OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study assessed the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) published in Chinese between Jan 2021 and Sep 2022. METHODS: Chinese language CHM SRs were identified through literature searches across 3 international and 4 Chinese databases. Methodological quality was appraised using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2. Logistic regressions were used to explore associations between bibliographical characteristics and quality. RESULTS: Analyses of methodological quality found that among the 213 sampled SRs, 69.5% were of critically low quality, 30.5% were of low quality, and none achieved high or moderate quality. Common shortcomings included the failure to identify the studies excluded from the analysis, failure to disclose funding sources, and limited evaluation of the potential impact of bias on conclusions. Logistic regressions revealed that SRs led by corresponding authors affiliated with universities or academic institutions tended to be of lower quality than SRs led by authors affiliated with hospitals or clinical facilities. CONCLUSION Recent Chinese language CHM SRs exhibited limited methodological quality, making them unlikely to support the development of clinical practice guidelines. Urgent initiatives are needed to enhance training for researchers, peer-reviewers and editors involved in the preparation and publication of SRs. Adoption of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines in Chinese language journals is crucial to improve the relevance of SRs for Chinese medicine development. Addressing deficiencies in methodology and reporting is essential for promoting evidence-based practices and informed clinical decisions in Chinese medicine. Please cite this article as: Jiang Y, Zhong CC, Wang BH, Xu SS, Ho FF, Kwong MH, Ho L, Zhou JHS, Lam KC, Liu JP, Zhang BT, Chung VCH. Methodological quality of systematic reviews on orally administered Chinese herbal medicine published in Chinese between 2021 and 2022: A cross-sectional study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):492-501.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Systematic Reviews as Topic/standards* ; Humans ; China ; Administration, Oral ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Aim To explore the effect mechanism of Jiangzhi Ligan decoction decoction treating non-alco-holic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,com-bined with cell experiment verification.Methods The active ingredients and potential targets of JZLGD in the treatment of NAFLD were obtained from the network pharmacology-related database,and the"drug-ingredi-ent-target"relationship network map was constructed,and the intersection genes were enriched by GO and KEGG.And the core components and the core target of molecular docking.Then,HepG2 cells were induced by palmitic acid(PA)to establish NAFLD model,and the cytotoxicity of JZLGD drug-containing serum was detected by MTT.The levels of intracellular total cho-lesterol(TC)and triglycerides(TG)were measured by the kit.Lipid degeneration was detected by oil red O staining.The expressions of p62,a key target of au-tophagy,and microtubule-associated proteinlight-chain-3(LC3),AMPKα and p-AMPKα were detected by Western blot.AMPK inhibitor(compound C,CC)and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine(CQ)intervention groups were set up to detect intracellular TC and TG content,and further verify the efficacy and mechanism of JZLGD.Results A total of 64 active components of JZLGD were screened,involving 373 targets and 109 intersection targets with NAFLD.The first four core targets were INS,AKT1,TNF and PPARγ,respective-ly.KEGG analysis showed that JZLGD treatment of NAFLD mainly concentrated in insulin resistance,AMPK,mTOR,autophagy and other signaling path-ways.Molecular docking results showed that cryptotan-shinone,lotus leaf,quercetin,aloe emodin and other core components were well bound to core targets and autophagy related protein receptors.The results showed that JZLGD intervention could significantly decrease the contents of TG and TC in PA-induced HepG2 cells,down-regulate the expression of p62 protein,up-regulate the expression of LC3 Ⅱ protein,and increase the phosphorylation degree of AMPK.However,the in-tervention of CC and CQ largely reversed the effect of JZLGD on improving lipid accumulation.Conclusion JZLGD regulates AMPK signaling pathway to activate autophagy,thereby treating NAFLD.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique for double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 32 patients with double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital from March 2018 to March 2022, including 20 males and 12 females, aged 37-69 years [(47.5±6.9)years]. According to AO/OTA classification, the fractures were classified as type 41B in 17 patients and type 41C in 15. According to the three-column classification, the fractures were classified as lateral column+posterior column in 17 patients and medial column+posterior column in 15. Virtual simulation technique was used to simulate surgical operation before surgery. After reduction, the patients′ tibial plateau mirror models of the healthy side were used to simulate the implantation of internal fixators on the affected side. The position data of the placed internal fixators were obtained to guide the personalized treatment with unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique. The total number of Jail screws, average number of Jail screws, distribution and accuracy of screw placement, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing status were recorded. The posterior tibial plateau angle (PTSA), proximal medial tibial angle (MPTA) and Rasmussen anatomical score were compared before operation, at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The Lysholm scores at 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up were used to evaluate the knee function. At the last follow-up, the knee range of motion was measured. Postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 28-36 months [(30.7±2.3)months]. The total number of Jail screws inserted was 48, with an average of (1.5±0.5) screws. In the sagittal direction, 1-2 Jail screws were inserted in each patient, with an accuracy rate of 88% (42/48). The operative duration was 78-116 minutes [(98.7±10.5)minutes]. The intraoperative blood loss was 70-120 ml [(96.6±15.6)ml]. All the fractures had healing of stage I, with a healing time of 4-7 months [(5.4±0.9)months]. At 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at last follow-up, the PTSA, MPTA, and Rasmussen anatomical scores were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between those at various postoperative time points ( P>0.05). The Lysholm knee scores were (83.6±3.9)points, (88.5±3.6)points, and (93.7±2.6)points at 6, 12 months after operation, and at the last follow-up, respectively, which were gradually increased with the passage of the follow-up time ( P<0.05). The range of motion was (121.4±4.6)° in flexion and was 0.0(0.0, 3.0)° in extension at the last follow-up. Two patients had superficial wound infection and 1 had wound dehiscence after operation, which recovered with dressing change or debridement and suturing. No deep infection, vascular injury or nerve damage occurred. Conclusions:The virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique has the advantages of high accuracy of screw placement, shorter operative duration, less intraoperative blood loss, satisfactory fracture reduction, favorable recovery of knee function and range of motion, and fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.

