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Wang Z, Zhang H, Qi C, Guo H, Jiao X, Yan J, Wang Y, Li Q, Zhao M, Guo X, Wan B, Li X. Ursolic acid ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by regulating TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110079. [PMID: 36996741 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid compound found in natural plants. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. However, its role in atopic dermatitis (AD) is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of UA in AD mice and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Balb/c mice were treated with 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to induce AD-like lesions. During modeling and medication administration, dermatitis scores and ear thickness were measured. Subsequently, histopathological changes, levels of T helper cytokines, and oxidative stress markers levels were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to assess changes in the expression of the nuclear factor of kappa B (NF-κB) and NF erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, CCK8 assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, real-time PCR, and western blotting were employed to evaluate the effects of UA on ROS levels, inflammatory mediator production, and the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. RESULTS The results showed that UA significantly reduced dermatitis score and ear thickness, effectively inhibited skin proliferation and mast cell infiltration in AD mice, and decreased the expression level of T helper cytokines. Meanwhile, UA improved oxidative stress in AD mice by regulating lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, UA inhibited ROS accumulation and chemokine secretion in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. It might exert anti-dermatitis effects by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results suggest that UA may have potential therapeutic effects on AD and could be further studied as a promising drug for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhehuan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Huiru Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Caihong Qi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiangyue Jiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Jia Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Qiangsheng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Xinhao Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Baoluo Wan
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China.
| | - Xiaotian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China.
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Chang LS, Kuo HC, Suen JJB, Yang PH, Hou CP, Sun HR, Lee ZM, Huang YH. Multimedia Mixed Reality Interactive Shared Decision-Making Game in Children with Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis, a Pilot Study. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10030574. [PMID: 36980133 PMCID: PMC10047264 DOI: 10.3390/children10030574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
(1) Objective: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a recurring skin disease that affects children’s daily activities and sleep quality. Due to the limitations of children’s understanding and ability to express themselves, shared decision making (SDM) is often made by guardians, which thus affects the acceptance and effectiveness of children’s treatments. Previous studies have demonstrated that involving both children and parents in decision making may help improve treatment outcomes; thus, we designed a multimedia mixed reality (MR) interactive game of SDM for children with moderate to severe AD. (2) Methods: Research participants included 6–18-year-old patients with moderate to severe AD. This research consisted of the following steps: designing SDM; character setting and visual design; performing games; system modification and optimization; screen editing and dubbing; and user testing and questionnaires by the System Usability Scale (SUS). (3) Results: We completed the SDM design for children with moderate to severe AD. Four different treatments were biologics, oral immune-modulating drugs, phototherapy, and wet wrap. An animated PowerPoint slide showed the AD apple rolling around before treatments and the AD apple sleeping soundly after treatments. Instructions with video teaching for the four different treatments were played, and then, the MR was turned on so that the patients could help the AD apple in the metaverse to undergo these four treatments. A total of 12 moderate to severe AD patients and six control patients used the game, all aged between six and eighteen years old, with an average SUS score of 81.0 and a standard error of 2.1 points. Adjective ratings yielded a rating between good and excellent. The game showed acceptable usability. We found no statistically significant differences in SUS scores between patients with and without moderate to severe AD or between boys and girls nor significant associations between SUS and age or severity. The analysis identified that the two items with the lowest SUS scores were “I think that I would need the support of a technical person to be able to use this product” and “I needed to learn a lot of things before I could get going with this product”. Both of these comments show the limitations of this game. (4) Conclusions: Overall, this study provides the first MR SDM game that has passed the SUS and can be used as an aid in clinical SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Sai Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| | - Ho-Chang Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Jason Jyh-Bin Suen
- Department of Digital Media Design, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsin Yang
- Department of Nursing and Pediatric Ward, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chiu-Ping Hou
- Department of Nursing and Pediatric Ward, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ru Sun
- Department of Nursing and Pediatric Ward, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Zon-Min Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsien Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
