OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion combined with coptis chinensis ointment sealing on plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity. METHODS: A total of 52 patients of plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity were randomized into an observation group (26 cases) and a control group (26 cases, 2 cases dropped off). Coptis chinensis ointment sealing was adopted in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, moxibustion was applied at ashi point (area of local target lesions), Zhongwan (CV 12) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37) in the observation group. The treatment was given 30 min each time, once a day for 4 weeks in both groups. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score, obesity related indexes (body mass, waist circumference, body mass index [BMI]), triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid and plasma glucose were compared before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the PASI scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and the PASI score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05); the body mass, waist circumference, BMI, triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid and plasma glucose were decreased compared with those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the triglyceride and cholesterol in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 53.8% (14/26) in the observation group, which was superior to 20.8% (5/24) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Moxibustion combined with coptis chinensis ointment sealing can effectively improve the clinical symptoms in patients of plaque psoriasis complicated with obesity.
Humans ; Moxibustion ; Blood Glucose ; Ointments ; Uric Acid ; Psoriasis/therapy* ; Triglycerides ; Obesity/therapy*

This study observed the effects of Guiqi Yiyuan Ointment(GQYY) on the left lung subjecting to bystander effect of right lung injury induced by ~(12)C~(6+) beam in rats and decipher the underlying mechanism from NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1) pathway. Wistar rats were randomized into 7 groups: blank, model, inhibitor [200 mg·kg~(-1), N-acetylcysteine(NAC)], western drug [140 mg·kg~(-1) amifostine(AMI)], and high-, medium-, and low-dose(4.8, 2.4, and 1.2 g·kg~(-1), respectively) GQYY groups. The model of bystander effect damage was established by 4 Gy ~(12)C~(6+) beam irradiation of the right lung(with the other part shielded by a lead plate). The pathological changes in the lung tissue, the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in the lung tissue, and the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in the serum were observed and measured in each group. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)/nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65) were determined. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed thickened alveolar wall, narrowed alveolar cavity, and presence of massive red blood cells and inflammatory infiltration in the alveolar wall and alveolar cavity. In addition, the model group showed elevated ROS levels in both left and right lungs, elevated MDA level, lowered SOD level, and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. Compared with the model group, the drug administration in all the groups reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue. The inhibitor group and the western drug group showed enlarged alveolar cavity, thinned interstitium, and reduced inflammation. There was a small amount of alveolar wall rupture in the high-and medium-dose GQYY groups and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the low dose GQYY group. Compared with the model group, drug administration lowered level of ROS in the left and right lungs, lowered the MDA level, elevated the SOD level, and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. GQYY can effectively reduce the damage caused by radiation and bystander effect, which may be associated with the ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Rats ; Animals ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; Lung Injury/genetics* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Bystander Effect ; Ointments ; Rats, Wistar ; Lung/metabolism* ; Caspase 1/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger ; Superoxide Dismutase

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of Haitongpi Prescription extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis based on transcriptome. METHODS: Total of 12 SPF grade rats were divided into control group(group C), model group(group M), and Haitongpi prescription group(group HP). The knee osteoarthritis rat model was established using the Panicker method for group M and group HP, and group HP was intervened by local topical application of Haitongpi Prescription extract for 4 weeks. Total RNA from mouse knee cartilage was extracted and three sets of differential genes were obtained through sequencing.Differential genes were prediction and analysis through GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS: A total of 109 differentially expressed genes were identified in Group C versus Group M, while 118 differentially expressed genes were identified in Group M versus Group HP, resulting in a total of 28 genes. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism of HP extract in treating knee osteoarthritis mainly involved immunoglobulin mediated immune response, immunoglobulin complexes, and antigen binding; KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed correlation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, interleukin 17(IL-17) signaling pathway, and estrogen signaling pathway. CONCLUSION HP extract can exert therapeutic effects on knee osteoarthritis through mechanisms such as immunoglobulin mediated immune response, immunoglobulin complexes, and antigen binding, as well as signaling pathways such as TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and estrogen signaling pathway.
Mice ; Rats ; Animals ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/genetics* ; Transcriptome ; Interleukin-17 ; Ointments ; Estrogens ; Immunoglobulins

