1.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
2.Etiology and Management of Astronaut Low Back Pain Induced by Space Flight or Simulated Microgravity
Yan-Feng LIU ; Jing LEI ; Hao-Jun YOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):133-146
It has been demonstrated that long-term space flights have a significantly greater impact on the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems of astronauts. The structural and functional alterations in the skeletal and muscular systems resulting from exposure to weightlessness can lead to the development of low back pain, significantly impairing the ability of astronauts to perform tasks and respond to emergencies. Both space flight and simulated microgravity have been shown to result in low back pain among astronauts, with the following factors identified as primary contributors to this phenomenon. The occurrence of intervertebral disc (IVD) edema results in the stimulation of type IV mechanoreceptors, which subsequently activate nociceptive afferents. The protrusion of an IVD causes compression of the spinal nerve roots. Furthermore, the elongation of the vertebral column and/or the diminished lumbar curvature of the spine exert traction on the dorsal root nerves. Paravertebral muscle degeneration leads to the inhibition of decreased nociceptive activity of the wide-dynamic range neurons of the spinal dorsal horn. Moreover, endogenous pain descending facilitation triggered by conditioning stimulation can be enhanced via the thalamic mediodorsal nuclei, while endogenous pain descending inhibition triggered by conditioning stimulation can be weakened via the thalamic ventromedial nuclei. Psychological factors may contribute to the development of low back pain. The mechanisms governing the generation, maintenance, and alleviation of low back pain in weightlessness differ from those observed in normal gravitational environments. This presents a significant challenge for space medicine research. Therefore, the elucidation of the occurrence and development mechanism of low back pain in weightlessness is important for the prevention and treatment during space flight. To reduce the incidence of low back pain during long-term missions on the space station, astronauts may choose to wear specialized space clothing that can provide axial physiological loads, designed to stimulate both musculature and skeletal structures, mitigating potential increases in vertebral column length, diminished lumbar curvature, and intervertebral disc edema and/or muscular atrophy. Additionally, assuming a “fetal tuck position” described as the knees to chest position may increase lumbar IVD hydrostatic pressure, subsequently reducing disc volume, rectifying diminished lumbar curvature, and alleviating dorsal root nerve tensions. Moreover, this position may reduce type IV mechanoreceptor facilitation and nerve impulse propagation from the sinuvertebral nerves of the annulus fibrosus. Elongated posterior soft tissues (apophyseal joint capsules and ligaments) with spinal flexion may potentially stimulate type I and II mechanoreceptors. It is also recommended to exercise the paraspinal muscles to prevent and alleviate the decrease in their cross-sectional area and maintain their structure and function. Photobiomodulation has been proved to be an effective means of activating the pain descending inhibition pathway of the central nervous system. In addition, astronauts should be encouraged to participate in mission-related activities and strive to avoid psychological problems caused by the long-term confinement in a small space station. The article presents a concise review of potential causes and targeted treatment strategies for low back pain induced by space flight or simulated microgravity in recent years. Its objective is to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of low back pain in weightless environments while providing scientific evidence to inform the development of guidelines for preventing, treating, and rehabilitating low back pain during long-term space flights.
3.Correlation between adult mosquito density and meteorological factors in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China
Ge GE ; Yongting YUAN ; Lei FENG ; Hanzhao LIU ; Chen LIN ; Ruohua GU ; Juan GE ; Jun LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):105-108
ObjectiveTo learn the density and seasonal variation of adult mosquitoes in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, and to explore the influence of meteorological factors on the density of adult mosquitoes. MethodsFrom April to November in 2017‒2021, adult mosquito density in Pudong New Area was monitored every ten days a time by using CO2 trapping light method. Meteorological data were collected during the same time, and Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression model were used to investigate the correlation between adult mosquito density and meteorological factors. ResultsThe seasonal variation of adult mosquito density showed a single-peak pattern, with the peak of 7.09 mosquitoes·(set·time)-1 in July. The adult mosquito density was positively correlated with the monthly average temperature, monthly maximum temperature, monthly minimum temperature, and monthly average relative humidity (r=0.813, 0.793, 0.820, 0.617, all P<0.05), but negatively correlated with monthly average air pressure (r=-0.738, P<0.05). The regression equation of the adult mosquito density and monthly minimum temperature in Pudong New Area of Shanghai was Y=0.066 X3-0.884, with a corrected R2 of 0.673, indicating a good model fitting. ConclusionThe overall seasonal variation of adult mosquito density in Pudong New Area showed a single-peak pattern. The density of adult mosquitoes was correlated with the monthly average temperature, monthly maximum temperature, monthly minimum temperature, monthly average relative humidity, and monthly average air pressure, and linearly correlated with monthly minimum temperature.