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Jang JH, Jun P, Park G, Kwon O, Choi Y, Lim HS, Moon BC, Kim K. Effectiveness of Sopoongsan for chronic upper body pruritus in patients with atopic or seborrheic dermatitis: A pilot study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31470. [PMID: 36401407 PMCID: PMC9678534 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pruritus persists for > 6 weeks and is known to decrease patients' quality of life. Due to the complex pathological mechanism of chronic pruritus, there is still a lack of satisfactory therapeutic agents; therefore, complementary therapies are required to improve itching symptoms. In the Republic of Korea, Sopoongsan, an herbal formula, has been used to treat itching, dizziness, and skin paralysis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate whether Sopoongsan improves chronic pruritus and to identify Sopoongsan-related changes in the immune response in patients with chronic upper body pruritus. METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial will be conducted to assess 20 patients with chronic upper body pruritus for 3 months who have been diagnosed with allergic atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis. The patients will be randomly allocated to either the placebo-control (n = 10) or treatment (n = 10) group. The total study period will be 8 weeks (i.e., administration of Sopoongsan or placebo drugs for 4 wk and follow-up for 4 wk). Participants will be allowed to receive external treatment, except for antipruritic medications administered orally, throughout the study period. The primary outcome measure will be the numeric rating scale results for itching, whereas the secondary outcome measures will be questionnaire survey (Dermatological Life Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale) findings and the immune response index, including interferon gamma, interleukin-4, immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietic protein, and histamine, to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying chronic pruritus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We expect that the results of this study will provide important clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of Sopoongsan on itching symptoms, quality of life, sleep disturbance, and changes in the immune response. The findings will help elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Sopoongsan for chronic pruritus and lay the foundation for further studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hee Jang
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Purumea Jun
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Korean Convergence Medical Science major, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gunhyuk Park
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center3, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ojin Kwon
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Choi
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Sun Lim
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center3, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Cheol Moon
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center3, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyuseok Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Dermatology of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Kyuseok Kim, Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology & Dermatology of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Chen X, Zhang Y, Pei J, Zeng X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Li F, Deng Y. Phellopterin alleviates atopic dermatitis-like inflammation and suppresses IL-4-induced STAT3 activation in keratinocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 112:109270. [PMID: 36179418 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-inflammation medication is one of the most important treatment for people with atopic dermatitis (AD) which presents persistent type 2 inflammation in skin lesions. Interaction between activated keratinocytes and immune cells in AD skin lesions amplifies inflammatory signaling by augmenting production of cytokines, such as keratinocyte-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin-33 (IL-33). Phellopterin is a bioactive compound isolated from ethanol extract of Angelica dahurica root which has been traditionally used for AD therapy in China. In the present study, we showed that Phellopterin possessed anti-type 2 inflammation activity and alleviated AD-like phenotypes including reduction in serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells in the AD-like skin lesions. Further molecular analysis found that Phellopterin suppressed phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at Tyr705, and the expression of TSLP and IL-33 in epidermal keratinocytes of AD-like lesions. In vitro studies in cultured human keratinocytes demonstrated that STAT3 was required for interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced overexpression of TSLP and IL-33. Phellopterin inhibited IL-4-induced activation of STAT3, which leaded to suppress the STAT3-mediated transcription of TSLP and IL-33. Our study suggested that Phellopterin is an active compound with bioactivities of anti- type 2 inflammation and STAT3 inactivation, thus allowing to be a promising candidate for AD topical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Sichuan-Tibet Traditional Medicinal Plant, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yujin Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Sichuan-Tibet Traditional Medicinal Plant, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Junxia Pei
- Engineering Research Center of Sichuan-Tibet Traditional Medicinal Plant, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Engineering Research Center of Sichuan-Tibet Traditional Medicinal Plant, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Yixi Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Sichuan-Tibet Traditional Medicinal Plant, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - YaMei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Genetics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Fulun Li
- Department of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO. 110, Ganhe Road, Shanghai 200437, China.
| | - Yu Deng
- Engineering Research Center of Sichuan-Tibet Traditional Medicinal Plant, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University, NO. 2025, Chengluo Road, Chengdu 610106, China.
