1.Effect of Shaoyao Gancaotang on Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Rats with Limb Spasticity of Cerebral Apoplexy
Runbo WU ; Chunxue MENG ; Fei WANG ; Qianxi NA ; Bin GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):11-20
ObjectiveThis paper aims to analyze the damage degree of muscle tone in rats with spasticity of cerebral apoplexy (SCA) and the expression of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex, thereby investigating the action mechanism of different doses of Shaoyao Gancaotang on rats with SCA. MethodsThe rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a positive control group (baclofen, 5.25 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Shaoyao Gancaotang (2.1, 4.2, 8.4 g·kg-1), with nine rats in each group. A rat model with SCA was established by using a modified phrenic nerve block combined with intraventricular injection of anhydrous ethanol. Following behavioral scoring to confirm model validity, drug interventions were conducted. Neurological deficits and muscle tone were evaluated by behavioral assessments. The open field test was used to measure locomotor distance. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the synaptic structures. Skeletal muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase staining was used to analyze myofibrillar changes. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histomorphological changes. Immunohistochemistry, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot were employed to detect mRNA levels and protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), markedly elevated muscle tone scores (P<0.01), substantially reduced locomotor distance (P<0.01), prominent structural swelling and blurring, severe destruction of cerebral cortical cells, a significant increase in the proportion of skeletal muscle ATPase type Ⅰ fibers (P<0.01), a significant decrease in mRNA levels and protein expression of Nestin (P<0.01), and a significant increase in mRNA levels and protein expression of β-catenin (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyao Gancaotang group exhibited reduced neurological deficit scores and muscle tone scores in rats with SCA (P<0.01) and increased locomotor distance (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed clearer and more intact synaptic structures in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group, with increased vesicle numbers and improved morphology. HE staining revealed intact neuronal cell structures with regular arrangement and reduced vacuolated cells in the rats from Shaoyao Gancaotang. ATPase staining result indicated a decreased proportion of type Ⅰ muscle fibers in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Real-time PCR results demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated elevated protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in rats with SCA from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyao Gancaotang may improve neurological function impairment and limb spasticity in model rats with SCA by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the cerebral cortex M1 region.
2.Pharmacodynamic Substance Basis and Mechanisms of Shangkeling Spray on Knee Osteoarthritis
Pengbo GUO ; Changhao XIAO ; Fei XIA ; Chong QIU ; Jigang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):206-216
ObjectiveTo analyze the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Shangkeling Spray and its potential mechanisms in intervening knee osteoarthritis (KOA) using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking technology. MethodsUPLC-MS was used to identify the chemical components of Shangkeling Spray. Pharmacokinetic properties were employed to screen potential active ingredients. Network pharmacology methods were utilized to collect potential targets of these ingredients and the pathological gene set of KOA. An "active ingredient-disease" target network was constructed using databases such as STRING. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler. Libraries including NumPy were employed to calculate shortest path lengths to identify dominant pharmacodynamic links. Core gene clusters were identified using MCODE, validated through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and molecular docking was performed between key active ingredients and core targets. ResultsA total of 322 and 314 chemical components were identified under positive and negative ion modes, respectively, with 410 components in total after de-duplication, mainly including flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, organic acids, and alkaloids. Analysis of the "active ingredient-disease" network identified "development and regeneration", "cell growth and death", "immune system", and "nervous system" as the dominant pharmacodynamic links of Shangkeling Spray in the treatment of KOA. Molecular docking showed that key active ingredients, such as bletillin A, formononetin, morin, oxymatrine, aconitine, gallic acid, curdione, apigenin, naringenin, and oleanolic acid, tightly bound to functional domains of 10 key targets including Jun proteins(JUN), interleukin-6 (IL-6), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), Caspase-3, nuclear transcription factor-κB subunit p65(RELA), nuclear factor-kappaB1(NF-κB1), Cyclin D1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and Fos proto-oncogene protein (FOS). These interactions synergistically regulated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR-related signaling axis and nervous system-related pathways, mediating cartilage repair, reducing inflammation and pain, and improving KOA. ConclusionThis study preliminarily clarifies the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Shangkeling Spray and suggests that its main active ingredients may improve KOA by synergistically regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related pathways, providing a reference for subsequent exploration of its substance benchmark and mechanism of action.
3.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.
