Current applications of molecular imaging and luminescence-based techniques in traditional Chinese medicine.
Author: Li J, Wan H, Zhang H, Tian M.
Affiliation:
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang University Medical PET Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Imaging of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Cardio-Cerbrovascular Diseases, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Conference/Journal: J Ethnopharmacol.
Date published: 2011 Jun 12
Other:
Word Count: 220
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is fundamentally different from Western medicine, has been widely investigated using various approaches. Cellular- or molecular-based imaging has been used to investigate and illuminate the various challenges identified and progress made using therapeutic methods in TCM. Insight into the processes of TCM at the cellular and molecular changes and the ability to image these processes will enhance our understanding of various diseases of TCM and will provide new tools to diagnose and treat patients. Various TCM therapies including herbs and formulations, acupuncture and moxibustion, massage, Gua Sha, and diet therapy have been analyzed using positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound and optical imaging. These imaging tools have kept pace with developments in molecular biology, nuclear medicine, and computer technology. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in demystifying ancient knowledge - like the power of energy flow and blood flow, meridians, and serial naturopathies - which are essential to visually and vividly recognize the body using modern technology. In TCM, treatment can be individualized in a holistic or systematic view that is consistent with molecular imaging technologies. Future studies might include using molecular imaging in conjunction with TCM to easily diagnose or monitor patients naturally and noninvasively.
Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
PMID: 21693174
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