1.Analysis of Chronic Gouty Arthritis Animal Models Based on Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yan XIAO ; Siyuan LIN ; Fan YANG ; Qianglong CHEN ; Xiaohua CHEN ; Meiling WANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiali LUO ; Youxin SU ; Jiemei GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):84-92
ObjectiveBased on the clinical characteristics of chronic gouty arthritis (CGA) in both traditional Chinese and western medicine, this study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing CGA animal models, providing recommendations for establishing animal models that align with the pathological characteristics of CGA and the manifestations of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. MethodsBy comprehensively retrieving Chinese and international databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and PubMed, all relevant literature on CGA animal models was collected. Based on the guidelines, the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine were summarized and organized. The evaluation indicators for the CGA model were constructed with reference to existing evaluation modes, and the CGA animal models were analyzed to systematically evaluate the clinical concordance of existing models. ResultsThe current methods used to construct CGA animal models mainly include monosodium urate crystal induction, high-protein diet induction (poultry lack urate oxidase), and high-fat diet combined with urate oxidase inhibitors and joint injection. Based on 11 pieces of included literature, the traditional Chinese and western medicine scoring data of each model were extracted, and the average scoring values of all models were ultimately calculated. The results show that the average clinical concordances of existing CGA animal models in both traditional Chinese and western medicine are 43.33% and 64.44%, respectively. Among them, the model with the highest clinical concordance rate is the one with a high-fat diet combined with potassium oxonate to induce hyperuricemia plus joint injection, achieving 83.33% clinical concordance in western medicine and 60% in traditional Chinese medicine. This model aligns well with the pathogenic characteristics and pathological changes of clinical CGA. ConclusionAlthough current CGA animal models can simulate some pathological characteristics of CGA, they struggle to comprehensively reflect the complex pathological processes of CGA and the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. Therefore, in the future, it is necessary to establish the CGA animal models that incorporate the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine and formulate the uniform model evaluation criteria, providing more precise tools for CGA mechanism research and the development of traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Connection quality and influencing factors of Shaanxi psychological assistance hotline operators based on conversations involving suicide intentions
Huadong JIANG ; Zhen FAN ; Yatong NING ; Jingxuan WU ; Lei ZHANG ; Pin ZHANG ; Yanli SU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):180-184
Objective To explore the factors affecting the quality of psychological assistance hotline connections in Shaanxi Province, and to provide a basis for optimizing services. Methods A total of 149 calls with suicidal tendencies were included from January to March 2022, and data were collected by 31 trained assessors through standardized questionnaires (general information, suicide risk, emotional intensity, and wiring characteristics). Results The results showed that 56.38% of the callers were female, with age groups concentrated between ≤ 18 years old (29.53%) and 19-34 years old (43.62%). The call duration was mainly between 31 and 45 minutes (50.34%). Operators conducted a suicide risk assessment on the callers, with 38.9% having a comprehensive assessment, 38.9% having an incomplete assessment, and 22.1% having no assessment. The main mental disorders of the callers were depression (48.32%), anxiety (15.44%), and bipolar disorder (14.77%), with 25.50% having comorbidities of ≥ 2 disorders. Emotional scores were as follows: depression (4.11 ± 0.76), sadness (3.97 ± 1.03), and despair (3.78 ± 1.05). There were significant differences in depression, anger, despair, and sadness among the callers with different levels of danger (t=4.79, 3.35, 15.79, 4.24, all P<0.05). Women had higher levels of fear than men (t=3.10, P<0.01). The longer the call duration, the higher the level of despair (t=5.66, P<0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that incomplete suicide risk assessment by operators (B=-2.36), general procedures for operators' connections (B=5.44), and technical factors (B=2.01) significantly affected the quality of psychological assistance hotlines (all P<0.05). Conclusion Callers with suicidal tendencies generally have serious mental and psychological problems and prominent negative emotions. Strengthening the suicide risk assessment ability of operators and standardizing processes and service attitudes are key to improving the quality of psychological assistance hotlines.
