1
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Bu ZJ, Wan SR, Steinmann P, Yin ZT, Tan JP, Li WX, Tang ZY, Jiang S, Ye MM, Xu JY, Zheng YY, Wang XH, Liu JP, Liu ZL. Effectiveness and Safety of Chinese Herbal Injections Combined with SOX Chemotherapy Regimens for Advanced Gastric Cancer: a Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis. J Cancer 2024; 15:889-907. [PMID: 38230219 PMCID: PMC10788720 DOI: 10.7150/jca.91301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that combining Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) with oxaliplatin plus tegafur (SOX) chemotherapy regimens improves clinical effectiveness and reduces adverse reactions in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). These RCTs highlight the potential applications of CHIs and their impact on AGC patient prognosis. However, there is insufficient comparative evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of different CHIs when combined with SOX. Therefore, we performed a network meta-analysis to rank the clinical effectiveness and safety of different CHIs when combined with SOX chemotherapy regimens. This study aimed to provide evidence for selecting appropriate CHIs in the treatment of patients with AGC. Methods: We searched eight databases from their inception until March 2023. Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) probability values were used to rank the treatment measures, and the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) software assessed the grading of evidence. Results: A total of 51 RCTs involving 3,703 AGC patients were identified. Huachansu injections + SOX demonstrated the highest clinical effectiveness (SUCRA: 78.17%), significantly reducing the incidence of leukopenia (93.35%), thrombocytopenia (80.19%), and nausea and vomiting (95.15%). Shenfu injections + SOX improved Karnofsky's Performance Status (75.59%) and showed a significant reduction in peripheral neurotoxicity incidence (88.26%). Aidi injections + SOX were most effective in reducing the incidence of liver function damage (75.16%). According to CINeMA, most confidence rating results were classified as "low". Conclusion: The combination of CHIs and SOX shows promising effects in the treatment of AGC compared to SOX alone. Huachansu and Shenfu injections offer the greatest overall advantage among the CHIs, while Aidi injections are optimal for reducing the incidence of liver damage. However, further rigorous RCTs with larger sample sizes and additional pharmacological studies are necessary to reinforce these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-jun Bu
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-run Wan
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ze-tao Yin
- Critical Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-ping Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-xin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhen-yan Tang
- School of the First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Jiang
- School of the First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng-meng Ye
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-yang Xu
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - You-you Zheng
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-hui Wang
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-ping Liu
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-lan Liu
- Centre for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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2
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Jiao JY, Cheng CS, Cao ZQ, Chen LY, Chen Z. Evidence-Based Dampness-Heat ZHENG (Syndrome) in Cancer: Current Progress toward Establishing Relevant Animal Model with Pancreatic Tumor. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:85-95. [PMID: 35723813 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3675-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases affecting the health of human beings. With limited therapeutic options available, complementary and alternative medicine has been widely adopted in cancer management and is increasingly becoming accepted by both patients and healthcare workers alike. Chinese medicine characterized by its unique diagnostic and treatment system is the most widely applied complementary and alternative medicine. It emphasizes symptoms and ZHENG (syndrome)-based treatment combined with contemporary disease diagnosis and further stratifies patients into individualized medicine subgroups. As a representative cancer with the highest degree of malignancy, pancreatic cancer is traditionally classified into the "amassment and accumulation". Emerging perspectives define the core pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer as "dampness-heat" and the respective treatment "clearing heat and resolving dampness" has been demonstrated to prolong survival in pancreatic cancer patients, as has been observed in many other cancers. This clinical advantage encourages an exploration of the essence of dampness-heat ZHENG (DHZ) in cancer and investigation into underlying mechanisms of action of herbal formulations against dampness-heat. However, at present, there is a lack of understanding of the molecular characteristics of DHZ in cancer and no standardized and widely accepted animal model to study this core syndrome in vivo. The shortage of animal models limits the ability to uncover the antitumor mechanisms of herbal medicines and to assess the safety profile of the natural products derived from them. This review summarizes the current research on DHZ in cancer in terms of the clinical aspects, molecular landscape, and animal models. This study aims to provide comprehensive insight that can be used for the establishment of a future standardized ZHENG-based cancer animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Ying Jiao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chien-Shan Cheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhang-Qi Cao
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lian-Yu Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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3
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Ko MM, Jeong MK, Choi CM, Lee SH, Chun J, Yi JM, Jang H, Lee SY. Safety and Efficacy of Bojungikki-Tang in Advanced NSCLC Patients Receiving Treatment with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Protocol for a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4507. [PMID: 36901517 PMCID: PMC10002386 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a major treatment option for several types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The proposed study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of Bojungikki-tang (BJIKT) therapy (an herbal medicine) in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs. This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study will be performed at three academic hospitals. Thirty patients with advanced NSCLC, undergoing atezolizumab monotherapy as second- and subsequent-line treatment, will be recruited and randomly assigned to either BJIKT treatment (atezolizumab + BJIKT) or placebo (atezolizumab + placebo). The primary and secondary outcomes are the incidence of adverse events (AEs), including immune- related AEs (irAEs) and non-immune-related AEs (non-irAEs); and early termination rate, withdrawal period, symptom improvement of fatigue, and skeletal muscle loss, respectively. The exploratory outcomes are patient objective response rate and immune profile. This is an ongoing trial. Recruitment started on 25 March 2022 and is expected to be completed by 30 June 2023. This study will provide basic evidence for the safety profiles, including irAEs, of herbal medicine in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Mi Ko
