1.Exploring Therapeutic Effect of Yuejuwan on Depressed Mice Based on Lipidomics
Zhentao ZHANG ; Dan SU ; Huizhen LI ; Yonggui SONG ; Huanhua XU ; Meixizi LAI ; Zhifu AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):85-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice based on lipidomics, and to explore the potential pathways for improving lipid metabolism to prevent depression. MethodsSeven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Yuejuwan group(3.6 g·kg-1) and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1), and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) was used to establish the depression model. After 3 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution according to the dose, and mice in the blank and model groups were given an equal volume of deionised water by gavage, one time/d for 2 weeks. After administration, the antidepressant effect of Yuejuwan was evaluated by neurobehavioral indices such as sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure contents of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in mouse serum. Lipidomic analysis of mouse serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was performed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS), and the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase(S6K), phosphorylation(p)-mTOR, p-S6K in gastric tissues of mice was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly increased(P<0.01), and serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yuejuwan group showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly reduced(P<0.01), and the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomic analysis revealed that Yuejuwan had a significant effect on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice, and The differential lipid metabolites were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein biosynthesis, among which the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was the most significant. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the Yuejuwan group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionThe intervention of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism is one of the potential pathways for its antidepressant effect, which may be related to the regulation of mTOR/S6K signaling pathway upstream of lipid metabolism in the gastric tissues.
2.Textual Research of Key Information of Classic Formula Xieqingwan Based on Ancient and Modern Literature
Yujie CHANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Xinghang LYU ; Wenxi WEI ; Xiaofang WANG ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Sai REN ; Mengqi WANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):226-234
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically collect and organize ancient and modern clauses and studies containing Xieqingwan, excavate and analyze the key information of Xieqingwan, and provide a reference for facilitating the development of the classic formula Xieqingwan. MethodsThe composition, dosage, decocting methods, usage, and other key information of Xieqingwan in ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected and analyzed by means of literature research and metrological methods. The modern clinical application of Xieqingwan was summarized. ResultsA total of 42 pieces of effective data involving 32 ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected. Xieqingwan was first recorded in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue. The drug origin of this formula is basically clear in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine books. The modern drug usage and decocting method were as follows: Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Gardenia seeds, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, and Saposhnikoviae Radix were grounded to fine powder, decocted with honey, and finally formed into pills with the size of a chicken head (1.5 g). It was suggested that half a pill or one pill were taken for one dose with warm Lophatheri decoction and sugar. The indications and clinical application had developed from the recordings in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue and evolved from pediatrics to ophthalmic otolaryngology, neurology, dermatology, digestion, and respiratory diseases. The main pathogenesis of these diseases is heat in the liver meridian and is treated. The effect of Xieqingwan is "clearing away heat and toxicity, removing fire and relaxing the bowels, and dispersing swelling and relieving pain". It is recommended to use the corresponding preparation methods in the 2020 Edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Modern clinical studies are centered around the clinical application of Xieqingwan, which is often modified and used in treating Tourette syndrome, herpes, febrile convulsion, sleepwalking, and insomnia. ConclusionThis paper conducts a thorough textual research of the key information of Xieqingwan, induces its historic evolution, and confirms its key information, so as to provide a reference for the future development of Xieqingwan.
