1.Mechanisms of Antidepressant Effect of Zhizi Houpotang and Its Herbal Pairs Based on NLRP3/GSDMD Signaling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Ziwen GUO ; Tingyu SONG ; Yan WANG ; Baomei XIA ; Weiwei TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):72-80
ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point, this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Zhizi Houpotang, and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism, with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model group, a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group (6 g·kg-1·d-1), a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (MOC)-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a Gardeniae Fructus (GF)-MOC herbal pair group (4.2 g·kg-1·d-1), a GF-AFI herbal pair group (3.6 g·kg-1·d-1), and a positive drug group (fluoxetine, 12 mg·kg-1·d-1). Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Ibal) and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 (Panx1), P2RX7, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, GSDMD, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition, the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased (P<0.01), the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of Panx1, P2RX7, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). In contrast, the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators (P<0.01). The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and PSD95 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair, GF-MOC, can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling, thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously, it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density, promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula, and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.
2.Network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of dual amoxicillin-based regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Ziwen SONG ; Xinmiao YUAN ; Liyuan LUO ; Yufang HE ; Lingshu YANG ; Yixu HUANG ; Jianpeng SHE ; Peihan WEI ; Sihan GUO ; Fei DUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1074-1079
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin combined with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication. METHODS Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) on amoxicillin combined with PPI or P-CAB for Hp eradication were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP data. The search time frame was from database inception to September 5, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, a network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS A total of 12 RCTs involving 5 515 patients were included, encompassing 8 therapeutic regimens: PPI combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR1), PPI combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR2), P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 7 days (TR3), P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR4), P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 10 days (TR5), P-CAB combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 7 days (TR6), P-CAB combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR7), and P-CAB combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 10 days (TR8). The network meta-analysis results showed that, in terms of intention-to-treat Hp eradication rates, the eradication rates of TR5 and TR4 were significantly higher than those of TR3, TR8, TR6 and TR1 ( P <0.05). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values from highest to lowest were: TR4 (89.7%)>TR5 (82.3%)>TR7 (71.5%)> TR2 (48.6%)>TR1 (43.9%)>TR8 (28.7%)>TR3 (22.7%)>TR6 (12.6%). Regarding safety, the incidence of adverse reactions in TR3 and TR5 was significantly lower than that in TR1 ( P <0.05). The SUCRA values from highest to lowest were: TR1 (91.3%)>TR4 (79.8%)>TR5 (55.0%)>TR7 (50.9%)>TR8 (41.3%)>TR2 (36.4%)>TR3 (27.6%) >TR6 (17.7%). CONCLUSIONS Although the regimen of P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days demonstrates the best efficacy, the combination of P-CAB with high-dose amoxicillin for 10 days exhibits a better balanced profile in terms of both efficacy and safety.
3.Perceived school climate and the life satisfaction of junior high school students: the mediating role of negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and the moderating role of family cumulative risk
Ziwen WANG ; Haiqi WANG ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Ting ZHOU ; Xianli GUO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(7):639-644
Objective:To explore the influence and mechanism of perceived school climate on life satisfaction of junior high school students.Methods:From June to September 2022, students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade of junior high school were surveyed by the perceived school climate scale, the family cumulative risk-related questionnaire, the cognitive emotion regulation strategy questionnaire and the life satisfaction scale.SPSS 25.0 software was used to process data and the macro program PROCESS 4.1 was used for model testing.Results:(1) The total scores of perceived school climate, negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy, life satisfaction and family cumulative risk were 83.00(19.00), 21.00(8.00), 23.00(9.00) and 1.00(2.00), respectively.(2) Perceived school climate was significantly and negatively correlated with negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and family cumulative risk( r=-0.30, -0.40, both P<0.01), while significantly and positively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=0.51, P<0.01).Negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=-0.37, P<0.01), while significantly and positively correlated with family cumulative risk ( r=0.29, P<0.01). Family cumulative risk was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=-0.45, P<0.01). (3) Negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy played a mediating role between perceived school climate and life satisfaction, and the mediating effect accounted for 13.46%(0.07/0.52) of the total effect. (4) Family cumulative risk played a moderating role in the relationship between perceived school climate and life satisfaction, and between perceived school climate and negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy. Specifically, as the level of family cumulative risk decreased, the positive predictive effect of perceived school climate on life satisfaction significantly increased ( βsimple=0.42, P<0.001). Perceived school climate significantly and negatively predicted negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy under the condition of low level family cumulative risk ( βsimple=-0.30, P<0.001). Conclusion:Under the condition of low family cumulative risk in junior high school students, the perceived positive school climate can help reduce negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy, thereby improving life satisfaction.
