticed after 4 weeks of treatment 4 weeks with 2 weeks:P＜0.05)and at the end of this research (after 8 weeks of treatment:8 weeks with 4 weeks:P＜0.05).HAMD for mono-therapy are as:(0 week:18.69±3.03),(2 weeks:16.63±3.09),(4 weeks:15.20±2.95),(8 weeks:14.60±2.72) ; mono-therapy started to alleviate the depressive symptoms also,after 2 weeks of treatment (2 weeks compared with 0 week:P＜0.05),yet only slight improvements could be seen after 4 weeks (4 weeks with 2 weeks:P＞0.05) and 8 weeks of the treatment (8 weeks with 4 weeks:P＞0.05).The combined therapy turned to be more effective in alleviating depressive symptoms at the end point of the treatment (P＜0.05).②In terms of improving the somatic symptoms,the Somatization Symptom Scale (SSS) among patients with combined therapy were as follows:(0 week:48.74±4.07),(2 weeks:46.74±4.16),(4 weeks:43.74±3.77),(8 weeks:41.18 ± 3.50) ; Combined therapy was witnessed to start to ease those symptoms after 2 weeks o f treatment (2week compared with 0 weeks,P＜0.05),similar patterns were found again,after 4 weeks (4 weeks with 2 weeks:P＜0.05) and 8 weeks of the treatment (8 weeks with 4 weeks:P＜0.05).Mono-therapy was found to ease the somatic symptoms in a less-effective way,yet no difference was found between any two SSS after 2 weeks,4weeks or 8 weeks of treatment (P＞0.05,respectively).Combined therapy was better at improving the somatic symptoms (P＜ 0.01).Conclusion Combined therapy proved to be more effective in both relieving depression and somatic symptoms.

Objective To study the influence of HBV replication regulator,enhancer I and Pre- S2,on the immune response of HBV DNA vaccine.Methods DNA fragments of HBsAg,PreS2 HBsAg,HBsAg-enhancer I and PreS2-HBsAg-enhancer I region of HBV were amplified by PCR using the complete genome DNA of HBV adr subtype,and inserted into VR1012 vectors,respective- ly.The recombinant plasmids were transfected into HepG2 cells,and injected into Balb/C mice.The expression of HepG2 cells and the cellular and humoral immune response of mice were tested by cell immuno-chemistry,ELISA and ELISPOT.Results The target protein were expressed by transfected HepG2 cells,enhancer I and Pre-S2 can promote the expression of HBsAg in transfected cells.The HBsAb and the HBsAg specific CTL in inoculated mice were found in the second week after injection, PreS2 but not enhancer I can promote the immune response in inoculated mice.Conclusions When inserted into HBV DNA vaccine,enhancer I and PreS2 can promote the expression of HBsAg in transfected HepG2 cells,PreS2 can promote the immune response in inoculated Balb/C mice.

Objective To explore the TCM syndrome characteristics of cardiac syndrome X(CSX).Methods The signs and symptoms of 51 patients with CSX were analyzed according to the diagnosis of TCM syndromes to summarize their syndrome character- istics.Results of the 51 CSX cases,the following signs and symptoms took dominance:chest pain,fullness in chest,epigastric and abdominal distention,emotional distress,dark purple tongue with petechia,greasy coating,string-taut pulse.The syndromes were mainly of Biao-Superficial excess,including qi stagnation,phlegm retention and blood stasis,occupying 66. 7%,accompanied with Benroot deficiency,including qi deficiency,yin deficiency,qi and yin both deficiency,occupying 33.3%.Conclusion Qi stagnation, phlegm retention and blood stasis are the primary syndromes of CSX.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Yangxue Qingnao Granule (YQG) on the expression of CD11b in CA1 region of hippocampus of vascular dementia rats, and to explore its regulation on microglias.

METHODSTotally 144 SD rats were randomly divided into the sham-operation group, the vascular dementia model group (model), and the YQG treated group (treated). The vascular dementia rat model was prepared by modified Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion. Rats in the sham-operation group and the model group were administered with normal saline -(at the daily dose of 10 mL/kg) by gastrogavage, while those in the treated group were administered with YQG (0.32 g/mL, at the daily dose of 10 mL/kg) by gastrogavage. All administration was performed once per day for 8 successive weeks. The expression of CD11b in CA1 region of hippocampus of vascular dementia rats was detected at week 1, 2, 4, and 8, respectively.

RESULTSCompared with the sham-operation group, the expression of CD11b in CA1 region of hippocampus of vascular dementia rats were significantly enhanced in the model group at each time point (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of CD11b in CA1 region of hippocampus of vascular dementia rats significantly decreased in the treated group at each time point (P < 0.01), especially at week 2.

CONCLUSIONObvious activation and proliferation of microglias could be seen in CA1 region of hippocampus of vascular dementia rats, and YQG could inhibit activation and proliferation of microglias.

Animals ; CA1 Region, Hippocampal ; drug effects ; metabolism ; CD11b Antigen ; metabolism ; Dementia, Vascular ; drug therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Microglia ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of tetrandine on gene expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, transformation growth factor-beta1 and to investigate the inhibitory effect of tetrandine on the scar tissue hyperplasia in rabbits' ears.

METHODSAfter the scar model was formed on the rabbits' ears, the rabbits were divided into 4 groups to receive intro-lesion injection with saline, or prednisolone (Pre) or tetrandrine in low concentration (L-Tet, 1.0 mg/ml) or tetrandrine in high concentration (H-Tet, 7.5 mg/ml). The morphological changes of scar tissue were observed. The changes of fibroblasts quantity and collagen expression were observed with HE and Masson staining. Immunohistochemical study was used to observe the expression level of collagen type I and collagen type III and TGF-beta1. Collagen type I and collagen type III and TGF-beta1, and signal factor Smad 3 mRNA were detected with RT-PCR.