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Jeong
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Min Choi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyeun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemoo Chun
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Mu Yi
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Jang
- KM Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea
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4
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Zhao M, Hao M, Tong H, Su L, Fei C, Gu W, Mao J, Lu T, Mao C. Screening of blood-activating active components from Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling rhizome based on spectrum-effect relationship analysis and network pharmacology. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1188:123022. [PMID: 34933255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.123022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling rhizome (also called EZhu in China) has long been used as plant medicine for its traditional effect on promoting blood circulation and remove blood stasis. However, the active components of EZhu are still unclear at present. This research is managed to investigate the pharmacodynamics material basis on removing blood stasis of EZhu by exploring the spectrum-effect relationship between UPLC-Q/TOF-MS fingerprints and pharmacologic actions. Hemorheology and related functional parameters were detected to evaluate the pharmacologic actions of EZhu. Relative content Changes of components in rat plasma were detected by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. A compound-target-pathway network was built to predict the pharmacological activity of components in plasma. Then, bivariate correlation analysis (BCA) was used to explore the correlation degree between components in plasma and pharmacologic actions of EZhu. In UPLC-Q/TOF-MS fingerprints of rat plasma, 10 prototype components were identified. BCA results show that 8 components were concerned with the pharmacological activity for treating blood stasis syndrome (BSS) in varying degrees (R > 0.5, P < 0.05). Among them, zedoarofuran and curzerenone have shown correlation with more pharmacological indicators. The network predicted that 80 targets were closely related to 10 components, in which 48 targets were connected with 159 metabolic pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling pathway, and linoleic acid metabolism. Overall, this study provided a scientific basis for TCM quality control to ensure its safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zhao
- College of pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou (550025), China; College of pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou (310053), China
| | - Min Hao
- College of pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou (310053), China
| | - Huangjin Tong
- Affiliated hospital of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, Nanjing university of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210028), China; College of pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210023), China
| | - Lianlin Su
- College of pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210023), China
| | - Chenghao Fei
- College of pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210023), China
| | - Wei Gu
- College of pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210023), China
| | - Jing Mao
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing (210023), China
| | - Tulin Lu
- College of pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210023), China.
| | - Chunqin Mao
- College of pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese medicine, Nanjing (210023), China.
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5
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Zhang CH, Sheng JQ, Xie WH, Luo XQ, Xue YN, Xu GL, Chen C. Mechanism and Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Obesity: Prevention and Treatment Strategies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:615895. [PMID: 33762940 PMCID: PMC7982543 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.615895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the incidences of obesity and related metabolic disorders worldwide have increased dramatically. Major pathophysiology of obesity is termed "lipotoxicity" in modern western medicine (MWM) or "dampness-heat" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). "Dampness-heat" is a very common and critically important syndrome to guild clinical treatment in TCM. However, the pathogenesis of obesity in TCM is not fully clarified, especially by MWM theories compared to TCM. In this review, the mechanism underlying the action of TCM in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders was thoroughly discussed, and prevention and treatment strategies were proposed accordingly. Hypoxia and inflammation caused by lipotoxicity exist in obesity and are key pathophysiological characteristics of "dampness-heat" syndrome in TCM. "Dampness-heat" is prevalent in chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, prone to insulin resistance (IR), and causes variant metabolic disorders. In particular, the MWM theories of hypoxia and inflammation were applied to explain the "dampness-heat" syndrome of TCM, and we summarized and proposed the pathological path of obesity: lipotoxicity, hypoxia or chronic low-grade inflammation, IR, and metabolic disorders. This provides significant enrichment to the scientific connotation of TCM theories and promotes the modernization of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hua Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jun-Qing Sheng
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Hua Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiao-Quan Luo
- Experimental Animal Science and Technology Center of TCM, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Ya-Nan Xue
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Guo-Liang Xu
- Research Center for Differentiation and Development of Basic Theory of TCM, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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6
