1.Changing trajectories of sleep problems and teacher support among first year junior high school students
FAN Xuemei, LIU Guangzeng, CHENG Gang, PAN Yangu, ZHAO Zhanfeng, ZHU Zhengguang, ZHANG Dajun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):241-245
Objective:
To examine the changing trajectories of sleep problems and teacher support among first year middle school students and their covariant relationship,so as to provide theoretical basis for the prevention strategy of sleep problems for the first year junior high school students.
Methods:
In September 2020, a multistage cluster random sampling method was used to select 1 027 first year junior high school students from two schools of Anshun and Guiyang cities in Guizhou Province for survey and follow up assessments (T1:September 2020, T2:October 2020, T3:November 2020, T4:December 2020). The Student Perceived Teacher Support Behavior Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Scale were administered to assess sleep problems and teacher support among first year junior high school students. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between sleep problems and teacher support. A multivariate latent growth curve model was employed to analyze the changing trajectories and covariant relationship between teacher support and sleep problems, followed by a multi group analysis.
Results:
For first year junior high school students, teacher support scores at T1-T4 were 4.00 (3.47, 4.53), 4.00 (3.47, 4.58), 3.95 (3.47, 4.61) and 4.00 (3.48, 4.67), respectively; sleep problem scores were 0.83 (0.50, 1.17), 0.67 (0.50, 1.17), 0.83 (0.50, 1.17) and 0.67 (0.33, 1.17), respectively. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that teacher support and sleep problems were negatively correlated across all four period ( r =-0.28 to -0.14, all P <0.01). Teacher support perceived by students showed a linear increasing trend (intercept=3.98, slope=0.02), while sleep problems showed a linear decreasing trend (intercept=0.86, slope= -0.02 ) (all P <0.05). The multivariate latent growth model indicated that the rate of increase in teacher support after enrollment effectively predicted the rate of decrease in sleep problem levels ( β=-0.34, P <0.01). Multigroup analysis showed that the covariant relationship was not moderated by gender or boarding status (both P >0.05).
Conclusions
The increase in teacher support experienced by first year junior high school students during the transition period after enrollment, accompanied by a reduction in sleep problems, constitutes a dynamic protective process. The process is not moderated by gender or boarding status.
2.Polygonati Rhizoma Polysaccharides Improve Cognitive and Emotional Functions of Ovariectomy-AD Model Rats Through Modulating ERα/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Gengchao ZHANG ; Li YANG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):154-162
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharides (PRP) on improving cognitive and emotional functions in the ovariectomy (OVX)-Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats. MethodsAfter being randomly divided into blank group, model group, estradiol group (0.18 mg·kg-1·d-1), low-PRP group (200 mg·kg-1), medium-PRP group (400 mg·kg-1), and high-PRP group (800 mg·kg-1), 60 SPF female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to OVX. One week later, vaginal smear examination as well as D-galactose intraperitoneal injection (150 mg·kg-1·d-1, once daily, for eight weeks) were adopted to establish the OVX-AD model, and drug intervention was initiated nine weeks after surgery. Upon completion of the treatment course, cognitive and emotional functions, as well as hippocampal CA3 region damage were assessed in all rats by open-field test, new object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and transmission electron microscopy. Indicators of inflammation [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), oxidative-stress (superoxide-dismutase (SOD), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical methods. The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen-receptor α (ERα)/phosphoinositide 3kinase (PI3K)/protein-kinase-B (Akt) signaling pathway, apoptosis [Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2)] and the indicators of pathological sedimentary proteins [amyloid β-protein1-42 (Aβ1-42), microtubule-associated protein Tau, phosphorylated site 404 of microtubule-associated protein Tau [p-Tau (Ser404)] were detected by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and western blot analysis. ResultsCompared with those in blank group, the rats in model group exhibited marked ultra-structural damage to hippocampal CA3 neurons, along with the reduction of activity time and shuttle frequency in central area, the index and exploration frequency of new object recognition, and the platform crossings and time spent in target quadrant, as well as the prolonged latency (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the contents and expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, Aβ1-42, Tau, and p-Tau (Ser404) were significantly increased, and the activity and expression of SOD, GSH-Px, ERα, PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to those in model group, the rats in estradiol group and groups with different doses of PRP noticeably presented with amelioration of neuronal damage, along with increased activity time and shuttle frequency in the central zone, elevated new object recognition index and exploration frequency, shortened latency, prolonged activity time, and increased platform crossings in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01). What is more, the contents and expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, Aβ1-42, Tau, and p-Tau (Ser404) were significantly reduced, whereas the activity and expression levels of SOD, GSH-Px, ERα, PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 were markedly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPRP can improve the cognitive and emotional functions of AD model rats, and its mechanisms are probably related to modulating the ERα/PI3K/Akt pathway as well as inhibiting Aβ, Tau, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, resulting in alleviation of neuronal damage.
