IV. Methods and Exploration

IV. Methods and Exploration

1. Carefully design studies to verify efficacy, establish reasonable controls, and conduct precise statistics—allowing for reproducibility.
2. Acute hepatitis can resolve on its own with rest in 90% of cases; the focus of treatment lies in chronic hepatitis.
3. Treat liver dysfunction by addressing transaminases, albumin levels, and bilirubin levels.
4. For treatments aimed at repairing liver damage or preventing fibrosis, for chronic hepatitis, restoring liver function does not equate to curing liver disease. The recovery of liver lesions by traditional Chinese medicine is often underdeveloped due to the lack of liver biopsies for pre- and post-treatment comparisons, resulting in incomplete data. Regarding the treatment of HBV, eliminating the causative agent is a crucial aspect of hepatitis treatment; currently, there are no definitively effective medications. Quantitative indicators such as HBsAg, HBeAg, and DNA-P are essential. The mechanisms behind chronic hepatitis are complex and challenging; breakthroughs in any one area are highly meaningful.
5. Key Breakthroughs: Treatment of chronic active hepatitis is extremely complicated; even the most experienced specialists or the best-equipped institutions find it difficult to handle all aspects comprehensively. Focus on key areas while leaving others untouched. As a clinical study, unlike routine clinical treatment, we cannot attempt to cover everything—we must have clear research topics and prioritize them. Current indicators for immune regulation are still difficult to establish fully, and current guidelines do not yet allow for definitive conclusions. Liver tissue biopsies are often difficult for patients to accept, and thus have frequently failed to yield results. We should also review extensive domestic and international literature related to this topic, gaining a thorough understanding of research progress and relevant Traditional Chinese Medicine theories. First, persevere—there is little chance of success on the first attempt; we must continuously refine and supplement our research plans through repeated practice. Once we achieve relatively positive therapeutic results… Task output rules: Translate this markdown block from Chinese to English. Preserve markdown markers, links, and formatting. Keep headings and list structure unchanged. Return only the translated block.

Input: Based on the above, a series of programs have been formulated for formulation reform, drug analysis, and mechanism exploration. Second, once the main research direction is determined, do not easily change it; do not give up easily or switch to other topics midway.

However, you should continuously develop new ideas based on the latest data related to this project. While observing recent therapeutic effects, also conduct regular follow-up assessments of long-term outcomes, and establish strict criteria for treatment evaluation. In addition to clinical manifestations and liver function changes, measure the five hepatitis B markers in serum, assess DNA polymerase activity, and test the function of HBV-specific inhibitory T cells, perform liver tissue pathology examinations, and conduct hemorheological tests. The results observed before and after treatment must be statistically analyzed and comprehensively analyzed and compared to derive reliable evidence for selecting truly effective drugs. Although the treatment of hepatitis B is a rather challenging issue, if we can leverage our strengths while avoiding our weaknesses, devote ourselves wholeheartedly, and work together to tackle this problem, we may expect to achieve breakthroughs in the near future. The diagnostic indicators should not fall below Western medical standards. Test reagents should be of credible quality and meet unified regulatory requirements for evaluating therapeutic efficacy. It is important to emphasize the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine—employing syndrome differentiation and individualized treatment plans, using single herbs and single formulas for therapy. As long as the medicinal flavors remain consistent, even if the therapeutic effect may be relatively limited, we should focus on both the primary symptoms and any secondary symptoms while providing comprehensive care during treatment. Only in this way can we achieve satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.

Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Retinal Hemorrhage – October 1987, Issue 2

1. Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency: Add Baihua Ju Huang Wan with White Chrysanthemum, Jue Zi, Lotus Root Carbon, and Chen Zong Carbon; when bleeding stops, remove the carbon and add Niuxi, Cistanche Root, and Euryale Seed.

2. Liver Qi Stagnation: Add Danzhi Xiaoyao San with Red Peony, Sanqi, and White Peony; after stopping the bleeding, use Xuefu Zhu Yu Tang with modifications.

3. Blood Heat and Stasis: Add Xijiao Dihuang Tang with White Cowpea, Side-Berry Leaf, and Rheum.

4. Qi and Blood Deficiency: Use Gui Pi Tang or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

5. Stasis of Blood: Add Xuefu Zhu Yu Tang with modifications. (Journal of Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Differential Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis – October 1987, Issue 3

In patients positive for HBsAg, those with positive anti-HBc IgM are often experiencing acute hepatitis B; those negative for HBsAg are more likely to have chronic hepatitis B. A positive HBsAg result alone is sufficient for diagnosis, but individuals with negative HBsAg but positive anti-HBc should also be diagnosed. Nearly all first-time acute hepatitis B infections are transient, with very few cases resulting from viral carriage. For cases diagnosed as first-time infections, a detailed review of medical history serves as the primary basis for judgment. The viral marker curve for acute hepatitis B is shown in the figure below.

As the figure illustrates, the key indicators of acute hepatitis B onset are: HBs antigen levels between 0 and 4 months, concurrent increases in anti-HBc IgM; the e antigen becomes positive between 0 and 2 months, followed by the appearance of e antibody after 2 months. This transient infection will ultimately resolve.