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Anticancer Activity of Modified Tongyou Decoction on Eca109 Esophageal Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis through Regulation of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Mediated by the HIF-1 α-Snail Axis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:3053506. [PMID: 33062005 PMCID: PMC7542498 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3053506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background To explore the activity of Modified Tongyou Decoction (MTD) against Eca109 esophageal cancer (EC) cell invasion and metastasis and to ascertain the mechanism of its anticancer activity during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as mediated by the HIF-1α-Snail axis. Methods Herbal compounds were prepared by ethanol extraction, and 6 herbs composing into MTD were dipped in water-free ethanol and filtered. The filtrate was collected and centrifuged. The remains were concentrated into a paste which was adjusted to 5000mg/mL concentration with DMSO. PBS was used to dilute the herbal solution to the half maximal inhibitory concentration. A hypoxic microenvironment was induced with CoCl2 in RPMI 1640 medium, in which Eca109 cells were cultured. The cytotoxicity of MTD was determined with CCK-8 assay. The activity of MTD against cell invasion and metastasis was explored with scratch assay and transwell assay. Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze the anticancer effects of MTD on the expression of HIF-1α-Snail axis- and EMT-related proteins. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of Snail. Immunofluorescence labeling was performed to examine how MTD affected the coexpression of Snail and HIF-1α. Results The fifty percent inhibitory dose of MTD was 1410 μg/mL in the normoxic environment and 1823 μg/mL in the hypoxic environment based on the CCK-8 assay. The scratch assay showed that MTD significantly inhibited cell migration in both the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). The transwell assay showed that MTD significantly inhibited cell invasion in both the normoxic and hypoxic environments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Western blot showed that MTD significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1α, Snail, Vimentin, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VE-cadherin proteins and significantly induced the expression of E-cadherin in both the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). qRT-PCR indicated that MTD significantly inhibited Snail mRNA expression compared with that in the control groups (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay showed that MTD significantly inhibited the coexpression of HIF-1α and Snail in both the normoxic and hypoxic microenvironments compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion MTD downregulated HIF-1α-Snail axis- and EMT-related proteins to inhibit EC cell invasion and metastasis in both the normoxic and hypoxic environments.
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7
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Sun L, Chen H, Xiao Z, Guo W, Lin L. Sunitinib-and-Chinese herbal medicine-based systematic treatment clinically cured a patient with multiple metastatic primary clear cell carcinoma of the liver: a case report. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:2823-2828. [PMID: 31043795 PMCID: PMC6469470 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s197923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary clear cell carcinoma of the liver (PCCCL) is a rare and special type of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. However, treatment methods for multiple metastatic PCCCL are lacking. Here, we report the case of a 55-year-old male PCCCL patient with multiple metastatic lesions who was clinically cured by sunitinib-based systematic treatment. This patient was diagnosed with PCCCL in Liver Segment 7, Child–Pugh A liver function, Stage A in November 16, 2009, and received radical excision of the cancer immediately. His disease recurred with multiple metastatic lesions in the liver and other parts of the body, including the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, lung and bilateral adrenal nodules in June 29, 2012. The biopsy results showed that the lung mass was lung metastasis of PCCCL. With Child–Pugh A liver function, Stage C of PCCCL was diagnosed. Sunitinib (37.5 mg, oral, once a day [qd]) in combination with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was given. The tumor size steadily reduced, and the lesions were no longer obvious in May 21, 2014. The patient had multiple metastases and is in complete response (CR) state until now. He is considered as clinically cured. From the initial diagnosis of PCCCL, the survival period reached 8 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Sun
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China, .,Integrative Medicine Department, First Clinical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China,
| | - Hanrui Chen
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China, .,Integrative Medicine Department, First Clinical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China,
| | - Zhiwei Xiao
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China, .,Integrative Medicine Department, First Clinical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China,
| | - Wei Guo
- Integrative Medicine Department, First Clinical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China,
| | - Lizhu Lin
- Oncology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China, .,Integrative Medicine Department, First Clinical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, People's Republic of China,
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8
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Zheng J, Wu M, Wang H, Li S, Wang X, Li Y, Wang D, Li S. Network Pharmacology to Unveil the Biological Basis of Health-Strengthening Herbal Medicine in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10110461. [PMID: 30469422 PMCID: PMC6266222 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Health-strengthening (Fu-Zheng) herbs is a representative type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) widely used for cancer treatment in China, which is in contrast to pathogen eliminating (Qu-Xie) herbs. However, the commonness in the biological basis of health-strengthening herbs remains to be holistically elucidated. In this study, an innovative high-throughput research strategy integrating computational and experimental methods of network pharmacology was proposed, and 22 health-strengthening herbs were selected for the investigation. Additionally, 25 pathogen-eliminating herbs were included for comparison. First, based on network-based, large-scale target prediction, we analyzed the target profiles of 1446 TCM compounds. Next, the actions of 166 compounds on 420 antitumor or immune-related genes were measured using a unique high-throughput screening strategy by high-throughput sequencing, referred to as HTS2. Furthermore, the structural information and the antitumor activity of the compounds in health-strengthening and