This study aims to explore the mechanism of Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment in treating rheumatoid arthritis(RA) with syndrome of internal obstruction and cold-dampness and the compatibility characteristics based on the "disease-syndrome-formula" association network. A gene set associated with the clinical symptoms of RA was collected from Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine v2.0(TCMIP v2.0). The different expression gene set of RA with syndrome of internal obstruction and cold-dampness was screened out by transcriptomic expression profile detection and bioinformatics data mining of the comparison of RA patients with syndrome of internal obstruction and cold-dampness and healthy volunteers. The chemical composition information of 35 Chinese medicines from Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment was collected from TCMIP v2.0 and Traditional Chinese Medicine Bank(TCMBank). The candidate targets were predicted based on the similarity principle of compounds structure. The interactive network of "related gene of RA with syndrome of internal obstruction and cold-dampness-candidate target of Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment" was constructed. The core network targets were screened out by topological characteristics of calculating network, and the functional exploration was carried out based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) and Reactome Pathway Database. The compatibility mechanisms of various efficacy groups of Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment were further explored. The results showed that the candidate targets of Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment were mainly involved into the modules of "immune-inflammation" regulation, nervous system function, cell function, and substance and energy metabolism, etc. The mechanisms of various efficacy groups emphasized on different aspects. The group of dispelling wind and removing dampness-dredging channels and activating collaterals, the group of extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions, and the group of pungent analgesia regulated "immune-inflammation" system by warming meridians and dissipating cold. The group of activating blood and resolving stasis and the group of strengthening sinews and bones regulated "immune-inflammation" system by activating blood and dredging channels. The group of dispelling wind and removing dampness-dredging channels and activating collaterals, the group of extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions, the group of activating blood and resolving stasis, the group of strengthening sinews and bones, and the group of clearing heat and draining water affected the nervous system by invigorating Qi-blood and benefiting spirit. The group of dispelling wind and removing dampness-dredging channels and activating collaterals and the group of extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions regulated cell function and substance and energy metabolism by dispelling wind and eliminating cold-dampness. The group of activating blood and resolving stasis and the group of strengthening sinews and bones regulated the cell function and substance and energy metabolism by activating blood and strengthening sinews and bones. The results showed that Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment exerted the comprehensive efficacy of dispelling wind, removing dampness, activating blood, removing stasis, warming meridians, dredging channels, and strengthening sinews and bones through adjusting the imbalance of "immune-inflammation", regulating nervous system, cell function, and interfering with substance and energy metabolism, thus improving the syndrome of internal obstruction and cold-dampness. The findings of this study laid foundations for clarifying the therapeutic characteristics and clinical orientation of Tianhe Zhuifeng Ointment.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Ointments ; Seizures ; Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Benvitimod cream, a novel synthetic small molecule, was effective in treating mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. We conducted a phase III clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of benvitimod cream in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. METHODS: We randomly assigned 686 patients (2:1:1) to receive 1% benvitimod cream, 0.005% calcipotriol ointment or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end points were the percentage of patients with a 75% or greater reduction from baseline in the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI 75) score and with a score of 0 or 1 in static physician's global assessment (sPGA) at week 12. RESULTS: The results showed that 50.4% of patients in the benvitimod group achieved PASI 75, which was significantly higher than that in the calcipotriol (38.5%, P < 0.05) and placebo (13.9%, P < 0.05) groups. The proportion of patients achieving an sPGA score 0 or 1 was 66.3% in the benvitimod group and 63.9% in the calcipotriol group, which were both significantly higher than that in the placebo group (34%, P < 0.05). In the long-term follow-up study, 50.8% of patients experienced recurrence. After retreatment with 1% benvitimod, 73.3% of patients achieved an sPGA score of 0 or 1 again at week 52. Adverse events included application site irritation, follicular papules, and contact dermatitis. No systemic adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSION: During this 12-week study, benvitimod cream was demonstrated with high effectiveness and safety in patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR-TRC-13003259; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=6300.
Double-Blind Method ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ointments ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Resorcinols ; Severity of Illness Index ; Stilbenes ; Treatment Outcome

