Background: Cancer has become a leading cause of death world-wide. In Hong Kong, cancer accounted for 24.8% of deaths in 1980, rising to 31.3% in 1998. The conventional treatment of cancer usually includes surgery, ra...Background: Cancer has become a leading cause of death world-wide. In Hong Kong, cancer accounted for 24.8% of deaths in 1980, rising to 31.3% in 1998. The conventional treatment of cancer usually includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These conventional therapies do not guarantee not relapse and are often associated with serious side effects. Using Chinese Medicine (CM) as an adjunctive treatment is commonly practiced in Chinese Communities to support patients being treated with conventional modern medicine, with the aim of alleviating the side effects, and improving self-defense and their quality of life. Well-designed and conducted clinical trials could give evidence of the efficacy of CM. This study investigated the clinical efficacy through the well designed clinical trial, and the implementation of carrying out the trial, to assess the adjuvant and supportive effect on lung cancer patients. Methods: The clinical study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to investigate the dose-dependent effects. Primary endpoint was the difference of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) score. Results: 41 eligible subjects were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups, 21 in high dose group and 20 in low dose group. Sub-domains of PWB (Physical well-being) and EWB (Emotional well-being) as well as FACT-G total score were significantly improved in high dose group when compared with low dose group after 12 weeks treatment (p = 0.015, 0.006 and 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: Holistic approach using quality of life as parameters to evaluate the efficacy of CM is an important compromise. Well-designed clinical trial can provide convincing evidence to support CM’s efficacy. The study demonstrated that quality of life of patients with lung cancer could be beneficial from the supportive care with CM.展开更多
There is a growing interest in the use of fecal transplantation for chronic intestinal conditions.We aim to review the methodology and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation and the evidence to support its use in ...There is a growing interest in the use of fecal transplantation for chronic intestinal conditions.We aim to review the methodology and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation and the evidence to support its use in treating a variety of diseases.We reviewed the history of fecal transplantation in China and found that there were varieties of fecal material used in ancient China.The first written record on fecal treatment was found in an ancient tomb in Middle China.This paper explores the historical and current perspectives of fecal microbiota transplantation.The ancient fecal transplantations did not have any background support from life science.In those ancient days,short of knowledge about bacteria,clinicians were aiming at a change of intestinal environment.Today,we aim at a change of the intestinal microbiome.展开更多
To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syn...To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syntheticum (an enhancer) was applied on ten subjects with un-displaced fifth metatarsal fractures. Pain scores, foot and ankle function questionnaires and regional swelling were carefully assessed and recorded. Peripheral blood was taken to measure the inflammation cytokines. Assessment checks were performed biweekly to enforce effective patch application and compliance. The results showed that pain improved after two weeks and fracture sites swelling had 20% reduction in thickness when measured with an ultrasonic tool. Foot and ankle functional scores markedly improved after six weeks. Radiological examinations revealed early perfect fracture unions. The topical herbal patch was effective in promoting fracture healing. It was well tolerated by the fracture patients. Larger randomized controlled trials would be indicated.展开更多
Background: Complementary and alternative medicines are increasingly used for the treatment of asthma worldwide. A five-herb herbal formula (CUF) has been found to be effective and safe in an animal model of asthma an...Background: Complementary and alternative medicines are increasingly used for the treatment of asthma worldwide. A five-herb herbal formula (CUF) has been found to be effective and safe in an animal model of asthma and in a preliminary clinical study. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CUF in children suffering from asthma. Design: A randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled, parallel study. Interventions: Subjects received CUF or placebo for 6 months. Efficacy variables included changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), and steroidal consumption. Results: A total of 100 asthmatic children were enrolled and assigned to two treatment groups. The first group received CUF 6 capsules (3 g/day) and the second group received placebo. There was a statistically significant difference in mean spirometric indexes in CUF group at baseline and follow-up visits. In the CUF group, the activity domain showed significant improvement (p = 0.045). FEV% was significantly improved in the CUF group (p strated. It improved the pulmonary functions of the children, namely, FEV1 and FVC. However, further research on a larger scale is warranted.展开更多
