Efficacy of Baihe Xiaoyao powder in treatment of chronic hepatitis B with depression: a clinical analysis

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Baihe Xiaoyao powder in patients with chronic hepatitis B( CHB) and depression,and to explore its mechanism of action from the perspectives of endocrine and immune function. Methods A total of 120 patients with CHB who visited the Outpatient Department of Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from September 2013 to February 2015 were enrolled,and according to the Hamilton Depression Scale( HAMD) scores,they were divided into CHB- depression group( 80 patients) and CHB group( 40 patients). The levels of cortisol( Cor) and interleukin- 2( IL- 2) and the proportion of natural killer( NK) cells were compared between the two groups. The 80 patients in the CHB- depression group were further divided into control group and treatment group,with 40 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with entecavir for 12 weeks,and those in the treatment group were treated with entecavir and Baihe Xiaoyao powder for 12 weeks. The effects of Baihe Xiaoyao powder on liver function [alanine aminotransferase( ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase( AST) ],hepatitis B virus( HBV) DNA,HAMD score,Cor,and immune function( IL- 2 and NK cells) were observed in patients with CHB and depression. The t- test was used for comparison of continuous data,the chi- square test was used for categorical data,and correlation analysis was also performed. Results Compared with CHB patients without depression,those with depression had a significantly higher level of Cor,a significantly lower level of IL- 2,and a significantly lower proportion of NK cells( P < 0. 01),and Cor level was negatively correlated with IL- 2 level( r =- 0. 786,P < 0. 01) and the proportion of NK cells( r =- 0. 681,P < 0. 01). After the treatment with Baihe Xiaoyao powder for 12 weeks,compared with the control group,the treatment group had significantly lower HAMD score and levels of Cor,ALT,and AST( P < 0. 01) and significantly higher level of IL- 2,proportion of NK cells,and HBV DNA clearance rate( P < 0. 05). Conclusion The CHB patients with depression have endocrine disorders,an increased serum level of Cor,a reduced level of IL- 2,and a reduced proportion of NK cells. Baihe Xiaoyao powder can improve depressive emotion,reduce the level of Cor,improve the body's immune function and liver function,and increase HBV DNA clearance rate.A combination of Baihe Xiaoyao powder and antiviral therapy can improve the clinical outcome of CHB.