4.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
5.A new amide alkaloid from Cannabis Fructus.
Rui-Wen XU ; Yong-Zhuo ZHAO ; Yu-Guo MA ; Hui LIU ; Yan-Jun SUN ; Wei-Sheng FENG ; Hui CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3043-3048
Eight amide alkaloids(1-8) were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of Cannabis Fructus using silica gel column chromatography, MCI column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Their structures were identified as hempspiramide A(1), N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]formamide(2), N-acetyltyramide(3), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine(4), N-trans-caffeoyltyramine(5), N-trans-feruloyltyramine(6), N-cis-p-coumaroyltyramine(7), N-cis-feruloyltyramine(8) by using spectroscopic methods such as NMR and MS. Among these compounds, compound 1 was a new amide alkaloid, while compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from Cannabis Fructus for the first time. Some of the isolates were assayed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 5-7 displayed significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with IC_(50) values ranging from 1.07 to 4.63 μmol·L~(-1).
Cannabis/chemistry*
;
Alkaloids/pharmacology*
;
Amides/isolation & purification*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Fruit/chemistry*
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Molecular Structure
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alpha-Glucosidases/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
6.Mechanism of Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction in promoting AChR clustering and improving neuromuscular junction function in EAMG mice based on Agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling pathway.
Jia-Hui WANG ; Ru-Ge LIU ; Han-Bin LIU ; Jia-Hao WEI ; Jie ZHANG ; Xue-Ying LIU ; Feng GAO ; Jun-Hong YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4325-4332
This study investigated the mechanism by which Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction promotes acetylcholine receptor(AChR) clustering in myasthenia gravis through the Agrin/low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4(LRP4)/muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinases(MuSK) signaling pathway. A total of 114 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into the normal group, modeling group, and solvent control group. The normal group and the solvent control group were immunized with phosphate-buffered saline(PBS), while the modeling group was established as an experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG) model using the murine-derived AChR-α subunit R97-116 peptide fragment. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly assigned to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction groups, and the prednisone group. After four weeks of continuous treatment, muscle strength was assessed using Lennon scores and grip strength tests. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted on differentiated C2C12 myotubes incubated with a drug-containing serum to observe the number of AChR clusters. The integrity of AChR on myofilaments in mouse gastrocnemius muscles was further assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)staining was applied to examine pathological changes in the gastrocnemius muscles of EAMG mice treated with Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction. Western blot was utilized to detect the expression of key proteins in the Agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling pathway in both C2C12 myotubes and mouse gastrocnemius muscles. The results demonstrated that compared to the model group, the prednisone group exhibited a significant decrease in the body weights of mice, whereas no significant differences in the body weights of mice were observed among the low-, medium-, and high-dose Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction groups. All treatment groups showed significantly improved grip strength and Lennon scores. Additionally, the formula promoted AChR clustering on myotubes and enhanced AChR integrity in gastrocnemius myofilaments and reduced inflammatory infiltration between muscle tissue and fibrous hyperplasia. Furthermore, Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction upregulated the protein expression of AChRα1, Agrin, and p-MuSK in C2C12 myotubes and increased the protein expression of AChRα1, Agrin, MuSK, p-MuSK, LRP4, and docking protein 7(Dok-7)in gastrocnemius tissue. In conclusion, Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction may promote AChR clustering by targeting key proteins in the Agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling pathway, thereby improving neuromuscular junction function and enhancing muscle strength.
Animals
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Agrin/genetics*
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Receptors, Cholinergic/genetics*
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Female
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics*
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Neuromuscular Junction/metabolism*
;
Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental/physiopathology*
;
Humans
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LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
7.Development of intelligent equipment for rapid microbial detection of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces based on measurement technology for traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing.
Yang LIU ; Wu-Zhen QI ; Yu-Tong WU ; Shan-Xi ZHU ; Xiao-Jun ZHAO ; Qia-Tong XIE ; Yu-Feng GUO ; Jing ZHAO ; Nan LI ; Shi-Jun WANG ; Qi-Hui SUN ; Zhi-Sheng WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4610-4618
Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
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Atractylodes/microbiology*
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Rhizome/microbiology*
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Biosensing Techniques/methods*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Colorimetry/instrumentation*
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Quality Control
8.Research progress on polymorphism of vitamin D and its receptor gene and susceptibility to bone tuberculosis.
