1.Mechanism of Action of Guishenwan in Treatment of Ovarian Insufficiency Diseases: A Review
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Shengyu WANG ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):317-324
Guishenwan (GSW), originating from Jingyue Quanshu (Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with a history of over 400 years. Designed for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, it is clinically applied to treat diseases associated with essence-blood deficiency, such as ovarian insufficiency diseases in women, oligospermia-induced infertility in men, and lumbar disc herniation. Numerous studies have confirmed its significant efficacy and advantages in managing ovarian insufficiency diseases, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and premature ovarian failure (POF). According to recent literature, the therapeutic mechanisms of GSW in treating ovarian insufficiency diseases involve regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA) function, ameliorating reproductive endocrine disorders, improving ovarian function, modulating relevant signaling pathways, and exerting immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A review of GSW in clinical treatment revealed that clinical applications of GSW, particularly in combination with Western medicine, not only alleviate symptoms but also compensate for the limitations of hormone replacement therapy, thereby reducing recurrence, minimizing adverse reactions, and enhancing safety. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of GSW in ovarian insufficiency diseases, offer innovative TCM strategies for developing novel ovarian-protective drugs, promote the integration of TCM and Western medicine in reproductive medicine, and ultimately contribute a Chinese approach to global management of ovarian insufficiency diseases.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
4.Analysis of chloroplast genomes from Salvia miltiorrhiza and its congeneric species
Jindong YANG ; Zhenxi FANG ; Chengyang NIE ; Ruibing CHEN ; Qing LI ; Lei ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(6):275-282
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Chloroplasts are double-membrane-bound, chlorophyll-containing organelles and responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells. The structural information of chloroplast genomes serves as the foundation for precise exogenous gene insertion, site selection, and chloroplast genome modification. In this study, a comprehensive analysis and comparison of 125 chloroplast genomes from S. miltiorrhiza and 76 congeneric species were conducted, focusing on sequence characteristics, codon usage bias, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), contraction/expansion of chloroplast genome boundaries, and phylogenetic relationships, which could provide a theoretical foundation for advancing chloroplast genetic engineering, genetic diversity analysis, molecular breeding, and species identification within the Salvia genus.
5.Emergency medical response strategy for the 2025 Dingri, Tibet Earthquake
Chenggong HU ; Xiaoyang DONG ; Hai HU ; Hui YAN ; Yaowen JIANG ; Qian HE ; Chang ZOU ; Si ZHANG ; Wei DONG ; Yan LIU ; Huanhuan ZHONG ; Ji DE ; Duoji MIMA ; Jin YANG ; Qiongda DAWA ; Lü ; JI ; La ZHA ; Qiongda JIBA ; Lunxu LIU ; Lei CHEN ; Dong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):421-426
This paper systematically summarizes the practical experience of the 2025 Dingri earthquake emergency medical rescue in Tibet. It analyzes the requirements for earthquake medical rescue under conditions of high-altitude hypoxia, low temperature, and low air pressure. The paper provides a detailed discussion on the strategic layout of earthquake medical rescue at the national level, local government level, and through social participation. It covers the construction of rescue organizational systems, technical systems, material support systems, and information systems. The importance of building rescue teams is emphasized. In high-altitude and cold conditions, rapid response, scientific decision-making, and multi-party collaboration are identified as key elements to enhance rescue efficiency. By optimizing rescue organizational structures, strengthening the development of new equipment, and promoting telemedicine technologies, the precision and effectiveness of medical rescue can be significantly improved, providing important references for future similar disaster rescues.
6.Subxiphoid uniportal approach using double sternum retractors versus subxiphoid and subcostal arch three-portal approach of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy for thymoma treatment: A retrospective cohort study
Jinlan ZHAO ; Weiyang CHEN ; Lin LIN ; Lei WANG ; Jie LI ; Lin MA ; Longqi CHEN ; Hong CHEN ; Dong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):482-487
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy for the treatment of thymoma through subxiphoid uniportal approach using double sternum retractors, and subxiphoid and subcostal arch approach. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of the patients diagnosed with thymoma who underwent VATS thymectomy from June 2023 to June 2024 in West China Hospital. Patients were categorized based on the surgical approach into two groups: a subxiphoid uniportal VATS thymectomy (SUVT) group and a subxiphoid and subcostal arch VATS thymectomy (SASAT) group. Comparisons were made between the two groups regarding surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, thymoma size and location, and postoperative pain assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results The SUVT group consisted of 20 patients, including 11 males and 9 females, with an average age of (51.5±14.3) years. The SASAT group comprised 40 patients, including 26 males and 14 females, with an average age of (50.0±13.0) years. Compared to the SASAT group, the SUVT group had significantly larger thymomas [ (5.9±2.7) cm vs. (4.2±2.1) cm, P=0.010] and a higher proportion of neoplasms located in the superior mediastinum (30.0% vs. 2.5%, P=0.007). Additionally, the VAS pain scores on postoperative days 3, 7, and 30 were significantly lower in the SUVT group compared to the SASAT group (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in demographic characteristics, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, duration and volume of postoperative drainage, length of postoperative hospital stay, or the VAS pain score on the first postoperative day. Conclusion SUVT using double sternum retractors significantly reduces postoperative pain and provides superior efficacy in the resection of larger thymomas or those situated in the superior mediastinum.