4.Perceived school climate and the life satisfaction of junior high school students: the mediating role of negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and the moderating role of family cumulative risk
Ziwen WANG ; Haiqi WANG ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Ting ZHOU ; Xianli GUO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(7):639-644
Objective:To explore the influence and mechanism of perceived school climate on life satisfaction of junior high school students.Methods:From June to September 2022, students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade of junior high school were surveyed by the perceived school climate scale, the family cumulative risk-related questionnaire, the cognitive emotion regulation strategy questionnaire and the life satisfaction scale.SPSS 25.0 software was used to process data and the macro program PROCESS 4.1 was used for model testing.Results:(1) The total scores of perceived school climate, negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy, life satisfaction and family cumulative risk were 83.00(19.00), 21.00(8.00), 23.00(9.00) and 1.00(2.00), respectively.(2) Perceived school climate was significantly and negatively correlated with negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and family cumulative risk( r=-0.30, -0.40, both P<0.01), while significantly and positively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=0.51, P<0.01).Negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=-0.37, P<0.01), while significantly and positively correlated with family cumulative risk ( r=0.29, P<0.01). Family cumulative risk was significantly and negatively correlated with life satisfaction ( r=-0.45, P<0.01). (3) Negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy played a mediating role between perceived school climate and life satisfaction, and the mediating effect accounted for 13.46%(0.07/0.52) of the total effect. (4) Family cumulative risk played a moderating role in the relationship between perceived school climate and life satisfaction, and between perceived school climate and negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy. Specifically, as the level of family cumulative risk decreased, the positive predictive effect of perceived school climate on life satisfaction significantly increased ( βsimple=0.42, P<0.001). Perceived school climate significantly and negatively predicted negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy under the condition of low level family cumulative risk ( βsimple=-0.30, P<0.001). Conclusion:Under the condition of low family cumulative risk in junior high school students, the perceived positive school climate can help reduce negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy, thereby improving life satisfaction.
5.The correlation between sensory impairment and motor dysfunction in stroke survivors
Lisha WANG ; Gang WANG ; Ziwen YUAN ; Jing GUO ; Ye ZHAO ; Jin QIAO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):243-248
Objective:To seek any correlation between hypoesthesia and sensory disturbance to motor function among stroke survivors.Methods:One hundred and two stroke survivors with hyperalgesia were treated with sinusoidal alternating current at 2000Hz, 250Hz or 5Hz to stimulate the fingers and toes on their healthy and hemiplegic sides. Current perception thresholds (CPTs) and pain tolerance thresholds (PTTs) were recorded. The correlation between the degree of sensory disturbance in the hemiplegic limb and muscle strength was explored.Results:①The degree of sensory impairment in those who had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage was significantly greater than among those with cerebral infarction, without significant difference in pain tolerance between different genders and affected sides. ②All of the patients with sensory impairment showed significantly higher CPT and PTT values at the different frequencies, with a positive correlation between them. ③The CPT values of the affected hand and foot at the different frequencies were negatively correlated with muscle strength on the affected side.Conclusions:Both CPT and PTT can usefully represent the degree of sensory disturbance after a stroke. The CPT values of patients with different types of stroke are significantly different, and the degree of sensory disturbance is correlated with the muscle strength of the affected side. Therefore, it is helpful for prognostic judgment and individualized rehabilitation treatment planning by quantifying the degree of sensory disturbance.
6.The correlation between sensory impairment and motor dysfunction in stroke survivors
Lisha WANG ; Gang WANG ; Ziwen YUAN ; Jing GUO ; Ye ZHAO ; Jin QIAO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(3):243-248
Objective:To seek any correlation between hypoesthesia and sensory disturbance to motor function among stroke survivors.Methods:One hundred and two stroke survivors with hyperalgesia were treated with sinusoidal alternating current at 2000Hz, 250Hz or 5Hz to stimulate the fingers and toes on their healthy and hemiplegic sides. Current perception thresholds (CPTs) and pain tolerance thresholds (PTTs) were recorded. The correlation between the degree of sensory disturbance in the hemiplegic limb and muscle strength was explored.Results:①The degree of sensory impairment in those who had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage was significantly greater than among those with cerebral infarction, without significant difference in pain tolerance between different genders and affected sides. ②All of the patients with sensory impairment showed significantly higher CPT and PTT values at the different frequencies, with a positive correlation between them. ③The CPT values of the affected hand and foot at the different frequencies were negatively correlated with muscle strength on the affected side.Conclusions:Both CPT and PTT can usefully represent the degree of sensory disturbance after a stroke. The CPT values of patients with different types of stroke are significantly different, and the degree of sensory disturbance is correlated with the muscle strength of the affected side. Therefore, it is helpful for prognostic judgment and individualized rehabilitation treatment planning by quantifying the degree of sensory disturbance.