3.Stimulation mechanism of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by Duzhong Decoction-containing serum through L-VGCCs.
Ze-Bin CHEN ; Lan-Lan LUO ; Xin-Yi SHI ; Rui-Tong ZHAO ; Cai-Xian HU ; Yun-Ying FU ; Su-Zhen CHAO ; Bo LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3335-3345
This paper aimed to explore the effects of Duzhong Decoction(DZD)-containing serum on the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels(L-VGCCs). L-VGCCs inhibitors, nifedipine and verapamil, were used to block L-VGCCs in osteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into a control group, a low-dose DZD-containing serum(L-DZD) group, a medium-dose DZD-containing serum(M-DZD) group, a high-dose DZD-containing serum(H-DZD) group, a nifedipine group, a H-DZD + nifedipine group, verapamil group, and a H-DZD + verapamil group. The CCK-8 method was used for cell proliferation analysis, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) assay kits for intracellular ALP activity measurement, Western blot for protein expression level in cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology for intracellular mRNA expression level determination, fluorescence spectrophotometer for free Ca~(2+) concentration determination in osteoblasts, and alizarin red staining(ARS) for mineralized nodule formation in osteoblasts. The experimental results show that compared to the control group, DZD groups can promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule formation, increase intracellular Ca~(2+) concentrations, and upregulate the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), collagen Ⅰ(COL1), α2 subunit protein of L-VGCCs(L-VGCCα2), and the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and BMP2. After blocking L-VGCCs with nifedipine and verapamil, the intervention effects of DZD-containing serum were inhibited to varying degrees. Both nifedipine and verapamil could inhibit ALP activity, reduce mineralized nodule areas, and downregulate the expression of bone formation-related proteins. Moreover, the effects of DZD-containing serum on increasing MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and Ca~(2+) concentrations, upregulating the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) and protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1(p-FOXO1), and upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) expression were reversed by nifedipine. The results indicate that DZD-containing serum can increase the Ca~(2+) concentration in MC3T3-E1 cells to promote bone formation, which may be mediated by L-VGCCs and the PTEN/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of DZD in treating osteoporosis.
Animals
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Osteoblasts/metabolism*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics*
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Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics*
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Serum/chemistry*
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Cell Line
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/genetics*
4.Small fish making a big difference: beloved star of environmental toxicology research in the current era.
Yang JIANG ; Zhen SU ; Jing ZHENG ; Chih-Hung HSU ; Ye CHEN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(7):613-632
The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful model organism in life science owing to its remarkable biological characteristics and wide-ranging applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in research on zebrafish within the field of environmental toxicology, highlighting specific studies where this species was used to investigate various pollutants to elucidate their impacts and underlying mechanisms. The findings of these studies underscore the significant potential of zebrafish as a model to gain crucial insights into the ecological consequences of environmental contamination and toxicity pathways. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-throughput screening, and omics approaches, the use of zebrafish as a model organism is poised to significantly accelerate toxicological investigations, promote environmental conservation efforts, contribute to safeguarding human health, and advance sustainable development objectives.
Animals
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Zebrafish
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Ecotoxicology/methods*
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Artificial Intelligence
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Humans
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Models, Animal
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Environmental Pollutants/toxicity*
5.Topical adhesive spatio-temporal nanosystem co-delivering chlorin e6 and HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizic acid for in situ psoriasis chemo-phototherapy.
