1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Depression Based on Signaling Pathway Regulation: A Review
Jinjiang XU ; Li WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Jingjing XIE ; Haobin CHEN ; En ZHAO ; Man ZHANG ; Jianye DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):319-328
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels, but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex, and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression, involving multiple pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB), cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB), and others. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems, involving liver Qi stagnation, heart spirit deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, calming the heart, and replenishing essence, with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan, Zishui Qinggan Yin, and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi, such as salidroside, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and muscone. External TCM treatments, primarily acupuncture, aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui, Shenting, and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally, massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression, aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.
2.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
3.Optimization of Processing Technology of Honey Bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus and Analysis of Its Mechanism in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Bin LIU ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Hongbing LUO ; Qi DENG ; Fuyu XU ; Simin ZHONG ; Ying ZHOU ; Xide YE ; Feipeng GONG ; Yuncheng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):216-224
ObjectiveTo optimize the processing technology of honey bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus(h-RLF), formulate relevant quality standards, and explore its improving effect and mechanism on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS). MethodsTaking the content of polysaccharides and water-soluble extract as the indexes, L9(34) orthogonal test was used to optimize parameters of the amount of honey bran, frying time and frying temperature. The quality of 15 batches of h-RLF decoction pieces was evaluated according to the optimized process, and the inspection limit standard was preliminarily drawn up. Eighty SPF male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 8 groups, including the blank group, model group, mesalazine group(0.13 g·kg-1), RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), bran-fried RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), h-RLF low, medium and high dose groups(1.89, 3.77, 7.54 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group were free to drink pure water, and the other groups were free to drink 3% DSS solution for 7 days to prepare UC mouse model. Each treatment group was given corresponding drugs by intragastric administration, and the blank and model groups were given equal volume of normal saline. The body weight of mice was recorded daily and the disease activity index(DAI) was calculated. After the administration, the colon tissues of mice were collected to observe the pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in the colon of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of phosphorylation nuclear transcription factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38 MAPK), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK) proteins in colon tissues. ResultsThe optimum processing technology of h-RLF was 20 g honey bran per 100 g RLF, and stir-frying at 200 ℃ for 8 min. The limit standard under the examination of h-RLF was preliminarily formulated as follows:the polysaccharide content should not be less than 25% based on anhydrous glucose(C6H12O6), the content of water-soluble extract should not be less than 38%, the moisture content should not be more than 12.0%, the total ash content should not be more than 5.0%, and the acid-insoluble ash content should not be more than 1.0%. The cluster heat map analysis showed that the quality of RLF from Huanggang, Hubei province was better. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the DAI score of the model group was significantly increased, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon tissue were significantly increased, the IL-10 level was significantly decreased, the colonic mucosa was seriously damaged, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue congestion and a significant reduction in glands, and the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group could alleviate the symptoms of colonic ulcer, the structure of colonic crypt was basically intact, and the glands were arranged in an orderly manner. Among them, the high-dose group of h-RLF had a better effect, which could significantly reduce the DAI score and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue(P<0.01), and significantly increase the level of IL-10(P<0.01), alleviate the colonic mucosal injury, and effectively inhibit the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins(P<0.01). ConclusionThe key parameters of the processing technology of h-RLF are determined, and the optimized technology is stable and feasible. The established quality standard is simple and reliable, and can be used for the quality control. h-RLF can effectively alleviate DSS-induced UC, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of NF-κB/TLR4/MAPK pathway.
4.Protective Effect of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Abortion Rats with Kidney Deficiency-Corpus Luteum Inhibition Syndrome via ERα/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathwa
Changyue SONG ; Siyu LI ; Fengyu HUANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Daiyue DING ; Shuangfei DENG ; Heqiao LI ; Jinghong XIE ; Guohua WANG ; Chen ZANG ; Hong XU ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):107-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Bushen Zhuyun prescription (BSZY) on abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome. MethodsAn abortion rat model with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome was constructed. Pregnant mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into a control group (Control), a model group (Model), low-dose BSZY (BSZY-L), medium-dose BSZY (BSZY-M), and high-dose BSZY (BSZY-H) groups (2.57, 5.14, 10.28 g·kg-¹), and a Zishen Yutai Pill (ZSYT) group (1.575 g·kg-¹). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes in ovarian and decidual tissue of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. The candidate targets of BSZY were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0 databases, while disease targets for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) were retrieved from GeneCards, DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersection targets were identified by the Venny 2.1.0 platform. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of BSZY. Additionally. Western blot was used to verify the effects of BSZY on the expression of estrogen receptor (ERα), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) and explore its protective mechanism on RSA rats. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), with an abortion rate of 57.18%. The ovarian tissue showed varying degrees of reduction in primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea, along with a large number of atretic follicles. The endometrium was thinner, and decidual tissue exhibited cellular edema and disorganized arrangement. In contrast, compared with the model group, the BSZY groups at all doses and the ZSYT group demonstrated increased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights, along with a reduced abortion rate. The number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea increased, while atretic follicles decreased. The endometrium thickened, and decidual tissue displayed normal cellular structure with tight arrangement. Additionally, the model group showed significantly decreased levels of E₂, P, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), along with a decreasing trend in LH level. In contrast, the BSZY groups at all doses exhibited significantly elevated levels of E₂, P, LH, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology predictions suggested that BSZY may exert protective effects against abortion in rats by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blot results confirmed that BSZY significantly upregulated the expression of ERα, PI3K, and p-Akt proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSZY has a protective effect on the abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome, possibly by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce ovarian apoptosis and regulate endocrine function, thereby lowering the abortion rate.