pathogen-eliminating herbs were compared. Using network pharmacology analysis, we discovered that: (1) Functionally, the predicted targets of compounds from health strengthening herbs were enriched in both immune-related and antitumor pathways, similar to those of pathogen eliminating herbs. As a case study, galloylpaeoniflorin, a compound in a health strengthening herb Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao), was found to exert antitumor effects both in vivo and in vitro. Yet the inhibitory effects of the compounds from pathogen eliminating herbs on tumor cells proliferation as a whole were significantly stronger than those in health-strengthening herbs (p < 0.001). Moreover, the percentage of assay compounds in health-strengthening herbs with the predicted targets enriched in the immune-related pathways (e.g., natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and antigen processing and presentation) were significantly higher than that in pathogen-eliminating herbs (p < 0.05). This finding was supported by the immune-enhancing effects of a group of compounds from health-strengthening herbs indicated by differentially expressed genes in the HTS2 results. (2) Compounds in the same herb may exhibit the same or distinguished mechanisms in cancer treatment, which was demonstrated as the compounds influence pathway gene expressions in the same or opposite directions. For example, acetyl ursolic acid and specnuezhenide in a health-strengthening herb Fructus Ligustri lucidi (Nv Zhen Zi) both upregulated gene expressions in T cell receptor signaling pathway. Together, this study suggested greater potentials in tumor immune microenvironment regulation and tumor prevention than in direct killing tumor cells of health-strengthening herbs generally, and provided a systematic strategy for unveiling the commonness in the biological basis of health-strengthening herbs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division Biology/Center for TCM-X, BNRist, TFIDT/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Min Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division Biology/Center for TCM-X, BNRist, TFIDT/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division Biology/Center for TCM-X, BNRist, TFIDT/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Nature Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100730 Beijing, China.
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
| | - Shao Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics; Bioinformatics Division Biology/Center for TCM-X, BNRist, TFIDT/Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.
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9
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Wang FJ, Wang P, Chen LY, Geng YW, Chen H, Meng ZQ, Liu LM, Chen Z. TAM Infiltration Differences in "Tumor-First" and " ZHENG-First" Models and the Underlying Inflammatory Molecular Mechanism in Pancreatic Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:707-716. [PMID: 29681184 PMCID: PMC6142096 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418771193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Syndrome (ZHENG in Chinese) in
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to the intrinsic characteristics of a
pathological process at a certain stage; these characteristics are influenced by
internal and external environments and reveal the nature of a disease. Proper
syndrome differentiation is the basic principle that guides clinical treatment.
Objective: To have a good understanding of tumor progression
and the different mechanisms related to ZHENG that have
occurred before and after tumor development and to explore the valid evaluation
criteria of different pancreatic cancer syndromes to improve the guiding role of
TCM syndrome differentiation in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Methods: In this study, we established mouse subcutaneous
pancreatic cancer models, namely, Con (control), Pi-Xu (Spleen-Deficiency),
Shi-Re (Dampness-Heat), and Xue-Yu (Blood-Stasis). Then, for the first time, we
compared the different effects of “ZHENG-first” (referring to a
different disease status that occurred before tumor occurrence) and
“Tumor-first” (referring to the change in the tumor microenvironment and the
resulting changes in the state of the body) conditions on tumor progression and
evaluated the associated molecular mechanisms. Results: We found
that tumor growth in the “ZHENG-first” and “Tumor-first”
conditions was different. In the “Tumor-first” model, the tumor growth in the
Pi-Xu group was faster than that in the other groups. However, in the
“ZHENG-first” model, the tumor growth trend was most
obvious in the Shi-Re group. There was a difference in tumor-associated
macrophage infiltration between the 2 models. The expression levels of the
inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and P-STAT3 were also
differentially altered. Conclusion: The emergence of
ZHENG conditions before or after tumor occurrence had
different impacts on pancreatic cancer development, and these impacts may be
related to differences in tumor-associated macrophage infiltration and the
involved inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-10, and P-STAT3. The
study results uncovered the molecular basis of syndrome differentiation in
pancreatic cancer progression, which might provide more specific guidance for
TCM treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jiao Wang
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Wang
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian-Yu Chen
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Wen Geng
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Meng
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu-Ming Liu
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- 1 Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang Q, Qu C, Xie F, Chen L, Liu L, Liang X, Wu X, Wang P, Meng Z. Curcumin suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblasts. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:125-133. [PMID: 28123853 PMCID: PMC5250686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, because of its aggressive and highly metastatic ability even in its early stages. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been reported to be vital to pancreatic cancer progression via regulating tumorigenesis and metastasis. Studies have shown that CAFs also mediate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Curcumin has recently been reported to have anticancer effects by modulating pathways involved in cancer progression. Therefore, we hypothesized that curcumin might inhibit EMT by targeting CAFs in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we show that the CAF-mediated enhancement of pancreatic cancer cell migration and metastasis was blocked by curcumin. In conclusion, our data provide the first evidence that curcumin inhibits the migration and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells by reducing the mesenchymal characteristics of CAFs, which reverses the EMT phenotypes of pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Jing’an District Center Hospital of Shanghai (Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing’an Branch)259 Xikang Road, Shanghai 200040, China
