Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) capable of clearing heat and removing toxin is most commonly used in clinical practice and has the effect of removing fire-heat and toxin. Studies have shown that most of the Ilex plants have the effect of clearing heat and removing toxin, among which the varieties of I. cornuta, I. pubescens, I. rotunda, I. latifolia, and I. chinensis are most widely used. These plants generally contain triterpenoids and their glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other chemical components, especially pentacyclic triterpenoids. According to their skeletons, pentacyclic triterpenoids can be divided into the oleanane type, the ursane type, the lupinane type, etc. Among them, ursane-type components are the most abundant, and 136 species have been found so far. These components have been proved to have pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, anti-thrombosis, cardiomyocyte-protective, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the domestic and foreign literature on Ilex plants with a focus on the research progress on pentacyclic triterpenoids and their pharmacological activities, aiming to provide reference for the development of TCM resources with the effect of clearing heat and removing toxin.
Ilex/chemistry* ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Pentacyclic Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Animals

Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) in treating stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome by exercise duration and metabolic equivalents. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled stable angina patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis syndrome from 22 hospitals. They were randomized 1:1 to STDP (35 mg/pill, 6 pills per day) or placebo for 56 days. The primary outcome was the exercise duration and metabolic equivalents (METs) assessed by the standard Bruce exercise treadmill test after 56 days of treatment. The secondary outcomes included the total angina symptom score, Chinese medicine (CM) symptom scores, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores, changes in ST-T on electrocardiogram and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: This trial enrolled 309 patients, including 155 and 154 in the STDP and placebo groups, respectively. STDP significantly prolonged exercise duration with an increase of 51.0 s, compared to a decrease of 12.0 s with placebo (change rate: -11.1% vs. 3.2%, P<0.01). The increase in METs was significantly greater in the STDP group than in the placebo group (change: -0.4 vs. 0.0, change rate: -5.0% vs. 0.0%, P<0.01). The improvement of total angina symptom scores (25.0% vs. 0.0%), CM symptom scores (38.7% vs. 11.8%), reduction of nitroglycerin consumption (100.0% vs. 11.3%), and all domains of SAQ, were significantly greater with STDP than placebo (all P<0.01). The changes in Q-T intervals at 28 and 56 days from baseline were similar between the two groups (both P>0.05). Twenty-five participants (16.3%) with STDP and 16 (10.5%) with placebo experienced AEs (P=0.131), with no serious AEs observed. CONCLUSION STDP could improve exercise tolerance in patients with stable angina and phlegm-heat and blood stasis syndrome, with a favorable safety profile. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15006020).
Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Angina, Stable/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; Placebos ; Tablets

AIM:This study aims to investigate the synergistic cytotoxic effects of chrysin and venetoclax on acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Human AML cell lines MV411 and MOLM13 were cultured in vitro and treated with chrysin in combination with venetoclax.Cell viability was as-sessed using the CCK8 assay,while flow cytometry was employed to measure cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rates.Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and protein kinase B(PKB/Akt)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway-related proteins.RESULTS:The results from the CCK8 assay and flow cytometry demon-strated that treatment with 16 and 32 μmol/L chrysin significantly inhibited the viability of AML cells and increased the proportion of cells in G1 phase,as well as the apoptosis rate.Notably,the cells in combination treatment group exhibited a marked reduction in proliferation and an elevated apoptosis rate compared with either chrysin or venetoclax group alone.Western blot analysis indicated that increasing concentrations of chrysin led to an elevation in cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)level,alongside a down-regulation of proteins associated with the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.Fur-thermore,the combination treatment significantly up-regulated cleaved PARP level and down-regulated Akt/NF-κB path-way-related proteins compared with the treatment with chrysin or venetoclax alone.CONCLUSION:Chrysin and veneto-clax synergistically inhibit the proliferation of AML cells and promote apoptosis by modulating the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate effect of comprehensive management intervention based on WeChat multimedia classroom on cardiac function and prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods:Clinical data of 118 elderly patients diagnosed with AMI in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA Air Force Military Medical University between August 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to nursing way after operation,they were divided into control group(n=60,comprehensive management interven-tion)and intervention group(n=58,comprehensive management intervention based on WeChat multimedia class-room),both groups were intervened for 5 months.Cardiac function,exercise tolerance,compliance to rehabilita-tion management,self-efficacy and healthy behavior were compared between two groups.Kaplan-Meier survival curve was employed to compare incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during follow-up between two groups.Results:After 5-month intervention,compared with patients in control group,those in intervention group had sig-nificant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(58.14±1.88)％vs.(54.48±1.34)％],6min walking distance(6MWD)[(490.41±59.59)m vs.(394.97±28.20)m],scores of compliance to rehabilitation manage-ment[(6.97±2.03)points vs.(5.03±1.40)points],General Self-Efficacy Scale(GSES)[(30.34±4.67)points vs.(23.55±4.86)points]and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-Ⅱ[(137.62±30.17)points vs.(115.95±22.66)points],and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)[(117.90±4.22)ml vs.(131.28±3.61)ml],left ventriadar end-systolic volume(LVESV)[(54.46±2.10)ml vs.(63.15±2.06)ml],serum brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)[(362.32±25.36)pg/ml vs.(567.58±21.90)pg/ml]and incidence of ad-verse cardiovascular events(6.90％vs.21.67％)(P＜0.05 or＜0.01).Conclusion:Comprehensive management intervention based on the WeChat multimedia classroom could significantly improve cardiac function,exercise toler-ance,compliance to rehabilitation,self-efficacy and healthy behavior,and reduce incidence of adverse cardiovas-cular events after operation in elderly AMI patients.

