Effect of Yangxinkang Tablets(养心康片)on Chronic Heart Failure:A Multi-Center Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives:To investigate the safety and efficacy of Yangxinkang Tablets(养心康片) in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF) and syndrome of qi and yin deficiency,blood stasis,and water retention.Methods:In a double-blinded,randomized,placebo-controlled,multicenter clinical trail,228 patients with CHF New York Heart Association(NYHA) class Ⅱ or Ⅲ in stage C were assigned by randomized block method to two groups in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either conventional Western treatment or conventional treatment plus Yangxinkang Tablets for 4 weeks.The outcome measure were effect of cardiac function,Chinese medicine(CM) syndromes,scores of symptoms,signs,and quality of life measured by Minnesota Living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ) before and after the treatment.Results:Totally 112 patients were analyzed in the treatment group and 109 in the control group.They were comparable in NYHA functional class,basic parameters and primary diseases before treatment.Cardiac function and CM syndromes were greatly ameliorated in both groups after treatment.Total effective rates of cardiac function and CM syndrome in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.05).Total symptom score and sign score in the treatment group decreased significantly after treatment(P0.01),which were significantly lower than those in the control group(P0.05).There were statistically significant differences in post-treatment scores of gasp,cough with phlegm,pulmonary rales and jugular vein engorgement between the two groups(P0.05 or P0.01).Three MLHFQ scores decreased significantly in both groups after treatment(P0.01).Post-treatment total scale score and physical subscale score in the treatment group and the reduction of them showed statistically significant differences(P0.05) as compared with the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in emotional subscale score and the reduction after treatment(P0.05).There was no obvious adverse reaction in either group noted during the study.Conclusions:Yangxinkang Tablets were safe and efficacious in improving cardiac function,CM syndromes,symptoms,signs,and quality of life in patients with CHF class Ⅱ orⅢ in stage C on the base of conventional treatment.     

Effect of Xin’ anning Nasal Drop (心安宁滴鼻剂) in treating coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of Xin＇anning Nasal Drop （XAND,心安宁滴鼻剂） in treating coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris （CHD-UAP）. Methods： Sixty patients with CHD-UAP were assigned, according to the randomizing number table, to two groups, the control group treated with conventional Western medicine, and the treated group treated with conventional Western medicine plus XAND. The clinical efficacy and the changes of S-T segment in resting EKG and total ischemia burden （TIB） in 24-h dynamic EKG were observed. Results： The clinical efficacy, including the effect of angina alleviation, its initiation, and the effect of TOM syndrome score reduction, were significantly superior in the treated group to those in the control group （ P〈0.05 or P〈0.01 ）. The degree and extent of myocardial ischemia were significantly improved in both groups （ P〈0.01 ）, but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group （ P〈0.05）. Moreover, it was worth mentioning that the immediate effect in the treated group was better than that in the control group, and the reduction of TIB, the improvement in heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption （ immediately after the first administration or by the end of the therapeutic course）, and systolic blood pressure after treatment in the former were all superior to those in the latter, showing significant difference （ P〈0.05 or P〈0.01 ）. Conclusion： XAND has a quick effect in alleviating angina in patients with CHD-UAP, and it is worthy of further studies and spreading in clinical practice.     

Influence of insulin resistance on long-term outcomes in patients

Background Insulin resistance（IR）is significantly associated with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.This study aimed to evaluate the influence of IR on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention（PCI）with sirolimus-eluting stent（SES）implantation.Methods A total of 467 consecutive patients undergoing SES-based PCI were divided into lR group（n=104）and non-IR group（n=363）.The patients were followed up for one year.The rate of major adverse cardiac events（MACEs） including death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and recurrent angina pectoris was compared by the log-rank test,and the independent risk factors were identified by the Cox regression analysis.Results MACEs occurred more frequently,and cumulative survival rate was lower in the IR group than in the non-IR group during the follow-up （all P〈0.05）.IR was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction（OR=2176,95% CI=1.35-5.47,P=0.034）.Old age,diabetes,and multi-vessel disease were determinants for recurrent angina pectoris after PCI（P〈0.05）.Subgroup analysis revealed that IR（OR=3.35,95% CI=1.07-13.59,P=0.013）and multi-vessel disease（OR=2.19,95%CI=1.01-5.14,P=0.044）were independent risk predictors for recurrent angina pectoris in patients with diabetes after PCI.Conclusions IR is associated with reduced MACE-free survival and remains an independent predictor for recurrent angina pectoris after PCI with SES implantation.     

