Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Neuromotor Compromise As A Presenting Symptom In Advanced Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Case Series, Adam Maestas, Parsa Charkhchi, Farbod Malek

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, representing less than 1% of adult cancers. Approximately half arise in the extremities, most often presenting as a painless, enlarging mass. Symptoms are often misattributed to benign neuropathic or musculoskeletal causes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Neurological deficits such as foot drop or distal weakness are exceptionally uncommon presenting signs and generally indicate advanced local invasion or compression of major peripheral nerves. Recognizing acute neuromotor compromise as a potential manifestation of soft tissue malignancy is crucial for timely oncologic evaluation and limb-sparing management.

Case Presentation

This series …

Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery In Acute Longus Colli Calcific Tendinitis: A Clinical Image Of A Retropharyngeal Abscess Mimicker, Brandon M. Nielsen, Oluyemi O. Omotoso

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli (LCT) is a rare, benign condition that frequently mimics retropharyngeal abscesses (RPA), a true surgical emergency. We present a 34-year-old woman presenting with 4 days of severe posterior neck pain, stiffness, and odynophagia. Initial evaluation revealed significantly elevated inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] 113 mm/hr, C-reactive protein [CRP] 128 mg/L) and leukocytosis, raising immediate concern for deep neck infection. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a retropharyngeal fluid collection; however, the absence of peripheral ring enhancement and the presence of a pathognomonic calcification anterior to the C1 arch pointed toward LCT. This distinction …

Gallbladder Ascariasis Presenting As Acalculous Biliary Colic, Carmen A. Urbina, Luigi G. Cubeddu, Luigi X. Cubeddu

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

We detail a case of gallbladder ascariasis, presenting as an acute episode of acalculous biliary colic, nausea, bloating, an unremarkable abdominal ultrasound, and negative helminth and protozoa stool smears. A follow-up ultrasound provided unexpected images consistent with gallbladder infection by Ascaris lumbricoides. Repeat ultrasonography performed 10 days after anthelmintic therapy showed no live worms and 2 newly appearing echogenic areas suggestive of gallbladder calculi that were confirmed following elective cholecystectomy. The case course highlights key clinical, diagnostic, and management considerations in gallbladder ascariasis and underscores the value of repeated ultrasonographic evaluation in affected patients.

Blaschko-Linear Lupus Erythematosus In A Pediatric Patient, Marshall Hall, Olivia Mayer, Henry Lim, Dustin V. Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The lines of Blaschko represent epithelial cell migration during embryonic development. Rare forms of cutaneous lupus erythematosus may manifest along these lines, and lesions are termed Blaschko-linear lupus erythematosus (BLE). The purpose of this case study is to present a rare manifestation of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko in a pediatric patient. To date, there are very few reports of BLE. We present a 17-year-old female with a 2-month history of a mildly tender growing lesion along the right nasofacial sulcus. The patient denied lesions elsewhere and any systemic, joint, or mucosal symptoms. A biopsy of …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Jamie Y. Choe, Henry Lim, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Dustin V. Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent deep-seated nodules and painful abscesses with scars, fistulae, and sinus tracts that predominately affect the intertriginous sites. Onset typically occurs soon after puberty. Depending on disease severity, HS can lead to varying levels of pain, disability, and disfiguration with significant impacts on quality of life. Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed clinically, and no diagnostic tests are specific to the disease. Therefore, clinicians must have the knowledge and competence to identify the clinical features of HS accurately. The purpose of this report is to provide descriptions of characteristic clinical presentations …

Sebaceous Gland Heterotopia Of The Esophagus: A Rare Incidental Finding During Upper Endoscopy, Samuel Ramos, Margaret-Anne Huntley, Eric Vargas, Jignesh Parikh, Vania Zayat

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Esophageal heterotopic sebaceous glands (EHSG) are an extremely rare finding within the esophageal epithelium. These glands are typically benign, presenting as small, yellow-white plaques or lesions observed on endoscopy, often in the middle third of the esophagus. Esophageal heterotopic sebaceous glands are generally asymptomatic, and surveillance is not required. While their origin is unclear, proposed mechanisms include metaplastic transformation and congenital development. Recognition and histologic confirmation are essential to distinguish EHSG from other esophageal lesions and to avoid unnecessary interventions. We report the case of a 55-year-old man in whom multiple diminutive plaques were identified in the mid-esophagus during esophagogastroduodenoscopy …

