# Serum level of monocyte chemotactic protein 1, N-terminal brain natural peptide in patients with coronary heart disease after nutritional changes

## TL;DR

Combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with standard treatment reduces inflammation and improves symptoms in elderly patients with coronary heart disease.

## Contribution

Demonstrates the complementary benefits of Baoyuan and Taohong Siwu decoctions in managing CHD.

## Key findings

- Significant reductions in MCP-1 and NT-proBNP levels in the treatment group after 3 months.
- Improved lipid profiles and greater symptom relief in patients receiving combined therapy.
- Statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the treatment and control groups.

## Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of morbidity among elderly populations, with inflammation and cardiac dysfunction indicated by elevated MCP-1 and NT-proBNP levels. This study evaluated the effects of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (Baoyuan and Taohong Siwu decoctions) with standard Western therapy on serum MCP-1 and NT-proBNP in elderly CHD patients. Results demonstrated significant reductions in these biomarkers, supporting the complementary role of TCM in managing CHD.

A total of 90 elderly CHD patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n=45 each): the control group (CG), receiving conventional Western medicine alone, and the research group (RG), treated with BYD-THSWD combined with standard Western pharmacotherapy. Serum levels of MCP-1 and NT-proBNP, lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C), and clinical symptoms (chest pain, chest tightness, fatigue, sweating) were assessed at baseline and after 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted using independent-sample t-tests and chi-square tests.

After 3 months, serum levels of MCP-1 (113.09±5.49 vs. 126.38±7.04 pg/mL, P<0.05) and NT-proBNP (614.28±54.77 vs. 781.28±68.29 ng/mL, P<0.05) were significantly lower in the RG compared to the CG. Similarly, the RG exhibited significantly improved lipid profiles and greater symptomatic relief, reflected by significantly lower TCM symptom scores for chest pain, chest tightness, fatigue, and sweating compared to the CG at all post-treatment intervals (all P<0.05).

Integrating Baoyuan decoction and Taohong Siwu decoction with conventional Western medicine significantly reduces MCP-1 and NT-proBNP levels, improves lipid metabolism, and alleviates clinical symptoms in elderly coronary heart disease patients. These findings highlight the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a complementary therapy in enhancing standard CHD treatment outcomes.