The paper discusses the possibility and necessity for establishing a postmodern individualized medicine in terms of hierarchic emergence,a basic concept of contemporary system science. Through analysis of the strong and weak points of modern individualized medicine, personalized medicine and genomic medicine, the author found that Chinese traditional individualized medicine has its strong points in implementing whole (holistic) emergence and weak points in lower hierarchic emergence compared with the other three modern medical disciplines.Thus the author concluded that there are possibility and necessity to integrate the strong points of these medical systems for establishing a holistic and deepgoing patient-centered postmodern individualized medicine.

In July 2002, the Women's Heath Initiative (WHI) clinical trial, designed to clarify the risks and benefits of combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the postmenopausal women declared that interim safety review after an average follow-up of 5.2 years found that a combination of estrogen and progestin frequently prescribed to postmenopausal women in USA increased the risk of invasive breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and pulmonary embolism while reduced bone fractures and colorectal cancer. The overall risks of HRT outweigh the benefits, which provides an opportunity for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) going abroad. A variety of clinical and experimental evidences have showed that TCM exerts quite satisfactory effect on relieving postmenopausal symptoms with little adverse effect, hence a potential role to replace or to improve HRT or to reduce the side effect induced by HRT.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, blood stasis is a main pathological mechanism in the development of vascular diseases.Supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation, as the therapeutic principle for the blood stasis, has been adapted.Studies demonstrated that the supplementing Qi and activating blood circulation recipe could regulate the expression of vasoactive peptides in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The recipe inhibited the formation of neointima following arterial intimal lesions through down-regulating expression of proliferation-related genes and phenotypic modulation of VSMCs. The recipe also markedly inhibited the adhesion and migration of VSMCs and matrix remodelling by means of a mechanism that balances extracellular matrix turnover rate. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances made in our understanding of new functions for the recipe in regulating VSMCs behaviours and their microenvironment relevant to vascular diseases and maintaining proper homeostasis.

The concepts of monomer medicine and the Chinese traditional medicine were introduced in this article. The different effects of a monomer drug between different types of syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were explained based on the author's clinical experience and related literature. The aim, significance and methods about the application of western medical drugs according to the theory of TCM were pointed out.And the feasibility of the application was analyzed.

Study of kidney deficiency syndrome may utilize the modern molecular biology technique, such as gene chip, representational difference analysis (RDA) and genes sequence analysis, to clone the different genes of kidney deficiency syndrome from single TCM syndrome type of the disease, to investigate the inner connection between the various phenotypes of kidney deficiency syndrome and their genes expression pattern and their function products, then to definite the related genes of kidney deficiency syndrome. The research method may also be used for the study of other TCM syndrome types.

Objective

To explore the way of quantified diagnosis of blood stasis syndrome (BSS) and the essence of BSS.

Methods

Using t-test and logistic regression to analyze the symptoms, signs, and objective indexes of BSS in clinical test.

Results

(1) The levels of endothelin, nitric oxide, and t-PA between 182 patients with BSS and non-BSS had notable difference. (2) The stepwise regression analysis about hemoglobin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, endothelin, nitric oxide, and t-PA in 170 patients with BSS or non-BSS revealed that the order of these indexes considering their importance was: endothelin, hemoglobin, t-PA, nitric oxide. However, the triglyceride and total cholesterol could not enter the regression equations. (3) The stepwise regression analysis about 40 symptoms and signs in 601 patients with BSS or non-BSS revealed that the 18 items had the very contribution to diagnose the BSS when the F value was 6, and so a regression equation was available. The total coincidence ratio was 94.24% when the other quantified data about BSS were tested in the equation.

Conclusion

The standardized TCM syndrome, which accorded with the criteria of combining diseases with syndrome,was made up of symptoms, signs, and objective indexes.The standard could be obtained by multi-center, prospective, random and controlled clinical epidemiological survey and clinical test.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of Qiangxin Mixture in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods

Sixty cases of CHF were randomly divided into Qiangxin Mixture group (treatment group,n=30) and digoxin group (control group, n=30).The total clinical effective rate,integra of the symptoms of kidney deficiency, classification of functional capacity of the NewYork Heart Association (NYHA), and echocardiogram[ejection fraction (EF), cardiac output (CO), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), posterior wall thickness (PWT), left ventricular mass index (LVMI)] as well as the measurement of plasma endothelin, angiotensin II and atrial natriuretic peptide were observed in both groups.