Comparing The Expression Of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors, And Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Between Initial Biopsy And Excision Specimens In Invasive Breast Carcinoma Cases. Is There A Need For Universal Repeat Testing? Experience From A Community Hospital, Astrid M. Sacasa, Gul Emek Wymer, Susana Ferra

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The current national recommendation is that breast biomarkers estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing should be done on all primary invasive breast carcinomas and on recurrent or metastatic tumors. Repeat testing on a subsequent excision specimen is not indicated unless results appear discordant with the histopathologic findings. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the need for adopting universal reflex re-testing of breast biomarkers in excision specimens in our institution.

Methods

The study population included 70 sequential invasive breast cancer patients where the results of ER, PR, and …

Opioid Free Anesthesia In Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Feasible Approach To Patient Care, Carson Gifford, Denise Vidal, Dail Kim, Austin Goff, Paul Reynolds

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The opioid epidemic has prompted exploration of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) techniques, but the optimal approach is still debated. While some OFA protocols substitute opioids with other agents, these alternatives can introduce their own risks. The objective of this study was to investigate whether eliminating intraoperative opioids without analgesic substitution in arthroscopic knee procedures affects postoperative pain control and opioid requirements.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee procedures between August and November 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received intraoperative fentanyl (25-200 mcg, n = 144) and those who received …

Psychological Adaptation In Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Pilot Study Findings, Anuja L. Sarode, Emily M. Su, Amber Kerstetter-Fogle, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this pilot study, we examined psychological impacts of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and their relationship with coping strategies in surgically treated CRC patients.

Methods

This prospective pre- and postoperative pilot study assessed CRC patients at 2 time points, pre- and postoperative. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) and the PTG Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF). Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) instrument. Changes in CR-PTSD, PTG, and coping …

Coping Beyond Cancer: Exploring Fear Of Recurrence In Colorectal Cancer Survivors—A Pilot Investigation, Emily M. Su, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply, Anuja L. Sarode

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Evidence is limited on the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the US, especially regarding patterns and trends of post-recovery coping mechanisms. This pilot mixed-methods study quantified FCR, examined its associations with Brief COPE domains, and contextualized coping through qualitative analysis.

Methods

Twenty-three patients who successfully underwent CRC surgery were included in this pilot study. Fear of cancer recurrence was measured using the FCR Inventory (FCRI) Short Form, and coping strategies were assessed with the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) survey. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, FCR, and COPE scores. Spearman correlation …

An Acknowledgement To The Hca Healthcare Journal Of Medicine's Reviewers And Editors For The First Half Of 2026, Graig Donini

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine would like to thank those behind the scenes who make this publication possible. Our journal would not be possible without the assistance of our peer reviewers, authors, and board members.

Erratum: Presentation Of Cutaneous Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

This corrects the article “Presentation of Cutaneous Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Leg Type” in volume 6, issue 6 on page 527.

Identifying Pyle's Metaphyseal Dysplasia – An Incidental Finding Of Skeletal Pathology On A Dental Checkup, Shruthi Parthasarathy, Amudhan Azhagan, Arthisri Anandhi Sekar, Poongodi V, Ram Shankar

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Introduction:

Pyle's disease, also known as familial metaphyseal dysplasia, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that primarily affects the skeletal system, particularly in children and adolescents. Characterized by distinctive radiographic features such as Erlenmeyer flask deformity and metaphyseal widening, Pyle's disease often goes underdiagnosed due to its mild clinical manifestations.

Case report:

This case report details a 15-year-old female patient presenting with retained milk teeth and unerupted permanent teeth, alongside notable skeletal abnormalities including genu valgum and kyphosis. Clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed significant dental anomalies, including multiple impacted permanent teeth and mild dysmorphic facial features. Although genetic testing …

Beyond Lipid-Lowering: Pleiotropic Effects Of Statins In Inflammation, Coagulation, And Cell Proliferation – Mechanisms And Clinical Implications, Kasidid Lawongsa, Yutthana Pansuwan, Supanut Kumjan