3.PD-L1 and TGF-β cooperatively regulate tumor immune escape: mechanisms and advances in dual-targeting therapy
Qianqian HE ; Yanli YANG ; Han ZHANG ; Zheyu CHEN ; Puzhong JI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):533-543
While programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have yielded breakthroughs in tumor therapy, their efficacy is constrained by the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment and multiple immunosuppressive pathways. In recent years, research has revealed that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) synergistically drives tumor cell immune escape with PD-L1 via pathways such as metabolic reprogramming, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and SOX family factors. Currently, various PD-L1/TGF-β bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have exhibited promising therapeutic potential in early-phase clinical trials, yet they still confront challenges related to toxicity and drug resistance. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which PD-L1 and TGF-β synergistically regulate tumor immune escape, summarizes the clinical research progress of bsAbs, and discusses strategies for novel drug design and biomarker development, with the aim of offering new insights for the development of combined tumor immunotherapy strategies.
4.Impact of metabolic risk factor control on mortality risk in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Jingdan ZHANG ; Bingbing WANG ; Zeran WANG ; Fan FENG ; Ren NA ; Hongyan GE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1576-1585
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of comprehensive control of multiple metabolic risk factors with the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its quantitative effect. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2003—2018. A total of 29 458 participants were enrolled, including 12 528 patients with MASLD and 16 930 non-MASLD controls. The control status of nine risk factors was assessed, i.e., hypertension, diabetes, liver fibrosis (assessed by fibrosis-4 index [FIB-4]), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, serum albumin, renal function (assessed by serum creatinine), systemic inflammation (assessed by neutrophil count), smoking, and physical activity. According to the status of comprehensive risk factor control, the patients with MASLD were further divided into low-control group with 1 107 patients, moderate-control group with 7 042 patients, and high-control group with 4 379 patients. A total of 397 participants were enrolled in the external validation cohort, among whom there were 266 participants with MASLD and 131 participants without MASLD. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Cox proportional hazards model incorporating complex sampling weights for NHANES data were used to investigate the association between the degree of risk factor control and all-cause mortality, and the Kaplan-Meier curve, the log-rank test, restricted mean survival time (RMST), and population attributable fraction (PAF) were used for further assessment. The robustness of the findings was validated in an independent clinical cohort (n=397). ResultsThe cohort study based on the NHANES database showed that during the median follow-up time of 6.7 years, 1 171 deaths occurred among the 12 528 patients with MASLD. There was a significant reduction in mortality risk with the increase in the number of risk factors controlled (trend test: χ2=65.06, P<0.001). Compared with the low-control group, the mortality risk decreased successively in the moderate-control group (hazard ratio [HR]=0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51 — 0.69) and the high-control group (HR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.27 — 0.48), and the mortality risk was reduced by 22% for each additional risk factor controlled (HR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.74 — 0.82). The PAF analysis showed that AST/ALT ratio control (PAF=19.2%) and physical activity (PAF=18.9%) were the largest contributors. The survival analysis of the sub-cohort constructed based on nearest neighbor matching (with a maximum follow-up time of 13.3 years) showed that there was a significant difference in cumulative survival rate between the MASLD groups with different control levels and the non-MASLD