To establish a determination method for the contents of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone,and curcumin in transdermal receptor liquid of Baimai Ointment,and investigate the percutaneous permeability of Baimai Ointment and the effects of two kinds of penetration enhancers on percutaneous absorption of three components. The contents of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone,and curcumin in transdermal receptor liquid were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography( HPLC). The vertical modified Franz diffusion cell was used to perform a transdermal experiment in vitro with the abdominal skin of mice( treated and untreated). The transdermal receptor liquid was preferably used to investigate the transdermal absorption rule of the Baimai Ointment and the effect of the penetration enhancer. The results showed that the comprehensive solubility of PEG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4) was best among three types of receptor liquid PG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4),PEG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4),ET-NS( 3 ∶7). PEG-ET-NS was used as the receptor liquid for in vitro transdermal experiments. The cumulative permeation area of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone and curcumin within 24 h was 5. 73,18. 99,0. 38 μg·cm~(-2)respectively. Taking QEFand ER as comprehensive evaluation indicators of permeation performance,the comprehensive penetration-promoting performance of ammonium glycyrrhizinate: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline ≈ 1. 19 times( 3%azone) = 1. 94 times( blank); comprehensive penetration-promoting performance of nardosinone: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline≈1. 28 times( 3% azone) = 1. 37 times( blank); the comprehensive penetration performance of curcumin: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline≈1. 77 times( 3% azone) ≈3. 42 times( blank). The comprehensive penetration enhancement properties of the two penetration enhancers were as follows: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline>3%azone>blank. The transdermal absorption curve of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone and curcumin in Baimai Ointment were consistent with the zero-order equation,indicating that the transdermal absorption process was irrelevant to the concentration of three components,and its was a diffusion process. This experiment provides reference for the study of ointment transdermal preparations.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Mice ; Ointments ; pharmacokinetics ; Permeability ; Skin ; Skin Absorption

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Xiaozhong Zhitong Ointment(XZZTO) on remodeling and repair of skeletal muscle injury in rats based on the expression mechanism of microRNA. METHODS: The rat gastrocnemius injury model was established by blunt contusion model. The expression of MEF2 gene and protein in gastrocnemius muscle was detected by quantitative PCR at 4, 7, 14 and 21 days after injury with XZZTO. The mechanism of the effect of XZZTO on the muscle remodeling and repair of rat gastrocnemius contusion model was discussed. RESULTS: The expression level of MEF2 in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group and model group, which further confirmed the important role of MEF2 in inducing skeletal muscle remodeling and repair process in the topical drugs. The expression of MEF2 increased at 7 days after injury and remained at a high level until 21 days after injury. Compared with the model group, the peak expression period was about 14 days, and then returned to the general state. CONCLUSIONS The expression level of MEF2 shows an upward trend. Even 21 days after injury, the expression of MEF2 dose not show a significant downward trend. It can be seen that XZZTO can promote the expression of MEF2. At the same time, XZZTO can regulate the regeneration and repair of skeletal muscle. Therefore, XZZTO can play a regeneration and repair role after skeletal muscle injury through gene regulation.
Animals ; Contusions ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Gene Expression Regulation ; MEF2 Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Ointments ; Proteins ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats

