Austin Acupuncture | Dr Bindi Zhu MD (China) LAc

Clinical and experimental studies in treatment of chronic and primary glomerulonephritis with Shi quan yu zheng capsules

Bindi Zhu, Ph.D

Affiliated with: Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China

ABSTRACT: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses several criteria to diagnosis and differentiate syndromes. Including,

·  the dynamic observation of the change of yin and yang,
·  deficiency and excess at different stages of the disease,
·  treatment given in accordance to climatic and seasonal conditions,
·  geographical location,
·  individual's constitution.

This paper describes use of the ancient formula "Shi quan yu zheng decoction" with modifications, (Shi quan yu zheng capsules), which is traditionally used for supplementing qi and nourishing yin, as well as eliminating pathogenic heat and dampness. The experimental group taking Shi quan yu zheng capsules (n = 52) was compared to a control group (n = 29) taking a patented herbal formula, Shen yan shi wei tablets.

Fifty-two patients suffering from chronic kidney disease with glomerular proteinuria without obvious clinic edema or hypertension were observed before and after treatment with Shi quan yu zheng capsules. A patent herbal formula, Shen yan shi wei, tablet was used by 29 patients as a control group, making a total of 81 patients in the study. The effective rate indicating improvement of clinical symptoms was 86.54% for the group using Shi quan yi zheng capsules. The group taking Shi quan yu zheng capsules had an effective rate of 62.07% (P < 0.01) in improvement of clinical symptoms.

The results indicate improved values in serum ?2-M and (Cr) creatinine, as well as a reduction in proteinuria in 24 hours. The number of CD3 and CD4 cells in peripheral blood lymphocyte assay increased and the number of CD8 cells decreased. The ratio of CD4 / CD8 cells increased. IgG increased after treatment and IgM was basically normal. The 29 patients in the experimental group using Shen yan shi wei tablet had slightly improved lab results, except for an increase in creatinine. The Shi quan yi zheng group showed improvement in clinical symptoms and in serologic, immunologic, and urine test results when compared to the control group.

This treatment method has also been used in animal experiments using mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis in rabbits. In one such experiment, twenty rabbits drank water; ten of those took Shi quan yu zheng capsules and ten took Shen yan shi wei tablets. The results of the animal experiment indicated that Shi quan yu zheng capsules reduced proteinuria in rabbits with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. The successful experiment with animal subjects indicates a need for more research in the treatment of proliferative glomerulonephritis with Shi quan yu zheng capsules.

The results of these two studies suggest that the mechanism of action may be linked with the increased number and activity of CD4 cells. The decrease in the number and activity of CD8 cells supports the assumption that phagocytic activity in the mesangial cells increased. Permeability of the glomerular capillaries improved with decreased agglutination and liberation of the thrombocytes. This resulted in the elimination of hemagglutination and reduced the pathological changes of the glomerulus.

Key words:
  Chronic primary kidney disease
  Mesangioproliferative
  Glomerulonephritis
  Proteinuria
  Shi quan yu zheng capsules
  Renal and immunologic function

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