RESULTS(1) 24 days after injury, all the wounds healed completely with formation of red, tough and hypertrophic scar. HE and Masson staining showed significant increase of fibroblasts and collagen density with irregularly arrangement. (2) Compared with that in saline group, the scar in other groups became softer, lighter and thinner, especially in H-Tet group. (3) HE and Masson staining shows the scar in Tet and Pre groups contained less fibroblasts and lower collagen dentsity with comparatively regular arrangement than that in saline group (P < 0.01), especially in H-Tet group. (4) According to the immunohistochemical study, the expression of collage type I and III and TGF-beta was positive in all the groups, but the positive rate and the ratio of collagen density I to III decreased in the order of saline, L-Tet, H-Tet and Pre groups (P < 0.01). (5) PT-PCR detection results showed that the amplification bands brightness of collagen type I and III and TGF-beta1 and signal molecular Smad 3 mRNA in scar tissue were obviously different. Compared with that in saline group, the expression of collagen type I and III and TGF-beta1 and Smad 3 mRNA decreased in Tet and Pre groups (P < 0.01). H-Tet group showed the most obvious reduce in the expression of type I collagen and TGF-beta1 and Smad 3 mRNA. Conclusions Tetrandine can significantly suppress the expression of collagen type I and collagen type III and TGF-beta1 on hypertrophic scar of rabbit ears, and reduce signal factor Smad 3 mRNA' s expression. It may be one of the important mechanism for its inhibitory effect on scar hyperplasia.

Animals ; Benzylisoquinolines ; pharmacology ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ear ; Fibroblasts ; Gene Expression ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Smad3 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; genetics ; metabolism

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a plasma marker of left ventricular dysfunction and cardiac volume overload. Currently it is mainly used in the cardiovascular field. BNP is an intrinsic regulator of the embryonic stem cell proliferation, and the reduction in BNP can increase the apoptosis rate. The epitope of N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide-BNP is most stable. BNP1-32 has the strongest biological activity but with lower plasma level in heart failure patients. The plasma BNP level plays an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis, hospital admission and mortality of heart failure, and can be used as a monitoring indicator in the treatment of heart failure. The deficiency of corin enzyme in patients with heart failure can cause the increase of cracking pro-BNP. BNP can also provide diagnostic and prognostic information for other populations and diseases. Genetic studies on BNP and its receptors also provide important information. Nesiritide, neutral endopeptidase inhibitors, and vasopeptidase inhibitors of the natriuretic peptide synthesis have been used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. However, more reliable and accurate approaches for detecting BNP and N terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide-BNP require further investigations.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; blood ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; blood ; physiology ; therapeutic use

Objective To discuss the importance of balloon occlusion test before interventional treatment of the intracranial giant intemal carotid artery aneurysms and to sum up the nursing experience in assisting the procedure. Methods Proper perioperative nursing measures were carried out for 12 patients, who suffered from intracranial giant internal carotid artery aneurysm and underwent spring coil occlusion treatment. Nursing measures included mental care, observation of the vital signs, prevention of the complications, etc. Results Neither death nor exacerbation of the condition occurred in all the 12 patients. The patients were discharged from the hospital with a mean hospitalization of nine days. During a follow-up period ranged from 4 months to one year, seven patients had no disagreeable feeling, one patient complained of discomfort but no abnormality was found on follow-up DSA, and disappearance of the aneurysm was observed in 4 patients. Conclusion The monitoring of the vital signs, the prevention of the complications and the standard nursing care are the key points for ensuring a successful operation in treating intracranial giant intemal carotid artery aneurysms with spring coil occlusion.

OBJECTIVETo explore the objective special features and role of various indexes of treadmill exercise test (TET) in patients of coronary heart disease (CHD) caused angina pectoris with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome (QYD) with or without accompanied phlegm and blood stasis syndrome (PBS), to provide references for preventing and treating CHD in clinical practice.

METHODSOne hundred and one patients, whose diagnosis measured to the diagnostic standard and the inclusion criteria of angina pectoris and CHD, were classified according to their TCM syndrome type to two groups, the QYD without PBS group (49 cases) and the QYD with PBS group (52 cases). TET was conducted on all the patients. The relative parameters were measured and compared.

RESULTSAs compared with the QYD without PBS group, in the QYD with PBS group, (1) the TET positive rate was higher; (2) total exercise time was lesser; (3) the maximal metabolic equivalent (Max MET) was lower; (4) the average depression of ST segment at the exercise endpoint of test (mV) was higher; (5) the time of ST segment depressed for 0.1mV (min) was longer; (6) the metabolic equivalent during ST-segment depressed by 0.1mV was shorter; and (7) the change of QRS wave time-limit before and immediately after TET was more evident. Moreover, in the testing time more patients revealed angina episode after exercise, and less patients had their heart rate reached the requirement in the QYD with PBS group than those in the QYD without PBS group. Comparison between the two groups in all the above-mentioned indices showed significant difference respectively (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPatients with CHD caused angina pectoris of QYD with PBS are worse in the tolerance for exercise and severer in pathological change of coronary artery than those in those without PBS, they belong to the severe phase of TCM syndrome.

Angina Pectoris ; physiopathology ; Coronary Artery Disease ; physiopathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Exercise Test ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Qi ; Yin Deficiency