Ibuprofen Tablets for Pain Relief and Fever Reduction – October 1987, Issue 13

Ibuprofen has been widely used clinically for over 20 years. Among manufacturers in China, Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Factory produces the best-quality ibuprofen. However, reports indicate that products manufactured by American companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb are significantly superior to domestically produced ibuprofen. Now, Comrade Ye Hu Bin from Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, has conducted a comparative study on the analgesic effects of these two brands. Both factories produce ibuprofen tablets at 0.2g each. Experiments have proven that both factories’ ibuprofen exhibits significant antipyretic and analgesic effects, with an onset time of 20 minutes after administration and a duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes. There is no significant difference in the analgesic and antipyretic effects between the two brands.

Cyclophosphamide (Cyclophosphamide, Semustine, Thiotepa) – October 1987, Issue 14

This novel chemotherapy drug has demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes when combined with 5-Fu in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors. The following treatment regimen was employed: Meccuu 75mg–150mg, PO, days 1–5; 5-Fu 500mg, IV, days 1–5; VCR 1–1.5mg, IV, days 1–5. This regimen has shown excellent efficacy in treating gastrointestinal tumors, and its effects on advanced liver cancer have also been particularly notable. This drug also demonstrates some effectiveness against lung cancer and Hodgkin’s disease.

However, the toxic side effects of this drug include potential toxicity to the bone marrow, kidneys, stomach, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Each tablet comes in 100mg and 50mg sizes. The most common side effects include nausea and vomiting; to prevent these side effects, it is advisable to first inject metoclopramide or take metoclopramide orally.

Quinolone Carboxylic Antibiotics – November 1988, Issue 12

The first generation of these antibiotics was named Pyrazole Acid, which has been widely used clinically for many years. The second generation, Norfloxacin, abbreviated as NFX, was developed in 1988 by Amgen Japan Co., Ltd. Its chemical name is 1-2-Base-6-Fluoro-1,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-7-(1-pyrazinyl)-3-pyrazoline carboxylic acid. The Taiyuan Pharmaceutical Factory in China was the first to jointly develop this product with Beijing Medical College. It was launched in 1988, primarily effective against urinary tract infections and bacillary dysentery, with a 100% cure rate for skin infections and a 90% cure rate for skin infections, administered at a dose of 200mg twice daily, every 6 hours. Each capsule contains 100mg.

Treatment for Atrophic Gastritis – December 1988, Issue 13

In the past, treatments for this condition often involved formulas like Xie Xin, Liu Jun, Xiang Fu, Liang Jiang, Ban Zhi Sha, and other prescriptions that were known for their cooling and drying properties, as well as their ability to tonify the middle burner and benefit qi. Recently, many articles in the Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine indicated that most of the formulas used to treat this condition contained herbs that promoted blood circulation and resolved stasis. Today, medicines such as Wudi Huang Liang Xiang, Wu Ma Jin Gan Huo Xiao Tang, Wu Yuan Herbal Soup, and Shixiao San are all blood-moving remedies. Additionally, there are herbal formulas like San Shu Wu U Pu Huang Rou, Zhi Shi Dai Gui Ling Dan. Recent findings suggest that to alleviate pain associated with atrophic gastritis, it is essential to incorporate blood-moving and stasis-resolving therapies. When Wudi Huang Liang Xiang is combined with San Ling, E Jue, Wu Yuan Herbal Soup, and Xiao Dan Shen, the treatment shows remarkable efficacy.

Formulas for Treating Cerebral Thrombosis – December 1988, Issue 14

Previously, this condition was mainly treated with coronary artery intervention. However, it has now been discovered that adding 10g of Gui Zhi, 6g of Fuzi, 10g of Niuxi, 6g of Yujin, 6g of Dan Xing, 10g of Wuyao, 10g of Ma Qian Zi, 6g of Gan Jiang, 10g of Dang Gui, 10g of Chi Shu, 6g of Chuan Xiong, 6g of Ban Xia, 6g of Chen Pi, 6g of Cang Zhu, 6g of Hou Po, along with Guan Xin No. II, this formula demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating sequelae of cerebral thrombosis. In addition, other commonly used formulas for treating this condition include Qian Nian Jian 10g, Hai Feng Teng 10g, 1 Ma Qian Zi, 6g of Da Huang, 10g of Dang Gui, 20g of Huang Qi, 6g of Shui Zhi, 12g of Sheng Di, 10g of Mai Dong, 3g of Wu Wei Zi, 6g of Shan Yu, 10g of Shan Yao, 10g of Gui Zhi, 6g of Fuzi, 10g of Shihu, 6g of Da Yun, 10g of Shi Chang Pu, 6g of Yuan Zhi, and 10g of Ba Ji Tian, all decocted and taken as a daily dose, yielding stable and reliable therapeutic effects.

Treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy – December 1988, Issue 15

Hepatic encephalopathy, also known as hepatic encephalopathy, occurs when severe liver dysfunction prevents the detoxification of metabolic products—especially proteins, amino acids, and phenylalanine-derived metabolites. Some of these nitrogen-containing metabolites can cross the blood-brain barrier and lead to brain poisoning. Patients may exhibit symptoms such as irritability, drowsiness, coma,拍击样 tremors or shaking, bad breath, and pathological reflexes.