4.Exploring CRISPR/Cas9 Technology for The Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Shu-Xian WANG ; Fei-Fei GUO ; Guang-Qiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1000-1014
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR /Cas9) immune system is an adaptive immune system widely distributed in bacteria and archaea. It precisely defends against invasion by exogenous phages, viruses, and plasmids through sequence-specific endogenous immune response mechanisms. As the most prominent member of this family, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has evolved into the most widely applied, flexible, and efficient technical platform in the field of genome engineering due to its exceptional genome modification capabilities. Within the CRISPR/Cas9 system, the Cas9 protein, precisely guided by a single-stranded guide RNA (gRNA), can specifically recognize target DNA sequences and induce double-strand breaks. This activates the cell’s DNA repair mechanisms, enabling gene knockout, knock-in, or modification. Demonstrating significant advantages in specificity, flexibility, and operability, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has shown immense potential in the medical field, opening new avenues for modernizing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research. On one hand, this technology can be used to construct precise disease models and tailor personalized treatment plans. It enables in-depth elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the action targets and signaling pathways of TCM formulas and active components, thereby unraveling the scientific secrets of their complex mechanisms of action. On the other hand, it demonstrates powerful tool value in improving TCM germplasm resources, identifying and screening superior varieties, evaluating the controllability of TCM quality, and producing innovative drugs, providing technical support for the standardization and precision of TCM. Simultaneously, the high-throughput omics data generated by CRISPR technology is driving artificial intelligence (AI) to construct virtual disease models and drug prediction systems. This empowers the intelligent screening of effective TCM components, the precise prediction of potential targets, and the exploration of “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” through formula combinations. This synergistic innovation between CRISPR and AI aligns perfectly with precision medicine’s urgent demand for personalized, efficient drug development, injecting new momentum into the modernization and transformation of TCM. This paper first systematically reviews and explains the developmental trajectory, structural basis, and action mechanisms of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, tracing its scientific evolution from a bacterial immune system to a gene-editing tool. It then comprehensively outlines the current state of convergence between precision medicine concepts and modernization research in TCM, analyzing the synergistic points and potential spaces for their integration. Against the backdrop of rapid precision medicine advancement, this paper emphasizes how CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology empowers in-depth analysis of TCM mechanisms—including specific applications in disease model construction, therapeutic target validation, and multi-target network regulation studies. It further elaborates on its multidimensional practical contributions to modernizing TCM, spanning key domains such as germplasm resource innovation, bioactive compound biosynthesis, quality standardization control, and novel TCM drug development. Finally, this paper envisions the future landscape of deep integration between CRISPR technology and AI: from data-driven intelligent drug screening to high-throughput precision discovery of effective TCM components, and further to intelligent model construction based on “reducing toxicity while enhancing efficacy” mechanisms. The synergistic convergence of these multidimensional technologies will pioneer new scientific paradigms and translational pathways for TCM modernization, propelling TCM toward leapfrogging development in the era of precision medicine.
5.Efficacy of modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia and its impact on patients' cognitive function: a Meta-analysis
Jiaxuan YUAN ; Fei GUO ; Chen ZHAO ; Ailing DU ; Yongxin CHEN ; Shichang YANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):183-192
BackgroundSchizophrenia, as a common chronic mental disorder, although second-generation antipsychotic drugs have shown significant efficacy in alleviating positive symptoms, the widespread cognitive dysfunction among patients remains a challenge in clinical treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of mental disorders. However, the current clinical research on the combination of Wendan Decoction and antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia varies in quality, and there is a lack of systematic reviews evaluating its effects on cognitive improvement and safety. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effects of modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs on schizophrenia symptoms and cognitive improvement, providing evidence-based support for the clinical application of Wendan Decoction. MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Information, China Biomedical Literature Service System, China Clinical Trial Registry, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia. The search period was from the establishment of the databases to March 19, 2026. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Cochrane 6.3. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 11 studies were included, involving 1 130 patients with schizophrenia. Among them, 566 cases were in the study group (receiving modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs), and 564 cases were in the control group (receiving antipsychotic drugs only). Meta-analysis showed that the effective rate of improvement in psychotic symptoms in the study group was higher than that in the control group (RR=1.21,95% CI: 1.15–1.27, P<0.01). In terms of psychotic symptoms, the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) positive symptom score (MD=-3.69, 95% CI: -5.87–-1.51, P<0.01) and PANSS total score (MD=-9.20, 95% CI: -11.80–-6.59, P<0.01) of the study group were lower than those of the control group. In cognitive function assessments, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (MD=2.51, 95% CI: 1.33–3.68, P<0.01) and the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) score (MD=11.85, 95% CI: 2.55–21.15, P=0.010) of the study group were higher than those of the control group, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) score was lower than that of the control group (MD=-9.34, 95% CI: -12.57–-6.11, P<0.01). The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (SMD=1.34, 95% CI: 0.63–2.05, P<0.01) and nerve growth factor (NGF) (MD=6.94, 95% CI: 4.00–9.89, P<0.01) of the study group were higher than those of the control group. In terms of safety, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.31–1.18, P=0.14). ConclusionThe modified Wendan Decoction combined with antipsychotic drugs may be more effective than antipsychotic drugs alone in improving positive symptoms and cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, and it also exerts a favorable neurotrophic regulatory effect. [Funded by Postgraduate Education Reform and Quality Improvement Project of Henan Province (number, YJS2023AL060); Key Scientific Research Projects of Higher Education Institutions in Henan Province (number, 24B320018, 25B310004)]
6.Screening of Illicit Oxyphenisatin Substances in Weight-Loss Dietary Supplements by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-in-Source-Fragmentation-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Hong-Fei SHI ; Ke-Yu LIU ; Bo-Peng XU ; Cheng-Xin XU ; Xiu-Qi ZHOU ; Yi-Fei ZHOU ; Ming-Xin GUO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1576-1585,后插1-后插9,封3
By summarizing the mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns of oxyphenisatin substances,an analytical method was established for screening of illegally added oxyphenisatin compounds in weight-loss health foods using high performance liquid chromatography-in-source-fragmentation-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(HPLC-ISF-QTOF-MS),along with a quantitative method for 11 kinds of oxyphenisatin compounds.Based on the developed screening method,an oxyphenisatin derivative was discovered in the reference standards,which was tentatively identified as 4-(3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-oxoindolin-3-yl)phenyl acetate and confirmed by MS/MS analysis.The results showed that all 11 kinds of oxyphenisatin compounds had correlation coefficients greater than 0.9971,with limits of detection(LODs)ranging from 0.12 to 0.68 μg/L and limits of quantification(LOQ)from 0.21 to 2.29 μg/L.The LODs for 11 kinds of characteristic ions ranged from 0.45 to 9.11 μg/kg.At spiking levels of 25,50 and 100 μg/kg,the recoveries ranged from 78.9%to 117.3%.The instrumental precision,intra-day method precision and inter-day method precision were 0.23%?1.70%,0.7%?2.4%,and 1.1%?3.3%,respectively.The developed targeted and non-targeted detection method demonstrated high sensitivity,strong stability,rapid analysis,and an expanded screening range for oxyphenisatin substances,and provided robust technical support for regulatory authorities in combating illegal adulteration.
7.Impact of compliance with enhanced recovery after surgery program on the prognosis among patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Zhongen LI ; Fei YU ; Ai GUO ; Haomiao YU ; Hongrui ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(7):468-474
Objective:To study the effect of compliance with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on the prognosis of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.Methods:A total of 229 patients who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2022 to March 2024, the clinical data of patients were retrospectively analysed. The cohort included 57 males and 172 females, aged 61-79 years, the average age was (68.6±5.2) years. All patients received perioperative ERAS interventions, and compliance with each ERAS item was recorded. Based on overall ERAS compliance, patients were divided into high-compliance group ( n=140, compliance >89.9%) and low-compliance group ( n=89, compliance ≤89.9%). The characteristics of the two groups were collected, including gender, age, body mass index, smoking, comorbidities, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, surgical time and estimated blood loss. Clinical outcomes indicators including HSS scores and knee range of motion (ROM) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, length of hospital stay, complications within 3 months, and readmission at 3 months. Measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s) and compared using t-test. Count data were expressed as cases and percentages and analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher exact probability method. Results:There was no significant statistical difference in age( P=0.167), gender( P=0.500), body mass index ( P=0.322), smoking( P=0.185), hypertension( P=0.118), diabetes( P=0.550), coronary heart disease( P=0.633), arrhythmias( P=0.564), chronic lung disease( P=0.460), depression( P=0.295), preoperative HSS( P=0.492), preoperative VAS( P=0.644), surgical time ( P=0.459) and estimated blood loss( P=0.171) between the high-compliance group and the low-compliance group. The postoperative knee ROM (115.2±8.5)° of patients with high-compliance was significantly higher than that of patients with low-compliance group (101.8±10.1)°, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). The length of hospital stay was (13.7±3.7) d in the low-compliance group, which was more than that in the high-compliance group [(9.8±2.5) d], and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.028). Conclusions:Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty had a high overall compliance with the ERAS program. The prognosis of patients with higher compliance of ERAS is better, and ERAS compliance should be improved as much as possible in clinical work.
