OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of Bushen Anshen acupuncture (acupuncture for tonifying kidney and calming spirit ) in treating perimenopausal insomnia (PMI) of kidney-yin deficiency. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with PMI of kidney-yin deficiency were randomized into an observation group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off). Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20) and bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Anmian (Extra) in the observation group, while sham acupuncture of shallow needling at non-acupoints was applied in the control group. The treatment was required once every other day, 3 times a week for 10 times in the two groups. Before and after treatment, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the subjective sleep quality, and polysomnography (PSG) was used to monitor the objective sleep quality in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, hypnotic, daytime dysfunction and total score of PSQI were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01), the scores of sleep duration, sleep efficiency and total score of PSQI were decreased compared with those before treatment in the control group (P<0.05); the scores of sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, hypnotic and total score of PSQI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the sleep time was prolonged, the sleep efficiency was improved, the sleep latency and the awake time after falling asleep were shortened, the arousal awake index was reduced (P<0.01) when PSG indexes were monitored, and the percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep period 1 (N1%) was decreased while the percentage of non-rapid eye movement sleep period 3 (N3%) was increased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment in the observation group; there was no statistical difference in the PSG indexes compared with those before treatment in the control group (P>0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the sleep time was prolonged, the sleep efficiency was improved, the sleep latency and the awake time after falling asleep were shortened, the arousal awake index and N1% were decreased in the observation group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Bushen Anshen acupuncture can effectively improve the subjective and objective sleep quality in PMI patients of kidney-yin deficiency.
Humans ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy* ; Perimenopause ; Yin Deficiency ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Kidney ; Hypnotics and Sedatives

This study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue effect and mechanism of Lubian(Cervi Penis et Testis) on kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency mice. After one week of adaptive feeding, 88 healthy male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a kidney Yin deficiency model group, a kidney Yin deficiency-Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQR) group, kidney Yin deficiency-Lubian treatment groups, a kidney Yang deficiency model group, a kidney Yang deficiency-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(GR) group, and kidney Yang deficiency-Lubian treatment groups, with eight mice in each group. The kidney Yin deficiency model and kidney Yang deficiency model were prepared by daily regular oral administration of dexamethasone acetate and hydrocortisone, respectively, and meanwhile, corresponding drugs were provided. The mice in the blank group received blank reagent. The treatment lasted 14 days. The exhaustive swimming time was measured 30 min after drug administration on the 14th day. On the 15th day, blood was collected from eyeballs and the serum was separated to determine the content of lactic acid(LD), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). The liver was dissected to determine the content of liver glycogen and the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt). Compared with the kidney Yang deficiency model group, the kidney Yang deficiency-Lubian treatment groups showed increased body weight(P<0.05), relieved symptoms of Yang deficiency, decreased cGMP content(P<0.01), increased cAMP/cGMP(P<0.01), prolonged exhausted swimming time(P<0.01), reduced LD(P<0.01), elevated BUN content(P<0.01), increased liver glycogen content(P<0.01), and increased protein expression of PI3K and Akt in the liver(P<0.05). Compared with the kidney Yin deficiency model group, the kidney Yin deficiency-Lubian treatment groups showed increased body weight(P<0.01), relieved symptoms of Yin deficiency, increased content of cGMP(P<0.01), decreased cAMP/cGMP(P<0.01), prolonged exhausted swimming time(P<0.01), decreased LD(P<0.01), decreased BUN content(P<0.01), increased liver glycogen content(P<0.01), and increased protein expression of PI3K(P<0.05) and Akt in the liver(P<0.05). To sum up, Lubian can regulate Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency and increase glycogen synthesis by affecting the PI3K-Akt pathway, thereby exerting an anti-fatigue role.
Male ; Mice ; Animals ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Liver Glycogen ; Yang Deficiency/drug therapy* ; Yin Deficiency/drug therapy* ; Kidney ; Body Weight