7.TLR4 and IFN - γ Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Schistosomiasis Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Yaojia REN ; Fang CHEN ; Wanxian HUANG ; Zhongdao WU ; Junxia LEI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):410-419
ObjectiveTo investigate whether co-activated mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) exert therapeutic effects against schistosomiasis by modulating macrophage polarization. MethodsTwenty adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: uninfected, infected, MSC-treated, and MSCTLR4+IFN-γ-treated groups. The Schistosoma japonicum infection model was established via abdominal patch method with cercariae. At week 5 post-infection, praziquantel was administered orally for antiparasitic treatment. At week 6, mice received either MSCs treatments (with or without pre-activation) or no treatment. Body weight changes were monitored weekly. Hepatic pathological alterations were evaluated via HE and Masson staining. RT-qPCR was used to assess α-SMA and collagen (Col-I, Col-Ⅲ) mRNA levels to quantify fibrosis. The mRNA levels of hepatic inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) were analyzed to explore fibrotic mechanisms. The expressions of i-Nos and Arg-1 in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, and the ratio of M1 or M2 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining, aiming to analyze the correlation between MSCs treatment and macrophage polarization. An in vitro co-culture system validated direct MSC-macrophage interactions. ResultsCompared with the infected group, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group exhibited increased body weight gain (P< 0.01), reduced hepatic granulomatous lesion area (P< 0.001), and decreased α-SMA, Col-I, and Col-Ⅲ mRNA levels (P< 0.01). Additionally, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed reduced TNF-α and IL-1β expression (P< 0.05), as well as elevated MMP2, Mmp9, and MMP13 levels (P< 0.01). The MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed higher expression of M2 marker Arg-1 mRNA compared with the infection group (P < 0.001) , while the expression of M1 marker i-Nos decreased (P< 0.05). Immunofluorescence confirmed a lower i-Nos+ cell ratio (P< 0.05) and higher F4/80+CD206+ cell ratio (P< 0.000 1) in the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group compared with the infection group. In vitro co-culture experiments further demonstrated that MSCTLR4+IFN-γ promoted Arg-1 expression, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine i-Nos and TNF-α levels, consistent with ELISA results. ConclusionsThis study reveals that TLR4 and IFN-γ co-activated MSCs alleviate Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through modulating macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. This mechanism may suppress inflammation and enhance extracellular matrix degradation, providing a therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis.
8.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Danggui Liuhuang Tang in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Yin Deficiency and Fire Excess Syndrome
Yuanying XU ; Shanshan YU ; Xinyan JIN ; MAREYANMU·ROSE ; Cheng CHEN ; Wenjun SHA ; Tao LEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):163-172
ObjectiveThis study aims to observe the clinical effect of Danggui Liuhuang Tang (DGLHT) on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) at high risk, focus on evaluating the influence of DGLHT on cardiovascular risk indicators such as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), and explore the regulatory effect of DGLHT on the myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-kappa B (MyD88/NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe clinical study was a single-center, double-blind, and randomized controlled trial. A total of 68 patients with T2DM-ASCVD at high risk for cardiovascular events with Yin deficiency and fire excess syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was given atorvastatin calcium tablets and DGLHT, while the control group was given atorvastatin calcium tablets and placebos. The treatment course was 12 weeks, with a final study completion of 30 patients in the treatment group and 29 in the control group. Changes in cardiovascular risk indicators such as FMD, AIP, TyG, and small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) index were compared. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to establish a vascular endothelial injury and inflammation model. The protective effect of DGLHT on endothelial injury was verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot . ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, the AIP in the treatment group significantly decreased compared with that before the treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant improvements in FMD and TyG (P<0.05). Additionally, the treatment group demonstrated significant reductions in two-hour postprandial glucose (2 hPG), glycated albumin (GA), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein E (Apo E), and sdLDL-C (P<0.05). Analysis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome efficacy indicated that in the treatment group, Yin deficiency and fire excess syndromes, including dry throat and mouth (P<0.05), excessive thirst (P<0.01), tidal fever and night sweats (P<0.05), and dry stools (P<0.05), improved. Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant improvements in symptoms of dry throat and mouth (P<0.05) and excessive thirst (P<0.01). TCM syndrome scores significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the overall efficacy rate was 56.67%, significantly higher than the 10.34% observed in the control group (P<0.01). At the cellular level, increasing concentrations of DGLHT led to decreased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HUVECs (P<0.01), with significant reductions in the high-concentration group (P<0.01). DGLHT may inhibit the expressions of MyD88 and phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB p65 proteins in a concentration-dependent manner. ConclusionDGLHT shows significant effects in reducing cardiovascular risks and may exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. This finding provides a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in high-risk individuals with T2DM-ASCVD.