Results

The total clinical effective rate of Qiangxin Mixture group was 87%, and improvement was significantly observed in the Lee CHF score, classification of functional capacity of the NYHA, EF and CO（P<0.05,vs before treatment）,but no significant improvement in digoxin group (P>0.05). The integra of the symptoms of kidney deficiency, the levels of plasma ET, Ang II and ANP decreased significantly (P<0.01) vs before treatment and digoxin group respectively). IVST,PWT and LVMI were also reduced significantly（P <0.01)vs before treatment;P<0.05 vs digoxin group）.

Conclusion

The Qiangxin Mixture is effective in enhencing cardiac contraction,improving hemodynamics in the short-term and rectifying some indexes in the long-term,so it could postpone the processes of CHF. This mechanism may be related to decreasing the stimulating factors (angiotensin, endothelin) which trigger the cardiac remodeling, delaying or reversing the cardiac remodeling.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with western medicine on breast cancer after surgical resection.

Methods

Seventy-one patients with breast cancer received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy and TCM following resection.

Results

None of the patients died during the follow-up period.Fifty-seven patients were treated with TCM shortly after undergoing resection.Two recurrences (3.5%) and 6 metastases (10.5%) were observed in 8 patients, whose median disease free survival was 5.9 years.Fourteen patients didn't receive TCM until recurrence or metastasis emerged, with a median disease free survival of 3.5 years.There was significant difference between the two groups (P=0.033).

Conclusion

TCM combined with western medicine is efficient in preventing and delaying recurrence and metastasis.

Objective

To observe the effect and mechanism of Chinese herbs in the treatment of taeniasis.

Methods

Five hundred and forty-eight cases of taeniasis were treated with Binlang Chengqi Decoction (BLCQD). The tapeworm scolices of ten cases were observed by electron microscope (EM).

Results

Among the 548 cases, 521 cases were cured and 27 cases were improved. The total effective rate was 100%. Foam-like secretion in the sucker of the tapeworm scolices and erosion of the epithelium in the cervical part were observed by scanning electron microscope. Observed by transmission electron microscope, the cortex was seriously damaged. The microvilli were exfoliated. The cells in the muscle layer and parenchyma layer were injured in various degrees. The mitochondria were tumefied or caved.And the nerve cord was damaged.

Conclusion

BLCQD can not only paralyze the tapeworm scolex, but also injury the cells of the tapeworm scolex.

Objective

To elucidate the effect and effective mechanism of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) on growth axis and gonadal axis in puberty rats.

Methods

After injecting GnRHa on puberty rats, hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary and epiphyseal cartilage of legs were taken, and related gene expression was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR).

Results

GnRHa could reduce the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in hypothalamus and its receptor (GnRHR) in pituitary, increase the gene expression of growth hormone releasing inhibiting hormone (SRIH), and not affect the gene expression of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) in hypothalamus. And GnRHa could reduce the gene expression of growth hormone (GH) in pituitary, estrogen receptor (ER) in ovary and insulin-like growth factors-I (IGF-1) in epiphyseal cartilage of legs.

Conclusion

Besides restraining the gene expression of GnRHR in pituitary and leading to descent regulation of receptor, GnRHa can reduce the gene expression of GnRH in hypothalamus and down-regulate gonadal hormone level. At last, GnRHa can reduce the maturity degree and pace of the second sexual characteristics. By means of increasing the gene expression of SRIH in hypothalamus, GnRHa can reduce the gene expression of GH in pituitary and IGF-1 in epiphyseal cartilage of legs. It could be one of the mechanisms of GnRHa reducing epiphyseal maturity for the patients with idiopathic central precocious puberty.

Objective

To study the Realgar induced T lymphocytic leukemia cell line CEM apoptosis in vitro.

