OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in treating chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and explore its potential mechanisms.METHODS From June 2020 to December 2022,100 CAG patients with spleen defi-ciency and blood stasis syndrome were enrolled and randomly divided into a trial group(n=50)and a control group(n=50)using a random number table.The trial group received Weiyan Tongluo Granules plus a folic acid placebo,while the control group received fo-lic acid tablets plus a traditional Chinese medicine granule placebo.The treatment course for both groups was 24 weeks,with 8 and 10 dropouts in the trial and control groups,respectively.Post-treatment comparisons included OLGA/OLGIM staging reversal rates,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression rate,SSDPRO-CG(Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Chronic Gastritis in Spleen-Stomach Diseases)scores,TCM syndrome scores,and safety indicators.Serum levels of PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,and G-17 were measured via ELISA before and after treatment.Gastric mucosal p-NF-κB and CDX2 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot,while mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,and MUC2 were quantified via qPCR.RESULTS After treatment,the trial group showed sig-nificantly higher OLGA and OLGIM stage reversal rates than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),though no significant difference was observed in low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression.Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physiological domain scores and total SSDPRO-CG scores(P<0.01),with the trial group outperforming the control group in physiological,independence,psychological domains,and total scores(P<0.05,P<0.01).TCM syndrome scores(total and sub-items:gastric distension,pain,poor appetite,bloating)decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.01),while the trial group showed greater reductions in loose stools and dull complexion(P<0.01).After-treatment,the trial group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,G-17,gastric mucosal p-NF-κB,CDX2,and IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,MUC2 mRNA levels improved significantly in the trial group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the control group improved only in PGⅡ(P<0.05,P<0.01).The trial group's improvements in these biomarkers surpassed the control group's(P<0.05,P<0.01).No treatment-related adverse events occurred in either group.CONCLUSION Weiyan Tongluo Granules ameliorate gastric mucosal pathology,clinical symptoms,psychological state,and quality of life in CAG patients without significant adverse effects.Its mechanism may involve sup-pressing the NF-κB pathway to reduce IL-1β and IL-6 expression,downregulating CDX2 to inhibit VIL1 and MUC2 transcription,thereby reversing the vicious cycle of inflammation-intestinal metaplasia.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in treating chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and explore its potential mechanisms.METHODS From June 2020 to December 2022,100 CAG patients with spleen defi-ciency and blood stasis syndrome were enrolled and randomly divided into a trial group(n=50)and a control group(n=50)using a random number table.The trial group received Weiyan Tongluo Granules plus a folic acid placebo,while the control group received fo-lic acid tablets plus a traditional Chinese medicine granule placebo.The treatment course for both groups was 24 weeks,with 8 and 10 dropouts in the trial and control groups,respectively.Post-treatment comparisons included OLGA/OLGIM staging reversal rates,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression rate,SSDPRO-CG(Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Chronic Gastritis in Spleen-Stomach Diseases)scores,TCM syndrome scores,and safety indicators.Serum levels of PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,and G-17 were measured via ELISA before and after treatment.Gastric mucosal p-NF-κB and CDX2 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot,while mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,and MUC2 were quantified via qPCR.RESULTS After treatment,the trial group showed sig-nificantly higher OLGA and OLGIM stage reversal rates than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),though no significant difference was observed in low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression.Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physiological domain scores and total SSDPRO-CG scores(P<0.01),with the trial group outperforming the control group in physiological,independence,psychological domains,and total scores(P<0.05,P<0.01).TCM syndrome scores(total and sub-items:gastric distension,pain,poor appetite,bloating)decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.01),while the trial group showed greater reductions in loose stools and dull complexion(P<0.01).After-treatment,the trial group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,G-17,gastric mucosal p-NF-κB,CDX2,and IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,MUC2 mRNA levels improved significantly in the trial group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the control group improved only in PGⅡ(P<0.05,P<0.01).The trial group's improvements in these biomarkers surpassed the control group's(P<0.05,P<0.01).No treatment-related adverse events occurred in either group.CONCLUSION Weiyan Tongluo Granules ameliorate gastric mucosal pathology,clinical symptoms,psychological state,and quality of life in CAG patients without significant adverse effects.Its mechanism may involve sup-pressing the NF-κB pathway to reduce IL-1β and IL-6 expression,downregulating CDX2 to inhibit VIL1 and MUC2 transcription,thereby reversing the vicious cycle of inflammation-intestinal metaplasia.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) for refractory glaucoma.Methods:A prospective multicenter observational case series study was conducted.A total of 63 refractory glaucoma patients (67 eyes) who underwent MP-TSCPC treatment were enrolled at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Chengdu First People's Hospital (Chengdu Integrated TCM& Western Medicine Hospital), and Changsha Aier Eye Hospital from August 2022 to April 2023.Among these cases, there were 40 eyes (59.7%) with unreduced intraocular pressure (IOP) after glaucoma surgery, 4 eyes (6.0%) with secondary glaucoma after vitrectomy, 2 eyes (3.0%) with secondary glaucoma after keratoplasty, 8 eyes (11.9%) with neovascular glaucoma, 3 eyes (4.5%) with secondary glaucoma due to iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, 6 eyes (9.0%) with primary open-angle glaucoma and 4 eyes (6.0%) with primary angle-closure glaucoma.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured using the ETDRS chart and the IOP was measured using the Goldmann applanation tonometry before and 6 months after the surgery.The usage of anti-glaucoma medications before and after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded.Surgical success rate was calculated and surgical success was defined as an IOP reduction of more than 20% from baseline or a reduction in the number of ocular hypotensive medications with no change in IOP.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.2022KYPJ225).Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:There was a statistically significant overall difference in IOP at different time points before and after surgery ( F=60.10, P<0.001), and the IOP at different time points after surgery was significantly lower than that before surgery, with statistically significant differences (all at P<0.001).IOP reduction at 6 months after surgery was (43.7±20.7)%.The number of anti-glaucoma medications used postoperatively was 2(0, 3) types, which was significantly less than the 3(2, 3) types used preoperatively ( Z=-2.70, P=0.007).The 6-month postoperative BCVA (LogMAR) was 1.40(0.52, 2.70), which showed no significant change compared to the preoperative 1.40(0.70, 2.70) ( Z=-0.10, P=0.952).The surgical success rate was 83.6%(56/67) at 6 months postoperatively.Postoperative complications included mydriasis (11/67), conjunctival hemorrhage (11/67), mild anterior chamber inflammation (1/67), mild ciliary body detachment (3/67), local choroidal detachment (1/67), and cystoid macular edema (1/67), all of which were reversible after treatment. Conclusions:MP-TSCPC appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for refractory glaucoma.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been successfully incorporated in clinical practice in recent years.Increasing evidence shows that MIGS also plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) plus goniosynechialysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT), as a new procedure, has been proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of PACG with no or mild cataracts.However, there is still a lack of uniform standards for indications, surgical procedures, and perioperative medication.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete expert recommendations on surgical procedures to standardize the application of combined SPI+ GSL+ GT in the treatment.Some experts in glaucoma treatment and management in China have discussed the current problems and developing trend in MIGS for PACG and put forward the expert recommendations of standard process, including indications, anaesthetic methods, surgical site, operating procedure and rational administration of drugs in perioperation, in order to standardize the medical process of clinicians using combined SPI+ GSL+ GT in PACG treatment and lay a foundation for better evaluation of the efficacy of MIGS.

