The risk of coronary artery disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using Chinese herbal products and conventional medicine in parallel: a population-based cohort study

Abstract

Background: Few studies have evaluated the association between the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the use of Chinese herbal products (CHP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated the risk of CAD among patients with RA using CHP in combination with conventional medicine. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan National Insurance Research Database to assess 22,353 patients who had been newly diagnosed with RA between 1997 and 2010. Patients were assigned to the CHP group or non-CHP group according to their use or nonuse of CHP after being diagnosed with RA. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of CAD for a 1:1 matched sample. Results: Both the CHP and non-CHP groups comprised 4889 patients after 1:1 matching. The risk of CAD was significantly reduced in the CHP group [adjusted HR (aHR): 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50-0.71] compard with the non-CHP group. Those who used CHP for > 180 days had an even lower risk of CAD than users with CHP usage less than 30 days (aHR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.95). Additionally, frequently prescribed formulae, such as Kuei-Chih-Shao-Yao-Chih-Mu-Tang, Tang-Kuei-Nien-Tung-Tang, and Shu-Ching-Huo-Hsieh-Tang, were associated with a reduced risk of CAD. Conclusion: The use of CHP was associated with a lower risk of CAD in patients with RA. Additional randomized controlled trials are required to assess any causal relationship between the effect of CHP usage and the risk of CAD.

Mechanistic study on the improvement of immune inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis through regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by Huangqin Qingre Chubi capsules

“…Various factors, including genetics, infections, environment, and immuno-inflammatory processes, have been implicated in the development of AS. [6][7][8][9] Currently, Western medicine treatment for AS mainly focuses on inflammation control and symptom reduction, utilizing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biological agents, and immunosuppressants, [10][11][12] which have demonstrated not only immune-inflammation inhibition but also come with potential side effects. [13][14][15] Conversely, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been increasingly utilized in AS treatment, offering unique advantages over Western medicine, such as fewer side effects, better prognosis, and significant improvements in AS symptoms and inflammation markers.…”

Integrative medicine using East Asian herbal medicine for inflammatory pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis integrated with multiple data mining for core candidate discovery

“…[32][33][34][35] Recently, a number of statistical evidence and real world data have been accumulated to support the potential usefulness of IM for inflammatory and immunological improvement in patients with RA. [21,[36][37][38][39][40] For example, in a population-based cohort study in 2020, it was observed that the application of IM could lower the risk of coronary artery disease in RA. Additionally, in a more recent meta-analysis, it was reported that IM could attenuate the adverse effects of DMARDs.…”

“…Additionally, in a more recent meta-analysis, it was reported that IM could attenuate the adverse effects of DMARDs. [36,39] Considering these circumstances, IM is expected to be worth investigating as a new treatment strategy that can lead to improved treatment results for RA.…”

Oral administration of East Asian herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis

“…East Asian herbal medicine (EAHM) could be a useful candidate for RA treatment that meets aforementioned objective. In East Asian nations such as China, Korea, and Japan, 500 to 1000 EAHM materials are commonly listed in pharmacopeia and are still actively utilized as medications for the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal illnesses such [10–13] …”

“…In East Asian nations such as China, Korea, and Japan, 500 to 1000 EAHM materials are commonly listed in pharmacopeia and are still actively utilized as medications for the treatment of rheumatic and musculoskeletal illnesses such. [10][11][12][13] Based on previous study knowledge and challenge awareness, the authors set the following research objectives:…”