A cross-sectional study method combined with two types of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome differentiation methods was adopted to investigate the clinical symptoms and distribution characteristics of TCM syndromes in patients with pulmonary nodules from the perspectives of number, size, nature, and stability of pulmonary nodules by using the χ~2 test, systematic clustering and Apriori algorithm correlation analysis. The common clinical symptoms of pulmonary nodules were fatigue(77.35%) and irritability(75.40%), and 40 symptoms were clustered into 3 groups(digestive system symptoms, respiratory system symptoms, and emotional and systemic symptoms) and 8 major symptom categories. The proportion of cold and heat in complexity syndrome(63.43%) was higher based on cold-heat syndrome differentiation. The top two syndromes were Qi deficiency syndrome(88.03%) and Qi depression syndrome(83.17%) based on disease syndrome differentiation. Yang deficiency syndrome(60.52%) was more than Yin deficiency syndrome(50.16%). There were higher proportions of phlegm syndrome(78.67%) and Yang deficiency syndrome(69.33%) of so-litary pulmonary nodules in terms of the number of pulmonary nodules. In terms of size, the proportion of phlegm syndrome decreased as the mean diameter of pulmonary nodules increased, while the proportions of Yang deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome increased. The distribution of Qi depression syndrome was more in those with mean diameter<10 mm(85.02%, P=0.044) and cold syndrome was more in those with mean diameter ≥10 mm(16.67%, P=0.024). In terms of the nature of pulmonary nodules, the proportions of Qi depression syndrome and heat syndrome decreased with the increase in solid components of pulmonary nodules, while the proportions of Yin deficiency syndrome and cold and heat in complexity syndrome increased. The blood stasis syndrome accounted for a higher proportion of pulmonary nodules with solid components. In terms of the stability of pulmonary nodules, dampness syndrome(72.97%), blood stasis syndrome(37.84%), and cold and heat in complexity syndrome(70.27%) accounted for higher proportions. In addition, patients with new nodules presented higher proportions in Qi inversion syndrome(52.00%, P=0.007) and cold and heat in complexity syndrome(66.00%, P=0.008). Meanwhile, 11 syndromes were associated and 4 common compound syndromes were obtained(Qi deficiency and depression syndrome, Qi depression and phlegm coagulation syndrome, Qi deficiency and phlegm coagulation syndrome, and Qi deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome). Qi deficiency syndrome and Qi depression syndrome could be associated with other syndromes. The results show that the main clinical symptoms of pulmonary nodules are fatigue and irritability. The main TCM syndromes of pulmonary nodules are Qi deficiency syndrome, Qi depression syndrome, Yang deficiency syndrome, and cold and heat in complexity syndrome. The distribution of TCM syndromes is significantly correlated with the size of pulmonary nodules and the presence or absence of new nodules. The common compound syndromes are Qi deficiency and depression syndrome, Qi depression and phlegm coagulation syndrome, Qi deficiency and phlegm coagulation syndrome, and Qi deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome.
Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Yin Deficiency/diagnosis* ; Yang Deficiency/diagnosis* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Syndrome

For the first time, this study evaluated the gender differences and mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of raw Rehmanniae Radix(RRR) based on the classic depression model with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of Yin deficiency and internal heat. The depression model with Yin deficiency and internal heat was established by the widely recognized and applied method of thyroxine induction of the classic depression model with Yin deficiency and internal heat(chronic unpredictable mild stress). Male and female mice were simultaneously treated with RRR. The study analyzed indicators of nourishing Yin and clearing heat, conventional antidepressant efficacy test indicators, and important biomolecules reflecting the pathogenesis and prevention and treatment mechanisms of depression, and conducted a correlation analysis of antidepressant efficacy, Yin-nourishing and heat-clearing efficacy, and biological mechanism in different genders, thereby comprehensively assessing the antidepressant effects of RRR on depression of Yin deficiency and internal heat, as well as its gender differences and mechanisms. RRR exhibited antidepressant effects in both male and female mouse models, and its antidepressant efficacy showed gender differences, with a superior effect observed in females. Moreover, the effects of RRR on enhancing or improving hippocampal neuronal pathology, nucleus-positive areas, postsynaptic dense area protein 95, and synaptophysin protein expression were more significant in females than in males. In addition, RRR significantly reversed the abnormal upregulation of nuclear factor(NF)-κB/cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3) pathway proteins in the hippocampus of both male and female mouse models. The antidepressant effects of RRR were more pronounced in depression female mice with Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome, possibly due to the improvement of neuronal damage and enhancement of neuroplasticity. The antidepressant mechanisms of RRR for depression with Yin deficiency and internal heat syndrome may be associated with the downregulation of the NF-κB/COX2/NLRP3 pathway to reduce neuronal damage and enhance neuroplasticity.
Male ; Female ; Mice ; Animals ; Yin Deficiency ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Sex Factors ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; NF-kappa B ; Antidepressive Agents/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears and artificial tears alone for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomized into an acupuncture combined with medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the medication group, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop was applied, 3 times a day, 1 drop each time. On the basis of the treatment as the medication group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7), Benshen (GB 13), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Guangming (GB 37), Fengchi (GB 20), Tongziliao (GB 1), Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the acupuncture combined with medication group, Tongziliao (GB 1) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) were connect with electroacupuncture, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptom score, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the clinical symptom scores, corneal FL and HAMA scores were decreased (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom score, FL and HAMA scores in the acupuncture combined with medication group were lower than the medication group (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT in the acupuncture combined with medication group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture combined with medication group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears could promote the secretion of tears for patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, repair corneal defect and prolong tear film break-up time, and alleviate anxiety state, its curative effect is better than simple artificial tears.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Humans ; Kidney ; Liver ; Treatment Outcome ; Yin Deficiency/therapy*

