1.Construction of Perimenopausal Depression Animal Models and Mechanism of Action of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xiaoting LI ; Shouzhu XU ; Jun KE ; Zhan ZHANG ; Bao XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):258-267
Perimenopausal depression (PMD) is an affective disorder that occurs in women during the transition from sexual maturity to old age. It can induce various complications, such as insomnia and cognitive decline. The etiology of PMD is complex. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed, there is still no unified theory that fully explains its pathogenesis. Research into its mechanisms relies heavily on animal experiments, and establishing reliable animal models is crucial for experimental studies. Appropriate animal models can better simulate human pathophysiological states, rapidly evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs and intervention methods, grasp the essence of the disease, and uncover its intrinsic connections, thereby exploring more advanced intervention strategies. However, there is a lack of systematic review and summarization of literature related to model construction. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), adhering to the principles of ''syndrome differentiation and treatment'' and ''holistic concept'', has shown significant efficacy in treating PMD. In recent years, research exploring and analyzing its therapeutic mechanisms has been increasing. Therefore, to gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of PMD animal modeling methods and the mechanisms of TCM, this paper reviewed Chinese and English literature on PMD animal models and mechanisms of TCM in PMD treatment. It summarized the construction methods of single-factor and multi-factor PMD models, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each modeling approach. Furthermore, it delved into the mechanisms of TCM intervention in PMD, revealing that TCM formulas primarily exert their effects by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, gut-brain axis, cell signaling pathways, neural circuits, hormone levels, and neurotransmitter levels. This review aims to provide a reference for future research in this field. In summary, by summarizing the progress in the methods for PMD animal model construction and the mechanisms of TCM, the paper seeks to offer new insights into the mechanistic research of TCM intervention in PMD.
2.Development and evaluation of classification system for drug-related problems in China
Shuang ZOU ; Tingting LU ; Lei BAO ; Yun LIAO ; Ling LI ; Ping ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):371-376
OBJECTIVE To establish a Chinese drug-related problem (DRP) classification system applicable to pharmacist-led pharmaceutical care in China, providing pharmacists with an effective and practical tool for pharmaceutical care. METHODS A multi-stage process was employed to construct the DRP classification system, including literature review and analysis, comparison of existing classification systems, refinement of classification items and framework development, two rounds of standard case validation, expert discussion, and system revision. The Fleiss′ kappa test was used to calculate the consistency coefficient κ, assessing the reliability of pharmacists participating in evaluating the classification system. An electronic questionnaire comprising six items was employed to evaluate the system’s applicability. RESULTS The constructed Chinese DRP classification system comprised six sections [problem(including potential problems), DRP evaluation, cause (including possible causes of potential problems), intervention, acceptance of intervention and DRP status], with 24 primary codes and 96 secondary codes. In the first round of case validation, κ values exceeded 0.4 for all sections except “intervention” and “DRP status”. In the second round, κ values exceeded 0.4 for all sections. In the applicability evaluation of the classification system, positive ratings (“strongly agree” or “agree”) exceeded 85% for all items. Specifically, positive ratings for“the classification system can provide appropriate category selection”,“ the classification system is comprehensive”,“ the classification system is convenient to use” and “the classification system is highly satisfactory” exceeded 92%. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese DRP classification system developed demonstrates both high reliability and applicability, providing an effective and practical classification tool for pharmacists in China to conduct pharmaceutical care.