8.Research progress on the application of knee braces in knee osteoarthritis
Han WANG ; Cheng GUO ; Yuxuan LIU ; Tian MA ; Yuchen LIU ; Fei LIU
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(7):498-504
Knee osteoarthritis exhibits a high prevalence and significantly impacts patients′ quality of life. Although surgical interventions demonstrate definitive efficacy, their acceptance rate remains generally low among patients. While knee braces have been widely adopted internationally, domestic research in this field is still limited. International studies suggest that knee braces can be recommended as an early-stage intervention strategy for knee osteoarthritis. Knee braces encompass diverse designs, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Many researchers are actively refining existing brace technologies, while others are innovating novel biomechanical approaches to develop next-generation knee brace systems. Currently, no standardized treatment protocol exists for the use of knee braces in early-stage knee osteoarthritis. This study summarizes and analyzes the research on the application of knee braces in knee osteoarthritis.
9.Comparative transcriptome profiling of three different murine modelsof metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Tianwen Liu ; Ziyi Guo ; Hanqi Bi ; Bing Zhou ; Yan Lu ; Fei Mao ; Hua Wang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1445-1453
Objective:
To compare the transcriptomic profiles between three distinct metabolic dysfunction⁃associat⁃mal murine model that more closely resembles human MASH progression .
Methods:
Forty 8 ⁃week⁃old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to either a control group fed normal chow diet ( NCD) or one of three MASH model groups receiving high⁃fat high⁃cholesterol diet (HFHCD) , choline⁃deficient high⁃fat diet (CDHFD) ,from three randomly selected mice per group were collected for mRNA sequencing ( mRNA⁃seq) analysis . Mean⁃bases . Overlap of functional profiles was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) profiles to compare the mouse transcriptome with that of human patients at different stages of the disease . Additionally , Pearson ′s correla⁃tion analysis was used to explore the correlation between gene expression of murine models and human MASH .
Results:
Seven commonly up⁃regulated genes (Col1a1 , Smoc2 , Col6a1 , Gpx3 , Col16a1 , Spp1 and Crtap) were de⁃ways involving steatosis , hepatocellular injury and fibrosis were detected in the three MASH models at the pathway level . HFHCD and MCD might share more common traits . In comparing gene expression and pathway profiles be⁃tween different murine models and patients with different stages of MASH , all three murine MASH models showed a closer resemblance to the human progressive stages of MASH . Notably , the transcriptomic features of the CDHFD model were more consistent with those of human MASH .
Conclusion
There are certain similarities and differences among the transcriptional profiles of the three MASH models . The MASH models are more similar to the advanced stage of MASH in human patients . Compared to the other two models , the CDHFD model ′ s transcriptome profile more closely resembles human MASH .
10.Uniportal endoscopic decompression and debridement for infectious diseases of spine with neurological deficits: a retrospective study in China
Hui LV ; Jianhong ZHOU ; Yuan GUO ; Sheng LIAO ; Hui CHEN ; Fei LUO ; Jianzhong XU ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(2):205-216
Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed 32 consecutive IDS patients who underwent UEDD surgery. Clinical features, laboratory data (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and treatment outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Definite microorganisms were identified in 27 patients (84.3%), with 24 (88.9%) meeting cure criteria. The cure rate was significantly higher in the detected pathogen group compared to the undetected pathogen group (88.9% vs. 80%; χ²=19.36, p<0.0001). Metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) provided faster diagnosis (41.72±6.81 hours) compared to tissue culture (95.74±35.47 hours, p<0.05). The predominant causative pathogen was Mycobacterium tuberculosis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Significant improvements were observed in Visual Analog Scale pain scores, from a mean of 7.9 preoperatively to 1.06 at 1 year postoperatively. The Oswestry Disability Index revealed a similar trend, showing significant improvement (p<0.05).
Conclusions
UEDD is a viable alternative to traditional open surgery for managing IDS in high-risk patients. UEDD offers a dual therapeutic-diagnostic advantage during the initial admission phase, enabling simultaneous debridement, neurological decompression, and targeted biopsy in a single intervention. Compared with traditional tissue culture, mNGS enables rapid microbiological diagnosis and extensive pathogen coverage.


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