Healing effect of a two‐herb recipe (NF3) on foot ulcers in Chinese patients with diabetes: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study2 (包含两种草本中药的配方（NF3）对中国糖尿病患者足部溃疡的治疗作用：一项随机双盲安慰剂对照的研究). (24th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ko, Chun Hay; Yi, Sui; Ozaki, Risa; Cochrane, Heidi; Chung, Harriet; Lau, Winnie; Koon, Chi Man; Hoi, Sandy W.H.; Lo, Winnie; Cheng, King Fai; Lau, Clara B.S.; Chan, Wai Yee; Leung, Ping Chung; Chan, Juliana C.N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of diabetes. Volume 6:Number 4(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 323
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2014-02-24
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Periodicals; 618.3646005
• DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.12117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-0393

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jdb12117-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>In the present study, we examined the effect of a two‐herb traditional Chinese medicine (NF3), comprised of Astragali Radix and Radix Rehmanniae, on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer and the possible molecular mechanisms involved.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdb12117-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>This was a prospective randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Sixteen diabetic patients were randomized to receive either placebo or NF3 for 6 months. Ulcer healing and sensory changes were examined. Molecular studies included measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and RNA microarray investigation.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdb12117-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The daily rate of reduction in ulcer area was 3.55% in the NF3 group and 1.52% in the placebo group (<italic>P</italic> = 0.062). In the index limb, the number of negative tests for sensory neuropathy using monofilament was reduced from 27% to 7% in the NF3 group and from 37% to 35% in the placebo group (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001). In addition, NF3 significantly decreased serum TNF‐α levels (<italic>P</italic> = 0.034). Microarray studies revealed concerted changes following NF3 treatment in the expression of genes implicated in fibroblast regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti‐inflammation.</p> </sec> <sec id="jdb12117-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>In this proof‐of‐concept study, 6‐month treatment with NF3 was associated with improved wound healing and sensation accompanied by concerted changes in gene expression.</p> </sec> </abstract>