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Statins are widely used lipid-lowering agents that significantly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Beyond their cholesterol-lowering properties, increasing evidence demonstrates that statins exert several pleiotropic effects independent of lipid reduction. These effects include anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-proliferative actions mediated primarily through inhibition of the mevalonate pathway and downstream signaling molecules such as Rho, Rac, and Ras. Experimental and clinical studies have suggested potential benefits of statins in various non-cardiovascular conditions, including autoimmune diseases, venous thromboembolism, sepsis-associated coagulopathy, and certain malignancies. In addition, pharmacoepidemiologic studies have provided insights into the real-world effects and …

Evaluation Of Mdm2 Mrna Expression According To Clinicopathological Characteristics In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Oscc) Patients, Tirta Wardana

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: The murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets p53 for degradation, thereby influencing the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Objective. The present study investigates MDM2 mRNA expression and its association with clinical and pathological characteristics in OSCC patients.

Methods: We conducted an observational-analytical study using a cross-sectional design. The study involved 39 OSCC patients. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed. We quantified relative MDM2 mRNA expression using the Livak method (2-ΔΔCT) and GenEX MultiD software version 6.0. Statistical significance was assessed using independent t-tests.

Results: Although no …

Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision-Making Among Older Adults At The Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Chalisa Thanapura, Nawasiri Siriprasert, Thacha Pithayapibulpong, Bhorn-Ake Manasvanich, Vichai Viriyautsahakul

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Thailand is constantly increasing, and is highest in individuals aged 60-75 years. However, the number of older individuals undergoing CRC screening remains suboptimal.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with CRC screening decision-making among Thai older adults attending the Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the choice of screening method—colonoscopy versus fecal occult blood testing (FOBT)

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a data record form at the Comprehensive Geriatrics Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, …

Integrative Analysis Of Bioinformatics Databases To Identify Thyroid Cancer Drug Target Candidates, Desti Rahmawati, Putri Permata Suka Admanegara, Rista Yulianti, Siska Widiastuti, Wirawan Adikusuma, Brilliant Citra Wirashada, Rahmat Dani Satria, Darmawi Darmawi, Baik Heni Rispawati, Rockie Chong, Ilker Ates, Lalu Muhammad Irham, Petrina Theda Philothra

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Thyroid cancer is an endocrine malignancy whose incidence continues to rise globally. Although thyroid cancer generally has a favourable prognosis, aggressive subtypes such as anaplastic thyroid cancer remain a therapeutic challenge. Drug repurposing strategies offer the opportunity to accelerate the development of therapies by utilising drugs already available and with an established safety profile.

Objective: This study aims to identify candidate thyroid cancer risk genes by analyzing data extracted from GWAS and PheWAS databases, and to evaluate their potential therapeutic relevance through drug repositioning

Methods: Significant gene variants were obtained from GWAS and PheWAS databases and functionally annotated …

The Mathematical Model Predicts Peripheral Blood Cd34+ Cell Yield And Blood Volume Processing For Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Apheresis., Rattaporn Vichitratchaneekorn, Kanokpol Siriphanthong, Kanokwan Chinbordee, Phandee Watanaboonyongcharoen, Ponlapat Ronjnuckarin

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Introduction: The accurate prediction of stem cell yields is important for planning peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection. This study aimed to develop a formula forecasting required blood volume processing to ensure adequate CD34+ cell products.

Methods: Data from donors and patients who underwent PBSC apheresis conducted at a tertiary care hospital were reviewed. BD FACSCanto™ II and Navios EX flow cytometry machines were used to determine the pre-collection CD34+ cell counts (preCD34).

Results: Of 50 donors and 85 patients, 145 leukapheresis procedures were performed. Linear regression models accurately predicted absolute CD34+ cell yields from pre-apheresis values, supporting optimal procedural …

Ameliorative Effect Of Ethanolic Extract Of Nardostachys Jatamansi Against High Fat Diet Induced Dyslipidemia In Rats, Umanath Preethi, Govindaraj Sumathy, Nathiya Shanmugam

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects of ethanol extract of Nardostachys Jatamansi (N.J) in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model in male Wistar albino rats.Materials and methods:36 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups, each comprising six animals: Group I received a normal diet for 9 weeks, while Group II was fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for the same period. Groups III–VI were also given HFD throughout. From week 5, Group III received rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg), and Groups IV–VI were treated with Nardostachys Jatamansi. extract at 100, 200, and …