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Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Patterns Containing Herbal Dosage Based on Multilevel Top-K Weighted Association Rules. COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2022:5466011. [PMID: 35665295 PMCID: PMC9159864 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5466011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), drug dosage is an important part of the prescription. Different doses of the same drug can have varying curative effects. Doctors must determine the drug combination and dosage in clinical practice based on the patient's symptoms and treatment efficacy. Existing studies on the prescription pattern of TCM on the treatment of osteoporosis only analyze the frequency that a certain drug combination is used, without considering the treatment efficacy or drug dosage. As a result, we searched for and recorded existing literature on randomized controlled trials of TCM treatment of osteoporosis, calculated weights based on the treatment efficacy of the prescriptions used in the randomized controlled trials, and created the TCM weighted transaction database. Then, a new multilevel Top-K weighted association rule algorithm is proposed to obtain effective prescription patterns that include drug dosages, which can assist doctors in clinical practice in choosing a combination of drugs to form a prescription with good curative effects.
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Wang Z, Wang ZZ, Geliebter J, Tiwari R, Li XM. Traditional Chinese medicine for food allergy and eczema. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2020; 126:639-654. [PMID: 33310179 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the recent evidence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for food allergy and eczema. DATA SOURCES Published literature from PubMed database and abstract conference presentations. STUDY SELECTIONS Studies relevant to TCM for food allergy and eczema were included. RESULTS TCM is the main component of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States. Food Allergy Herbal Formula 2 (FAHF-2) (derived from the classical formula Wu Mei Wan) prevented systemic anaphylaxis in murine models and was found to have safety and preliminary immunomodulatory effects on T cells and basophils. The phase II trial of combined TCM with oral immunotherapy and omalizumab for multiple food allergy is ongoing. Retrospective practice-based evidence study revealed that comprehensive TCM therapy effectively prevented frequent and severe food anaphylaxis triggered by skin contact or protein inhalation. The traditional Japanese herbal medicine Kakkonto suppressed allergic diarrhea and decreased mast cells in intestinal mucosa in a murine model. The active compounds from TCM were found to have potent inhibition of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, mast cell activation, and proinflammatory cytokine or signaling pathway (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 8, NF-κB) suggesting value for both IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergy. Triple TCM therapy including ingestion, bath, and cream markedly improved skin lesion, itching, and sleep loss in patients with corticosteroid dependent, recalcitrant, or topical steroid withdrawal. Xiao Feng San and Japanese and Korean formulas were found to have effectiveness in eczema. Furthermore, acupuncture reduced wheal size, skin itching, and basophil activation in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, TCM is generally safe. CONCLUSION TCM has potential as safe and effective therapy for food allergy and eczema. Further research is needed for botanical drug development and to further define the mechanisms of actions. TRIAL REGISTRATION FAHF-2: https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT00602160; ethyl acetate and butanol purified FAHF-2: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02879006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Wang
- Department of Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York; Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Raj Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York; Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York; Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
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Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:4140692. [PMID: 32724323 PMCID: PMC7382724 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4140692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Herbal medicine (HM) is attracting attention for treating atopic dermatitis (AD). This overview was conducted to summarize and critically evaluate the current systematic reviews (SRs) on HM for the treatment of AD. Methods Through comprehensive searches, all relevant SRs on HM for AD published until May 2020 were included. The quality of included SRs was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Moreover, original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in the SRs were resynthesized to investigate the efficacy and safety of oral HM for AD. The quality of evidence for the main findings was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Results Nine SRs were included in this overview. HM showed significantly better efficacy in terms of total effective rate (TER), itching and sleep symptom scores, quality of life, and the dose of topical treatment used compared with placebo. HM as a monotherapy and/or an adjunctive therapy to conventional medication (CM) showed significantly better results on the efficacy, symptom relief, and some laboratory parameters related to the inflammatory response. The methodological quality was generally low. When 58 original RCTs were reanalyzed, HM showed significantly lower SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score and higher TER than the placebo or CM. In terms of the safety profile, HM was not significantly different from the placebo and was better than CM. The quality of evidence ranged from “moderate” to “very low.” Conclusion The results suggested that HM as a monotherapy or an adjunctive therapy is promising for the treatment of AD. However, due to low methodological quality and low quality of evidence, further rigorous, well-designed, high-quality SRs, and RCTs are needed to make clinical recommendations on HM use.