3.Ginkgolide B regulates the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and epithelial- mesenchymal transition of liver cancer cells through the PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway
LIU Yanhua1 ; WANG Hongjuan1 ; BAO Bojun1 ; ZHU Junya1 ; YI Nan1 ; JI Yifei1 ; HUANG Wei1 ; ZHANG Li1 ; LIU Guoliang2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(1):51-58
[摘 要] 目的:探究银杏内酯B(GKB)调控蛋白激酶R样内质网激酶(PERK)/转录激活子4(ATF4)/C/EBP同源蛋白(CHOP)信号通路对肝癌细胞增殖、迁移、凋亡和上皮间质转化(EMT)的影响。方法:将人肝癌细胞MHCC-97H随机分为对照组、GKB组、GSK2656157(PERK抑制剂)组和GKB + GSK2656157组,以GKB和GSK2656157分别干预后,采用MTT法和EdU染色检测各组细胞的增殖活性及增殖率,划痕愈合实验、流式细胞术分别检测各组细胞的迁移及凋亡水平,WB法检测各组细胞中EMT和PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。构建MHCC-97H细胞裸鼠移植瘤模型,以同法分组及药物干预后测定各组移植瘤体积,采用免疫组化、TUNEL染色分别检测各组肿瘤细胞增殖、凋亡水平,WB法检测各组移植瘤组织中EMT和PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平。结果:与对照组比较,GKB组细胞活性、增殖率、迁移率、移植瘤体积、Ki-67阳性细胞率、MMP2、N-cadherin与MMP9蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性细胞率、p-PERK/PERK与E-cadherin、ATF4、CHOP蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05);GSK2656157组各指标变化与GKB组相反(均P < 0.05)。与GKB组比较,GKB + GSK2656157组细胞活性、增殖率、迁移率、移植瘤体积、Ki-67阳性细胞率、MMP2、N-cadherin与MMP9蛋白表达均显著升高(均P < 0.05),细胞凋亡率、TUNEL阳性细胞率、p-PERK/PERK与E-cadherin、ATF4、CHOP蛋白表达均显著降低(均P < 0.05)。结论:GKB可通过激活PERK/ATF4/CHOP信号通路抑制肝癌MHCC-97H细胞增殖、迁移和EMT并促进其凋亡。
4.Research progress on anti-inflammatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine under the guidance of syndrome differentiation and treatment
Jianing BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xufeng TAO ; Hong XIANG ; Deshi DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):528-532
Inflammation is the body’s response to damage, infection or other stimuli, but its excessive or continuous development can lead to a variety of diseases. Although modern medical anti-inflammatory therapies were widely used, it is often accompanied by limitations such as more adverse reactions. Based on the “holistic view” and “differential treatment”, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards inflammation as a manifestation of the imbalance of yin and yang in the body and the conflict between good and evil. The application of anti-inflammatory TCM is not only aimed at the pathological state of “inflammation”, but also based on the overall consideration of “syndrome”. According to different types of syndrome, anti-inflammatory TCM can be divided into heat-clearing and detoxifying agents (such as Lonicera japonica and Isatis indigotica ), heat-clearing and drying dampness agents (such as Coptidis Rhizoma), blood-activating and stasis-dissolving agents (such as Salvia miltiorrhiza ) and vital qi-strengthening and pathogenic factor-expelling agents (such as Panax ginseng ). Four types of anti-inflammatory TCM restore the body’s immune balance through the systematic regulation of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, exhibiting a good anti-inflammatory effect. Future research should focus on integrating systematic biology, applying artificial intelligence, carrying out high-quality evidence-based research, and combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, so as to reveal the overall regulatory law of anti-inf lammatory effects of TCM and promote clinical rational use.
