[Clinical observation on integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapy in treating patients with pelvic inflammatory disease: a report of 28 cases]

Investigation on the Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a Nationwide Prescription Database in Taiwan

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition, affecting 5⁻10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It has serious reproductive implications and causes mood disorders and metabolic disorders, such as type-2 diabetes. Because PCOS reflects multiple abnormalities, there is no single drug that can treat all its symptoms. Existing pharmaceutical agents, such as oral contraceptives (OCs), are suggested as a first-line therapy for menstrual irregularities; however, OCs are not appropriate for women pursuing pregnancy. Additionally, insulin-sensitizing agents, which appear to decrease insulin levels and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS, have been associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects. It is a common practice in Chinese society to receive traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of gynecological problems and infertility. Current research demonstrates that several herbs and herbal formulas show beneficial effects in PCOS treatment. In this study, we conducted the first large-scale survey through the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program database to analyze TCM utilization patterns among women with PCOS in Taiwan during 1997⁻2010. The survey results revealed that 89.22% women with newly diagnosed PCOS had received TCM therapy. Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San and Xiang-Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) were the most commonly used formula and single herb, respectively, in the database. In addition, we found that the top five commonly prescribed single herbs and herbal formulas have shown promise in treating symptoms associated with PCOS.

Effect of Danzhi decoction on expression of angiogenesis factors in patients with sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine, Danzhi decoction, on the expression angiogenesis factors in human endometrial cells during the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease (SPID) and explore the role of Danzhi decction in improving the blood stasis microenvironment of SPID.

METHODS

A three-dimensional (3D) co-culture system including human vascular endothelial cells (VECs), endometrial stromal cells and glandular epithelial cells was established in vitro and treated with Danzhi decoction, sterilized water and aspirin respectively. A Milliplex multifunctional liquid chip technique was used to measure the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A/C/D, fibroblast growth factor -1/2, angiopoietin-2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), HB-EGF, bone morphogenetic protein-9, endoglin, endothelin-1, granulocyte colony stimulating factor, hepatocyte growth factor, interleukin-8, follistatin, placenta growth factor and leptin. The location of angiogenesis factors was monitored by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal laser scanning microscope 3D reconstruction.

RESULTS

Endometrial stromal cells and glandular epithelial cells were isolated and primary cultured for establishing a 3D co-culture system. The levels of VEGF-A/C/D in Danzhi decoction group and aspirin group were significantly lower than those in mock group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between Danzhi decoction group and aspirin group (P>0.05). Furthermore, the alterative location of VEGF-A/C/D was observed in the cytoplasm of endometrial glandular epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Danzhi decoction may inhibit the expression of VEGF in the blood stasis microenvironment of SPID by targeting the cytoplasm of endometrial glandular epithelial cell.

Applications and therapeutic actions of complementary and alternative medicine for women with genital infection

Genital infection is a common worldwide disease among females with clinical features such as bilateral lower abdominal tenderness, abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge, fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, vaginal itching, and adnexal tenderness, which can significantly impair women's health and quality of life. Genital infection is commonly treated with antibiotics, leading to an imbalance in gut flora due to prolonged use of antibiotics. Therefore, it is necessary to discover safe and efficacious alternative treatment strategies for patients with genital infection. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly prevalent among women with genital infection. CAM has interested the western mainstream medical community because of its less invasive, safe, effective, economical, and convenient therapies. CAM focuses on the prevention and treatment of disease and has become an important force in treating chronic disease. During the last few decades, the popularity of CAM has gradually increased. To further understand the efficacy of CAM in treating genital infection, our paper will review the current progress of treating genital infection including vulvitis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with CAM therapies. Several CAM strategies including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Psychology interference, and physical therapy are introduced in this review.

[Laws of compound traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of dysmenorrhea]

Compound traditional Chinese medicine database was established by collecting 176 compound formulas for dysmenorrhea in the last twenty years. The proportion and frequency of herbal medicine were analyzed and the main herbs with mono-target or multi-target in the compound formulas were selected with simple and multiple linear regression. The linear regression equations were listed and the clinical effects of the compound formulas were evaluated. Of 173 herbs used in the compound formulas, the proportion and frequency of the herbs for activating blood and transforming stasis and regulating qi flow were high in the application. The dosage interval for 20 herbs in common use was estimated. Main herbs with mono-target or multi-target used in the compound formulas were selected with simple and multiple linear regression. The total effectiveness rate of the 176 compound formulas was tested with simple linear regression, and 167 compound formulas (94.84 % of the total) had the absolute error less than 4%. Herbs for activating blood and transforming stasis and regulating qi flow are most commonly used in treatment of dysmenorrhea. Clinical effects of the compound formulas could be forecast with stepwise regression equation.