Lijun SU ; Yixi ZHU ; Xuebo LI ; Di WANG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Zhen LIU ; Jingjing LI ; Chen ZHANG ; Jinming ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1126-1142
Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained considerable attention as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of psoriasis. Unfortunately, the activation of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) by PDT triggers innate and adaptive immune responses, which exacerbate skin inflammation. Herein, we combined glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural anti-inflammatory compound and immunomodulator derived from the herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., with PDT actuated by the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) by co-loading them in GA-based lipid nanoparticles coated with a catechol-modified quaternary chitosan salt (GC NPs/QCS-C). GC NPs/QCS-C exhibited high drug loading efficacy, uniform size distribution, an ideal topical adhesive property, enhanced skin retention and penetration in psoriasis-like lesions, and high intracellular uptake in epidermal cells compared with the counterparts. Subsequently, the transdermal administration of GC NPs/QCS-C followed by near-infrared laser radiation in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model significantly ameliorated psoriasis symptoms, promoted the apoptosis of hyperproliferative epidermal cells, and alleviated the inflammatory cascade. The significant therapeutic outcomes of GC NPs/QCS-C were attributed to the synergistic effects of GA and PDT on modulating immune cell recruitment and inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Our results demonstrated that the topical bio-adhesive nanosystem that combines GA and Ce6 offers a synergistic chemo-phototherapeutic strategy for psoriasis treatment.
6.Application of dual-energy computed tomography imaging for evaluation of bone repair
Danyang SU ; Yuanbo MA ; Jinlong LIU ; Haoran ZHANG ; Shenyu YANG ; Qiuju MIAO ; Zhen BAI ; Xiaopeng YANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(1):155-162
Bone defect repair is an urgent problem in the field of orthopedics,and numerous researchers are working to develop more effective treatment plans.The accurate evaluation of bone repair after surgery is a crucial step.In line with the development of computed tomography(CT)imaging,dual-energy CT imaging has shown significant advantages in analyzing bone composition and reducing metal artifacts.This article reviews the application of dual-energy CT imaging for the evaluation of bone repair in animals.
7.Research on the application value of peripheral blood parameters in the diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer
Wenxuan YAN ; Junhai ZHEN ; Wenhao SU ; Jixiang ZHANG ; Fei LIAO ; Weiguo DONG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(4):256-265
Objective:To evaluate the value of peripheral blood systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), D-dimer, and albumin (ALB) alone or their combination in the diagnosis of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC).Methods:From January 1, 2023 to November 30, 2024, 104 patients with EOCRC (EOCRC group) hospitalized at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were enrolled. During the same period, by simple random sampling method, 104 patients with benign colorectal polyps (benign polyp group) and 104 healthy individuals for health examinations (healthy control group) from outpatient department were enrolled. The peripheral blood parameters (including neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, CEA, and others) and pathological characteristics of EOCRC (including TNM stage, tumor differentiation grade, and depth of invasion) were collected. The relationship between peripheral blood parameters and EOCRC pathological features were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic value. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the peripheral blood parameters which independently correlated with EOCRC and a combined diagnostic model was established. Simple random sampling method was used to divide the subjects in the negative control group (healthy control group + benign polyp group) and positive group (EOCRC group) into a training set (218 cases) and a validation set (94 cases) at a ratio of 7∶3, and the diagnostic performance of the combined diagnostic model in the training and validation sets was assessed. Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve were used to evaluate the fit and consistency of the model. Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for statistical analysis. Results:EOCRC group had the highest levels of SII(744.03 (473.01, 1 246.28), 437.77 (342.28, 607.47), 497.31 (385.76, 721.63)×10 9/L), NLR(2.42 (1.76, 3.94), 1.96 (1.54, 2.52), 1.91 (1.55, 2.75)), CEA (3.58 (1.96, 20.85), 1.31 (0.95, 1.93), 1.21 (0.76, 2.11) μg/L) and D-dimer (0.36 (0.20, 0.90), 0.19 (0.12, 0.28), 0.18 (0.12, 0.30) mg/L), and the lowest levels of LMR(3.51±1.56, 4.38±1.37, 4.72±1.84) and ALB(42.40 (39.90, 44.70), 44.57 (42.83, 46.25), 44.95 (43.10, 46.58) g/L) than benign polyp group and healthy control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( H=31.18, 16.21, 76.72 and 47.72, F=15.40, H=34.19; all P<0.001). In EOCRC patients, there were statistically significant differences in SII and LMR between patients with different tumor invasion depth ( Z=-2.48, t=2.31; both P<0.05), in CEA between patients with different TNM stage, with or without lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis( Z=-2.68, -2.50 and -2.65; all P<0.05), in D-dimer between patients with different TNM stage, differentiation grade, invasion depth, and with or without lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis ( Z=-2.50, -2.60, -2.06, -2.14 and -3.33; all P<0.05), and in ALB between patients with or without distant metastasis ( Z=-2.52, P=0.012).The AUC of combination of SII, NLR, LMR, CEA, D-dimer, and ALB in differential diagnosis of the healthy control group and the EOCRC group was 0.914 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.870 to 0.958, P<0.001), and the AUC of the combination in differential diagnosis of the benign polyp group and the EOCRC group was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.857 to 0.950, P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SII, NLR, LMR, CEA, and ALB were all independently correlated with EOCRC (all P<0.05). The diagnostic model for EOCRC was established by the combination of SII, NLR, LMR, CEA, and ALB, and the AUC of the model in the training set and validation set was 0.911 and 0.883, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated good model fit ( P=0.437). Calibration curve analysis showed strong consistency between predicted probabilities and actual probabilities, and the mean absolute error was 0.015. Conclusions:SII, NLR, LMR, CEA, D-dimer, and ALB all demonstrate diagnostic value in the diagnosis of EOCRC. The combined diagnostic model based on SII, NLR, LMR, CEA, and ALB demonstrates excellent diagnostic performance, which may serve as an adjunctive diagnostic approach for EOCRC.
8.Influence of peripheral alpha 1-adrenergic receptors on the toxicity of dexmedetomidine
Beibei SHI ; Zhen WANG ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Peilan ZHOU ; Ruibin SU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(3):216-223
OBJECTIVE To investigate α1-adrenergic receptors(α1-AR)distribution in mouse tissues and its function on dexmetomidine(DMED)induced toxic effects.METHODS ① Real-time fluorescence quantita-tive PCR was used to detect the relative expression of α1A-AR,α1B-AR,α1D-AR,α2A-AR,α2B-AR and α2C-AR mRNAs in the heart,apical potion of heart,lungs,apical potion of lung,liver,kidneys,abdominal aorta,prefrontal cortex,hippocampus,striatum,brainstem,thalamus,olfactory bulb,and the rest of the brain tissues of the mouse.The relative expression of mRNA were analyzed.② C57BL/6J mice were pretreated with α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist atipamezole ATI(0.005,0.010,0.020,0.025,0.040,0.050 mg·kg-1,im),orα1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)for 15 min,and then DMED(0.20 mg·kg-1,iv)was given to observe the rate of the loss of righting reflex and the immobilization time in mice.③ C57BL/6J mice were treated with DMED(16.38,20.48,25.60,32.00,40.00,and 50.00 mg·kg-1,iv)to observe the lethality of the mice in 24 h.The dose-effect relationship curves of the lethality rate and the half lethal-dose(LD50)were detected.ATI(1,2,4,and 8 mg·kg-1,im)or prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)were pretreated 15 min followed by the administration of DMED(25.60 mg·kg-1,iv).The lethality of the mice were recorded for 24 h.HE staining to observe the lung tissue damage in the mice.RESULTS ① The mRNA expression levels of three α1-AR subtype were higher than those of α2-AR subtype.α2A-AR and α2C-AR were highly expressed in the central nervous system.α2B-AR was highly expressed in the brainstem and peripheral tissues.The mRNA expres-sion levels of α1-AR subtypes were higher than those of α2-AR subtypes in heart,apical potion of heart or lung(P<0.05).② ATI(0.005 to 0.05 mg·kg-1,im)dose dependently antagonized the loss of righting reflex and decreased the immobilization time induced by DMED(0.20 mg·kg-1,iv).In contrast,prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)had no effect on the loss of righting reflex induced by DMED(0.20 mg·kg-1,iv).③ The LD50 of DMED in mice was 26.734 mg·kg-1(iv)with a 95%Cl of 23.606-30.000 mg·kg-1.DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1)was selected for subsequent toxicity.ATI(1,2,4,and 8 mg·kg-1,im)did not antagonize the lethality induced by DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1,iv).The high dose of ATI resulted in elevated death rate and accelerated mortality induced by DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1,iv)in the mice.However,prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)reduced the lethality of DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1,iv)(P<0.01).After administration of DMED(25.6 mg·kg-1),the mice lungs showed significant congestion.HE staining of lung tissues revealed obvious vascular hemorrhage,alveolar rupture,and erythrocyte spillage.Prazosin(1 mg·kg-1,im)effectively attenuated the tissue damage in the lungs,but ATI(1 mg·kg-1,im)aggravated the pulmonary hemorrhage.CONCLU-SIONS In cardiopulmonary tissues,the high expression levels of α1 adrenoceptor overactivation,might related with the lethality induced by DMED.