group (P<0.001). The RMST analysis further quantified the survival benefit of each group, and the high-control group had the longest 10-year RMST (9.88 years), which was superior to that of the non-MASLD group (9.43 years), the moderate-control group (9.33 years), and the low-control group (7.96 years). The multivariable-adjusted model analysis of the complete cohort showed that compared with the non-MASLD population, the MASLD patients in the low-control group had a significant increase in mortality risk, the moderate-control group had a comparable mortality risk, and the high-control group had a significantly lower mortality risk. The subgroup analysis showed a significant protective effect of comprehensive control in both male and female individuals (P<0.05), and the interaction analysis suggested a potentially stronger protective effect in female individuals (Pfor interaction=0.031). The protective effect was statistically significant in patients aged ≥60 years (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in protective effect across the groups stratified based on waist circumference (P<0.05), but there was no significant interaction between groups (Pfor interaction=0.821). In the external validation cohort, among the 397 participants, there were 72 cases of all-cause mortality (18.1%). The survival analysis showed a significant gradient increase in the survival rate of MASLD patients with the increase in the level of control (P=0.022). The RMST analysis showed that the moderate- and high-control groups had a better RMST than the non-MASLD group at 5 years (4.47 years vs 4.56 years vs 4.40 years), with a more significant survival advantage at 10 years (8.67 years vs 8.95 years vs 8.44 years). The Cox regression analysis showed that, with the low-control MASLD group as the reference, there was a significant reduction in mortality risk in the moderate-control group (HR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.21 — 0.81) and the high-control group (HR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.14 — 0.71); with the non-MASLD population as the reference, there was a significant increase in mortality risk in the low-control group (HR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.03 — 3.95), with a comparable mortality risk in the moderate-control group (HR=0.83, 95%CI: 0.48 — 1.44) and the high-control group (HR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.30 — 1.38), and the point estimates of the effects were highly consistent with the main study. ConclusionAmong MASLD patients, better control of metabolic risk factors is associated with a lower mortality risk. Achieving optimal control can eliminate the excess mortality risk associated with MASLD, thereby helping patients achieve a better survival prognosis than the general population.
5.Analysis of the development course and trends of pharmacovigilance in China
Hongling LI ; Yurong ZHANG ; Zhengbi QIN ; Mingjie ZHENG ; Li ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2327-2331
Pharmacovigilance runs through the whole life cycle of drugs. This paper systematically sorts out the development course of pharmacovigilance in China, from the initial establishment of the adverse drug reaction reporting system to the gradual construction of a complete pharmacovigilance system aligned with international standards. It focuses on analyzing the evolutionary features of the organizational system, legal system and monitoring system during this process. On this basis, this paper further discusses the future development trends of pharmacovigilance in China. In general, remarkable progress has been achieved in both regulatory construction and practical implementation of China’s pharmacovigilance system. In the future, efforts should be continuously made to improve the pharmacovigilance system, such as accelerating the implementation of the “one-body with two-wings” working framework and strengthening the primary responsibility of marketing authorization holders. It is also necessary to cultivate and reserve professional talents and promote information-based construction, including optimizing the spontaneous reporting system and establishing active monitoring systems. These measures can provide more solid support for ensuring public drug safety and facilitating high-quality development of the pharmaceutical industry.