Methods

CEM cells were incubated with Realgar. Cell proliferation inhibition was determined by MTT. Cell cycle, apoptosis, Apo2.7 and Fas were measured by cytometer.

Results

Realgar inhibited the proliferation of CEM cell line. The cells treated with Realgar showed a Sub-G₀/G₁ apoptotic peak in DNA distribution histogram, increment of Apo2.7 protein expression, and arrested cells in G₂/M phase, but ineffectiveness on Fas expression.

Conclusion

The Realgar can induce CEM cell apoptosis in vitro.

Objective

To evaluate the potential preventive effect of sophoricoside on bone loss in ovariectomized rats.

Methods

Female SD rats (n=50, 6 months old) were either sham-operated (SHAM group, n=10) or ovariectomized (n=40). Three days after operation, ovariectomized rats were randomly assigned to groups as follows: 10 received sophoricoside 4 mg·kg ^-1·d ^-1(SL group), 10 received sophoricoside 8 mg·kg ^-1·d ^-1 (SM group), 10 received sophoricoside 16 mg·kg ^-1·d ^-1 (SH group) and 10 were untreated (OVX group). After sophoricoside were given orally for one month, the histomorphometric parameters in the secondary spongiosa of proximal tibia and lumbar vertebrae were examined.

Results

Compared with OVX group, SM and SH two kinds of treatment caused 15.28% and 22.81% increment in percent trabecular area (BV/TV,%) in the secondary spongiosa of proximal tibia, 14.23% and 21.2% increment in lumbar vertebrae. Accordingly in these two groups, there was a significant decrease in trabecular separation (FLAW, μm), but increment in trabecular width (Tb.Th, μm) and conjunction points (JOINT). But in SL group, the preventive effect was not observed.

Conclusion

sophoricoside can be efficient in preventing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats.

Objective

To study the effect of Sorbaria sorbifolia extract on anti-oxidative activities in rats with precancerosis induced by diethylnitrosamine.

Methods

Sorbaria sorbifolia was perfused into stomach of rats with DEN-induced precancerosis, then the biochemical indexes were investigated. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) were investigated by colorimetric method.

Results

Sorbaria sorbifolia extract increased SOD, GSH-PX and decreased MDA, GSH levels in serum and liver homogenate.

Conclusion

Sorbaria sorbifolia extract significantly increased anti-oxidative activities in rats with precancerosis induced by diethylnitrosamine.

Objective

To compare the effects of immune enhancement, anti-fatigue and anoxia tolerance on mice of four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province.

Methods

Water extracts and alcohol extracts of the four kinds of dodder seeds were administered to mice. The phagocytosis of coelio-macrophage, the weight changes of the immune organs, the survival time to swimming and lacking of oxygen were observed.

Results

The four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province could enhance the phagocytosis of macrophage of mice and increase the weights of thymus and spleen of the immature mice. They could prolong the survival time of mice swimming and lacking oxygen.Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and C. australis R. Br.had better effects than the other two kinds,and the water extracts had better effects than alcohol extracts.

Conclusion

The four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province have the effects of immune enhancement, anti-fatigue and anoxia tolerance. The polysaccharide in dodder seeds is one of the effective materials to improve the immune system.

Objective

To study the effect of the electroacupuncture and Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) on the regeneration of the rat's injured sciatic nerve.

Methods

Rat's sciatic nerve injury model was made by operation. The rats were treated with electroacupuncture or BYHWD and their nerve electro-physiological indices and histological changes tested by HRP were observed.

Results

It was demonstrated that the recovery ratios of nerve conduction velocity and muscle evoked action potential of the group treated with electroacupuncture and the group treated with BYHWD were higher than those of the group treated with western medicine or the group without treatment. The differences were significant. The labeling cells in anterior horn of spinal marrow and spinal ganglion of the group treated with electroacupuncture and the group treated with BYHWD were more abundant than those of the group treated with western medicine or the group without treatment. The differences were significant. The effect of electroacupuncture was better than that of the BYHWD.