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Lim JS, Kim JY, Lee S, Choi JK, Kim EN, Choi YA, Jang YH, Jeong GS, Kim SH. Bakuchicin attenuates atopic skin inflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110466. [PMID: 32768955 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoralea corylifolia is a medicinal herb that provides advantageous pharmacological effects against vitiligo and skin rash. Former studies have shown that bakuchicin, a furanocoumarin compound from the fruits of P. corylifolia, has therapeutic effects against inflammation, and infection. This study aimed to define the pharmacological effects of bakuchicin on inflammatory responses and lichenification, the major symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD). To induce AD-like skin inflammation, we exposed the ears of female BALB/c mice to 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and Dermatophagoides farinae (house dust mite) extract (DFE) for 4 weeks. Intragastric administration of bakuchicin attenuated the symptoms of AD-like skin inflammation, as evident by reductions in ear thickness, erythema, and keratosis. Bakuchicin also reversed increases in auricular epidermal and dermal layer thicknesses, and attenuated eosinophil and mast cell infiltration in AD-induced mice. It also suppressed Th2 gene expression as well as that of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, IL-31, IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL-1, and CCL-17 in the ear tissue. The levels of total and DFE-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E, and IgG2a in the mice sera were reduced by the bakuchicin. To investigate the effect of bakuchicin on keratinocytes, experiments were performed using HaCaT cells, the representative cell type used in skin disease studies. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ were used to activate keratinocytes. Bakuchicin suppressed Th2 gene expression and that of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines; it also suppressed STAT-1 phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in activated keratinocytes. These results suggest that bakuchicin attenuated AD symptoms, thus suggesting it as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sung Lim
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Young Kim
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Immunoregulatory Materials Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyeong Choi
- Department of Immunology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Nam Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ae Choi
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hyun Jang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gil-Saeng Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Cell & Matrix Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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Lopez Carrera YI, Al Hammadi A, Huang YH, Llamado LJ, Mahgoub E, Tallman AM. Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in the Developing Countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East: A Review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2019; 9:685-705. [PMID: 31650504 PMCID: PMC6828917 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-019-00332-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD), the leading cause of skin-related burden of disease worldwide, is increasing in prevalence in developing countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. Although AD presents similarly across racial and ethnic groups as chronic and relapsing pruritic eczematous lesions, some features of the disease may be more or less prominent in patients with darker skin. Despite a similar presentation, consistent diagnostic criteria and consistent treatment guidelines are lacking. Because of these and other challenges, adherence to treatment guidelines is difficult or impossible. Previous studies have stated that many patients with AD receive ineffective or inappropriate care, such as oral antihistamines, oral corticosteroids, or traditional medicines, if they are treated at all; one study showed that approximately one-third of patients received medical care for their dermatologic condition; of those, almost three-quarters received inappropriate or ineffective treatment. In addition, other challenges endemic to developing countries include cost, access to care, and lack of specialists in AD. Furthermore, most of the available diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines are based on European and North American populations and few clinical trials report the racial or ethnic makeup of the study population. Drug pharmacokinetics in varying ethnicities and adverse effects in different skin physiologies are areas yet to be explored. The objective of this review is to describe the diagnosis, treatment, and management of AD in developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East; to discuss the differences among the countries; and to establish the unmet needs of patients with AD in them. The unmet medical need for treatment of AD in developing countries can be addressed by continuing to train medical specialists, improve access to and affordability of care, and develop new and effective treatments.Funding Pfizer Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anwar Al Hammadi
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Dermamed Clinic Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yu-Huei Huang
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyüan, Taiwan