- Department of Oncology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University12 Urumqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai, China
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Jing’an District Center Hospital of Shanghai (Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing’an Branch)259 Xikang Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lianyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai, China
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Liang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University12 Urumqi Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xueyong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Jing’an District Center Hospital of Shanghai (Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Jing’an Branch)259 Xikang Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai, China
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Nanog Predicts Poor Prognosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer and Is Downregulated by QingyihuaJi Formula in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:7028289. [PMID: 27829864 PMCID: PMC5086502 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7028289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Qingyihuaji formula (QYHJ), confirmed efficacious in a series of clinical trials, has been applied to human pancreatic carcinoma treatment in Shanghai Cancer Center for years. Recent evidence highlighted that pluripotent stem cells transcription factor Nanog plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. However, there is little published information regarding the underlying clinical significance and mechanisms of transcription factor Nanog in pancreatic cancer. In this study, our results indicated that Nanog is overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer stem cells and downregulated by QYHJ, which may contribute to explain the clinical effectiveness of QYHJ and provide advanced pancreatic cancer patients with a new therapeutic option, supporting our hypothesis that the degradation pathway is another mechanism by which QYHJ affects Nanog expression.
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Chung HW, Chien LY, Huang SM, Tai CJ, Tai CJ. [Changes in symptom patterns and health-related quality of life of cancer patients before and after chemotherapy]. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2016; 36:326-31. [PMID: 27468547 DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(16)30045-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Symptom patterns are an important diagnostic concept in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although symptom patterns and health related quality of life (HRQOL) are common diagnostic measures for cancer patients, the association between them has not been studied. This study aimed to describe the changes in the pattern of symptoms of Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, blood stasis, and HRQOL before and after chemotherapy, and to examine the association between the patterns and the cancer patients' HRQOL. METHODS A panel study was undertaken with 123 cancer patients who were about to begin their first course of chemotherapy at four teaching hospitals in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire was used before and after chemotherapy. HRQOL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Form 36. The Traditional Chinese Medical Constitutional Scale was used to measure Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, and blood stasis patterns, with higher scores indicating a larger deficiency. RESULTS The patients had significantly worse scores for Yang-deficient pattern, Yin-deficiency pattern, blood stasis pattern, and the physical components of HRQOL after chemotherapy compared with before chemotherapy. The HRQOL scores correlated significantly with Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, and the blood stasis pattern scores. A generalized estimating equation model showed that the HRQOL scores were significantly worse after chemotherapy compared with before chemotherapy for the physical component, but not for the mental component. Blood stasis pattern was significantly associated with a decreased HRQOL in both the physical and mental components. A hemoglobin level < 12 g/dL was associated with a worse physical component of HRQOL. CONCLUSION The Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, and blood stasis patterns were all associated with lower HRQOL in cancer patients after chemotherapy.
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Pi (Spleen)-deficiency syndrome in tumor microenvironment is the pivotal pathogenesis of colorectal cancer immune escape. Chin J Integr Med 2015; 22:789-94. [PMID: 26556710 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-2086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunoediting consists of three sequential phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. For colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence, the adenoma dysplastic progression may represent an equilibrium phase and the cancer stage as escape phase. Immune system eliminates transformed enterocytes by destroying them at first, sculpts them at the same time and selects the variants subsequently that are no longer recognized and insensitive to immune effectors, and finally induces immunosuppressive state within the tumor microenvironment that facilitates immune escape and tumor outgrowth. Immunosuppression and inflammation are the two crucial features of Pi (Spleen)-deficiency. Classic quotations, immune evidence and clinical observations suggest that Spleen (but not other organs) deficiency is the key pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment. Weakness of old age, immunosuppressive cytokines from chronic inflammation, tumor-derived immunosuppressive factors and surrendered immune cells-regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) constitutes CRC microenvironment of Pi-deficiency. Furthermore, excess in superficiality, such as phlegm stagnation, blood stasis and toxin accumulation are induced by chronic inflammation on the basis of asthenia in origin, an immunosuppressive state. Great masters of Chinese medicine emphasize that strengthen Pi is the chief therapeutic principle for CRC which receives good therapeutic effects. So, Pi-deficiency based syndrome is the pivotal pathogenesis of tumor microenvironment. The immunosuppressive microenvironment facilitates immune escape which play an important role in the transition from adenoma to adenocarcinoma. There are some signs that strengthen Pi based treatment has potential capacity to ameliorate tumor environment. It might be a novel starting point to explore the mechanism of strengthen Pi based therapy in the prevention and treatment of CRC through regulation of tumor environment and immunoediting.
