1.Effect and Mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Lignans on Behavior of Schizophrenic Mice
Jiaqi LI ; Xi CHEN ; Siwei WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yiting LIU ; Ziyan GUO ; Zilong LUN ; Chengyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans on schizophrenia induced by dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) in mice and to clarify its mechanism. MethodsMale mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into blank, model, positive drug, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1, respectively) Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans groups. The blank group was administrated with distilled water, and the other groups were injected with 0.5 mg·kg-1 MK-801 to induce schizophrenia symptoms. Meanwhile, risperidone was injected at 0.2 mg·kg-1 in the positive drug group, and mice in the intervention groups were injected with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mice were observed by autonomous activity test, open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the prefrontal lobe of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the changes of the hippocampal tissue were observed by Nissl staining. The protein levels of silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3a (FoxO3a) in the hippocampus of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans reduced the total number of autonomous activities, total distance in the open field test, immobile time in the forced swimming test, and levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in peripheral blood (P<0.05), while increasing the number of platform crossings in the water maze test and DA and 5-HT levels in the brain tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, risperidone and low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans improve the neural cell morphology in the CA1 region, with full cells in neatly dense arrangement and exhibiting clear membrane boundary. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans inhibited the expression of SIRT 1 and FoxO3a in the hippocampus (P<0.05). ConclusionTo sum up, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans may improve the behavior of schizophrenic mice by activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
3.Exploration of a new model for the construction of medical institution formulation platforms from the perspective of industry-university-research collaborative innovation theory
Kana LIN ; Anle SHEN ; Yejian WANG ; Yanqiong WANG ; Hao LI ; Yanfang GUO ; Youjun WANG ; Xinyan SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):137-141
OBJECTIVE To explore a model for constructing a platform for medical institution formulation and provide insights for promoting their development. METHODS By systematically reviewing the development status and challenges of medical institution preparations in China, and based on the theory of industry-university-research collaborative innovation, the organizational structure, collaborative processes, and safeguard mechanisms of the platform were designed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Medical institution formulations in China mainly faced challenges such as weak research and development (R&D) capacity, uneven quality standards, and blocked transformation pathways. This study established a full-chain, whole- industry collaborative innovation network covering the government, medical institutions, universities/research institutes, pharmaceutical enterprises, and the market, forming a new “government-industry-university-research-application” five-in-one platform model for medical institution formulations. By establishing mechanisms such as multi-entity collaborative cooperation, full- chain intellectual property management, contribution-based benefit distribution, staged risk-sharing, and third-party evaluation, the model clarified the responsibilities and collaborative pathways of all parties. The new model highlights the whole-process transformation of clinical experience-based prescriptions, enabling precise alignment between clinical needs and technological R&D, as well as between preparation achievements and industrial transformation. While breaking down the barriers of traditional platform construction, it effectively achieves optimal resource allocation and complementary advantages, addresses problems emerging in the development of medical institution preparations, and provides reference value for the formulation of relevant systems.
4.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Glomerulosclerosis in db/db Mice via SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr Signaling Pathway
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):11-18
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) in ameliorating renal injury in db/db mice. MethodsThirty 8-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF)-grade male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week. Urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were measured weekly in both db/db and db/m mice. Successful modeling was determined by significantly higher microalbuminuria in db/db mice compared to db/m mice and a fasting blood glucose ≥16.7 mmol·L-1. The 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups: the model group, the irbesartan (IBN) group, and three DSS dose groups (low-, medium-, and high-dose DSS groups, administered at 16.77, 33.54, 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively). Additionally, the six db/m mice served as the normal control group. The IBN group received irbesartan at 0.025 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, while the three DSS groups received DSS at 16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage, respectively. The normal and model groups were administered with an equivalent volume of normal saline by gavage. All interventions lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. After intervention, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary total protein (UTP), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the treatments. Renal histopathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLr), and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of HIF-1α and VLDLr. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression and distribution of HIF-1α and Caspase-3. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased SCr, BUN, UTP, TG, and LDL-C. HE staining revealed glomerulosclerosis, mesangial matrix hyperplasia, capillary loop distortion and thickening, with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Protein expression of SIRT1 and CD31 significantly decreased (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels increased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed increased expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), indicating hypoxia and apoptosis in renal cells. In all treatment groups, SCr, BUN, TG, and LDL-C were significantly reduced compared to the model group (P<0.05), and UTP was significantly improved in the medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). Renal tissue structure and morphology were improved, inflammatory cells were reduced, and no vascular hyaline degeneration was observed. SIRT1 and CD31 protein expression was elevated to varying degrees compared to the model group (P<0.05), while HIF-1α and VLDLr protein and mRNA levels decreased (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed reduced expression of HIF-1α and Caspase-3 in all treatment groups (P<0.05), with the most significant improvement observed in the IBN group and medium-dose DSS group (P<0.05). ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate glomerulosclerosis and lipid deposition in db/db mice, and its mechanism may involve the SIRT1/HIF-1α/VLDLr signaling pathway.