6.Exploration of Zhuyuwan in Treatment of Atherosclerosis from Perspective of Lipid Transport Disorder
Wei SONG ; Zhongyi ZHANG ; Hairong QIU ; Mei ZHAO ; Zubing ZHOU ; Tao SHEN ; Yong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):54-61
This article discusses the key pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) based on the physiological characteristics and pathological changes of lipids and introduces the therapeutic effect of Zhuyuwan on AS, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases from the spleen. As essential substances, lipids have the same essence but different forms. They circulate throughout the body with body fluids under the action of Yang Qi to nourish the nutrient Qi and support the defensive Qi. Lipid metabolism disorder often leads to the obstruction of Qi movement, the accumulation of dampness and turbidity, and the generation of phlegm and blood stasis. It has been proven that the formation of vulnerable plaques in AS is attributed to the interaction of three pathogenic factors: deficiency of healthy Qi, phlegm-turbidity, and collateral stasis. Their pathological essence is closely related to abnormal lipid metabolism. As lipids constitute the thick and dense components of body fluids, their impaired dispersion may lead to phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis, the pathological process of which is predominantly ascribed to the dysfunction of the spleen in distributing essence. Therefore, AS is rooted in spleen-stomach disorder, manifests as plaques formed by pathological product accumulation in vessels, with lipid transport disorder as its core pathogenesis. Specifically speaking, the dysfunction of spleen in transportation with accumulation of dampness-turbidity marks the initial stage, and blood turbidity and coagulation and phlegm-nodules accumulating in vessels represent the intermediate phase. Cold accumulation and stagnated heat transforming into toxins represent the terminal stage. Zhuyuwan, first recorded in Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief, contains equal proportions of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus. Coptidis Rhizoma, bitter and cold, exerts descending and purging actions to assist stomach Qi in lowering turbidity. Evodiae Fructus, pungent-bitter and hot, disperses obstruction and promotes free flow to support spleen Qi in ascending the clear. The compatibility of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus ascends the clear and descends the turbid to harmonize Yin and Yang, assisting the spleen in distributing essence and resolving lipid accumulation to reduce lipid levels. In terms of the therapeutic mechanism, Zhuyuwan modulates lipid metabolism by correcting immune-inflammation network imbalance, improving gut microbiota composition and metabolism, and enhancing reverse cholesterol transport. By analyzing the pathological characteristics of lipid transport disorder in AS, this study delves into the intrinsic connections between cardiovascular disease and lipid transport disorder, giving novel insights into the prevention and treatment of AS.
7.Exploration of Zhuyuwan in Treatment of Atherosclerosis from Perspective of Lipid Transport Disorder
Wei SONG ; Zhongyi ZHANG ; Hairong QIU ; Mei ZHAO ; Zubing ZHOU ; Tao SHEN ; Yong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):54-61
This article discusses the key pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS) based on the physiological characteristics and pathological changes of lipids and introduces the therapeutic effect of Zhuyuwan on AS, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases from the spleen. As essential substances, lipids have the same essence but different forms. They circulate throughout the body with body fluids under the action of Yang Qi to nourish the nutrient Qi and support the defensive Qi. Lipid metabolism disorder often leads to the obstruction of Qi movement, the accumulation of dampness and turbidity, and the generation of phlegm and blood stasis. It has been proven that the formation of vulnerable plaques in AS is attributed to the interaction of three pathogenic factors: deficiency of healthy Qi, phlegm-turbidity, and collateral stasis. Their pathological essence is closely related to abnormal lipid metabolism. As lipids constitute the thick and dense components of body fluids, their impaired dispersion may lead to phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis, the pathological process of which is predominantly ascribed to the dysfunction of the spleen in distributing essence. Therefore, AS is rooted in spleen-stomach disorder, manifests as plaques formed by pathological product accumulation in vessels, with lipid transport disorder as its core pathogenesis. Specifically speaking, the dysfunction of spleen in transportation with accumulation of dampness-turbidity marks the initial stage, and blood turbidity and coagulation and phlegm-nodules accumulating in vessels represent the intermediate phase. Cold accumulation and stagnated heat transforming into toxins represent the terminal stage. Zhuyuwan, first recorded in Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief, contains equal proportions of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus. Coptidis Rhizoma, bitter and cold, exerts descending and purging actions to assist stomach Qi in lowering turbidity. Evodiae Fructus, pungent-bitter and hot, disperses obstruction and promotes free flow to support spleen Qi in ascending the clear. The compatibility of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus ascends the clear and descends the turbid to harmonize Yin and Yang, assisting the spleen in distributing essence and resolving lipid accumulation to reduce lipid levels. In terms of the therapeutic mechanism, Zhuyuwan modulates lipid metabolism by correcting immune-inflammation network imbalance, improving gut microbiota composition and metabolism, and enhancing reverse cholesterol transport. By analyzing the pathological characteristics of lipid transport disorder in AS, this study delves into the intrinsic connections between cardiovascular disease and lipid transport disorder, giving novel insights into the prevention and treatment of AS.