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Chen HY, Pan HC, Chen YC, Chen YC, Lin YH, Yang SH, Chen JL, Wu HT. Traditional Chinese medicine use is associated with lower end-stage renal disease and mortality rates among patients with diabetic nephropathy: a population-based cohort study. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:81. [PMID: 30943956 PMCID: PMC6448220 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that imposes an enormous burden on the healthcare system. Although some studies show that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments confer a protective effect on DN, the long-term impact remains unclear. This study aims to examine end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality rates among TCM users with DN. Methods A total of 125,490 patients with incident DN patients from 2004 to 2006 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan and followed until 2012. The landmark method was applied to avoid immortal time bias, and propensity score matching was used to select 1:1 baseline characteristics-matched cohort. The Kaplan–Meier method and competing-risk analysis were used to assess mortality and ESRD rates separately. Results Among all eligible subjects, about 60% of patients were classified as TCM users (65,812 TCM users and 41,482 nonusers). After 1:1 matching, the outcomes of 68,882 patients were analyzed. For the ESRD rate, the 8-year cumulative incidence was 14.5% for TCM users [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.9–15.0] and 16.6% for nonusers (95% CI: 16.0–17.2). For the mortality rate, the 8-year cumulative incidence was 33.8% for TCM users (95% CI: 33.1–34.6) and 49.2% for nonusers (95% CI: 48.5–49.9). After adjusting for confounding covariates, the cause-specific hazard ratio of ESRD was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.78–0.84), and the hazard ratio of mortality for TCM users was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.47–0.50). The cumulative incidence of mortality increased rapidly among TCM users with ESRD (56.8, 95% CI: 54.6–59.1) when compared with TCM users without ESRD (30.1, 95% CI: 29.4–30.9). In addition, TCM users who used TCM longer or initiated TCM treatments after being diagnosed with DN were associated with a lower risk of mortality. These results were consistent across sensitivity tests with different definitions of TCM users and inverse probability weighting of subjects. Conclusions The lower ESRD and mortality rates among patients with incident DN correlates with the use of TCM treatments. Further studies about specific TCM modalities or medications for DN are still needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2491-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Dermatoses caused by cultural practices: Therapeutic cultural practices. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 79:1-16. [PMID: 29908818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.06.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
With globalization and widespread immigration, physicians increasingly encounter patients from varying backgrounds and diverse customs. Although certain cultural practices are widely performed, there is limited medical literature describing their dermatologic and systemic effects and complications. Population diversity and sharing of traditions make it increasingly important for dermatologists to understand the role of cultural practices and recognize physiologic and pathologic sequelae. In addition, dermatologists are often adjured to assess skin findings that may be mistaken for abuse. Child abuse misdiagnosis can be traumatizing to all those involved, and immigrant families with limited English proficiency may have difficulty explaining their traditional practices. The first article of this 2-part continuing medical education series begins with a review of therapeutic cultural practices, including traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and coining, and the clinically relevant complications that may occur. Therapeutic practices can cause a range of complications, including contact dermatitis, heavy metal toxicity, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions.
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Liang HF, Yang YH, Chen PC, Kuo HC, Chang CH, Wang YH, Wu KM. Prescription patterns of traditional Chinese medicine amongst Taiwanese children: a population-based cohort study. Altern Ther Health Med 2018; 18:191. [PMID: 29929519 PMCID: PMC6013984 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used by Chinese patients and in many other countries worldwide. However, epidemiological reports and prescription patterns on children are few. Methods A cohort of 178,617 children aged 18 and under from one million randomly sampled cases of the National Health Insurance Research Database was analyzed for TCM prescription patterns. SAS 9.1 was applied and descriptive medicine utilization patterns were presented. Results The cohort included 112,889 children treated by TCM, with adolescents (12- to 18-year-olds) as the largest group. In the children’s TCM outpatient visits, Chinese herbal remedies were the main treatment. The top three categories of diseases treated with Chinese herbal remedies were respiratory system; symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions; and digestive system. The top three categories using acupuncture were: injury and poisoning, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, and diseases of the respiratory system. Of the top ten herbal medicines prescribed by TCM physicians, the top nine herbal formulae and the top ten single herbs were associated with diseases of the respiratory system. Conclusion This study identified patterns of TCM prescriptions for children and common disease categories treated with TCM. The results provide a useful reference for health policy makers and for those who consider the usage of TCM for children.