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Recent Advance in Applications of Proteomics Technologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine Research. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:983139. [PMID: 26557869 PMCID: PMC4629032 DOI: 10.1155/2015/983139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Proteomics technology, a major component of system biology, has gained comprehensive attention in the area of medical diagnosis, drug development, and mechanism research. On the holistic and systemic theory, proteomics has a convergence with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, we discussed the applications of proteomic technologies in diseases-TCM syndrome combination researches. We also introduced the proteomic studies on the in vivo and in vitro effects and underlying mechanisms of TCM treatments using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), Chinese herbal formula (CHF), and acupuncture. Furthermore, the combined studies of proteomics with other “-omics” technologies in TCM were also discussed. In summary, this report presents an overview of the recent advances in the application of proteomic technologies in TCM studies and sheds a light on the future global and further research on TCM.
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15
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Effect and Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Regulating Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:261620. [PMID: 26161392 PMCID: PMC4486742 DOI: 10.1155/2015/261620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important complementary strategy for treating cancer in China. The mechanism is related to regulating the internal environment and remodeling the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIM). Herein we illustrate how TIM is reformed and its protumor activity on promoting tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, tumor invasion, and the oncogenicity of cancer stem cells. Furthermore we summarize the effects and mechanism of TCM on regulating TIM via enhancing antitumor immune responses (e.g., regulating the expression of MHC molecules and Fas/FasL, attenuating cancerigenic ability of cancer stem cells) and remolding immunosuppressive cells (e.g., reversing immune phenotypes of T lymphocytes and tumor associated macrophages, promoting dendritic cells mature, restraining myeloid derived suppressor cells function, and regulating Th1/Th2 factors). We also reveal the bidirectional and multitargeting functions of TCM on regulating TIM. Hopefully, it provides new theoretical basis for TCM clinical practice in cancer treatment and prevention.
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Lin X, Xu W, Shao M, Fan Q, Wen G, Li C, Jing L, Sun X. Shenling Baizhu San supresses colitis associated colorectal cancer through inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and myeloid-derived suppressor infiltration. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:126. [PMID: 25897964 PMCID: PMC4428101 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0649-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Shenling Baizhu San (SBS) is a well-known and classical Chinese medicine formula. It has been used for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders for about nine hundred years. Recent reports showed that it was effective in curing colitis and ameliorating the major manifestations of postoperational colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was to evaluate the effects of SBS on azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colitis associated CRC (caCRC) and to analyze the underlying mechanism of SBS in preventing CRC. Methods The colon tissue of mice in different group was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. TGF-β1 in serum was measured by ELISA. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were identified by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Results The formed neoplasms phenotypically resembled human caCRC with upregulated β-catenin, p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). SBS treatment reduced the death rate of mice and decreased the incidence and multiplicity of colonic neoplasms. SBS decreased the number of MDSCs and the level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). SBS alleviated epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) through downregulating N-cadherin (N-cad), Vimentin, Fibronectin, Snail, and upregulating E-cadherin (E-cad). It reduced the activation of Wnt5a and EMT induced by TGF-β1. Conclusions SBS reduced the death rate through decreasing the incidence and multiplicity of colonic tumors. SBS lowered MDSCs infiltration and inhibited TGF-β1 induced EMT to exert its anti-caCRC effects. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0649-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ling CQ, Yue XQ, Ling C. Three advantages of using traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat tumor. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2014; 12:331-5. [PMID: 25074882 DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(14)60038-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an important component of complementary and alternative medicine, has evolved over thousands of years with its own unique system of theories, diagnostics and therapies. TCM has been increasingly used in the last decades and become well known for its significant role in preventing and treating cancer. We believe that TCM possesses advantages over Western medicine in specific aspects at a certain stage of cancer treatment. Here we summarize the advantages of TCM from three aspects: preventing tumorigenesis; attenuating toxicity and enhancing the treatment effect; and reducing tumor recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-quan Ling
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; E-mail:
| | - Xiao-qiang Yue
- Changhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chen Ling
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
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MicroRNA expression in salivary supernatant of patients with pancreatic cancer and its relationship with ZHENG. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:756347. [PMID: 25126577 PMCID: PMC4122139 DOI: 10.1155/2014/756347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), diagnosis and prescriptions are based on the signs and symptoms which are recognized as ZHENG. The cornerstone of TCM is to differentially treat one ZHENG from others, which is also known as syndrome differentiation, and this relies on the gathering of clinical information through inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. However, the biomolecular basis of the ZHENG remains unclear. In this study, the expressions of 384 cancer-related miRNAs in salivary supernatant of patients with pancreatic cancer were assessed by miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, and the different expression patterns of miRNA in three different groups of ZHENG were studied with use of real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Some miRNAs were found to be specifically expressed in some ZHENGs, for instance, miR-17, miR-21, and miR-181b in Shi-Re ZHENG and miR-196a in Pi-Xu ZHENG. This indicates that these miRNAs may play important roles in different ZHENG condition. Therefore, this study to some extent revealed the molecular basis of TCM ZHENG in pancreatic cancer.