In this probe, at first we examined the best route and dosage of arginine administration on wound healing in an excisional wound model in rats. Next, we intend to assess the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) and arginine, individually and together, on the wound healing. In the pilot study, an excisional wound was made in each of 24 rats. There were 4 groups. Group 1 was the control group. In groups 2 and 3, wounds were topically treated with arginine ointments (ARG.) 2% and 5%, respectively. In group 4, arginine was injected (ARG. INJ.,i.p.). In the main phase, in 24 new rats, an excisional wound was made. There were 4 groups: group 5 served as the control. Wounds in group 6 were topically treated with ARG 2%. Wounds in group 7 were subjected to PBM. Wounds in group 8 were treated with PBM+ARG. 2%. On day 15, wound area measurement, wound strength, and stereological examination were performed. In the pilot study, we found that the ARG 2% ointment significantly decreased wound area than ARG. 5%, ARG. INJ. and control groups, and significantly increased wound strength compared to the control and ARG.5% groups. In the main phase, a significant decrease of wound area in all treatment regimens was induced. PBM + ARG. 2% and PBM treatment regimens significantly improved wound strength and almost all stereological parameters, compared to the control and ARG. 2% groups. PBM + ARG. 2% induced anti-inflammatory and angiogenic activities, and hastened the wound healing process in an excisional wound model in rats.
Animals ; Arginine ; Ointments ; Pilot Projects ; Rats ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine is becoming popular among Filipino patients. Ginger is one promising herbal plant in the management of musculoskeletal complaints. Studies showed significant reduction of the pain after oral intake of either ginger extract or tablet with reported occurrence of mild gastrointestinal side effects. Hence this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of using 10% ginger ointment as a treatment for acute musculoskeletal pain. Objective: This study determined the effectiveness and safety profile of topical application of ginger ointment as compared to a placebo ointment in the reduction of pain severity in patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Subjects and Setting: The study participants consisted of adults aged 19-59 years old who have acute musculoskeletal pain. The study was done in Canossa Health and Social Center in Tondo, Manila. Design: Ginger ointment was compared to a placebo ointment in 60 patients with acute musculoskeletal complaints in a single blinded randomized controlled trial. Study participants were randomized into two groups of thirty (N=30), the experimental group (ginger) and the placebo group. Data Collection: The clinical assessment included a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at baseline, 30 minutes and 60 minutes after intervention. Paracetamol and diclofenac tablets were prescribed as rescue medication. Reduction of pain was computed using mean, standard deviation and groups were compared using students’ t-test. The frequency of the adverse reaction to the ointment was summarized using cross tabulations. Results: There was decrease in the severity of the pain reported by study participants for both ginger and placebo ointment. At 60 minutes post-intervention, a greater decrease on pain scores among participants receiving the ginger ointment (X=1.37; SD+1.22) was noted compared to the participants receiving placebo ointment (X=2.07; SD+1.90). However, the differences between intervention groups were not statistically significant, p>0.05. There were no reported adverse reactions for both intervention groups. Conclusion Ginger ointment 10% was not effective in decreasing pain scores when compared to placebo ointment. No adverse event was reported within 60 mins of intervention among adult patients with musculoskeletal complaints.
Humans ; Ginger ; Acetaminophen ; Ointments

Cream formula has been mostly used to treat deficiency syndrome. Currently,it has been used to recuperate the body,promote health against aging,and prevent and treat chronic disease. In modern medicine,there are only treatment concepts and methods of diseases,but lack of concepts of " deficiency syndrome" and " restoring deficiency". The concepts of " deficiency syndrome" and " restoring deficiency" could effectively supplement and improve the diagnosis and treatment scheme of some modern diseases. Refractory heart failure,dilated cardiomyopathy,ischemic cardiomyopathy,and valvular heart disease belong to the traditional category of " consumptive disease". The cream formula with the efficacy of restoring deficiency can not only alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life,but also improve the structure and function of the heart,reduce the dosage of diuretics and the number of hospitalizations,and achieve the purpose of secondary prevention in the treatment of severe heart failure,dilated cardiomyopathy,ischemic cardiomyopathy and valvular heart disease. The cream formula for treating chronic heart failure include Shenqi Pills,Zhenwu Decoction,Yougui Pills,Wuling Powder,Linggui Zhugan Decoction,Danggui Shaoyao Powder,Lizhong Decoction,Buzhong Yiqi Decoction,Guipi Decoction,Yupingfeng Powder,Guizhi Decoction. Long-term administration of cream formula could not only resist aging,but also play an irreplaceable role in the secondary prevention of acute and critical diseases.
Cardiomyopathies/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Heart Failure/drug therapy* ; Heart Valve Diseases/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Ointments