Effect of Shengmai Injection (生脉注射液) on cardiac function and inflammatory reaction in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective： To confirm the effect of Shengmai Injection （生脉注射液, SMI） in improving cardiac function in patients with acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and to explore its influence on inflammatory reaction in patients. Methods： Ninety ACS patients were randomized into two groups, the control group treated with conventional therapy and the SMI group treated with SMI. The patients＇ cardiac function was noted and the content of high sensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） in venous blood was measured before treatment and 1 week and 3 weeks after treatment, so as to observe and compare their changes between the two groups. Results： The cardiac output, stroke volume and ejection fraction in the SMI group after 3 weeks of treatment were all higher than those in the control group （P〈0.05）. The serum content of hs-CRP was reduced in both groups （P〈0.05）, but the reduction in the SMI group was more significant than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： SMI could improve the cardiac function and further inhibit the inflammatory reaction in patients with ACS.     

Comparative study of effects of bone marrow cell vs. Ad5-HGF administration via non-infarct-related artery injection in myocardial infarction in swine

Objective To evaluate the effect of transplanting bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or adenovirus5-hepatocyte growth factor(Ad5-HGF) via non-infarct-related artery injection in swine myocardial infarction models. Methods BMMSCs were obtained from swine bone marrow and expanded in vitro to a purity of ＞50%. A myocardial infarction(MI) was created by ligating the distal left anterior descending artery in swine. Either BM-MSCs (5 × 106/ml) or Ad5-HGF (4 × 109 pfu) were transfused via the right coronary artery (non-infarcted artery) four weeks after MI. Gate-controled cardiac perfusion imaging was performed at the end of four and seven weeks after LAD ligation, to evaluate heart function and cardiac perfusion. Morphologic and histologic characteristics of the hearts were also studied. Results (1)The gate-controlled cardiac perfusion imaging showed that the improvement in LVEF was greater in both treatment groups than in control group at the 4th weeks. (2)In both treatment groups, capillary density was significantly higher than that of control group (P ＜ 0.05). ConclusionBM-MSCs or Ad5-HGF transplantation via non-infarcted artery administration can stimulate angiogenesis and improve heart function, but there was no difference in therapeutic efficacy between BM-MSCs and Ad5-HGF.     

Summary of 32 patients with cardiac syndrome X treated by TCM therapy of regulating qi relieving chest stuffiness and promoting blood circulation

Objective： To evaluate the clinical effect of Liqi Kuanxiong Huoxue method （宽胸活血,LKH, traditional Chinese medicine, TCM therapeutic method for regulating qi, relieving chest stuffiness and promoting blood circulation） in treating patients with cardiac syndrome X （CSX）. Methods： The prospective, non-randomized controlled study was conducted on 51 selected patients with CSX, who were non-randomly assigned to 2 groups, the treated group treated with LKH in addition to the conventional treatment （32 patients）, and the control group treated with conventional treatment （19 patients） like nitrate, diltiazem hydrochloride, etc. The treatment course was 14 days. The changes of such symptoms as angina pectoris, TCM syndrome and indexes of treadmill exercise test before and after treatment were observed. Results： After treatment, such symptoms as chest pain and stuffy feeling and palpitation in the treated group were improved more than those in the control group （P〈0.05）; the total effective rate on angina pectoris and TCM syndrome in the treated group was better than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. The treadmill exercise test showed that the maximal metabolic equivalent （Max MET）, the time of angina onset and ST segment depression by 0.1 mV were obviously improved after treatment in both groups, but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group respectively （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The LKH method could reduce the frequency of angina attacks and improve the clinical condition of patients with CSX.     