AIM To optimize the extraction process for Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction,and to investigate its effects on improving lipid deposition in HepG2 cells.METHODS With extraction time,extraction frequency and solvent consumption as influencing factors,comprehensive score for tanshensu,lotine,catechin contents and extract yield as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method on the basis of single factor test.Palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells were adopted in the establishment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model,after which the effect of drug-containing serum on TC and TG levels was investigated.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 90 min for extraction time,three times for extraction frequency,and 11 times for solvent consumption.Compared with the control group,the model group demonstrated increased TG,TC levels(P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction high-dose group displayed decreased TG,TC levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),especially for those after optimization(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction can alleviate lipid deposition in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid,whose efficacy after extraction process optimization is better than that reported in literature.

AIM To optimize the extraction process for Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction,and to investigate its effects on improving lipid deposition in HepG2 cells.METHODS With extraction time,extraction frequency and solvent consumption as influencing factors,comprehensive score for tanshensu,lotine,catechin contents and extract yield as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method on the basis of single factor test.Palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells were adopted in the establishment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model,after which the effect of drug-containing serum on TC and TG levels was investigated.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 90 min for extraction time,three times for extraction frequency,and 11 times for solvent consumption.Compared with the control group,the model group demonstrated increased TG,TC levels(P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction high-dose group displayed decreased TG,TC levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),especially for those after optimization(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction can alleviate lipid deposition in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid,whose efficacy after extraction process optimization is better than that reported in literature.

Aim To explore the effect mechanism of Jiangzhi Ligan decoction decoction treating non-alco-holic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,com-bined with cell experiment verification.Methods The active ingredients and potential targets of JZLGD in the treatment of NAFLD were obtained from the network pharmacology-related database,and the"drug-ingredi-ent-target"relationship network map was constructed,and the intersection genes were enriched by GO and KEGG.And the core components and the core target of molecular docking.Then,HepG2 cells were induced by palmitic acid(PA)to establish NAFLD model,and the cytotoxicity of JZLGD drug-containing serum was detected by MTT.The levels of intracellular total cho-lesterol(TC)and triglycerides(TG)were measured by the kit.Lipid degeneration was detected by oil red O staining.The expressions of p62,a key target of au-tophagy,and microtubule-associated proteinlight-chain-3(LC3),AMPKα and p-AMPKα were detected by Western blot.AMPK inhibitor(compound C,CC)and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine(CQ)intervention groups were set up to detect intracellular TC and TG content,and further verify the efficacy and mechanism of JZLGD.Results A total of 64 active components of JZLGD were screened,involving 373 targets and 109 intersection targets with NAFLD.The first four core targets were INS,AKT1,TNF and PPARγ,respective-ly.KEGG analysis showed that JZLGD treatment of NAFLD mainly concentrated in insulin resistance,AMPK,mTOR,autophagy and other signaling path-ways.Molecular docking results showed that cryptotan-shinone,lotus leaf,quercetin,aloe emodin and other core components were well bound to core targets and autophagy related protein receptors.The results showed that JZLGD intervention could significantly decrease the contents of TG and TC in PA-induced HepG2 cells,down-regulate the expression of p62 protein,up-regulate the expression of LC3 Ⅱ protein,and increase the phosphorylation degree of AMPK.However,the in-tervention of CC and CQ largely reversed the effect of JZLGD on improving lipid accumulation.Conclusion JZLGD regulates AMPK signaling pathway to activate autophagy,thereby treating NAFLD.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique for double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 32 patients with double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital from March 2018 to March 2022, including 20 males and 12 females, aged 37-69 years [(47.5±6.9)years]. According to AO/OTA classification, the fractures were classified as type 41B in 17 patients and type 41C in 15. According to the three-column classification, the fractures were classified as lateral column+posterior column in 17 patients and medial column+posterior column in 15. Virtual simulation technique was used to simulate surgical operation before surgery. After reduction, the patients′ tibial plateau mirror models of the healthy side were used to simulate the implantation of internal fixators on the affected side. The position data of the placed internal fixators were obtained to guide the personalized treatment with unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique. The total number of Jail screws, average number of Jail screws, distribution and accuracy of screw