Machine Learning-Based Gene Signature Detection Highlights Cxcl12 As A Key Marker For Aml Prediction, Selahattin Alperen Uysal, Burçin Kaymaz

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe hematologic malignancy marked by uncontrolled proliferation and impaired differentiation of myeloid cells, disrupting normal hematopoiesis and resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Conventional diagnostic approaches often lack the precision to accurately classify AML subtypes, necessitating the integration of advanced computational methods to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Objectives: This study aimed to apply machine learning (ML) techniques to transcriptomic data in order to identify a concise and informative gene signature capable of distinguishing AML cases from normal samples. Additionally, the study sought to evaluate the performance of predictive models in supporting AML prediction …

Assessing The Reliability Of Machine Learning Models In Classifying Depression Severity Using Facebook Text, Keito Yoneyama

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Depression is a growing global issue that requires urgent attention, particularly in Thailand. Without timely intervention, it can lead to serious consequences such as health complications, reduced social participation, and even suicide. Consequently, there has been increased research focused on developing algorithms to identify and classify social media data according to depression severity. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which such algorithms are a suitable tool for the preliminary classification of Thai Facebook text into different levels of depression severity. The methodology involved data collection through surveys and Facebook scraping, followed by data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model …

Erratum: Genetic Variations In Extracellular Matrix Degradation Pathways Linking To Major Depressive Disorder: Evidence From A Large-Scale Genetic Association Study, Halliru Zailani, Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, Sheng-Che Lin, Jia-Hau Lee, Mei-Ling Li, Bing-Fang Huang, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su

BioMedicine

No abstract provided.

Pneumoperitoneum As A Rare Complication Of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Case Report, Chen-Ting Yang, I-Han Hsiao, Chun-Chung Chen, Der-Yang Cho, Hui-Shan Lu, Po-Fan Chiu

BioMedicine

A 70-year-old woman with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma and bone metastasis underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for multilevel pathological vertebral compression fractures due to back pain persisting despite conservative treatment. Subsequently, she reported significant pain relief; however, on postoperative day 1, she complained of intermittent, diffuse, and severe abdominal pain. Imaging examination revealed free air in the retroperitoneum and paraspinal space, suggesting hollow organ perforation. She refused exploratory surgery and was consequently discharged against medical advice with only oral antibiotics. Two weeks later, she returned for follow-up. She was in good condition with stable vital signs and no signs of toxic …

Tracking The Course Of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva In A Patient With The Classic Acvr1 Mutation, Mohamed Mostafa Kotb, Usama Farghaly Omar, Bishoy Raafat Zaky, Arun-Kumar Kaliya-Perumal

BioMedicine

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare and debilitating genetic disease affecting approximately 1 in 2 million people. It is caused by a heterozygous gain-of-function mutation in the gene encoding activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), leading to dysregulated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Clinically, the disease features progressive heterotopic ossification, with bone forming in sites of soft tissue inflammation. We report a 7-year-old boy with two isolated ectopic bone masses in the paraspinal muscles of the neck and lumbar spine, resulting in pain and restricted spinal mobility. Genetic analysis revealed the classic c.617G>A mutation in the gene …

Physalin A Protects Against Diabetes-Like Retinal Neurodegeneration Via Autophagy, Mitophagy, And Antioxidant Pathways In Drosophila Melanogaster, Yan-Ru Xiao, Wei-Yong Lin, Wen-Zhen Lee, Yu-Sheng Hsieh, Wei-Cheng Jiang, Fu-Shin Chueh, Yueh-Hsiung Kuo, Sheng-Yao Hsu, Yu-Jung Lin, Wen-Tsong Hsieh

BioMedicine

Background: Diabetic retinopathy begins with neuroretinal dysfunction driven by oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, and impaired proteostasis before microvascular pathology emerges. Drosophila provides a tractable neuron-centric model to interrogate these early events. Physalin A (PA), a withanolide, has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, yet its retina-specific mitochondrial actions in vivo remain incompletely defined.

Purpose: To determine whether PA rescues visual function and neuronal integrity in insulin receptor mutant Drosophila with DR-like retinal injury, and to delineate associated pathways in autophagy, mitophagy, and antioxidant defense.