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Jeong NH, Yang EJ, Jin M, Lee JY, Choi YA, Park PH, Lee SR, Kim SU, Shin TY, Kwon TK, Jang YH, Song KS, Kim SH. Esculetin from Fraxinus rhynchophylla attenuates atopic skin inflammation by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 59:209-216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Chong JH, Koh MJA. Non-topical management of recalcitrant paediatric atopic dermatitis. Arch Dis Child 2017; 102:681-686. [PMID: 28209661 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-312106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, pruritic skin disease in children. As the incidence of AD increases, especially in high-income countries, paediatricians may see an increasing number of recalcitrant AD cases in their practice. Although these cases are principally managed by paediatric dermatologists, it is important for paediatricians to be aware of the use and side effects of non-topical treatment like phototherapy and systemic agents as well as the evidence for alternative treatment, which caregivers may ask about. This review presents paediatric evidence for the practical use of phototherapy and certain oral immunosuppressants for paediatric AD including doses, duration of use and monitoring of adverse effects. The use of alternative therapy including traditional medicine, probiotics and the role of nutrition are also discussed. Narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy is effective in recalcitrant paediatric AD. When phototherapy is ineffective or contraindicated, systemic drugs may be administered cautiously with close surveillance of side effects. The use of azathioprine, ciclosporin, methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil is generally safe in the short term under close monitoring and can be effective alongside compliance to topical treatment. Alternative complementary treatment is not known to be effective. Holistic management including therapeutic patient education is important. Good quality paediatric studies for non-topical AD treatment are needed for definitive guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ho Chong
- Dermatology service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Department of General Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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Chen KH, Yeh MH, Livneh H, Chen BC, Lin IH, Lu MC, Tsai TY, Yeh CC. Association of traditional Chinese medicine therapy and the risk of dementia in patients with hypertension: a nationwide population-based cohort study. Altern Ther Health Med 2017; 17:178. [PMID: 28356117 PMCID: PMC5372260 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1677-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with hypertension (HTN) reportedly have a higher risk of developing dementia. However, it remains unclear if use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the most common form of complementary and alternative medicine, can help lower the risk of dementia for these patients. So the aim of the study was to investigate the effects of TCM on dementia risk among patients with hypertension. METHODS This longitudinal cohort study used the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to identify 143,382 newly diagnosed hypertension patients aged 20-90 years who received treatment between 1998 and 2007. Among them, 52,365 (36.52%) had received TCM after the onset of hypertension (TCM users), and the remaining 91,017 patients (63.48%) were designated as a control group (non-TCM users). All enrollees were followed until the end of 2012 to record the incidence of dementia. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to compute the hazard ratio (HR) of dementia in patients who received TCM. RESULTS During the 15-year follow-up, 3933 TCM users and 10,316 non-TCM users developed dementia, representing an incidence rate of 8.41 and 11.55%, respectively, per 1000 person-years. TCM users had a significantly reduced risk of dementia compared to non-TCM users (adjusted HR = 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74-0.81). The predominant effect was observed among those treated with TCM longer than 180 days (adjusted HR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.62-0.69). Among the commonly used TCM products, Tian-Ma-Gou-Teng-Yin, Dan-Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Chuan-Niu-Xi (Radix Cyathulae), Ge-Gen (Radix Puerariae), Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San, and Jue-Ming-Zi (Semen Cassiae) were significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia. CONCLUSIONS Results from this population-based study support the effects of TCM on reducing dementia risk, which may provide a reference for dementia prevention strategies.
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Characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine Use in Pediatric Dislocations, Sprains and Strains. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14020153. [PMID: 28165417 PMCID: PMC5334707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dislocations, sprains and strains are common childhood musculoskeletal injuries, requiring medical attention. We investigated the characteristics associated with using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for children suffering from these injuries. METHODS From a nationwide representative insurance database of Taiwan, this cross-sectional study identified 50,769 children with dislocations, sprains and strains under 18 years of age, newly diagnosed between 1999 and 2009, without previous TCM experience. Children who initiated treatment with TCM (n = 24,063, 47.4%) were defined as TCM users, others were in the non-TCM group. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) of TCM use. RESULTS Girls and children living in central Taiwan (vs. northern) were associated with higher TCM use. The adjusted ORs (95% confidence interval (CI)) of TCM uses were 1.60 (1.42-1.79) for patients of 3-5 years, 2.20 (1.99-2.42) of 6-12 years and 1.82 (1.64-2.01) of 13-17 years, compared with those of the <2 years group. TCM users were less likely to have outpatient visits for Western medicine care and hospitalizations in the previous year. The TCM group was nearly twice more likely than the non-user group to receive treatments at local clinics (99.1% vs. 53.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals important demographic and medical factors associated with TCM uses for children with dislocations, sprains and strains. Interestingly, local clinics are the main healthcare facilities providing TCM services. Further studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of TCM treatment for these musculoskeletal injuries.
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Golpour M, Ghaffari J, Dabbaghzadeh A, Rezaiefard J. Management of Children with Atopic Dermatitis: A Narrative Review. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS REVIEW 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jpr-7474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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