5.Effectiveness of electron linear accelerator in penetrating radiation sterilization of postal packages
Debang BAO ; Aijun CUI ; Guobao WANG ; Zhibin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):91-96
Objective To investigate the microbial disinfection and sterilization effectiveness of an electron linear accelerator on the surface and interior of postal packages, and to design and conduct a penetrating radiation disinfection and sterilization experiment. Methods This experiment selected Bacillus pumilus E601 (ATCC 27142) as the indicator microbial strain for radiation. An experimental model of postal package was subjected to penetrating radiation with different dose gradients using high-energy electron beams generated by an S-band 10 MeV electron linear accelerator. The disinfection and sterilization effectiveness was assessed by culturing and counting B. pumilus after high-energy electron beam radiation treatment. A control group was established to analyze the influence of actual absorbed doses at different gradients on the disinfection and sterilization effectiveness of the electron linear accelerator. Results The actual absorbed doses of high-energy electron-beam radiation required to achieve 1-, 3-, and 6-log reductions of B. pumilus were 1.63, 5.07, and 10.22 kGy, respectively. Complete inactivation was achieved at an absorbed dose of 10.92 kGy, which met the processing requirements specified in the technical standard for ionizing-radiation disinfection. Conclusion The experimental data indicated that the actual absorbed dose for B. pumilus is linearly positively correlated with the log reduction of bacterial colonies killed by electron beam radiation. For disinfection and sterilization requirements in different scenarios, the required actual absorbed dose can be achieved by dynamically adjusting the operating speed of the under-beam transmission system.
6.Construction of whole-process management system for smart pharmacy based on the integration of traceability codes and drug batch numbers
Ziyang ZHANG ; Danyan SHAO ; Junjuan FAN ; Jian’an BAO ; Jingjing MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):565-570
OBJECTIVE To construct a whole-process management system for the smart pharmacy based on the integration of drug batch numbers and traceability codes, aiming to solve the problems of low upload rates and traceability difficulties of drug traceability codes in the central pharmacy, and to enhance its level of refined management and medication safety. METHODS Following the FOCUS-PDCA framework(find,organize,clarify,understand,select-plan,do,check,act), a drug batch number and traceability code management system was established by optimizing batch number management processes, introducing “pre-scan registration” technology, and establishing a dynamic “code pool” mechanism. Based on medical insurance upload data and operational performance indicators in our hospital from June to August 2025, the differences in management efficacy before and after the implementation of the system were compared and analyzed. RESULTS The drug batch number and traceability code management system was successfully established, achieving “one-object, one-code” whole-process association with batch numbers for inpatient drugs, especially split drugs. After the application of this system, the upload rate of inpatient drug traceability codes reached 100%, significantly higher than the average upload rate of inpatient drugs in other tertiary hospitals in our city (with the highest rate being only 23.22%, P <0.001). The inventory stocktaking error rate dropped from 0.9% to 0.3% (a decrease of 66.7%); the number of daily dispensing errors decreased from 1.43 to 0.37; the dispensing time (14.75 min) for temporary medical orders recovered to the routine level (14.42 min) prior to the system implementation. CONCLUSIONS By adopting the “pre-scan registration-code pool management-closed-loop traceability” model, this system enables traceability for individual drug products in their smallest packaging units, improves the upload rate of traceability codes, significantly reduces the medication dispensing error rate, and does not increase the time cost for temporary medical order dispensing, thereby balancing efficiency with closed-loop traceability.
7.Comparison of the efficacy and safety of postauricular and intratympanic dexamethasone injection in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with all frequency loss
Huidi PAN ; Qingfu BAO ; Changyang WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):639-644
OBJECTIVE To compare and analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of postauricular versus intratympanic dexamethasone injection in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) with all frequency loss. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 150 patients with SSNHL with all frequency loss who were treated at the Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine between June 1, 2020, and May 31, 2025. According to different injection routes, the patients were divided into the intratympanic group (intratympanic injection, n =78) and the postauricular group (postauricular injection, n =72). The differences in hearing threshold indicators and auditory outcomes before and after treatment, tinnitus/vertigo indicators, coagulation function indicators before and after treatment, as well as adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS After treatment, both groups demonstrated significant reductions in the mean speech-frequency threshold and the mean hearing threshold compared with baseline ( P <0.05), whereas no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups ( P >0.05). Therapeutic outcomes varied significantly across different degrees of hearing loss in each group (intratympanic group: P =0.005; postauricular