7.Analysis of the clinical effects of a three dimensional-printed intracranial pressure balancing device in preventing complications after suboccipital craniectomy
Peng GUO ; Tao LI ; Yutao PENG ; Wenqian WU ; Haoyu ZHANG ; Ziwen YANG ; Yinglun SONG ; Jinping LI
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(12):1120-1127
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of a 3D-printed intracranial pressure balancing device in preventing complications after suboccipital craniectomy (DC).Methods:This study is a retrospective cohort analysis. The clinical data of 35 patients who underwent DC at Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2020 to September 2023 were reviewed. The cohort included 24 males and 11 females, with an age of (48.7±14.9) years (range:17 to 74 years). Nineteen patients (experimental group) received the intracranial pressure balancing device fixed to the bone defect site post-DC. This device was made using medical-grade dicyanamide resin and was three dimensional printed based on postoperative CT scans of the patients. The remaining 16 patients (control group) did not receive the intracranial pressure balancing device, while other treatments and procedures were consistent with the experimental group. Data were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher′s exact probability method. Results:Out of the 35 patients, 30 cases (85.7%) experienced complications following DC. Specific complications included cerebral infarction in 3 cases (8.6%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 1 case (2.9%), subdural effusion in 27 cases (77.1%) with a median onset of (8.8±6.5) days (range: 1 to 23 days), brain tissue protrusion in 15 cases (42.9%) with a median onset of ( M(IQR)) 7.0 (21.0) days (range:2 to 106 days), and hydrocephalus in 6 cases (17.14%) with a median onset of 34.5 (111.0) days (range: 22 to 136 days). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of complications(all P>0.05). However, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of subdural effusion in the experimental group prior to cranioplasty ( P=0.013). No significant differences were noted in mRS scores between the two groups after cranioplasty ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The intracranial pressure balancing device has the effect of prevention and treatment of subdural effusion. However, it did not significantly improve patient prognosis post-DC, warranting further investigation.
8.Survival of patients with brain metastases from small cell lung cancer under different intracranial radiotherapy modalities
Fangfang CHANG ; Xiaodong XIA ; Mengni LI ; Ziwen GUO ; Jia LIU ; Hao JIANG ; Zhen CUI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(11):924-930
Objective:To explore the prognostic impact of different intracranial radiotherapy modalities in patients with a limited number (≤10) of brain metastases from small cell lung cancer (SCLC-BM).Methods:The data of 143 cases with SCLC-BM that received intracranial radiotherapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University in 2019-2022 were analyzed. The patients were grouped by radiotherapy modalities: whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT, 58 cases), WBRT combined with simultaneous integrated boost (WBRT+ SIB, 53 cases), and WBRT combined with sequential integrated boost (WBRT+ SEB, 32 cases). The overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (IPFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used for prognostic analysis.Results:In the whole group, the median OS and IPFS were 11.9 and 9.9 months, and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 49.7%, 15.3%, and 2.9%, respectively. The difference in OS among patients in the WBRT+ SIB, WBRT+ SEB, and WBRT groups was not significant (median OS: 13.0 months vs. 12.5 months vs. 11.2 months, P>0.05). The WBRT+ SIB and WBRT+ SEB groups were preferred over the WBRT group in terms of IPFS (median IPFS: 11.7 months vs. 10.4 months vs. 8.1 months, χ2=21.69, P<0.001). For patients with few brain metastases (≤3) analyzed separately, the WBRT+ SIB and WBRT+ SEB groups were preferred over the WBRT group in terms of OS and IPFS (median OS: 14.4 months vs. 13.7 months vs. 11.5 months, χ2=8.72, P=0.013; median IPFS: 12.6 months vs. 10.4 months vs. 8.9 months, χ2=12.37, P=0.002). Evaluation of the central nervous system as well as hematological acute radiological reactions reaching grade 2 and above showed no significant differences among the three groups ( P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that subsequent chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy were common independent influencing factors for patients′ OS and IPFS. Body mass index (BMI) level was an independent influencing factor for patients′ OS, and the number of brain metastases, lymph node metastasis, and radiotherapy modality were independent influencing factors for patients′ IPFS. Conclusions:BMI level and subsequent treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy) are independent influencing factors for patients' prognosis. WBRT+ SIB and WBRT+ SEB modalities are associated with increased IPFS.