5.Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan in Improving Inflammatory Response in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease Based on TLR4/p65/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Shilong GUO ; Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Xinai WANG ; Luyu HOU ; Wenjing SHI ; Mengyuan TIAN ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):19-27
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on the expression of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B p65/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3) signaling pathway in the renal tissues of db/db mice with spontaneous diabetes, and to explore the potential mechanism by which Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviates inflammation in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MethodsThirty db/db mice were divided into five groups: A model group, Danggui Shaoyaosan low- (16.77 g·kg-1·d-1), medium- (33.54 g·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose (67.08 g·kg-1·d-1) intervention groups, as well as an irbesartan group (0.025 g·kg-1·d-1) by the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. Additionally, 6 db/m mice were assigned to the normal group. After 8 weeks of intervention, the following parameters were determined by corresponding methods: body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP), and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, renal histopathological analysis by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, the protein and mRNA expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) by Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), as well as TLR4, NF-κB p65, and NLRP3 protein expression in renal tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited increased body weight, FBG, 24 h-UTP, and SCr levels (P<0.05); disordered renal structure, thickened basement membrane, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, elevated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 expression; as well as decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, these pathological changes and biochemical abnormalities were reversed in the medicine intervention groups to varying degrees (P<0.05). ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may delay DKD progression by alleviating renal inflammatory response and reducing urinary protein excretion via modulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
6.Protective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Danggui Shaoyaosan on Diabetic Kidney Disease in db/db Mice Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Glomerular Endothelial Cells
Ruijia LI ; Zixuan WANG ; Shilong GUO ; Sen YANG ; Jing LI ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Wen DONG ; Dengzhou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):28-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on renal injury in db/db mice and its impact on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in renal tissues. MethodsThirty 8-week-old male db/db mice and six db/m mice were acclimated for one week, after which urinary microalbumin and blood glucose levels were monitored to establish a diabetic kidney disease (DKD) model. The model mice were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group, and three DSS treatment groups with different doses (16.77, 33.54, and 67.08 g·kg-1·d-1). A normal group was set as control. Each group was intragastrically administered with the corresponding drugs or saline for 8 weeks. After the intervention, general conditions were observed. Serum cystatin C (Cys-C), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), 24-hour urinary microalbumin (24 h-UMA), urinary creatinine (Ucr), and urea nitrogen (UUN) were measured. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and ultrastructural changes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in glomerular endothelial cells. Western blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze renal tissue structure and the expression of GRP78, CHOP, and related markers. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the mice in the model group showed curled posture, sluggish response, poor fur condition, increased levels of Cys-C, 24 h-UTP, 24 h-UMA, and UUN (P<0.05), while Ucr decreased (P<0.05). The GBM was significantly thickened, with podocyte and foot process fusion. The protein expressions of GRP78, CHOP, and ATF6 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), the mRNA levels of GRP78 and CHOP increased (P<0.05), and immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced GRP78 signal (P<0.05). After treatment, the mice exhibited improved behavior, normalized GBM and podocyte structure, improved ER morphology and markedly better biochemical indicators. Western blot, Real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry indicated that the ERS-related markers were downregulated in the DSS treatment groups (P<0.05), suggesting alleviated ERS and improved renal function. ConclusionDSS can effectively ameliorate renal pathological damage in db/db mice, possibly by regulating ERS in glomerular endothelial cells, although the underlying signaling mechanisms require further investigation.
7.Early clinical efficacy of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction on ischemic cerebrovascular disease after interventional therapy
Qinghua WANG ; Gesheng WANG ; Ruiping LI ; Can ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Kaihang GUO ; Xiaobo DONG ; Wenxin WANG ; Rongjuan GUO ; Le WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):108-121
Objective:
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction in the intervention of early traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes after ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) intervention.
Methods:
From October 2020 to July 2023, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to include 60 patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome after ICVD interventional therapy. They were assigned to the Yiqi Tongluo Decoction treatment group (30 cases) and the TCM placebo routine treatment control group (30 cases) according to the randomized block design. Both groups received routine standardized treatment of Western medicine, including dual antiplatelet, lipid regulation, and control of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The treatment group was treated with Yiqi Tongluo Decoction based on the control group. The course of treatment was 60 days and follow-up was carried out 2 and 6 months after the operation. The improvement of qi deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, phlegm syndrome score and TCM syndrome score, modified Rankin score (mRS), Barthel index (BI) score, Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) level, incidence of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke (IS) and incidence of adverse reactions, Head and neck CT angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination were collected. The clinical efficacy of the patients 2 months after the operation was taken as the main outcome index to preliminarily evaluate the early and long-term efficacy of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction after the ICVD intervention. The early and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of Western medicine standardized treatment combined with TCM Yiqi Tongluo Decoction on patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome after ICVD intervention were evaluated. The safety of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction in the treatment of patients after ICVD intervention with white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), plasminogen time (PT), recurrence of cerebral ischaemia and restenosis in patients at 2 and 6 months after treatment were evaluated.