Objective:To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and safety of surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) combined with goniosynechilysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) in the treatment of advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).Methods:A multicenter observational case series study was performed.Thirty-five eyes of 27 patients with advanced PACG, who underwent SPI+ GSL+ GT with a follow-up of at least 6 months, were included from August 2021 to January 2022 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Handan City Eye Hospital, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.The mean follow-up time was 9(7, 10) months.Pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured with an ETDRS chart and a Goldmann applanation tonometer, respectively.The number of anti-glaucoma medications applied before and after surgery was recorded, and the complications after surgery were analyzed.Success rate of surgery was calculated.Complete surgical success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and 20% reduction from baseline without anti-glaucoma medication or reoperation.Qualified success was defined as achieving criterion of complete success under anti-glaucoma medications.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.2021KYPJ177). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:The mean preoperative IOP was (30.83±8.87)mmHg, which was significantly decreased to (15.69±3.70)mmHg at 6 months after the surgery ( t=8.588, P<0.001), with a 44.00% (34.78%, 60.00%) decline of 13.00(8.00, 21.00)mmHg.The median number of anti-glaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 2(0, 3) preoperatively to 0 (0, 1) postoperatively ( Z=-3.659, P<0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative 6-month BCVA were 0.80(0.63, 1.00) and 0.80(0.60, 1.00), respectively, showing no significant difference ( Z=-0.283, P=0.777). Complete surgical success rate was 62.86%(22/35), and the qualified success rate was 91.43%(32/35). Surgical complications mainly included hyphema (6/35), IOP spike (3/35), and shallow anterior chamber (4/35). There was no vision-threatening complication. Conclusions:SPI+ GSL+ GT is preliminarily effective and safe in the treatment of advanced PACG, which provides a new option for PACG.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been successfully incorporated in clinical practice in recent years.Increasing evidence shows that it also plays an important role in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Goniosynechialysis (GSL) is a key surgical procedure used by MIGS for PACG, which involves separating the peripheral anterior synechia and reopening the angle.However, there is still a lack of uniform standards for indications and surgical procedures.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete expert consensus on surgical procedures to standardize the application of clinicians in the treatment.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of phacoemulsification cataract extraction combined with intraocular lens implantation (PEI) plus goniosynechilysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) for advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).Methods:An observational case series study was performed.Fifty eyes of 50 patients with advanced PACG were enrolled in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from August 2020 to June 2021.All the patients received PEI+ GSL+ GT and were followed up for over 6 months, with a mean follow-up of 7.5 (6, 10) months.Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was examined with an ETDRS chart and converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) units for analysis.Types and number of anti-glaucoma medications applied before and after surgery, and the surgical complications were collected.Success rate of surgery was calculated.Complete surgical success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) with a reduction of 20% from baseline without anti-glaucoma medication, no vision-threatening complications, no loss of light perception, and no reoperation.Qualified success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg with a reduction of 20% from baseline with or without anti-glaucoma medication, no vision-threatening complications, no loss of light perception, and no reoperation.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.This research protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (No.2021KYPJ177). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject before entering the cohort.Results:The mean preoperative IOP was (28.81±7.81)mmHg, and the IOP at the end of follow-up was (13.41±4.10)mmHg, showing a statistically significant decrease ( t=12.260, P<0.001). The postoperative IOP was decreased by 13.80 (9.10, 19.40)mmHg, with a percentage decrease of 51.1% (38.6%, 67.1%). The mean preoperative and postoperative BCVA was (0.92±0.11) LogMAR and (0.88±0.10) LogMAR, respectively, and no significant difference was found ( t=-0.560, P=0.580). The number of anti-glaucoma medications was reduced from 2 (1, 3) before operation to 0 (0, 0) after operation.The complete success rate of surgery was 80% (40/50), and the qualified success rate was 94% (47/50). Surgical complications mainly included hyphema in 7 eyes, IOP spike in 7 eyes, and corneal edema in 3 eyes.No vision-threatening complication occurred. Conclusions:PEI+ GSL+ GT is preliminarily effective and safe for advanced PACG by reducing IOP and application of anti-glaucoma medications with few complications.

OBJECTIVE： To analyze the formulation regularity of Chinese patent medicines containing Paeonia lactiflora， and to provide evidence for modern clinical application and R&D of P. lactiflora. METHODS： The formulations of Chinese patent medicine containing P. lactiflora were collected from Chinese Materia Medica Preparation and 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopeia. Statistical analysis was performed on the frequency of medicinal material， channel tropism， distribution of attending syndromes and attending diseases， core medicine combination （support degrees were set as 10％， 20％， 30％ and confidence degree was 0.9） by using data mining methods such as descriptive statistics and association rule analysis in TCM Inheritance System V 2.5； the formulation regularity of common attending syndromes and attending diseases （support degrees were set as 20％， 30％， 40％ and confidence degree was 0.9） was analyzed. RESULTS： A total of 600 Chinese patent medicine formulations contained P. lactiflora， involving 673 ingredients. The main medicinal properties in Chinese patent medicines containing P. lactiflora were warm， followed by cold and neutral. The main medicinal flavor was sweet， followed by bitter and pungent. The main channel tropism was spleen， liver and heart channel. There were 165 kinds of main treatment diseases （menstrual disorder， dysmenorrhea， dizziness） and 159 main treatment syndromes （insufficiency of qi and blood， qi stagnation and blood stasis， liver and kidney deficiency）. Under the condition of 30％ support degree and 0.9 confidence degree， there were 20 core combination of Chinese patent medicine formulations containing P. lactiflora （Glycyrrhiza uralensis-P. lactiflora， Angelica sinensis-P. lactiflora， P. lactiflora-Poria cocos） and 19 association rules among drugs. Under the condition of 40％ support degree and 0.9 confidence degree， there were 8 core medicines in Chinese patent medicines containing P. lactiflora for menstrual disorders （such as P. lactiflora， Cyperus rotundus， A. sinensis）， 9 core medicines for dizziness （such as P. lactiflora， Rehmannia glutinosa， A. sinensis）， 9 core medicines for qi and blood deficiency （such as P. lactiflora， Atractylodes macrocephala， P. cocos）， and 10 core medicines for qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome （such as P. lactiflora， Aucklandia lappa， G. uralensis）. CONCLUSIONS： In this study， data mining was used to analysis the main symptoms， compatibility characteristics and formulation rules of Chinese patent medicines containing P. lactiflora， which can provide a basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of P. lactiflora.

