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Aim: The aim of the study was to observe the effect of acupuncture on regulating interleukin (IL)‐17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐ɑ, and aquaporins (AQPs) in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) on patients and on non‐obese diabetic (NOD) models. Methods: Levels of anti‐AQP 1, 5, 8, and 9 antibodies, IL‐17, and TNF‐ɑ in the serum of SS patients were compared prior and following 20 acupuncture treatment visits during 8 weeks. While in murine model, five groups were divided to receive interventions for 4 weeks, including control, model, acupuncture, isoflurane, and hydroxychloroquine. The submaxillofacial gland index, histology, immunohistochemistry of AQP1, 5, salivary flow, together with IL‐17, and TNF‐ɑ expression in peripheral blood were compared among the groups. Results: Acupuncture reduced IL‐17, TNF‐ɑ, and immunoglobin A levels, and numeric analog scale of dryness in 14 patients with SS (p < 0.05). The salivary flow was increased, and the water intake decreased in NOD mice receiving acupuncture treatments. IL‐17 and TNF‐ɑ levels in peripheral serum were down‐regulated (p < 0.05) and AQP1, 5 expression in the submandibular glands up‐regulated in mice. Conclusion: The effect on relieving xerostomia with acupuncture may be achieved by up‐regulating the expression of AQP1. AQP5, down‐regulating levels of IL‐17 and TNF‐ɑ, and a decrease in inflammation of glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sjogren's syndrome is a refractory disease for which TCM demonstrates certain advantages in its treatment. "Prevalent dryness affecting the liver" is a classical theory from Huangdi Neijing (Huangdi's Internal Classic), which has important guiding significance for the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome with TCM. In this paper, the connotation and development of the theory of "prevalent dryness affecting the liver" is comprehensively analyzed in combination with clinical practice. Sjogren's syndrome is closely related to the liver itself, its functions, and the coordination between the liver and other viscera. The liver itself pertains to yin, and it nourishes blood and moistens dryness. The liver's functions pertain to yang, and they help to move body fluids without any sign of dryness. It's also of great significance that the liver and other viscera are well coordinated. In ancient books and modern studies, many clinical manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome, including anxiety and depression, are closely related to the liver. Therefore, the treatment methods based on regulating and soothing the liver are summarized, such as soothing the liver qi, clearing the liver heat and nourishing the liver yin, taking into account all the five zang organs, and dredging the channels and collaterals. Taking the theory of "prevalent dryness affecting the liver" as the breakthrough point, this paper systematically sorts out the onset, pathogenesis, pattern differentiation, and the significance of addressing the liver in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome to provide reference for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the regulatory effects of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction, GZT) on immune system. Methods In view of the relationship between the theory of nutrient and defense and that of the immune system, the regulatory effects of GZT on the immune system were analyzed. Results As one of the important achievements of traditional Chinese medicine, the nutrient-defense theory plays an important role very similar to the function of immune system in modern medicine in disease prevention and treatment. The combination of Guizhi (Cassia Twig, Ramulus Cinnamomi) and Baishao (White Peony Root, Radix Paeoniae Alba) in different proportions in GZT can treat immune diseases caused by such conditions as strong nutrient and weak defense. Conclusion GZT can regulate the immune function by harmonizing nutrient and defense, which has been confirmed by its pharmacological components, basic research and clinical research. Integrating traditional medicine with modern medicine, we could prove the theory of Chinese medicine with the basic research and clinical practice in modern medicine, and guide the development of modern medicine with the philosophy of Chinese medicine so as to achieve better clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii extract (TWE) in treating rheumatoid arthritis., Method: Mainly using the simple methods from the International Cochrane Collaboration as systematic evaluation methods. Using Revman 4.2.5 which Cochrane Cooperation Web recommended to analysis. Using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core set (ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70) of therapeutic efficacy measures which recommended by ACR, radiographic change of bone and the rate of inefficacy as efficacy methods. Dividing into placebo subgroup and DMARDs (disease modifying anti rheumatism drugs) subgroup according to different control treatments., Result: A total of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected. They are all of small sample size, six of which exist some methodological defects, resulting in many possible biases. As evaluated by ACR20/50/70, TWE was as effective as DMARDs in reducing number of swelling joints, level of C-reactive protein (CRP), and was more effective than DMARDs in reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P <0.01). While TWE was no effect in delaying bone destruction. The incidence of adverse reactions of TWE is higher than DMARDs., Conclusion: TWE can be used as an alternative medicine in treating RA. But owing to lacking of data from high-quality RCTs, however, the efficacy and safety of TWE are desired for further exploration.