8.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
9.Mechanism of Tibetan Medicine Sanwei Doukoutang to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in 5×FAD Mice Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Shuran LI ; Yaxin WANG ; Jing SUN ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Dan XIE ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Yanyan BAO ; Qiyue SUN ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Xinying LI ; Xihe CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; LIUXIAN ; Mengyao CUI ; Qingshan LIU ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):54-60
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tibetan medicine Sanwei Doukoutang (SWDK) on cognitive dysfunction in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related mechanism. MethodsFifty SPF 5 × FAD mice were randomly divided into model group, total ginsenoside group(0.04 g·kg-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of SWDK (32.60, 16.30, 8.15 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group, and ten wild-type mice of the same age were used as the normal group, male and female in 1∶1. Gavage administration was performed once daily for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze test and contextual fear memory experiment were used to observe learning and memory function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to observe the changes in the pathomorphology of brain tissue in mice. The levels of synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic dense substance 95 (PSD95) in mice serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of mouse brain tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The protein levels of BDNF, Wnt family member 3A(Wnt3a), and β-catenin were detected in the hippocampus of mice by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group of mice, the model group of mice had significantly more complex swimming routes and lower swimming speed (P<0.01), significantly lower percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a significantly lower percentage of freezing time (P<0.05). The number of neurons in the hippocampal region of mice was obviously reduced and unevenly arranged. The levels of SYP and PSD95(P<0.01) in the serum of mice were reduced, and the positive expression of BDNF in the DG region of the brain tissue of mice was reduced. The levels of hippocampal BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the SWDK group and the total ginsenoside group had significantly shorter swimming routes, the high- and medium- dose SWDK groups significantly higher swimming speeds (P<0.01), significantly higher percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), obviously higher percentage of Freezing time (P<0.05), and obviously more neurons in the hippocampal region of the mice with tighter arrangement. The mice had elevated levels of serum SYP (P<0.05, P<0.01), PSD95 (P<0.01), increased BDNF-positive cells in the DG region of brain tissue, and obviously elevated levels of BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSWDK can significantly improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which promotes BDNF expression and thereby enhances synaptic plasticity, allowing neuronal signaling to be restored.
10.Mechanism of Tibetan Medicine Sanwei Doukoutang to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in 5×FAD Mice Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Shuran LI ; Yaxin WANG ; Jing SUN ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Dan XIE ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Yanyan BAO ; Qiyue SUN ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Xinying LI ; Xihe CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; LIUXIAN ; Mengyao CUI ; Qingshan LIU ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):54-60
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tibetan medicine Sanwei Doukoutang (SWDK) on cognitive dysfunction in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related mechanism. MethodsFifty SPF 5 × FAD mice were randomly divided into model group, total ginsenoside group(0.04 g·kg-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of SWDK (32.60, 16.30, 8.15 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group, and ten wild-type mice of the same age were used as the normal group, male and female in 1∶1. Gavage administration was performed once daily for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze test and contextual fear memory experiment were used to observe learning and memory function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to observe the changes in the pathomorphology of brain tissue in mice. The levels of synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic dense substance 95 (PSD95) in mice serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of mouse brain tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The protein levels of BDNF, Wnt family member 3A(Wnt3a), and β-catenin were detected in the hippocampus of mice by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group of mice, the model group of mice had significantly more complex swimming routes and lower swimming speed (P<0.01), significantly lower percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a significantly lower percentage of freezing time (P<0.05). The number of neurons in the hippocampal region of mice was obviously reduced and unevenly arranged. The levels of SYP and PSD95(P<0.01) in the serum of mice were reduced, and the positive expression of BDNF in the DG region of the brain tissue of mice was reduced. The levels of hippocampal BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the SWDK group and the total ginsenoside group had significantly shorter swimming routes, the high- and medium- dose SWDK groups significantly higher swimming speeds (P<0.01), significantly higher percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), obviously higher percentage of Freezing time (P<0.05), and obviously more neurons in the hippocampal region of the mice with tighter arrangement. The mice had elevated levels of serum SYP (P<0.05, P<0.01), PSD95 (P<0.01), increased BDNF-positive cells in the DG region of brain tissue, and obviously elevated levels of BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSWDK can significantly improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which promotes BDNF expression and thereby enhances synaptic plasticity, allowing neuronal signaling to be restored.


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