Objective To study the immunoregulatory effect of sodium butyrate(NaB)on T helper cell 17(Th17)and the effect on toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)signal pathway in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).Methods Fifty male C57BL/6 mice(6 weeks of age)according to the random number table method divided into control group(n=10),AIH group(n=10),NaB group(n=10)and high roughage diet(HRD)group(n=10),and the other ten mice were used to extract hepatic sytosolic S-100.After the establishment of AIH model,mice in NaB group were given sodium butyrate 500 mg/(kg·d)by gavage and those in HRD group were fed with high-fiber stuff.After 3 weeks of treatment,all the mice were sacrificed.The pathological change was observed.The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST),IL-17A and TNF-α,the proportion of Th17 in spleen,the expression levels of TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)in liver were observed in each group.The tests of normality and homogeneity of variance were used to compare the means of each group.One-way analysis of variance and multiple comparative analyses were used in the statistical analysis.Results HE staining showed that inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis were significantly reduced in mice treated with NaB and HRD compared to AIH group.Serum ALT levels in control group,AIH group,NaB group and HRD group were(24.833 ± 2.229),(88.333 ± 9.543),(27.167 ± 3.189)and (29.833 ± 6.113)U/L,respectively,while AST levels in each group were(97.00 ± 14.953),(285.000 ± 35.434),(139.500 ± 38.976)and(127.167 ± 28.687)U/L,respectively.The differences among groups were all statistically significant(F=156.49 and 44.118,respectively,both P<0.01).The proportion of Th17 in spleen and the expressions of the transcription factors retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t in the spleen of the NaB group and HRD group were significantly lower than those of AIH group.The differences were statistically significantly(F=21.780 and 68.283,respectively,both P<0.05).The expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 in liver of AIH group were significantly higher than control group,but those were inhibited in NaB group and HRD group.The differences were statistically significantly(F= 26.235 and 28.293,respectively,both P<0.01).The expressions of IL-17 and TNF-α in liver and serum decreased in NaB group and HRD group.Conclusion NaB exerts an immunoregulatory effect in AIH and improves inflammatory reaction in liver.

The development of health-related quality of life (HRQL) instrument in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is increasing rapidly in China, but few studies focus on their necessity. This study explores the necessity of the development of TCM instruments from both theoretical and practice perspectives, and aims to explain whether the adoption of the cross-medical style is valid. Through theoretical analysis, both TCM and Western medicine instruments show the same objectives, whereas TCM instruments are more suitable for the Chinese social behavior, customs and expectations. In practical analysis, 47 TCM instruments were identified, among which 17 had 18 corresponding Western medical instruments. In the domains layer, except for physiological, psychological and social factors, TCM instruments focus more on the harmony between body and spirit, humanity and nature or human and society and the constitution, etc. In the facts layer, TCM instruments focus on the emotions, initiative social intercourse, TCM symptoms, diet, sleep, taste, feces and urine, etc. In addition, significant differences existed in the methods of information selection. There is no need to modify cross-medical style research except when TCM characteristic terms exist, but attention must be paid to the influence of culture in different areas. Therefore, the TCM instruments can resolve the limitations of the application of Western medical instruments to the Chinese setting, while also having remarkable abilities of information coverage and detection. Both forms of instruments have the capacity and requirement to inter-communicate with each other in order to serve the whole Chinese cultural system. Generally speaking, there is no need to modify the instruments in cross-medical style research. But this point requires further demonstration in the rigorous designed clinical trials.