placement, operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing status were recorded. The posterior tibial plateau angle (PTSA), proximal medial tibial angle (MPTA) and Rasmussen anatomical score were compared before operation, at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up. The Lysholm scores at 6, 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up were used to evaluate the knee function. At the last follow-up, the knee range of motion was measured. Postoperative complications were observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 28-36 months [(30.7±2.3)months]. The total number of Jail screws inserted was 48, with an average of (1.5±0.5) screws. In the sagittal direction, 1-2 Jail screws were inserted in each patient, with an accuracy rate of 88% (42/48). The operative duration was 78-116 minutes [(98.7±10.5)minutes]. The intraoperative blood loss was 70-120 ml [(96.6±15.6)ml]. All the fractures had healing of stage I, with a healing time of 4-7 months [(5.4±0.9)months]. At 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation and at last follow-up, the PTSA, MPTA, and Rasmussen anatomical scores were significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference between those at various postoperative time points ( P>0.05). The Lysholm knee scores were (83.6±3.9)points, (88.5±3.6)points, and (93.7±2.6)points at 6, 12 months after operation, and at the last follow-up, respectively, which were gradually increased with the passage of the follow-up time ( P<0.05). The range of motion was (121.4±4.6)° in flexion and was 0.0(0.0, 3.0)° in extension at the last follow-up. Two patients had superficial wound infection and 1 had wound dehiscence after operation, which recovered with dressing change or debridement and suturing. No deep infection, vascular injury or nerve damage occurred. Conclusions:The virtual simulation-guided unilateral locking plate combined with Jail screw technique has the advantages of high accuracy of screw placement, shorter operative duration, less intraoperative blood loss, satisfactory fracture reduction, favorable recovery of knee function and range of motion, and fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of double column tibial plateau fractures involving the posterolateral plateau.

Objective To study the bioequivalence of test and reference olmesartan tablet in Chinese healthy subjects after single dose under fasting and fed conditions.Methods A single-center,random,open,single-dose,two-preparations,double-period,crossover study was adopted.A total of 48 healthy adult male and female subjects(24 cases of fasting test and 24 cases of fed test)were included in the random crossover administration.Single oral dose 20 mg of test and reference were taken under fasting and postprandial conditions,respectively.Plasma concentration of olmesartan in plasma were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin 8.0 software.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and reference preparations of olmesartan tablets in the fasting group were as follows:Cmax were(653.06±133.53)and(617.37±151.16)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(4 201.18±1 035.21)and(4 087.38±889.99)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0-∞ were(4 254.30±1 058.90)and(4 135.69±905.29)ng·mL-1·h.The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and reference preparations of olmesartan tablets in the postprandial group were as follows:Cmax were(574.78±177.05)and(579.98±107.74)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(3 288.37±866.06)and(3 181.51±801.06)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0-∞ were(3 326.11±874.26)and(3 242.01±823.09)ng·mL-1·h.Under fasting and postprandial conditions,the 90％confidence intervals of the main pharmacokinetic parameters of the test and reference preparations are both 80.00％-125.00％.Conclusion Under fasting and postprandial conditions,a single oral dose of test and reference preparations olmesartan tablets in Chinese healthy adult volunteers showed bioequivalence.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reduction device for the arthroscopy-assisted treatment of tibial plateau fracture and explore its clinical efficacy. METHODS: From May 2018 to September 2019, 21 patients with tibial plateau fracture were treated, including 17 males and 4 females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old with an average of (38.6±8.7) years old. There were 5 cases of Schatzker typeⅡand 16 cases of Schatzker type Ⅲ. The self-designed reductor combined with arthroscope was used for auxiliary reduction and fixation(minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis). The efficacy was analyzed by observing the operation time, blood loss, fracture healing time and knee function(HSS and IKDC scoring criteria). RESULTS: All the 21 patients were followed up for 8 to 24 with an average of(14.0±3.1) months. The operative time ranged from 70 to 95 min with an average of(81.7±7.6)min, incision length ranged from 4 to 7 cm with an average of(5.3±0.9) cm, intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 50 ml with an average of(35.3±5.2) ml, postoperative weight-bearing time ranged from 30 to 50 d with an average of(35.1±9.2) d, fracture healing time ranged from 65 to 90 d with an average of(75.0±4.4) d, and complications were 0 cases, respectively. The fracture was well healed and no screw plate fracture was observed. The knee function scores of HSS and IKDC 18 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation(P<0.05). CONCLUSION The custom-made reduction tool for the arthroscopic management of tibial plateau fracture is reasonable in design and simple in operation. The specific reduction tool could effectively reduce the fracture, and shorten the fixation time with minimally invasive procedure.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Tibial Plateau Fractures ; Tibial Fractures/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Bone Plates ; Retrospective Studies