Background: In spite of the advances in Cancer treatment, limitations exist. Refractory cases and late presentations are particularly worrying. The uncertainty of cure and the high costs have led to the popularly of c...Background: In spite of the advances in Cancer treatment, limitations exist. Refractory cases and late presentations are particularly worrying. The uncertainty of cure and the high costs have led to the popularly of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer treatment. Herbal medicine has particular attraction because it has been shown to be working on a multi-targets direction: promoting apoptosis of cancer cells, anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulating. Research on creating a simple herbal formula with multiple effects of cancer control has started and showed in laboratory platforms promising results. Metronomic Chemotherapy: Attention on the use of old oral cytotoxic drugs in small doses for refractory and late cancer cases has started more than a decade. Satisfactory and good results have been found to be related to anti-angiogenesis, immunomodulations and cancer cell apoptosis. These findings are comparable to the use of multiple targets herbal medicine. Conclusion: Assumption is made that metronomic chemotherapy, combined with herbal medicine could be achieving synergistic effects and would be affordable to all patients.展开更多
Background: Urinary Incontinence is a common symptom among the older and frail older people. Apart from affecting the quality of life and skin complications, the demand on assistance could be too high for any sufferer...Background: Urinary Incontinence is a common symptom among the older and frail older people. Apart from affecting the quality of life and skin complications, the demand on assistance could be too high for any sufferer. While conservative means of treatment do not work, special incontinence apparel could be a good compromise. Objective: To create an absorbent, antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant diaper for the older and dependent people suffering from urinary incontinence. Material and Methods: Antiperspirant and antiseptic medicinal materials have been reported in Traditional Chinese Medicine and two herbs were screened out to provide the required effects. A combination of Fraxini Cortex, Calamine and Zinc oxide made in powder forms was impregnated into a pocket of the diaper. Laboratory tests were performed to confirm the antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects of the materials. A self-control clinical trial on the diaper was organized in an elderly home. Results: Antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus, E. coli and Candida were proven. Antiperspirant effects were confirmed using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor testings. Volunteers using the Sudoscan machine further demonstrated the weak antiperspirant effects of the herbs. A pilot study on 31 dependent diaper users gave positive feedbacks of more comfort, less leakage, odour and better skin conditions. The overall satisfaction reached 79%. Conclusion: A special diaper with antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects could be created with inexpensive herbal powder impregnated and could be recommended to the older and frail older people with urinary incontinence.展开更多
Introduction: Orthopaedic surgery includes varieties of injuries and other pathologies. Treatments are complicated while healing and recovery take time. Rehabilitation needs planning and commitment. In the Chinese Com...Introduction: Orthopaedic surgery includes varieties of injuries and other pathologies. Treatments are complicated while healing and recovery take time. Rehabilitation needs planning and commitment. In the Chinese Communities, traditional medicine has been popular since hundreds of years ago and has remained so in spite of the current advances in medicine. The purpose of this review is to identify the techniques being used in current situations, the indications and problems. Varieties of Traditional Treatments: 1) Topical applications of herbs are very much welcome after joint sprains, inflammatory conditions and even fractures. 2) On the wide area of physical training, the Chinese Tai-chi and Qigong are excellent gentle exercises for personal pursues. These exercises emphasize on body-mind interactions and carry strong philosophical insights. 3) Acupuncture has become standard rehabilitation practice in some hospitals and is getting even more popular in pain control and rehabilitation training after nerve injuries. Problems: Topical agents for pain and inflammation are not totally safe because allergic adverse conditions could happen from time to time. The major concern could be the unawareness of non-unions or delayed unions in fracture cases after herbal applications because the traditional healers are using too little modern assessment tools. Physical trainings and acupunctures are on the whole safe, only that indications are not clearly defined. Future Direction: 1) Concerning the topical agents used for pain and swelling, the essential research requirements include demonstration on the topical agents’ anti inflammatory, angiogenic and cell regenerative effects. The capability of skin penetration needs to be confirmed and a final clinical trial will further confirm the efficacy. 2) Clinical researches trying to obtain evidence on the use of Tai-chi and Qigong on the neuromuscular recovery are plentiful, while their effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health are likewise encouraging. 3) Acupuncture has already become a standard treatment option for pain control, nausea/vomiting and neuromuscular recoveries.展开更多