Methods: Adult w^{1118; P{GMR-InR.A1325D}3} Drosophila received dietary PA (6–24 μM) for seven days. Visual function was …

Neuroinflammatory And Neuronal Damage Biomarkers In Depression: A Meta-Analysis Of Hmgb1, S100Β, And Nse Levels, Ikbal Andrian Malau, Suet-Kei Wu, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Cheng-Ho Chang, Chun-Hung Chang, Ming-Jun Tsai, Yung-Chih Chiang, Kuan-Pin Su

BioMedicine

Background: Depression is associated with neuroinflammation and dysfunction of neurons and glial cells. Immune activation and damage-associated signals such as S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100β) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) amplify inflammation, leading to neuronal injury. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) reflects such injury. These molecules may serve as potential biomarkers of depression.

Aims: This study compared levels of S100β, HMGB1, and NSE in individuals with depression versus non-depressed controls.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to April 5, 2025, using the terms “S100B AND Depression”, “neuron specific enolase AND Depression”, and “HMGB1 …

Design And Development Of Novel Peptidomimetic Compounds For Cancer Therapeutics: Focus On Hsp90–Cdc37 Interaction, Sarath Perumal, Ramanathan Karuppasamy

BioMedicine

Background: The HSP90 and CDC37 molecular chaperone complex governs the

stability and function of numerous client protein kinases, making it a crucial cancer target. Given their central role, disrupting this interaction induces proteotoxic stress and inhibits tumor progression. Therapeutic peptides are the mainstay of treatment for disruption of key interactions, yet they face limitations such as toxicity, resistance, and poor stability. Aim: This study aims to leverage peptidomimetics as novel disruptors of the HSP90–CDC37 interaction. Methods: Two peptides, a 9-mer and a 7-mer, were rationally designed by analyzing key regions facilitating HSP90–CDC37 complex formation. In silico mutational analysis identified …

Evaluation Of The Anti-Inflammatory Properties In Vitro, In Vivo And In Silico, Of The Snail Slime Helix Aspersa Müller, Marouane Aouji, Malak Zirari, Mariame Taibi, Meryem Lamdak, Amine Rkhaila, Rachid Bengueddour

BioMedicine

Background: The search for effective natural alternatives to synthetic non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are often associated with undesirable side effects, is an important axis of current research. The slime of the snail Helix aspersa Müller, is a traditional remedy that deserves scientific investigation for its potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Helix aspersa Müller slime using a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methodologies.

Methods: In vitro analyses included assays for inhibition of protein denaturation, antiprotease and antilipoxygenase activities, and membrane stabilization, with diclofenac and indomethacin as reference …

Traditional Chinese Medicine And Healthcare Utilization In Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Study With Propensity-Matched And Mirror-Image Analyses, Shu-Ping Chen, Su-Tso Yang, Kai-Chieh Hu, Hui-Chih Chang, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su

BioMedicine

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic relapsing illness associated with high rates of acute psychiatric hospitalizations (APH) and emergency services (ES) use, placing burdens on healthcare systems. Many patients seek complementary modalities, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), alongside standard pharmacotherapy. However, population-based evidence regarding TCM’s effect on acute healthcare utilization in BD is lacking.

Methods: Using data from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID 2000), this population-based study employed propensity score matching (PSM) based on age, gender, the index year (defined as the calendar year of the index date for TCM users and their matched nonTCM counterparts), and …

Topical Peony And Licorice Decoction Attenuates Exercise-Induced Muscle Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Self-Controlled Trial In Taiwan, Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, Chang-Wei Hsieh, Chia-Han Tsai, Tzung-Yan Lee, Pin-Chun Chen, Pu-Wei Hou, Kuan-Pin Su, Hen-Hong Chang

BioMedicine

Background

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common phenomenon that occurs after exercise training, resulting in pain and reduced muscle performance. Previous basic and animal studies have reported that oral use of Peony and Licorice Decoction (PLD), a traditional Chinese formula with anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties, may be safe and effective for DOMS. However, there have been no clinical studies, particularly on the topical use of PLD, in this field to date.

Material and Methods

Our study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. We recruited healthy male athletes to assess the effect of external PLD, whose bioactive compounds were …