Effect of Xin''''anning Nasal Drop ( 心安宁滴鼻剂 ) in Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Unstable Angina Pectoris

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Xin'anning Nasal Drop (XAND, 心安宁滴鼻剂 )in treating coronary heart disease with unstable angina pectoris (CHD-UAP). Methods: Sixty patients with CHD-UAP were assigned, according to the randomizing number table, to two groups, the control group treated with conventional Western medicine, and the treated group treated with conventional Western medicine plus XAND. The clinical efficacy and the changes of S-T segment in resting EKG and total ischemia burden (TIB) in 24-h dynamic EKG were observed. Results: The clinical efficacy, including the effect of angina alleviation, its initiation, and the effect of TCM syndrome score reduction, were significantly superior in the treated group to those in the control group ( P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ). The degree and extent of myocardial ischemia were significantly improved in both groups ( P＜0.01 ), but the improvement in the treated group was better than that in the control group ( P＜0.05). Moreover, it was worth mentioning that the immediate effect in the treated group was better than that in the control group, and the reduction of TIB, the improvement in heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption (immediately after the first administration or by the end of the therapeutic course), and systolic blood pressure after treatment in the former were all superior to those in the latter, showing significant difference ( P＜0.05 or P＜0. 01 ). Conclusion: XAND has a quick effect in alleviating angina in patients with CHD-UAP, and it is worthy of further studies and spreading in clinical practice.     

Prognostic efficacy of troponin T measurement in angina pectoris.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the newly developed Troponin T (TNT) enzyme immunoassay for predicting the prognosis of patients with angina pectoris. TNT, creatine kinase (CK) and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) were monitored in 134 patients with angina pectoris. There was no abnormality with any of these tests in 40 patients with stable angina pectoris and 30 patients with unstable angina pectoris of Class I and 2 according to Braunwald's criteria. None of them developed acute myocardial infarction or other cardiac events. Elevation of TNT concentration with normal level of CK and CK-MB was found in 34 of the 64 cases of unstable angina pectoris of Class 3. Among the 34 patients, 11 had acute myocardial infarction within 10 days during hospitalization. In contrast, only one of the patients with unstable angina pectoris of Class 3 with normal value of TNT developed acute myocardial infarction. As the incidence of angina pectoris is quite high clinically but only a small numb     

VALUE OF ANGINA PECTORIS AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN PREDICTING EXTENT OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Clinical , hemodynamic, and angiographic data were examined in 53 patients who underwent catheterization within 6 months of documented acute transmural myocardial infarction (MI). The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of presence (23 patients ,group I) or absence (30 patients. Group II ) of angina pectoris 1 month after MI. Group I patients had more severe coronary artery disease and a greater prevalence of multivessel disease than group II patients. Partial preservation of segmental left ventricular wall function in group I was related to the presence of collateral vessels. In patients with single vessel disease , incidence of spontaneous recanalization of the infarct – related artery was mote common in group I as compared with those in group II .It is concluded that angina pectoris after MI suggests multivessel disease or infarct – related artery recanalization .Coronary angiography may be advised in these patients in order to select adequate therapeutic interventions and improve prognosis.     