Objective To investigate the in vivo immunomodulatory and anti-tumor mechanisms of the combined treatment of novel Four-Herb formula(4HF)and doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods Murine-derived tr...Objective To investigate the in vivo immunomodulatory and anti-tumor mechanisms of the combined treatment of novel Four-Herb formula(4HF)and doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods Murine-derived triple-negative mammary carcinoma cell line,4T1 cells,was cultured and inoculated into mouse mammary glands.Sixty-six mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups(n=11 in ench):naive,control,LD 4HF(low dose 4HF),HD 4HF(high dose 4HF),LD 4HF+D(low dose and doxorubicin),and D(doxorubicin).Apart from the naive group,each mouse received subcutaneous inoculation with 5×10^(5)4T1 cells resuspended in 100µL of normal saline in the mammary fat pads.Starting from the day of tumor cell inoculation,tumors were grown for 6 days.The LD and HD groups received daily oral gavage of 658 and 2,630 mg/kg 4HF,respectively.The LD 4HF+D group received daily oral gavage of 658 mg/kg 4HF and weekly intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin(5 mg/kg).The D group received weekly intraperitoneal injections of doxorubicin(5 mg/kg).The treatment naive mice received daily oral gavage of 0.2 mL double distilled water and 0.1 mL normal saline via intraperitoneal injection once a week.The control group received daily oral gavage of 0.2 mL double-distilled water.The treatment period was 30 days.At the end of treatment,mice organs were harvested to analyze immunological activities via immunophenotyping,gene and multiplex analysis,histological staining,and gut microbiota analysis.Results Mice treated with the combination of 4HF and doxorubicin resulted in significantly reduced tumor and spleen burdens(P<0.05),altered the hypoxia and overall immune lymphocyte landscape,and manipulated gut microbiota to favor the anti-tumor immunological activities.Moreover,immunosuppressive genes,cytokines,and chemokines such as C-C motif chemokine 2 and interleukin-10 of tumors were significantly downregulated(P<0.05).4HF-doxorubicin combination treatment demonstrated synergetic activities and was most effective in activating the anti-tumor immune response(P<0.05).Conclusion The above results provide evidence for evaluating the immune regulating mechanisms of 4HF in breast cancer and support its clinical significance in its potential as an adjunctive therapeutic agent or immune supplement.展开更多
Dendrobii Caulis(DC), named ‘Shihu' in Chinese, is a precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used to nourish stomach, enhance body fluid production, tonify "Yin" and reduce heat. Mor...Dendrobii Caulis(DC), named ‘Shihu' in Chinese, is a precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used to nourish stomach, enhance body fluid production, tonify "Yin" and reduce heat. More than thirty Dendrobium species are used as folk medicine. Some compounds from DC exhibit inhibitory effects on macrophage inflammation. In the present study, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects among eight Dendrobium species. The results provided evidences to support Dendrobium as folk medicine, which exerted its medicinal function partially by its inhibitory effects on inflammation. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Dendrobium species, mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was activated by lipopolysaccharide. The nitric oxide(NO) level was measured using Griess reagent while the pro-inflammatory cytokines were tested by ELISA. The protein expressions of inducible NO synthase(iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blotting analysis. Among the eight Dendrobium species, both water extracts of D. thyrsiflorum B.S.Williams(DTW) and D. chrysotoxum Lindl(DCHW) showed most significant inhibitory effects on NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. DTW also significantly reduced TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6 production. Further investigations showed that DTW suppressed iNOS and COX-2 expression as well as ERK and JNK phosphorylation, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of DTW on LPS-induced macrophage inflammation was through the suppression of MAPK pathways. In conclusion, D. thyrsiflorum B.S.Williams was demonstrated to have potential to be used as alternative or adjuvant therapy for inflammation.展开更多
INTRODUCTION Ever since there was human life,the frequency and impact of injuries are real challenges to survival and well-being.Attempts to heal injuries,whether severe or mild,have been major concerns and over time ...INTRODUCTION Ever since there was human life,the frequency and impact of injuries are real challenges to survival and well-being.Attempts to heal injuries,whether severe or mild,have been major concerns and over time we have accumulated considerable experiences.All traditional medicines,whether European or Oriental,have extensive records of injury treatment and bone-setting.Such records are available in China,from as early as 1000 BC.The earliest Chinese Medicine Classic,Neijing,contains important principles related to injuries and their management.Different bones are given appropriate names,and functions of different tissues in the skeletal system,e.g.muscles,tendons,marrow etc.are described.1-3 Physiological functions,e.g.circulation and kidney activities,have also been discussed.Interestingly,kidney function has been linked to the activities of bones and joints.展开更多