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Chen L, Qu C, Chen H, Xu L, Qi Q, Luo J, Wang K, Meng Z, Chen Z, Wang P, Liu L. Chinese herbal medicine suppresses invasion-promoting capacity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96177. [PMID: 24781445 PMCID: PMC4004556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, due to aggressive growth, high metastatic rates during the early stage and the lack of an effective therapeutic approach. We previously showed that Qingyihuaji (QYHJ), a seven-herb Chinese medicine formula, exhibited significant anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer, associated with modifications in the tumor microenvironment, particularly the inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) activation. In the present study, we generated CAF and paired normal fibroblast (NF) cultures from resected human pancreatic cancer tissues. We observed that CAFs exhibited an enhanced capacity for inducing pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion compared with NFs, while QYHJ-treated CAFs exhibited decreased migration and invasion-promoting capacities in vitro. The results of further analyses indicated that compared with NFs, CAFs exhibit increased CXCL1, 2 and 8 expression, contributing to the enhanced invasion-promoting capacities of these cells, while QYHJ treatment significantly suppressed CAF proliferation activities and the production of CAF-derived CXCL1, 2 and 8. These in vitro observations were confirmed in mice models of human pancreatic cancer. Taken together, these results suggested that suppressing the tumor-promoting capacity of CAFs through Chinese herbal medicine attenuates pancreatic cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianyu Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Qu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Litao Xu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (PW); (ZC)
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (PW); (ZC)
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai medical college, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (PW); (ZC)
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20
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Qu C, Chen Z. Antitumor effect of water decoctions of taxus cuspidate on pancreatic cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:291675. [PMID: 24719642 PMCID: PMC3955603 DOI: 10.1155/2014/291675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Taxus cuspidate has been used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and considered to affect various physiological functions in the body for thousands of years. As we know that taxol isolated from the Taxus cuspidate has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer, it has also shown its antitumor abilities against other kinds of cancers. But the antitumor activity of other components which are free of paclitaxel and hydrophilic paclitaxel derivatives from Taxus cuspidate has not been fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of the water decoctions from the leaves of Taxus cuspidate on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and the potential mechanism(s); though its antitumor activity and mechanism in vitro remain to be elucidated, the water soluble constituents from Taxus cuspidate could be used in clinical for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Qu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Xiao Z, Luo G, Liu C, Wu C, Liu L, Liu Z, Ni Q, Long J, Yu X. Molecular mechanism underlying lymphatic metastasis in pancreatic cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:925845. [PMID: 24587996 PMCID: PMC3919106 DOI: 10.1155/2014/925845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the most challenging human malignancies, pancreatic cancer is characterized by its insidious symptoms, low rate of surgical resection, high risk of local invasion, metastasis and recurrence, and overall dismal prognosis. Lymphatic metastasis, above all, is recognized as an early adverse event in progression of pancreatic cancer and has been described to be an independent poor prognostic factor. It should be noted that the occurrence of lymphatic metastasis is not a casual or stochastic but an ineluctable and designed event. Increasing evidences suggest that metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) and the microenvironments may act as a double-reed style in this crime. However, the exact mechanisms on how they function synergistically for this dismal clinical course remain largely elusive. Therefore, a better understanding of its molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in pancreatic lymphatic metastasis is urgently required. In this review, we will summarize the latest advances on lymphatic metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Xiao
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guopei Luo
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chuntao Wu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Quanxing Ni
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
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Establishment of an Experimental Breast Cancer ZHENG Model and Curative Effect Evaluation of Zuo-Jin Wan. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:324732. [PMID: 24348696 PMCID: PMC3857897 DOI: 10.1155/2013/324732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Herbal formulas based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome (ZHENG) have been used as alternative treatments for breast cancer. However, there is a lack of the experimental animal ZHENG model for the evaluation of the herbal formulas. In this study, we have established 4T1 mouse breast cancer with Liver Fire Invading Stomach Syndrome model (4T1 LFISS mice) and investigated the effects of the herbal formula, Zuo-Jin Wan (ZJW). Our results showed that 4T1 LFISS mice have the features of LFISS including irritability, loss of appetite, yellow urine, chow, and a tail hot. Compared to untreated 4T1 LFISS mice, ZJW significantly reduced tumor weight and volume (P < 0.05), although it was weaker than Cisplatin. However, ZJW significantly increased the body weight and food intake of 4T1 LFISS mice and decreased serum ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN levels and ZHENG score (P < 0.05), while Cisplatin reduced the food intake, and body weight and increased serum ALT, AST, Cr, and BUN levels in 4T1 LFISS mice. Our study has provided a mouse breast cancer ZHENG model and showed that ZJW suppresses tumor growth and improves LFISS and kidney and liver functions in the 4T1 LFISS mice.