9.Analgesic effect of cocktail therapy combined with femoral nerve block in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Guoliang WANG ; Fang PEI ; Dalin PENG ; Wangyi JIN ; Ziwen YAN ; Shen ZHOU ; Yuan WANG ; Kaijin GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(30):4831-4836
BACKGROUND:With the further development of minimally invasive concepts,unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has become an important treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee;however,early postoperative pain adversely affects the recovery process,so effective analgesic measures are necessary.Femoral nerve block and cocktail therapy are common analgesic methods for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty,but there is a lack of studies confirming the analgesic effect and safety of their combined application. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the analgesic effect of cocktail therapy combined with femoral nerve block in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. METHODS:One hundred patients who received unicompartmental knee arthroplasty from October 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the study subjects.They were divided into a control group(n=50)and a study group(n=50)using a random number table method.The femoral nerve block was used in the control group,while cocktail therapy combined with femoral nerve block was used in the study group during unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.Postoperative analgesia effect,analgesic frequency of dezocine injection within 2 days after surgery,motion range of affected knee joint,KSS function scores,and the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Visual analog scale scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group at 12,24,and 48 hours after surgery(P<0.05).(2)The analgesic frequency of dezocine in the study group was less than that in the control group within 2 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The motion range in the study group was higher than that in the control group 1 and 3 days after surgery(P<0.05).On day 14 after surgery,there was no significant difference in motion range between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)The knee KSS score in the study group was higher than that in the control group at 2 weeks after surgery(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in knee KSS scores between the two groups from 6 weeks to 6 months after surgery(P>0.05).(5)The difference in the occurrence of adverse reactions within 14 days after surgery was not significant between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)These results show that the use of cocktail therapy combined with femoral nerve block in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty can effectively reduce postoperative pain,improve the analgesic effect,reduce the frequency of analgesic drugs,and improve motion range of the early affected knee joint of patients.
10.Analysis of the clinical effects of a three dimensional-printed intracranial pressure balancing device in preventing complications after suboccipital craniectomy
Peng GUO ; Tao LI ; Yutao PENG ; Wenqian WU ; Haoyu ZHANG ; Ziwen YANG ; Yinglun SONG ; Jinping LI
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(12):1120-1127
Objective:To explore the clinical effects of a 3D-printed intracranial pressure balancing device in preventing complications after suboccipital craniectomy (DC).Methods:This study is a retrospective cohort analysis. The clinical data of 35 patients who underwent DC at Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2020 to September 2023 were reviewed. The cohort included 24 males and 11 females, with an age of (48.7±14.9) years (range:17 to 74 years). Nineteen patients (experimental group) received the intracranial pressure balancing device fixed to the bone defect site post-DC. This device was made using medical-grade dicyanamide resin and was three dimensional printed based on postoperative CT scans of the patients. The remaining 16 patients (control group) did not receive the intracranial pressure balancing device, while other treatments and procedures were consistent with the experimental group. Data were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher′s exact probability method. Results:Out of the 35 patients, 30 cases (85.7%) experienced complications following DC. Specific complications included cerebral infarction in 3 cases (8.6%), intracerebral hemorrhage in 1 case (2.9%), subdural effusion in 27 cases (77.1%) with a median onset of (8.8±6.5) days (range: 1 to 23 days), brain tissue protrusion in 15 cases (42.9%) with a median onset of ( M(IQR)) 7.0 (21.0) days (range:2 to 106 days), and hydrocephalus in 6 cases (17.14%) with a median onset of 34.5 (111.0) days (range: 22 to 136 days). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of complications(all P>0.05). However, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of subdural effusion in the experimental group prior to cranioplasty ( P=0.013). No significant differences were noted in mRS scores between the two groups after cranioplasty ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The intracranial pressure balancing device has the effect of prevention and treatment of subdural effusion. However, it did not significantly improve patient prognosis post-DC, warranting further investigation.

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