Effect of Shenzhu Guanxin Recipe (参术冠心方)on Patients with Angina Pectoris after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention:A Prospective,Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy using Chinese medicine(CM) Shenzhu Guanxin Recipe(参术冠心方 SGR) and standard Western medicine treatment(SWMT) in patients with angina pectoris after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:Double-blind randomized controlled trial was used in this experimental procedure.One hundred and eighty-seven patients with coronary heart disease receiving SWMT after PCI were randomly assigned to the treatment(SGR) and control(placebo) groups.Outcome measures including angina pectoris score(APS),CM symptom score,and Seattle Angina Questionnaire(SAQ)score were evaluated in 1,2,3 and 12 months,and the death rate,restenosis and other emergency treatments were observed.The mixed-effects models were employed for the data analysis.Results:In the treatment group,a larger within-treatment effect size(d=1.74) was found,with a 76.7%reduction in APS from pretreatment to12-month follow-up assessment compared with the control group(d=0.83,53.8%symptom reduction);betweentreatment(BT) effect size was d=0.66.CM symptom scores included an 18.3%reduction in the treatment group(d=0.46),and a 16.1%decrease in the control group(d=0.31);d=0.62 for BT effect size.In regard to scores of SAQ,the BT effect size of cognition level of disease was larger in the treatment group(d=0.63),followed by the level of body limitation of activity(d=0.62),condition of angina pectoris attacks(d=0.55),satisfaction level of treatments(d=0.31),and steady state of angina pectoris(d=0.30).Two cardiovascular related deaths and one incidental death were recorded in the control and treatment groups,respectively.No significant difference in any cardiovascular event(including death toll,frequency of cardiovascular hospitalization or emergency room visits)was found between the two groups.Conclusion:The combination therapy of SGR and SWMT is effective and safe in patients with angina pectoris after PCI when compared with SWMT alone.     

Intervention Effect of Jianxin Decoction（健心汤） on Serum Cytokine Level of Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Objective: To investigate the intervention effect of Jianxin Decoction (健心汤, JXD) on the cytokine level in serum of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: Sixty-six patients with CHF were randomly divided into the control group (n=33) and the trial group (n=33). The control group received conventional treatment, and the trial group was treated with conventional therapy plus JXD for 4weeks. Before and after treatment, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrogen monoxide (NO) in serum and cardiac function were determined. Results: After treatment, the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and NO were significantly lower than those before treatment (P＜0.05, or P＜0. 01) in the two groups,and the lowering degree of the indices in the trial group was more significantly reduced than that in the control group (P＜0. 05). And cardiac functions in both groups were improved significantly (P ＜ 0.05, or P ＜0.01). Conclusion: JXD could prevent and reverse ventricular remodeling so as to ameliorate cardiac function through regulating the levels of cytokines.     

Clinical Observation on Treatment of Ischemic Apoplexy by Electroacupuncture plus Acupoint-Injection

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture plus acupoint-injection for ischemic apoplexy. Method: 78 cases of ischemic apoplexy were randomly divided into a treatment group of 39 cases treated by electroacupuncture plus acupoint-injection and a control group of 39 cases treated by electroacupuncture alone. Results: The neural functional defect score (NFDS) decreased while the functional independence mark (FIM) increased with obvious significant differences before and after treatment in both of the two groups. And there were very remarkable differences between the two groups in the changes of both NFDS and FIM after treatment (P<0.01), showing better results in the treatment group than that of the control group. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture plus acupoint-injection can promote the recovery of the neural function for the ischemic apoplexy patients and markedly enhance their daily living ability, with better effects than that in patients treated by electroacupuncture alone.     

Effect of ligustrazine injection on levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma in patients with bronchial asthma

Objective： To explore the effect of ligustrazine injection （LI） on serum levels of interleukin-4 （IL-4） and interferon- -γ （IFN- -γ ） in patients with bronchial asthma and determine the mechanism of action of LI in preventing and treating asthma. Methods： Sixty-eight patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma were assigned to two groups equally according to their sequence number, odd or even. The conventional treatment was administered to both groups, and LI was given to the treatment group by ultrasonic spray inhalation twice a day but not to the control group. The therapeutic course for all was 2 weeks. Further, 30 healthy subjects who had no history of smoking were enrolled as the normal control group. The clinical condition scores, frequency of attacks and dosage of Terbutaline inhaled were scored and recorded on the first day of hospitalization （before treatment） and after treatment. At the same time, the indexes of lung function, including forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV1）, forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio （FEV1%） and the peak expiratory flow （PEF） were determined before treatment. The levels of IL-4 and IFN--γ in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA before and after treatment, and compared with that of the healthy control group. Results： After treatment, the clinical condition scores were found to be lower, indexes of lung function were elevated, but serum level of IL-4 and ratio of IL-4/IFN-γwere reduced in both groups, showing significant differences as compared to those before treatment （P〈0.05）. However, the changes in all the indexes were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group, also showing statistical significance （P〈0.05）. No significant difference was revealed when IFN--γ levels were compared before and after treatment in both groups, though a lowering trend could be seen, significant difference could not be found in the comparison of IFN--γ levels between groups a     