Conclusion

It suggests that both electroacupuncture therapy and BYHWD can promote the recovery of the function in early stage of injured nerve, and they are effective methods for promoting the regeneration of injured peripheral nerve.

Objective

To establish a stable, useful culture system for human osteoclasts and to investigate the effect of osteoblasts on the differentiation, proliferation and activation of osteoclasts so as to provide a base for the studies on prevention and treatment of osteolysis and osteoporosis.

Methods

In the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3, monocytes abstracted from human bone marrow were cultured in three groups: co-culture of monocytes and osteoblasts, monocytes alone, monocytes with conditional media (CM) of osteoblasts. Differentiation process of the cultured cells was observed under biological microscope. HE staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap) staining were employed to assay the cultured cells. The resorption pits on bone slices, on which cells were cultured, were observed under scanning electronic microscope (SEM).

Results

In group of co-culture of monocytes and osteoblasts, monocytes gradually fused to form multinucleated cells (MNCs), and the MNCs were also indicated in HE staining and Trap staining. The SEM showed a number of resorption pits on bone slices. In the other two groups, Trap-positive MNCs were not obtaind, and resorption pits were not observed on bone slices.

Conclusion

In this culture, monocytes obtained from human marrow fused to form multinucleated cells (MNCs) that express the main characteristics of the osteoclast phenotype, such as Trap-positive and the ability to form resorption lacunae when cultured on bone slices. Cell-to-cell contact with osteoblasts was necessary for the differentiation,proliferation and activation of osteoclasts.

With the further development of clinical modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), new request to tongue diagnosis for objectivity and quantification is raised. Many researchers have devoted themselves to this field and have achieved some accomplishments since 1950's. Especially in recent years, the revolution of information technique derived from computer industry brings the research new chances. The research history of the past five decades can be divided into three stages: (1) looking for micro-markers by newly-developed medical technique; (2) quantifying traditional markers by new technique; (3) further development based on information technique and corporation of multiple subjects. This article reviewed the three stages and described its prospect.

Fructus Xanthii is commonly used in rhinology, especially used in treatment of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. But Fructus Xanthii is toxicant, and it maybe result in poisoning when used excessively, without preparation or in inappropriate preparation. This article reviewed all poisoning cases from 1960 to 2000, its toxicology and methods for detoxification.

According to TCM theory of the wholistic concept and the principles of sydrome differentiation and treatment, the characteristics of the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia (AA) were summarized and corresponding treatment was put forward on the basis of clinical observation and the study of literature. In the pathogenesis of AA, the deficiency of spleen and kidney is the primary aspect, fire attacking blood vessels is the secondary aspect and there is change because of blood stasis. In treatment,the method of invigorating spleen and tonifying kidney is adopted in order to get at the root, and releasing fire to stop bleeding is adopted in order to bring about a temporary solution, and activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis is adopted in order to produce blood. The outline should be caught hold of that consumption is primary aspect and fire is secondary aspect and there is change because of blood stasis in order to obtain satisfactory curative effect.

Objective

To study the mechanism of preventing proteinuria by traditional Chinese medicine YSGJD in early diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rats.

Methods

The male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control, untreated control and treated groups. Experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in untreated control and treated rats with streptozotocin (STZ), and the normal group was given equal buffer solution. The treated rats were given YSGJD daily. The other two groups were given running water. Eight weeks later,the rats were raised in metabolic cages for 24 hours. Then, the 24 h urinary protein, serum glucose and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. In the renal cortex, the levels of iNOS mRNA and cGMP were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and radioimmunoassay separately.

Results

Compared with normal control, in DN rats, the 24 h urine protein, the levels of renal cortex iNOS mRNA and cGMP were increased significantly (P<0.01). All above in treated group were reduced than in untreated control (P<0.05). The serum glucose and NO were increased in DN rats than in normal control (P<0.01), and had a little decrease in the treated group, with no significance between untreated and treated groups.

Conclusion

This recipe can diminish the urine protein in early DN without the significant decrease of serum sugar, can correct the abnormal levels of iNOS mRNA and cGMP in renal cortex. Interfering with the function of NO may be one of its mechanisms.