9.Impact of childhood trauma on internet addiction in medical students: the mediating role of perceived stress
Xiaohong PENG ; Xiaoyuan LIAO ; Dantong WU ; Yanyin ZHOU ; Yelu LIU ; Yuxiang WANG ; Luoya ZHANG ; Juan DENG ; Yanjie PENG ; Kezhi LIU ; Jing CHEN ; Wei LEI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):267-272
BackgroundWith the rapid development of the networking technologies, internet addiction has increasingly become a serious mental health issue. Previous studies have revealed the link between childhood trauma and internet addiction, while the mediating role of perceived stress in this link is not yet clear. ObjectiveTo investigate the role of medical students' perceived stress in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction, so as to provide references for the intervention of internet addiction. MethodsFrom February to March 2023, a random sampling technique was used to select 1 232 undergraduate students from the School of Clinical Medical Sciences of Southwest Medical University as research subjects. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale (IGDS), and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) were used for assessment. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated. The mediation effect of perceived stress in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet addiction was tested using Model 4 in the SPSS Process 4.1, and Bootstrapping procedure involving 5 000 replicates was employed to confirm the statistical significance. ResultsA total of 1 016 (82.47%) valid completed questionnaires were gathered. The CTQ-SF scores of medical students were positively correlated with PSS scores, IGD scores, and BSMAS scores (r=0.583, 0.474, 0.465, P<0.01). PSS scores were positively correlated with IGD scores and BSMAS scores (r=0.369, 0.479, P<0.01). Childhood trauma in medical students was found to positively predict perceived stress (β=0.191, P<0.01), social media addiction (β=0.160, P<0.01), and internet gaming disorder (β=0.106, P<0.01). Perceived stress played a significant mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and internet gaming disorder, indirect effect value was 0.018 (95% CI: 0.009~0.027), accounting for 16.98%. Perceived stress also exhibited a significant mediating role in the relationship between childhood trauma and social media addiction, indirect effect value was 0.063 (95% CI: 0.048~0.079), accounting for 39.38%. ConclusionChildhood trauma in medical students may affect internet gaming disorder and social media addiction through perceived stress. [Funded by 2022 Annual Research Project of Sichuan Applied Psychology Research Center,(number,CSXL-22102)]
10.Features of non-motor symptoms and substantia nigra ultrasound in essential tremor
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(4):306-309
Objective To investigate the features of non-motor symptoms and transcranial substantia nigra ultrasound in essential tremor (ET). Methods General data were collected from 50 patients with ET and 50 healthy controls,and non-motor symptom scales and transcranial nigra sonography (TCS) were used for assessment. The t-test,the non-parametric test,and the chi-square test were used for comparison of general data,scale assessment results,and TCS findings between the two groups. Results There were significant differences between the ET group and the healthy control group in the total scores of NMSS,MoCA,HAMA,HAMD,PSQI,ESS,and FSS and the incidence rates of cognitive impairment,moderate or severe anxiety,poor sleep,and daytime sleepiness,while there were no significant differences in the incidence rates of moderate or severe depression and fatigue between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of “hyperechoic area of the left side” “hyperechoic area of the right side” “hyperechoic area of both sides” “S/M value” “the number of cases with a hyperechoic area of >0.2 cm2 for at least one side” “the number of cases with an S/M ratio of >7%” and “the number of cases with positive TCS results”. Conclusion Compared with healthy controls,ET patients are more susceptible to cognitive impairment,anxiety,depression,poor sleep quality,daytime sleepiness,and fatigue,and the non-motor symptoms of ET should be taken seriously in clinical practice. TCS examination has a relatively low diagnostic value in ET patients and healthy individuals.

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