Xin-Feng LIU ; Yan-Jun ZHANG ; Jun-Jie LI ; Jun YANG ; Hong-Jing TIAN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(2):211-216
Bone tuberculosis is one of the main lesions of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and the affected site shows local pain and limited movement, and the severe patients face a higher risk of teratogenicity and disability. Especially in the context of the increasing spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, it is particularly urgent to seek innovative treatment options. In recent years, vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of bone tuberculosis, and the mechanism of action has been continuously explored. At the same time, vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism has also been found to be closely related to the susceptibility and risk of bone tuberculosis. This article reviewed the relationship between vitamin D and its receptor gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to bone tuberculosis. It was found that vitamin D deficiency increased the susceptibility to bone tuberculosis in both adults and children, and multiple genotypes of vitamin D receptor had an effect on the susceptibility to bone tuberculosis, especially FokⅠ genotype. It may also be one of the reasons for the increase in the number of bone tuberculosis. Through the study of the relationship between vitamin D and its receptor gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to bone tuberculosis, some factors inducing bone tuberculosis can be avoided, and related new drugs can be more targeted, such as vitamin D supplements, gene receptor related antagonists, etc. To provide more systematic and targeted strategies for the prevention and treatment of bone tuberculosis.
Humans
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Receptors, Calcitriol/genetics*
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease
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Polymorphism, Genetic
;
Vitamin D/metabolism*
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Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular/metabolism*
9.Effectiveness and safety of augmentative plating technique in managing nonunion following intramedullary nailing of long bones in the lower extremity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Cong-Xiao FU ; Hao GAO ; Jun REN ; Hu WANG ; Shuai-Kun LU ; Guo-Liang WANG ; Zhen-Feng ZHU ; Yun-Yan LIU ; Wen LUO ; Yong ZHANG ; Yun-Fei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Traumatology 2025;28(3):164-174
PURPOSE:
To methodically assess the effectiveness of augmentative plating (AP) and exchange nailing (EN) in managing nonunion following intramedullary nailing for long bone fractures of the lower extremity.
METHODS:
PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched to gather clinical studies regarding the use of AP and EN techniques in the treatment of nonunion following intramedullary nailing of lower extremity long bones. The search was conducted up until May 2023. The original studies underwent an independent assessment of their quality, a process conducted utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data were retrieved from these studies, and meta-analysis was executed utilizing Review Manager 5.3.
RESULTS:
This meta-analysis included 8 studies involving 661 participants, with 305 in the AP group and 356 in the EN group. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the AP group exhibited a higher rate of union (odds ratio: 8.61, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.12 - 17.99, p < 0.001), shorter union time (standardized mean difference (SMD): -1.08, 95% CI: -1.79 - -0.37, p = 0.003), reduced duration of the surgical procedure (SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.93 - -0.19, p = 0.003), less bleeding (SMD: -1.5, 95% CI: -2.81 - -0.18, p = 0.03), and a lower incidence of complications (relative risk: -0.17, 95% CI: -0.27 - -0.06, p = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the time for union in the AP group in nonisthmal and isthmal nonunion of lower extremity long bones was shorter compared to the EN group (nonisthmal SMD: -1.94, 95% CI: -3.28 - -0.61, p < 0.001; isthmal SMD: -1.08, 95% CI: -1.64 - -0.52, p = 0.002).
CONCLUSION
In the treatment of nonunion in diaphyseal fractures of the long bones in the lower extremity, the AP approach is superior to EN, both intraoperatively (with reduced duration of the surgical procedure and diminished blood loss) and postoperatively (with an elevated union rate, shorter union time, and lower incidence of complications). Specifically, in the management of nonunion of lower extremity long bones with non-isthmal and isthmal intramedullary nails, AP demonstrated shorter union time in comparison to EN.
Humans
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Bone Nails/adverse effects*
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Bone Plates/adverse effects*
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Femoral Fractures/surgery*
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Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods*
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Fractures, Ununited/surgery*
;
Lower Extremity/injuries*
10.Pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds of Epimedium on the male reproductive system: current status and future perspective.
Song-Po LIU ; Yun-Fei LI ; Dan ZHANG ; Chun-Yang LI ; Xiao-Fang DAI ; Dong-Feng LAN ; Ji CAI ; He ZHOU ; Tao SONG ; Yan-Yu ZHAO ; Zhi-Xu HE ; Jun TAN ; Ji-Dong ZHANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):20-29
Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male
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Epimedium/chemistry*
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Humans
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Genitalia, Male/drug effects*
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Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
;
Animals

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