To evaluate the pharmacoeconomic value of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid in the treatment of viral myocarditis(Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome) by supplementing Qi, nourishing the heart, calming the mind, and relieving palpitation, the present study performed the Meta-analysis based on the published papers on Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid by AMSTAR and carried out pharmacoeconomic evaluation using TreeAge Pro by the cost-effectiveness analysis. The results showed that the quality of the included papers was good. After four weeks of treatment, Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid combined with the conventional treatment regimen was superior to the conventional treatment in improving creatine kinase isoenzyme, and the difference was statistically significant. Furthermore, the treatment cost was also higher than that of conventional treatment, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of CNY 95.89, accounting for 0.30% of per capita disposable income. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the research results were robust. Therefore, based on the assumption that the per capita disposable income in 2020 was the threshold of patients' willingness to pay, it is more economical for patients with viral myocarditis to use Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid combined with conventional secondary prevention regimen than conventio-nal secondary prevention regimen alone. The economic evaluation of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid in the treatment of viral myocarditis will help physicians and patients choose optimal treatment options, improve rational clinical medication, and provide references for the efficient allocation and utilization of medical resources in China.
Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Economics, Pharmaceutical ; Humans ; Myocarditis/drug therapy* ; Qi ; Yin Deficiency/drug therapy*

Clinical expertise, patient preference, and the best evidence are the three elements of evidence-based medicine. Based on high-level and high-quality evidence, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the prescribing decisions of physicians is beneficial to improving clinical efficacy. A mature methodological system is available for the retrieval, analysis, summary, evaluation, and recommendation of the evidence, but there are still few studies on physicians' prescribing decisions. How to analyze the trend of physicians' prescribing decisions based on the priority ranking in addition and subtraction of prescriptions? Analytic hierarchy process(AHP) is a method for decision making, which arranges the elements of the decision problem into overall goal, criteria, and operational sub-criteria, and uses the matrix eigenvector method to solve the problem. This study aims to analyze the priority of physicians' prescribing decisions for diabetes mellitus with deficiency of both Qi and Yin based on AHP. To be specific, a database of diabetes mellitus cases with deficiency of both Qi and Yin was established and AHP was used to yield the priority ranking of Chinese patent medicine prescriptions in specific clinical scenarios. In the selected cases of diabetes mellitus with deficiency of both Qi and Yin, Xiaoke Pills was the best prescription for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(deficiency of both Qi and Yin)(normalized=0.388), followed by Liuwei Dihuang Pills(normalized=0.269), Qishen Capsules(normalized=0.230), and Shengmai Injection(normalized=0.113). According to the analysis the available data, for type 2 diabetes mellitus(deficiency of both Qi and Yin), Xiaoke Pills was the most effective prescription in specific scenarios. When the physicians' prescribing decisions are consistent with the evidence, quantitative analysis of physicians' cognition will boost the evidence-based medical decision-making. However, the research results are also affected by the quality of literature, evidence level and priority, which are thus have some limitations. It is recommended that further small data research based on individual cases be carried out to lay a evidence-based basis for the clinical decision-making of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Analytic Hierarchy Process ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Drug Prescriptions ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use* ; Qi ; Syndrome ; Yin Deficiency/drug therapy*

The editorial group of the clinical practice guideline for postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP) with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(hereinafter referred to as "guideline") is composed of experts specialized in TCM orthopedics, TCM gynecology, clinical epidemiology, etc. The guideline was formulated through registration, collection and selection of clinical issues/outcome indicators, evidence retrieval and screening, preparation of systematic reviews, evaluation of evidence quality, formation of recommendations, drafting, and peer review. The syndromes and treatment of PMOP are elaborated in detail. Specifically, Liuwei Dihuang Pills and Zuogui Pills are recommended for PMOP with Yin deficiency in the liver and kidney, Qing'e Pills for PMOP with kidney deficiency and blood stasis, Yougui Pills and Jingui Shenqi Pills for PMOP with Yang deficiency in the spleen and kidney, and Er'xian Decoction for PMOP with Yin and Yang deficiency in the kidney. In addition, Duhuo Jisheng Decoction can be used to relieve pain. The commonly used Chinese patent medicines include Xianling Gubao Capsules, Qianggu Capsules, Jintiange Capsules, Gushukang Capsules, Hugu Capsules, Jinwu Gutong Capsules, and Guyuling Capsules. Acupuncture and moxibustion are also effective approaches for PMOP. The rehabilitation and daily management were carried out by exercise therapies such as Baduanjin(eight-section brocade), Wuqinxi(five-animal exercises), and Taijiquan(Tai Chi), Chinese medicine diet, health education, and fall prevention. The promotion and application of this guideline will facilitate the implementation of TCM prevention and treatment of PMOP, ensure the quality of life of PMOP patients, provide effective and safe TCM treatment measures for PMOP, and reduce the risk of fracture complications.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/drug therapy* ; Quality of Life ; Systematic Reviews as Topic ; Yin Deficiency