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

Objective:To identify the factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for colorectal submucosal tumors (SMT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 330 colorectal SMT lesions (from 323 patients) diagnosed by EUS at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University from December 2015 to October 2023. Pathological diagnosis were confirmed through endoscopic resection, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or surgical resection. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated for each type of colorectal SMT. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors affecting EUS diagnostic accuracy.Results:The overall diagnostic accuracy of EUS for colorectal SMT was 73.6% (243/330). Among 19 SMT subtypes enrolled, neuroendocrine neoplasms (51.2%, 169/330) and lipomas (15.5%, 51/330) were most prevalent, while 17 rare subtypes each accounted for <6%. Seven rare SMT (mucosal chronic inflammation, colorectal schwannoma, xanthogranulomatous inflammation, capillary hemangioma, colonic xanthoma, lymphadenoid complex, and angiomyolipoma) showed 0% diagnostic accuracy. Seven other subtypes (granular cell tumor, leiomyoma, rectal tonsil, intestinal schistosomiasis, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and lymphangioma) showed accuracy <30%, whereas five subtypes (cyst, bowel endometriosis, neuroendocrine neoplasm, lipoma, and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis) achieved >60% accuracy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the lesion location (left colon VS rectum: OR=0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.17, P<0.001; right colon VS rectum: OR=0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.13, P<0.001; ileocecal valve VS rectum: OR=0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.42, P=0.002); echogenicity (anechoic VS hypoechoic: OR=6.26, 95% CI: 1.31-29.97, P=0.022; hyperechoic VS hypoechoic: OR=13.39, 95% CI: 4.16-43.09, P<0.001) and ultrasonic layer (layer 4 VS layer 3: OR=0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.81, P=0.023) were independent influencing factors of EUS diagnostic accuracy for colorectal SMT. Conclusion:Neuroendocrine neoplasms and lipomas represent the most common colorectal SMT, whereas rare and uncommon SMT exhibit low EUS diagnostic accuracy. Lesion location, echogenicity, and ultrasonic layer significantly influence EUS diagnostic accuracy for colorectal SMT.

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

AIM:This study aims to investigate the synergistic cytotoxic effects of chrysin and venetoclax on acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:Human AML cell lines MV411 and MOLM13 were cultured in vitro and treated with chrysin in combination with venetoclax.Cell viability was as-sessed using the CCK8 assay,while flow cytometry was employed to measure cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rates.Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and protein kinase B(PKB/Akt)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway-related proteins.RESULTS:The results from the CCK8 assay and flow cytometry demon-strated that treatment with 16 and 32 μmol/L chrysin significantly inhibited the viability of AML cells and increased the proportion of cells in G1 phase,as well as the apoptosis rate.Notably,the cells in combination treatment group exhibited a marked reduction in proliferation and an elevated apoptosis rate compared with either chrysin or venetoclax group alone.Western blot analysis indicated that increasing concentrations of chrysin led to an elevation in cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)level,alongside a down-regulation of proteins associated with the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.Fur-thermore,the combination treatment significantly up-regulated cleaved PARP level and down-regulated Akt/NF-κB path-way-related proteins compared with the treatment with chrysin or venetoclax alone.CONCLUSION:Chrysin and veneto-clax synergistically inhibit the proliferation of AML cells and promote apoptosis by modulating the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate effect of comprehensive management intervention based on WeChat multimedia classroom on cardiac function and prognosis in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods:Clinical data of 118 elderly patients diagnosed with AMI in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chinese PLA Air Force Military Medical University between August 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to nursing way after operation,they were divided into control group(n=60,comprehensive management interven-tion)and intervention group(n=58,comprehensive management intervention based on WeChat multimedia class-room),both groups were intervened for 5 months.Cardiac function,exercise tolerance,compliance to rehabilita-tion management,self-efficacy and healthy behavior were compared between two groups.Kaplan-Meier survival curve was employed to compare incidence of adverse cardiovascular events during follow-up between two groups.Results:After 5-month intervention,compared with patients in control group,those in intervention group had sig-nificant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(58.14±1.88)％vs.(54.48±1.34)％],6min walking distance(6MWD)[(490.41±59.59)m vs.(394.97±28.20)m],scores of compliance to rehabilitation manage-ment[(6.97±2.03)points vs.(5.03±1.40)points],General Self-Efficacy Scale(GSES)[(30.34±4.67)points vs.(23.55±4.86)points]and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-Ⅱ[(137.62±30.17)points vs.(115.95±22.66)points],and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)[(117.90±4.22)ml vs.(131.28±3.61)ml],left ventriadar end-systolic volume(LVESV)[(54.46±2.10)ml vs.(63.15±2.06)ml],serum brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)[(362.32±25.36)pg/ml vs.(567.58±21.90)pg/ml]and incidence of ad-verse cardiovascular events(6.90％vs.21.67％)(P＜0.05 or＜0.01).Conclusion:Comprehensive management intervention based on the WeChat multimedia classroom could significantly improve cardiac function,exercise toler-ance,compliance to rehabilitation,self-efficacy and healthy behavior,and reduce incidence of adverse cardiovas-cular events after operation in elderly AMI patients.