The serum levels of MMP-9, slCAM-1, CRP and WBC increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective：To evaluate the association of the peripheral levels of the defined inflammatory markers with different types of acute coronary syndrome （ACS） and stable angina, and the role inflammation played in the pathogenesis of ACS. Methods ：For understanding the variation of serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （sICAM-1） ,C-reactive protein （CRP）, and white blood cell count （WBC） and their association with ACS, 90 patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited. The enrolled people were assigned into four equal groups, including acute myocardial infarction （AMI） group, unstable angina pectoris（UAP） group, stable angina pectoris（SAP） group and healthy control group. The serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 were measured with ELISA kits, CRP were measured with im munoturbidimetric assay, and WBC number were assessed all before any treatment was administrated. Results： （1）The serum levels of MMP-9 ,sICAM-1 ,CRP and WBC in the patients with ACS were significantly higher than those in the control group （P 〈 0.01 ）. （2）Compared with control group, patients with SAP only had higher serum level of sICAM-1 （P 〈 0.01 ）. While the levels of MMP-9, CRP, and WBC had no significant difference between them （P 〉 0.05 all）. （3）Significant positive correlation between the serum levels of MMP-9 and sICAM-1 and CRP and WBC all were observed in the patients with ACS （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The elevation of serum concentrations of inflammatory markers including MMP-9, slCAM-1, CRP and WBC were associated with initiation and progression of ACS, and they may help predicting cardiovascular events.     

Assessment of the Effect of Cardiomyocyte Transplantation on Left Ventricular Remodeling and Function in Post-Infarction Wister Rats by Using High-frequency Ultrasound

The effects of cardiomyocyte grafting on left ventricular （LV） remodeling and function in rats with chronic myocardial infarction were evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound. Chronic myocardial infarction was induced in 50 Wister rats by ligating the left anterior descending artery. They were randomized into two groups： a trial group that received neonatal rat cardiomyocyte trans- plantation （n=25） and a control group which were given intramyocardial injection of culture medium （n=25）. The left ventricular （LV） geometry and function were evaluated by high-frequency ultrasound before and 4 weeks after the cell transplantation. After the final evaluation, all rats were sacrificed for histological study. The results showed that 4 weeks after the cell transplantation, as compared with the control group, the LV end-systolic dimension, end-diastolic dimension, end-systolic volume and end-diastolic volume were significantly decreased and the LV anterior wall end-diastolic thickness, LV ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly increased in the trial group （P〈0.01）. Histological study showed that transplanted neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were found in all host hearts and identified by Brdu staining. It was suggested that transplantation of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes can reverse cardiac remodeling and improve heart function in chronic myocardial infarction rats. High-frequency ultrasound can be used as a reliable technique for the non-invasive evaluation of the effect of cardiomyocyte transplantation.     