This study evaluated the safety, effectiveness, economy, innovation, suitability, accessibility, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine of Wenxin Granules in the treatment of arrhythmia(ventricular premature beat and atrial premature beat) with deficiency of Qi and Yin. The multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA) model was adopted, and the criterion layer and index layer were weighted by experts. CSC v2.0 was used for clinical comprehensive evaluation. This study embodies the clinical value of Wenxin Granules, promotes its safe, effective and rational use, and provides a basis for national medical decision-making. The multi-source evidence shows that the major adverse reaction of Wenxin Granules is gastrointestinal damage. According to the available studies, Wenxin Granules has controllable risk and thus is rated as grade B in terms of safety. The systematic evaluation of effectiveness shows that compared with antiarrhythmic western medicine, Wenxin Granules demonstrates improved clinical efficacy and electrocardiogram efficacy, which is supported by high-quality evidence, and thus the effectiveness of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade A. Economic research shows that Wenxin Granules is more economical than antiarrhythmic western medicine, which is supported by sufficient evidence and clear results, and thus the economy of this preparation is rated as grade B. The indications and contraindications of Wenxin Granules are clear and detailed to different types of arrhythmia, which, together with the precise positioning and prominent clinical innovation and industrial innovation, rates it as grade A in terms of innovation. The suitability of drug storage, prescription circulation, dosage form and course of treatment basically meet the clinical medication needs of doctors and patients, and thus the suitability of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade B. Because of the few restrictions and the sustainable resources of medicinal materials, the accessibility of Wenxin Granules is evaluated as grade A. The prescription compatibility focuses on the pathogenesis characteristics of deficiency of Qi and Yin, and there are more than 3 000 cases studied. Therefore, the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine of Wenxin Granules are evaluated as grade B. Based on the evidence from all the above dimensions, Wenxin Granules has the clinical comprehensive value of class A and prominent characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. It is suggested to include Wenxin Granules into the policy results related to basic clinical medication management according to the procedure.
Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Qi ; Treatment Outcome ; Ventricular Premature Complexes ; Yin Deficiency

Dendrobium officinale is a traditional Chinese medicine for nourishing Yin and benefiting stomach. Its superfine powder has many advantages, such as good dissolution, high utilization rate, strong integrity and easy to use. However, the researches on effect of D. officinale superfine powder on stomach Yin deficiency model are still not sufficient. In this experiment, we explored the effect of D. officinale superfine powder in mice model with stomach Yin deficiency caused by "spicy overeating", and provided certain reference value for its application in gastrointestinal diseases. Male ICR mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Yiweitang group, omeprazole group, and D. officinale superfine powder high, medium and low dose groups. The mixture of wine and pepper liquid was given by gavage administration for 30 d, and the corresponding drug was given for 60 d while the model was conti-nued. The body weight, food intake, water intake, fecal moisture content and particle number, foot temperature of mice were measured. The levels of serum gastrin(Gas), motilin(MTL) and somatostatin(SS) were measured by ELISA. Gastric histomorpho-logy was observed by HE staining. The expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) were determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax) in gastric tissues were detected by Western blot. The results showed that D. officinale superfine powder could increase the food intake, water intake, fecal moisture content and particle number, reduce the foot temperature, improve the pathological changes of gastric mucosa, reduce the expression of NF-κB, COX-2 protein in gastric tissues, and increase the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. D. officinale superfine powder can "nourish Yin and benefit the stomach", improve the syndrome of stomach Yin deficiency, such as "hunger but not want to eat, dry mouth but not want to drink, hand and feet hot, constipation", and reduce the damage of gastric mucosa. The mechanism may be related to regulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, inhibiting the inflammation of gastric tissues and promoting the apoptosis of abnormal cells in gastric tissues.
Animals ; Dendrobium ; Hyperphagia ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Powders ; Stomach ; Yin Deficiency