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Zhang J, Wang P, Ouyang H, Yin J, Liu A, Ma C, Liu L. Targeting cancer-related inflammation: Chinese herbal medicine inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70334. [PMID: 23922983 PMCID: PMC3726638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an almost universally fatal disease resulting from early invasion of adjacent structures and metastasis and the lack of an effective treatment modality. Our previous studies have shown that Qingyihuaji Formula (QYHJ), a seven-herb Chinese medicine formula, had significant anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer. Here, we examined the effects of QYHJ on pancreatic cancer cell invasion and metastasis and the potential associated mechanism(s). We found that QYHJ inhibited both tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice with human pancreatic cancer cell xenografts. Further study indicated that QYHJ inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is characterized by increased E-cadherin expression and decreased vimentin, N-cadherin and Slug expression. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by macrophages, could promote cancer cell EMT and invasion. In contrast, treatment with QYHJ inhibited cancer-related inflammation in tumors by decreasing infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages and IL-6 production, thus preventing cell invasion and metastasis. These results suggested that the Chinese herbal medicine QYHJ could inhibit pancreatic cancer cell invasion and metastasis in part by reversing tumor-supporting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of TCM, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaqiang Ouyang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of TCM, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunzheng Ma
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of TCM, Zhengzhou, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (CM)
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (LL); (CM)
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24
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Wang P, Chen Z. Traditional Chinese medicine ZHENG and Omics convergence: a systems approach to post-genomics medicine in a global world. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2013; 17:451-9. [PMID: 23837436 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2012.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive system of medical practice that has been used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses for more than 3000 years. ZHENG (also known as "syndrome") differentiation remains the essence of TCM. In China, TCM shares equal status, and integrated with Western medicine in the healthcare system to treat many types of diseases. Yet, compared to biomolecular science and Western medicine, the ZHENG/TCM approach to diagnostics might appear unobjective, but offers at the same time long-standing clinical and phenotypic-rich insights. With the current globalization of life sciences and the arrival of "Big Data" research and development, these two silos of medical lore are rapidly coalescing. The applications of multi-omics strategies to TCM have begun to provide novel insights into the essence and molecular basis of TCM ZHENG. We searched the Chinese electronic databases and PubMed for published articles related to "Omics" and "TCM ZHENG" and observed a dramatic increase in studies over the past few years. In this article, we provide a timely synthesis of the lessons learned, and the emerging applications of omics science in TCM ZHENG research. We suggest that the global health scholarship and the field of "developing world Omics" can usefully draw from TCM, and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
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25
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Huang SM, Chien LY, Tai CJ, Tseng LM, Chen PH, Tai CJ. Increases in Xu Zheng and Yu Zheng among Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Different Anticancer Drug Therapies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:392024. [PMID: 23572054 PMCID: PMC3618939 DOI: 10.1155/2013/392024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Aim. The objectives of this study were to compare yang-xu, yin-xu, and yu among patients with breast cancer right before, one month after, and three months after receiving target, chemo, or combined therapy. Method. After recruiting 126 patients from 4 hospitals in northern Taiwan, a longitudinal study was carried out with 61 patients receiving chemotherapy, 30 receiving target therapy, and 35 receiving combined therapy. Yang-xu, yin-xu, and yu were assessed using the Traditional Chinese Medical Constitutional Scale (TCMCS), with higher scores indicating more xu and yu. Results. There were significant increases in yang-xu, yin-xu, and yu at 1 month and 3 months after than before the start of the chemotherapy, target, or combined therapy. Patients receiving combined therapy had significantly higher scores in yang-xu and yin-xu than patients receiving chemo or target therapy. A history of coronary heart disease was associated with more yin-xu. Those patients who had undergone a mastectomy were associated with less yu zheng than those patients who had not. Conclusion and Implications. TCM doctors should focus their treatment on dealing with xu and yu in order to support their patients, as they complete their modern anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Miauh Huang
- Department of Nursing, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yin Chien
- Institute of Clinical and Community Health Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Jeng Tai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ho Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Jei Tai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of OB/GYN, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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