Results:
Compared to the control group, the TCM syndrome scores for qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm syndrome in the treatment group reduced significantly, the clinical efficacy improved significantly, the mRS score and FABP4 were reduced, and the BI score was increased. Adverse events such as cerebral ischaemia were fewer in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant; levels of CRP, WBC and PT were reduced, and levels of FIB were reduced at 6 months post-treatment, all P<0.01, and images were intuitively compared. The treatment group was superior to the control group.
Conclusion
Yiqi Tongluo Decoction combined with Western medicine standard treatment can improve the early clinical efficacy of ICVD patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery, improve neurological impairment and daily living ability, reduce the state of qi deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome and phlegm syndrome after interventional surgery, and improve the clinical efficacy of TCM. At the same time, it can reduce the level of FABP4, the target of atherosclerosis and restenosis after interventional surgery, reduce the level of inflammation after interventional surgery in patients with ICVD, regulate coagulation function, and reduce the incidence of long-term recurrence of cerebral ischemia after interventional surgery, with good safety.
8.Clinical effects comparison of different approaches and anterior attachment release methods in temporomandibular joint disc repositioning and anchoring surgery
WANG Hao ; WANG Wei ; LI Qiang ; YAN Jiaxuan ; NIE Wei ; GUO Yanjun ; YAN Wei ; CHEN Yong
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(2):129-136
Objective:
To explore the therapeutic effects of different surgical methods for temporomandibular joint disc reduction and anchoring surgery, providing reference for optimizing this surgical procedure.
Method:
The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. 173 patients (195 joints) who underwent temporomandibular joint disc repositioning and anchoring surgery were selected for retrospective analysis. Patients were categorized into groups A (traditional preauricular incision-scalpel/tissue scissors anterior attachment release), 35 patients (40 joints), B (traditional preauricular incision-plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode anterior attachment release), 42 patients (46 joints), C (revised tragus incision - scalpel/tissue scissors anterior attachment release), 50 patients (58 joints), and D (revised tragus incision-plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode anterior attachment release), 46 patients (51 joints). After a 6-month postoperative follow-up, the differences in maximum mouth opening (MMO), visual analogue scale (VAS), effective rate of joint disc reduction, incidence of preauricular numbness, obvious scars among patients in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months were compared postoperatively.
Results:
After surgery, the MMO of all four groups of patients initially shrunk and then gradually increased compared to before surgery. At the 1-month follow-up after surgery, the plasma bipolar radiofrequency release (B+D) group had a smaller impact on the patient’s MMO compared to the surgical knife/tissue scissors release (A+C) group (P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores for all four groups showed a gradual decrease from pre-operative levels, with the (B+D) group scoring significantly lower in the first month post-surgery compared to the (A+C) group (P < 0.05). Six months post-surgery, the rate of joint disc reduction of the four groups were higher than 95%, with no significant differences observed between the groups (P > 0.05). Patients in the revised tragus incision (C+D) group experienced a lower rate of preauricular numbness compared to those in the traditional preauricular incision (A+B) group (4.59% vs. 12.79%, P < 0.05), The incidence of obvious scars in the (C+D) group was significantly lower than that in the (A+B) group (3.67% vs. 23.26%, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The revised tragus incision is superior to traditional preauricular incision in terms of protecting the auriculotemporal nerve and the scars were more inconspicuous. Further, the plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode is superior to the scalpel/tissue scissors in terms of mouth opening recovery and pain control. For temporomandibular joint disc reduction and anchoring surgery, a modified tragus incision combined with plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode to release the anterior attachment of the joint disc can be recommended as a surgical option.
9.Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus
Yuxiang GUO ; Maosen WANG ; Zhongyuan LIU ; Xudong ZHANG ; Pengfei MA ; Xiangkun WANG ; Renfeng LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):359-364
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with biliary duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is currently not common in clinical practice and is easily misdiagnosed, and previously, it was often considered an advanced stage of the disease with a poor prognosis, making its treatment challenging. However, in-depth studies in recent years have gradually deepened our understanding of this disease, leading to significant changes in diagnostic and treatment concepts. Currently, comprehensive treatment, mainly surgery, is used for treatment, but there is still controversy over the selection of clinical treatment strategies. This article provides a detailed discussion on surgical methods and prognosis, in order to provide a reference for clinical treatment options.
10.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.


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