Xinfeng Capsule(新风胶囊)for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Decreased Pulmonary Function—A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective:To determine the effectiveness and safety of Xinfeng Capsules(新风胶囊,XFC) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients with decreased pulmonary function.Methods:This was a randomized controlled clinical trial of 80 RA patients.Participants were assigned to the trial group(40 cases) and the control group(40 cases) by block randomization.The trial group was treated with XFC,three pills each time three times daily for 2 months.The control group was treated with tripterygium glycoside(TPT),two pills each time three times daily for 2 months.Both groups were followed up after 2 months.The clinical effects,changes in joint and pulmonary function,and quality of life before and after treatment were observed;safety indices were also evaluated.Results:Pain,swelling,tenderness,and duration of morning stiffness of joints were obviously decreased after treatment in both the trial and the control groups compared with baseline(P0.01).Compared with before treatment,hand grip strength increased significantly after treatment in the trial group(P=0.0000);pulmonary function parameters such as forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration/forced vital capacity(FEV_1/FVC),50%of the expiratory flow of forced vital capacity(FEF_(50)),carbon monoxide diffusing capacity(DLco) were increased(P0.01 or P0.05);measures of quality of life such as role-physical,body pain,vitality and mental health were also improved after treatment in the trial group(all P0.05).Joint swelling in the trial group decreased compared with the control group(P=0.0043),while hand grip strength was increased after treatment(P=0.0000).The increase in FEF_(50),DLco,and the dimensions of quality of life such as vitality and mental health were all significantly greater in the trial group than the control group(P0.05 or P0.01).Conclusions:XFC not only relieved joint pain in RA patients,but also significantly improved the ventilation and diffusion function of the lungs.Therefore,XFC could improve the whole body function and enhance the quality of life of RA patients.     

OUTCOMES OF INVASIVE STRATEGY TO PATIENTS WITH NON-ST-ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES

To compare the outcomes of an invasive with a conservative strategy in the management of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes. Methods From January 2000 to June 2001,505 patients presenting with unstable angina or non-Q wave myocardial infarction were divided into two groups (conservative vs. invasive) according to management strategy. Patients assigned to an early invasive strategy underwent coronary angiography within 7d of enrollment after intensive antiplatelet, antithrombotic and antiangina therapy and revascularization as appropriate. All patients were followed up at least 6 months. The primary endpoints were cardiac death and acute myocardial infarction. Recurrence angina and readmission were the secondary endpoint. Results There were 194 patients in conservative group and 311 patients in invasive group. Overall, coronary angiography was performed in 100% and 56%, and revascularization in 93% and 52% in the invasive and conservative groups, respectively. During a mean of 11 5. 7 months ( range 6 ~ 24 months) of follow-up, the occurrence of primary endpoint was significantly lower in the invasive group than that in the conservative group (3.9% vs8. 2% , P =0. 036). The rate of recurrent angina (48% vs 17% , P =0. 001 ) , readmission (41% vs 13% , P =0. 001 )and revascularization ( 12% vs 35%, P =0. 001 ) was also significantly lower in patients assigned to invasive strategy. Conclusion The study indicates that the early invasive approach may be the preferred strategy in patients with unstable angina or non-Q wave myocardial infarction.     

Effect of Jisuikang （脊髓康） on Kinetic Dysfunction in Patients after Spinal Injury

Objective： To explore the effect of Jisuikang （脊髓康, JSK） on kinetic dysfunction in patients after spinal injury. Methods： Eighty-four patients with spinal injury were assigned equally, according to a randomizing digital table to the treated group and the control group. Conventional treatment was given to both groups, and JSK was additionally given to the treated group. Changes of various kinetic function concerning parameters including kinetic score, grades of spinal injury, effectiveness of the treatment and available recovery rate in patients allocated in the treated group and the control group were observed and compared in the way issued by Association of Spinal Injury of America （ASIA）. Results： Better effects were shown in the treated group than those in the control group in improving kinetic score （92.00 ± 9.95 scores vs 83.76 ± 24.12 scores）, ASIA overall improvement rate （69.05% vs 45.24%） and grades of effectiveness （P〈0.05）. However, the difference of available recovery rate between the two groups was insignificant （P〉0.05）. Cenclusien： JSK could prevent secondary alteration of spinal injury, promote the recovery and regeneration of nerve tissues, but could not restore the function of a necrotic spine.     