Incidence of breast cancer is high in women worldwide and mortality usually results from tumor metastasis.Adjuvant chemotherapeutic,such as zoledronate(ZOL),has been used in metastatic breast cancer mainly for skeleta...Incidence of breast cancer is high in women worldwide and mortality usually results from tumor metastasis.Adjuvant chemotherapeutic,such as zoledronate(ZOL),has been used in metastatic breast cancer mainly for skeletal protection.Our previous studies demonstrated that Coriolus versicolor(CV)aqueous extract exhibited anti-tumor展开更多
Turmeric is a medicinal herb in Asia and as dietary supplement in western countries.Its major active component,curcumin.has good reputation for chemopreventive effects in different cancers.However,poor oral bioavailab...Turmeric is a medicinal herb in Asia and as dietary supplement in western countries.Its major active component,curcumin.has good reputation for chemopreventive effects in different cancers.However,poor oral bioavailability of curcumin hinders the wide clinical application of this compound.Our research group made attempts to advance the utilization of the展开更多
文摘Background: Cancer has become a leading cause of death world-wide. In Hong Kong, cancer accounted for 24.8% of deaths in 1980, rising to 31.3% in 1998. The conventional treatment of cancer usually includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These conventional therapies do not guarantee not relapse and are often associated with serious side effects. Using Chinese Medicine (CM) as an adjunctive treatment is commonly practiced in Chinese Communities to support patients being treated with conventional modern medicine, with the aim of alleviating the side effects, and improving self-defense and their quality of life. Well-designed and conducted clinical trials could give evidence of the efficacy of CM. This study investigated the clinical efficacy through the well designed clinical trial, and the implementation of carrying out the trial, to assess the adjuvant and supportive effect on lung cancer patients. Methods: The clinical study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to investigate the dose-dependent effects. Primary endpoint was the difference of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) score. Results: 41 eligible subjects were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups, 21 in high dose group and 20 in low dose group. Sub-domains of PWB (Physical well-being) and EWB (Emotional well-being) as well as FACT-G total score were significantly improved in high dose group when compared with low dose group after 12 weeks treatment (p = 0.015, 0.006 and 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: Holistic approach using quality of life as parameters to evaluate the efficacy of CM is an important compromise. Well-designed clinical trial can provide convincing evidence to support CM’s efficacy. The study demonstrated that quality of life of patients with lung cancer could be beneficial from the supportive care with CM.
文摘There is a growing interest in the use of fecal transplantation for chronic intestinal conditions.We aim to review the methodology and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation and the evidence to support its use in treating a variety of diseases.We reviewed the history of fecal transplantation in China and found that there were varieties of fecal material used in ancient China.The first written record on fecal treatment was found in an ancient tomb in Middle China.This paper explores the historical and current perspectives of fecal microbiota transplantation.The ancient fecal transplantations did not have any background support from life science.In those ancient days,short of knowledge about bacteria,clinicians were aiming at a change of intestinal environment.Today,we aim at a change of the intestinal microbiome.
文摘To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syntheticum (an enhancer) was applied on ten subjects with un-displaced fifth metatarsal fractures. Pain scores, foot and ankle function questionnaires and regional swelling were carefully assessed and recorded. Peripheral blood was taken to measure the inflammation cytokines. Assessment checks were performed biweekly to enforce effective patch application and compliance. The results showed that pain improved after two weeks and fracture sites swelling had 20% reduction in thickness when measured with an ultrasonic tool. Foot and ankle functional scores markedly improved after six weeks. Radiological examinations revealed early perfect fracture unions. The topical herbal patch was effective in promoting fracture healing. It was well tolerated by the fracture patients. Larger randomized controlled trials would be indicated.
文摘Background: Complementary and alternative medicines are increasingly used for the treatment of asthma worldwide. A five-herb herbal formula (CUF) has been found to be effective and safe in an animal model of asthma and in a preliminary clinical study. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CUF in children suffering from asthma. Design: A randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled, parallel study. Interventions: Subjects received CUF or placebo for 6 months. Efficacy variables included changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), and steroidal consumption. Results: A total of 100 asthmatic children were enrolled and assigned to two treatment groups. The first group received CUF 6 capsules (3 g/day) and the second group received placebo. There was a statistically significant difference in mean spirometric indexes in CUF group at baseline and follow-up visits. In the CUF group, the activity domain showed significant improvement (p = 0.045). FEV% was significantly improved in the CUF group (p strated. It improved the pulmonary functions of the children, namely, FEV1 and FVC. However, further research on a larger scale is warranted.