9.Biomechanical Mechanism of Rocking-Chair Arch wire in En-Masse Retraction of Maxillary Anterior Teeth
Jiaying HU ; Jiali LIU ; Zhen LIN ; Jinquan GUO ; Xie SHI ; Jiehua SU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):858-865
Objective To establish a simplified simulation method of rocking-chair archwire(RCA),explore the biomechanical effect of RCA during anterior teeth retraction with sliding mechanics,and provide guidance for clinical treatment.Methods A standard 0.019 in×0.025 in(0.483 mm×0.635 mm)labial archwire was imported into ANSYS software and preloaded spring was used to simulate RCA at different angles to achieve parameterized modeling.A three-dimensional(3D)finite element model with labial straight wire appliance,teeth,periodontium and maxillary bone was established to analyze the displacement and force of anterior/posterior teeth under 1.5 N intra-arch traction combined with RCA at different angles.Results Preloading forces of 1.5,3,4.5,and 6 N in spring induced angles of approximately 5°,10°,15°,and 20° for RCA,demonstrating the flexibility and convenience of the parameterized modeling method.During intra-arch traction with increased angle of RCA,lingual crown displacement of the middle incisor gradually decreased,while the lateral incisor and canine showed decreased crown tipping and increased lingual root displacement;when the RCA angle was 20°,the lateral incisor and canine achieved almost bodily retraction.Meanwhile,premolars showed an extrusion tendency,while molars demonstrated distal crown tipping and intrusion tendency.As the RCA angle increased from 0° to 20°,intrusive force on the anterior teeth increased,and the moment-force ratio(M/F)at bracket level increased from 0 to near 9 mm.Conclusions RCA can effectively control the moving pattern of the maxillary anterior teeth and prevent their over-erection and extrusion during retraction with sliding mechanics.During intra-arch traction with rigid stainless steel archwire,theoretically RCA of 20° has sufficient torque control on the anterior teeth to achieve their en-masse retraction.
10.Clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period
Yu WANG ; Hui-yong ZHANG ; Lin-jin CHEN ; Zheng-yi ZHANG ; Cui LI ; Jie CUI ; Ben SU ; Ping BAI ; Zi-feng MA ; Zhen-hui LU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):81-86
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period.METHODS One hundred and eighteen patients were randomly assigned into control group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation,and observation group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of both Jiawei Yanghe Decoction and Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation.The changes in clinical effects,ACT score,bronchial asthma control rate,pulmonary function indices(FEV1,PEF,FEV1%,PEF%),inflammatory indices(EOS,EOS%,FeNO),TCM syndrome score and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed increased bronchial asthma control rate,ACT score,PEF(P<0.05),and decreased TCM syndrome score(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05);the observation group exhibited increased FEV1,FEV1%,PEF%(P<0.05),among which FEV1,PEF%were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05);the observation group showed decreased inflammatory indices(P<0.05),among which FeNO was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period,Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve pulmonary functions,airway inflammatory reactions,and enhance bronchial asthma control rate.


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