Effect of Ligustrazine Injection on Levels of Interleukin-4 and Interferon-γ in Patients with Bronchial Asthma

Objective:To explore the effect of ligustrazine injection (LI) on serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in patients with bronchial asthma and determine the mechanism of action of LI in preventing and treating asthma.Methods:Sixty-eight patients with mild or moderate bronchial asthma were assigned to two groups equally according to their sequence number,odd or even.The conventional treatment was administered to both groups,and LI was given to the treatment group by ultrasonic spray inhalation twice a day but not to the control group.The therapeutic course for all was 2 weeks.Further,30 healthy subjects who had no history of smoking were enrolled as the normal control group.The clinical condition scores,frequency of attacks and dosage of Terbutaline inhaled were scored and recorded on the first day of hospitalization (before treatment) and after treatment.At the same time,the indexes of lung function,including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1),forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1%) and the peak expiratory flow (PEF) were determined before treatment.The levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA before and after treatment,and compared with that of the healthy control group.]Results:After treatment,the clinical condition scores were found to be lower,indexes of lung function were elevated,but serum level of IL-4 and ratio of IL-4/IFN-γ were reduced in both groups,showing significant differences as compared to those before treatment (P＜0.05).However,the changes in all the indexes were more significant in the treatment group than in the control group,also showing statistical significance (P＜0.05).No significant difference was revealed when IFN-γ levels were compared before and after treatment in both groups,though a lowering trend could be seen,significant difference could not be found in the comparison of IFN- γ levels between groups after treatment (P＞0.05).Conclusion:LI shows good clinical effect in treating bronchial asthma,and its mechanism might be related to the suppression of the synthesis of IL-4,thus leading to the inhibition of TH2 cell subset preponderant response and immune equilibrium regulation.     

Effect of Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule (血府逐瘀胶囊) on the Symptoms and Signs and Health-related Quality of Life in the Unstable Angina Patients with Blood-stasis Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Compared with Shengmai Capsule (生脉胶囊, SM), the study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xuefu Zhuyu Capsule (血府逐瘀胶囊, XFZY) on the symptoms and signs and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in the unstable angina (UA) patients with blood-stasis syndrome (BSS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, doubledummy, and placebo-controlled trial was applied. Ninety patients, diagnosed as UA and BSS after successful PCI, were enrolled and equally randomized into three groups, XFZY group, SM group, and placebo group, and administered with the corresponding medications respectively for four weeks. The clinical symptoms and signs (CSS), electrocardiography (ECG), and BSS scores were recorded and compared among groups during and after the treatment. Short-form 36 (SF-36) and Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) were applied to assess the HR-QOL in each group before and after the treatment. Safety indexes (blood routine and liver and kidney function tests) were also examined at the beginning and after the treatment. Results: Eighty-six patients completed the whole study. After the treatment, the total effective rates of the XFZY group in ameliorating CSS and ECG were 76.7% and 60.0%, respectively, which were obviously higher than those in SM (CSS: 53.3%; ECG: 36.7%) and the placebo (CSS: 43.3%; ECG: 30.0%) groups. After one week's treatment, BSS scores slightly decreased in each group, but no significant differences were found among three groups (P0.05). After four weeks' treatment, BSS scores in the XFZY group decreased to a lower level compared with SM (P0.05) and the placebo (P0.01) groups. After the treatment, the efficacy of XFZY group in improving body pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), society functioning (SF), role emotional (RE), angina stability (AS), angina frequency (AF), and treatment satisfaction (TS) were better than those in the placebo group (P0.05, P0.01). Meanwhile, the dimensions of BP, GH, SF, AS, AF, and TS were better improved than those in the SM group (P0.05). No obvious adverse reaction was found during and after the treatment except one case in the XFZY group reporting of stomach discomfort. Conclusions: Compared with SM Capsule treatment, a short-term treatment with XFZY Capsule exhibits better efficacy on CSS and BSS scores, and HR-QOL in UA patients with BSS after PCI. However, its long-term efficacy and safety still needs further investigation.