文摘Background: In spite of the advances in Cancer treatment, limitations exist. Refractory cases and late presentations are particularly worrying. The uncertainty of cure and the high costs have led to the popularly of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer treatment. Herbal medicine has particular attraction because it has been shown to be working on a multi-targets direction: promoting apoptosis of cancer cells, anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulating. Research on creating a simple herbal formula with multiple effects of cancer control has started and showed in laboratory platforms promising results. Metronomic Chemotherapy: Attention on the use of old oral cytotoxic drugs in small doses for refractory and late cancer cases has started more than a decade. Satisfactory and good results have been found to be related to anti-angiogenesis, immunomodulations and cancer cell apoptosis. These findings are comparable to the use of multiple targets herbal medicine. Conclusion: Assumption is made that metronomic chemotherapy, combined with herbal medicine could be achieving synergistic effects and would be affordable to all patients.
文摘Background: Urinary Incontinence is a common symptom among the older and frail older people. Apart from affecting the quality of life and skin complications, the demand on assistance could be too high for any sufferer. While conservative means of treatment do not work, special incontinence apparel could be a good compromise. Objective: To create an absorbent, antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant diaper for the older and dependent people suffering from urinary incontinence. Material and Methods: Antiperspirant and antiseptic medicinal materials have been reported in Traditional Chinese Medicine and two herbs were screened out to provide the required effects. A combination of Fraxini Cortex, Calamine and Zinc oxide made in powder forms was impregnated into a pocket of the diaper. Laboratory tests were performed to confirm the antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects of the materials. A self-control clinical trial on the diaper was organized in an elderly home. Results: Antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus, E. coli and Candida were proven. Antiperspirant effects were confirmed using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor testings. Volunteers using the Sudoscan machine further demonstrated the weak antiperspirant effects of the herbs. A pilot study on 31 dependent diaper users gave positive feedbacks of more comfort, less leakage, odour and better skin conditions. The overall satisfaction reached 79%. Conclusion: A special diaper with antiseptic, antiperspirant and deodourant effects could be created with inexpensive herbal powder impregnated and could be recommended to the older and frail older people with urinary incontinence.
文摘Introduction: Orthopaedic surgery includes varieties of injuries and other pathologies. Treatments are complicated while healing and recovery take time. Rehabilitation needs planning and commitment. In the Chinese Communities, traditional medicine has been popular since hundreds of years ago and has remained so in spite of the current advances in medicine. The purpose of this review is to identify the techniques being used in current situations, the indications and problems. Varieties of Traditional Treatments: 1) Topical applications of herbs are very much welcome after joint sprains, inflammatory conditions and even fractures. 2) On the wide area of physical training, the Chinese Tai-chi and Qigong are excellent gentle exercises for personal pursues. These exercises emphasize on body-mind interactions and carry strong philosophical insights. 3) Acupuncture has become standard rehabilitation practice in some hospitals and is getting even more popular in pain control and rehabilitation training after nerve injuries. Problems: Topical agents for pain and inflammation are not totally safe because allergic adverse conditions could happen from time to time. The major concern could be the unawareness of non-unions or delayed unions in fracture cases after herbal applications because the traditional healers are using too little modern assessment tools. Physical trainings and acupunctures are on the whole safe, only that indications are not clearly defined. Future Direction: 1) Concerning the topical agents used for pain and swelling, the essential research requirements include demonstration on the topical agents’ anti inflammatory, angiogenic and cell regenerative effects. The capability of skin penetration needs to be confirmed and a final clinical trial will further confirm the efficacy. 2) Clinical researches trying to obtain evidence on the use of Tai-chi and Qigong on the neuromuscular recovery are plentiful, while their effects on cardiovascular and respiratory health are likewise encouraging. 3) Acupuncture has already become a standard treatment option for pain control, nausea/vomiting and neuromuscular recoveries.