5.Evaluation of the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in facial nerve palsy
Deng Yu Qi ; ; Oyunbileg Yu ; Nomin-Erdene U ; Enkhtuya V
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;89(5):39-44
Background:
: Facial palsy, or facial neuropathy, is a peripheral facial paralysis condition known as Bell’s palsy, characterized by weakened muscles on one side of the face, limited movement in that area, and facial distortion. According to data
from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), this condition occurs in 15-20 per 100.000 people, with 40.000 new
cases diagnosed annually. Bell’s palsy can affect people of all ages but is more prevalent among middle-aged individuals,
with the average age of onset being 40. It is also more common during the spring and autumn seasons. We conducted
this study to clinically validate the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment for facial neuropathy through experimental
research methods.
Aim:
Evaluation of treating facial nerve paralysis with the electroacupuncture method.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted based at the International School of Mongolian Medicine and The
Central Hospital of Mongolian Traditional Medicine of MNUMS, and the Chinese Mongolian United Hospital of Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. Participants were randomly allocated into a treatment group and
a control group, with 30 participants in each group. Both groups were orally administered Tab. Acyclovir 100 mg at a
dosage of 200 mg four times daily at 6-hour intervals for 5 days. Additionally, the 30 participants in the treatment group
received electroacupuncture therapy, while the control group received an electrical patch application. The treatment was
administered consecutively for 5 days, followed by a 2-day break, over a total of 4 weeks. The outcomes were evaluated
using the FDI and House-Brackmann questionnaires before treatment, as well as on the 15th, 30th, and 60th days of the
treatment period
Results:
After administering electroacupuncture treatment to the treatment group, the patients’ clinical symptoms significantly improved. The movement of the facial muscles on the affected side gradually recovered, and pathological signs
such as incomplete eyelid closure showed marked improvement. Additionally, in most patients, taste sensation began to
recover by the middle phase of the treatment, and symptoms such as drooling and difficulty with cheek puffing completely
disappeared. On the 30th day of treatment, a comparison of the treatment outcomes between the two groups using the FDI
and House-Brackmann questionnaires reve
Conclusions
1. Combining electroacupuncture with antiviral medication for the treatment of facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s Palsy) is
effective and reduces the likelihood of sequelae.
2. When evaluating treatment outcomes using the Facial Disability Index (FDI) and House-Brackmann Scale (HBS),
electroacupuncture demonstrates superior effectiveness compared to patch therapy.
6.A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf
Bo-wen ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Ying YANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Si-qi TAO ; Meng YANG ; Deng-hui ZHU ; Ya-tong XU ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Xiao-ke ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):661-666
Six compounds were isolated from the roots of
7.Meta-analysis on efficacy and safety of thalidomide combined with CAG regimen in the treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Xiaojing LI ; Qi HU ; Jiahui LU ; Min LIU ; Jianqing DENG ; Wenwen JIANG ; Jizhang BAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1139-1144
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide combined with aclacinomycin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and cytarabine (CAG) regimen in the treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, Sino Med, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched comprehensively from the inception to Aug. 27th, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about thalidomide combined with CAG regimen (trial group) versus CAG regimen (control group) in the treatment of elderly AML patients were collected, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis of included studies. RESULTS Finally, 7 RCTs were included, with a total of 601 patients, including 307 patients in the trial group and 294 patients in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the trial group was superior to the control group in enhancing the overall response rate [Z=4.75, P<0.000 01, OR=2.80, 95%CI (1.83,4.28)], complete remission rate [Z=2.82, P=0.005, OR=1.61, 95%CI (1.16, 2.25)], and improving platelet count [Z=2.70, P=0.007, MD=64.02, 95%CI (17.53, 110.51)], vascular endothelial growth factor [Z=13.63,P<0.000 01, MD=-65.17, 95%CI(-74.54, -55.80)], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [Z=12.03, P< 0.000 01, MD=-499.01, 95%CI (-580.31, -417.71)] and basic fibroblast growth factor [Z=4.17, P<0.000 1,MD=-0.23, 95%CI(-0.35, -0.12)]. And there was no statistical difference between the trial group and the control group in the incidence of adverse drug reaction [Z=0.99, P=0.32, OR=0.52, 95%CI(0.14,1.89)], nausea and vomiting [Z= 1.06, P=0.29, OR=0.66, 95%CI (0.30,1.43)], constipation or diarrhea [Z=0.92, P=0.36, OR=0.65, 95%CI(0.26, 1.63)], drowsiness [Z=1.38, P=0.17, OR=0.57, 95%CI(0.26, 1.27)] or myelosuppression [Z=0.88,P=0.38,OR=0.68,95%CI(0.28, 1.62)]. CONCLUSIONS The combination of thalidomide and CAG regimen in the treatment of elderly AML patients can significantly improve clinical efficacy and has high safety.