group: P <0.001). Moreover, a significant linear trend relationship was observed between the degree of hearing loss and treatment efficacy grades ( P <0.001), indicating that the more severe the hearing loss, the poorer the treatment outcome ( P <0.05). Notably, the intratympanic group demonstrated superior efficacy compared with the postauricular group in patients with severe and profound hearing loss ( P <0.05). Among patients presenting with vertigo prior to treatment, the postauricular group exhibited a significantly higher response rate than the intratympanic group ( P <0.05), while no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in patients with tinnitus ( P >0.05). Regarding coagulation parameters, fibrinogen (FIB) levels and activated partial thromboplastin time decreased or shortened significantly follo wing therapy ( P <0.05), whereas thrombin time (TT) and prothrombin time were significantly prolonged ( P <0.05). Moreover, the postauricular group showed lower FIB levels and longer TT values compared with the intratympanic group ( P <0.05). No significant differences were identified between the two groups in the incidence of gastrointestinal reactions, bleeding manifestations, hepatic or renal dysfunction, or allergic reactions ( P >0.05); however, vestibular adverse reactions occurred more frequently in the intratympanic group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with intratympanic injection, postauricular dexamethasone injection combined with conventional treatment regimens achieved comparable efficacy in overall hearing improvement in SSNHL patients with all frequency loss. However, the postauricular injection shows potential advantages in vertigo relief, enhancing treatment response in patients with varying degrees of hearing loss, regulating of coagulation function, and declucing of vestibular adverse reactions, while the intratympanic injection may be more suitable for patients with severe hearing loss.
8.Mechanism of Fresh Cutting of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Discussion on Integration of Traditional Wisdom and Modern Technology
Wenjie BAO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Wenhua WU ; Congmin LIU ; Zixin CHEN ; Xingmei LU ; Hengli TONG ; Yi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):282-290
Fresh-cut processing constitutes a pivotal technique in the origin processing of Chinese medicinal materials, with a long history documented in multiple materia medica. In recent years, it has garnered national policy support for its ability to prevent component loss and low processing efficiency associated with traditional drying-before-cutting methods. As of August 2025, 26 provinces and municipalities nationwide have cumulatively published 789 species for fresh-cut processing. Among these, 78 were included in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the practice continues to face common challenges and difficulties, including ambiguous scientific understanding, fragmented standards, limited quality control approaches, and poor process stability. Based on this, this paper synthesises years of research findings to systematically elucidate the core mechanisms of fresh-cut processing. These encompass alterations to herbal tissue structure during cutting, post-processing changes in constituents, and physiological-biochemical processes such as plant stress responses and shifts in endogenous enzyme activity. It also summarises influencing factors, including inherent herbal properties, cutting timing and methods, and environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and microbial presence. Based on this overview of fresh-cutting mechanisms, subsequent research should advance in four directions:Clarifying the scientific principles of fresh-cutting, overcoming technical bottlenecks, upgrading intelligent equipment, and establishing quality standards and evaluation systems. This study provides a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for future research on fresh-cutting in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), promoting its deeper practical application within the industry and contributing to the high-quality development of TCM industry and the modernization of TCM.
9.Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Keqiu YAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yifan CAI ; Wenjie XIAO ; Xinkun BAO ; Guangjun SUN ; Aizhen LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):341-351
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease, involves multifaceted pathological mechanisms such as intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. Current therapeutic strategies remain limited in efficacy and safety. In recent years, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic target for UC due to its central role in energy metabolism, inflammatory regulation, and intestinal homeostasis. This article systematically reviewed the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prevented and treated UC through the regulation of the AMPK signaling pathway, with a focus on elucidating AMPK's multidimensional regulatory network in inflammatory signaling crosstalk, alleviating oxidative stress, restoring intestinal immune balance, repairing the intestinal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota. Leveraging its unique advantages of multi-target engagement and low toxicity, TCM demonstrates promising potential in UC treatment and has become a focal area of research. By systematically summarizing and synthesizing the existing literature on TCM-mediated AMPK pathway modulation in UC, this review aims to provide a theoretical foundation for advancing mechanistic research and clinical interventions in UC.
10.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.

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