基金Supported by the Funding of the State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants(The Chinese University of Hong Kong/CUHK)from Innovation and Technology Commission,Hong Kong,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R&D Centre for Chinese Medicine,CUHK,Hong Kong and C.C.Wu Cultural Foundation。
文摘Objective To investigate the in vivo immunomodulatory and anti-tumor mechanisms of the combined treatment of novel Four-Herb formula(4HF)and doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods Murine-derived triple-negative mammary carcinoma cell line,4T1 cells,was cultured and inoculated into mouse mammary glands.Sixty-six mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups(n=11 in ench):naive,control,LD 4HF(low dose 4HF),HD 4HF(high dose 4HF),LD 4HF+D(low dose and doxorubicin),and D(doxorubicin).Apart from the naive group,each mouse received subcutaneous inoculation with 5×10^(5)4T1 cells resuspended in 100µL of normal saline in the mammary fat pads.Starting from the day of tumor cell inoculation,tumors were grown for 6 days.The LD and HD groups received daily oral gavage of 658 and 2,630 mg/kg 4HF,respectively.The LD 4HF+D group received daily oral gavage of 658 mg/kg 4HF and weekly intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin(5 mg/kg).The D group received weekly intraperitoneal injections of doxorubicin(5 mg/kg).The treatment naive mice received daily oral gavage of 0.2 mL double distilled water and 0.1 mL normal saline via intraperitoneal injection once a week.The control group received daily oral gavage of 0.2 mL double-distilled water.The treatment period was 30 days.At the end of treatment,mice organs were harvested to analyze immunological activities via immunophenotyping,gene and multiplex analysis,histological staining,and gut microbiota analysis.Results Mice treated with the combination of 4HF and doxorubicin resulted in significantly reduced tumor and spleen burdens(P<0.05),altered the hypoxia and overall immune lymphocyte landscape,and manipulated gut microbiota to favor the anti-tumor immunological activities.Moreover,immunosuppressive genes,cytokines,and chemokines such as C-C motif chemokine 2 and interleukin-10 of tumors were significantly downregulated(P<0.05).4HF-doxorubicin combination treatment demonstrated synergetic activities and was most effective in activating the anti-tumor immune response(P<0.05).Conclusion The above results provide evidence for evaluating the immune regulating mechanisms of 4HF in breast cancer and support its clinical significance in its potential as an adjunctive therapeutic agent or immune supplement.
文摘Dendrobii Caulis(DC), named ‘Shihu' in Chinese, is a precious herb in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used to nourish stomach, enhance body fluid production, tonify "Yin" and reduce heat. More than thirty Dendrobium species are used as folk medicine. Some compounds from DC exhibit inhibitory effects on macrophage inflammation. In the present study, we compared the anti-inflammatory effects among eight Dendrobium species. The results provided evidences to support Dendrobium as folk medicine, which exerted its medicinal function partially by its inhibitory effects on inflammation. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Dendrobium species, mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was activated by lipopolysaccharide. The nitric oxide(NO) level was measured using Griess reagent while the pro-inflammatory cytokines were tested by ELISA. The protein expressions of inducible NO synthase(iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blotting analysis. Among the eight Dendrobium species, both water extracts of D. thyrsiflorum B.S.Williams(DTW) and D. chrysotoxum Lindl(DCHW) showed most significant inhibitory effects on NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. DTW also significantly reduced TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6 production. Further investigations showed that DTW suppressed iNOS and COX-2 expression as well as ERK and JNK phosphorylation, suggesting that the inhibitory effects of DTW on LPS-induced macrophage inflammation was through the suppression of MAPK pathways. In conclusion, D. thyrsiflorum B.S.Williams was demonstrated to have potential to be used as alternative or adjuvant therapy for inflammation.
文摘INTRODUCTION Ever since there was human life,the frequency and impact of injuries are real challenges to survival and well-being.Attempts to heal injuries,whether severe or mild,have been major concerns and over time we have accumulated considerable experiences.All traditional medicines,whether European or Oriental,have extensive records of injury treatment and bone-setting.Such records are available in China,from as early as 1000 BC.The earliest Chinese Medicine Classic,Neijing,contains important principles related to injuries and their management.Different bones are given appropriate names,and functions of different tissues in the skeletal system,e.g.muscles,tendons,marrow etc.are described.1-3 Physiological functions,e.g.circulation and kidney activities,have also been discussed.Interestingly,kidney function has been linked to the activities of bones and joints.
基金supported by Food and Health Bureau HKSAR,Health and Medical Research Fund no.10110891
文摘Incidence of breast cancer is high in women worldwide and mortality usually results from tumor metastasis.Adjuvant chemotherapeutic,such as zoledronate(ZOL),has been used in metastatic breast cancer mainly for skeletal protection.Our previous studies demonstrated that Coriolus versicolor(CV)aqueous extract exhibited anti-tumor
基金financially supported by Food and Health Bureau HKSAR,Health and Health Services Research Fund no.09100341
文摘Turmeric is a medicinal herb in Asia and as dietary supplement in western countries.Its major active component,curcumin.has good reputation for chemopreventive effects in different cancers.However,poor oral bioavailability of curcumin hinders the wide clinical application of this compound.Our research group made attempts to advance the utilization of the