8.PENG Qinghua's Clinical Experience in Treating Dry Eye by the Therapeutic Method of “Maintaining with the Sweet and Restoring the Body Fluids”
Jiangwei LI ; Xiaolie YAO ; Jie DENG ; Tongfei QI ; Jun PENG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):31-34
This paper summarized PENG Qinghua's clinical experience in treating dry eye by applying therapeutic method of maintaining with sweet medicinals and restoring the body fluids. It is believed that the spleen earth insufficiency and fluids damage transforming into dryness are the main pathogenesis of the disease, and the basic therapeutic principle is maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids by mainly using sweet medicines. It is advocated to use mild-sweet herbs, such as Baibiandou (Lablab purpureus subsp. purpureus), Fuling (Smilax glabra Roxb.), and Yiyiren (Coix lacryma-jobi L.), to transport spleen earth, so that qi is restored and body fluids are recovered; moderate-sweet herbs, such as Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula [Franch.] Nannf.), Taizishen (Pseudostellaria heterophylla [Miq.] Pax), Shanyao (Dioscorea oppositifolia L.) and Zhigancao (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) are suggested to cultivate earth and generate metal, so as to move qi and circulate fluid; sweet-cool herbs, such as Nanshashen (Adenophora triphylla [Thunb.] A.DC.), Beishashen (Glehnia littoralis [A.Gray] F.Schmidt ex Miq.), Yuzhu (Polygonatum odoratum [Mill.] Druce), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.) are suggested to nourish yin and increase body fluids, so as to promote fluid production to moisten dryness. In this way, when the source of fluid is restored and the fluid is circulated, the fluid can be produced continuously, which provides new ideas for the treatment of dry eyes with traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Research progress on effects of air pollution on pollinosis and its mechanisms
Qi LU ; Yue WU ; Qihang ZHANG ; Shan DENG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(1):103-109
Pollinosis is one of the common allergic diseases, and its morbidity continues to increase. Studies have demonstrated that air pollution is a key environmental factor that leads to the increased prevalence of pollinosis. Air pollutants and pollen allergens exert synergistic effects in stimulating allergic responses in susceptible individuals. In this article, we analyzed the relationship between air pollution and pollinosis based on the latest studies, and elaborated potential mechanisms on how air pollution increases the incidence of pollinosis and aggravates allergic reactions. Air pollutants can increase both pollen production and the levels of allergenic proteins, and enhance allergenicity of pollen allergens through structural alterations or chemical modifications. The potential mechanisms of air pollutants exacerbating pollen allergies are as follows: Air pollutants may disrupt the barrier function of the respiratory epithelium and facilitate the penetration of pollen allergens into deeper tissues. Additionally, they may accelerate the process of the release of pollen allergy-related cytokines, promoting T helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation and exacerbating inflammatory responses in the airways. Given the limitations of existing research, future prospective studies are needed to explore the effects of mixed pollutants and different types of pollutants on pollen, and the response mechanisms of allergy-related cells and cytokines to different pollutant categories. The findings would provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of air pollution on pollen allergies and scientific evidence for effective protection of the heath of pollinosis patients.
10.Bibliometric and visual analysis of intermittent exotropia based on CiteSpace
Lujue WANG ; Yuan LI ; Tongxin NIU ; Jing DENG ; Yuxian SHI ; Xin QI ; Yunping LI
International Eye Science 2024;24(6):876-883
AIM: To analyze the research status and future development trends of intermittent exotropia(IXT)by bibliometric study.METHODS: Bibliometrics methods were used and the related literatures in the Web of Science Core Collection(WoSCC)database from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved. CiteSpace6.2.R2 software was used to conduct visualized analysis of publications of one year, countries, institutions, journals, authors, references and keywords.RESULTS: A total of 620 literatures on IXT were retrieved from 2003 to 2022, and there has been a progressive increase in the number of publications. South Korea and the United States, Mayo Clinc and Holmes JM were the most productive and impactful country, institution and author, respectively. The Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus(J AAPOS)published the most manuscripts(78 publications). The keywords with the strongest citation burst were surgery, epidemiology, alignment and recurrence.CONCLUSION: Visualized analysis conducted by CiteSpace software could objectively show the quantity changes and distribution of literatures on IXT from 2003 to 2022. Furthermore, the research hotspot of IXT has gradually shifted from surgery and epidemiology to fusion and recurrence.

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