3.Pharmacovigilance Signal Mining and Analysis of Ustekinumab versus Upadacitinib for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on the FAERS Database
Dong XIE ; Yu WANG ; Haojia LIN ; Qiuyue TU ; Hetong ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Qinghua YI ; Zhengxiang LI ; Hengjie YUAN ; Xiaocang CAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1376-1383
To analyze potential adverse drug events(ADEs) associated with ustekinumab and upadacitinib in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) based on an international authoritative database, thereby providing evidence for clinical medication safety. Data were extracted from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS) database using OpenVigil 2.1. ADE reports were collected for ustekinumab(from Q3 2017 to Q1 2025) and upadacitinib(from Q3 2019 to Q1 2025), where each drug was identified as the primary suspected medication for IBD. Signal detection and statistical analysis were performed using the reporting odds ratio(ROR) and proportional reporting ratio(PRR) methods. A total of 3648 ADE reports for ustekinumab and 3812 for upadacitinib, with each as the primary suspected drug in IBD treatment, were retrieved. Using the ROR-PRR combined detection method, relevant ADE signals were identified. High-frequency ADEs associated with ustekinumab included hypersensitivity reactions, various infections, and brain fog, while those associated with upadacitinib included acne, flatulence, and herpes zoster. System organ class(SOC) analysis of positive signals indicated that both drugs commonly caused ADEs in categories such as Infections and infestations, Gastrointestinal disorders, Nervous system disorders, Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, and Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders. Among these, Infections and infestations were the most frequent SOC, involving preferred terms such as Escherichia sepsis and Pneumococcal pneumonia. Ustekinumab and upadacitinib exhibit distinct safety profiles in the treatment of IBD. In addition to known ADEs described in the prescribing information, ustekinumab requires close monitoring for hypersensitivity reactions, opportunistic infections, and potential neurological risks. For upadacitinib, attention should be paid to risks of acne, herpes zoster, hypercholesterolemia, and thrombotic events. These findings provide important safety information to support individualized clinical decision-making in IBD management.
4.Methodological Consideration on Combination Model of TCM Clinical Practice Guidelines and Real-world Study
Guozhen ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Ning LIANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Qianzi CHE ; Feng ZHOU ; He LI ; Xiaowen CHEN ; Long YE ; Jiahao LIN ; Xingyu ZONG ; Dingyi WANG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):87-93
The clinical practice guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have problems such as limited clinical application and unclear implementation effects, which may be related to the lack of clinical practice evidence. To provide reliable and precise evidence for clinical practice, this article proposes a model of combining TCM guidelines with real-world study, which includes 4 steps. Firstly, during the implementation process of the guidelines, a high-quality research database is established. Secondly, the recommendations in the guidelines are evaluated based on the established database in multiple dimensions, including applicability, effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness, and thus their effectiveness in practical applications can be determined. Thirdly, based on the established database, core prescriptions are identified, and the targeted populations and medication plans are determined. That is, the best treatment regimen is established based on the analysis of abundant clinical data regarding the effects of different medication frequencies, dosages, and duration on efficacy. Fourthly, the guidelines are updated according to the real-world evidence. The research based on this model can provide real-world evidence for ancient and empirical prescriptions, improving their application in clinical practice. Moreover, this model can reduce research costs and improve research efficiency. When applying this model, researchers need to pay attention to the quality of real-world evidence, ensuring that it can truly reflect the situation in clinical practice. In addition, importance should be attached to the clinical application of guideline recommendations, ensuring that doctors can conduct standardized diagnosis and treatment according to the guidelines. Finally, full-process participation of multidisciplinary experts is encouraged to ensure the comprehensiveness and scientificity of the study. In conclusion, the application of this model will contribute to the development of TCM guidelines responsive to the needs of clinical practice and achieve the goal of promoting the homogenization of TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment.
5.Methods and Challenges for Identifying and Controlling Confounding Factors in Traditional Chinese Medicine Observational Studies
Guozhen ZHAO ; Ziheng GAO ; Chen ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Ning LIANG ; Bin LIU ; Qianzi CHE ; Haili ZHANG ; Yixiang LI ; Feng ZHOU ; He LI ; Bo LI ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):120-126
As a supplement to randomized controlled trials, observational studies can provide evidence for the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment measures. They can also study influencing factors of diseases, etiology, and prognosis. However, there is a confounding effect due to the lack of randomization, which seriously affects the causal inference between the study factors and the outcome, resulting in confounding bias. Therefore, identifying and controlling confounding factors are key issues to be addressed in TCM observational studies. According to the causal network and the characteristics of TCM theory, confounding factors can be categorized into measured and unmeasured confounding factors. In addition, attention must be paid to identifying confounding factors and intermediate variables, as well as the interaction between confounding factors and study factors. For methods of controlling confounding factors, measured confounding factors can be controlled by stratification, multifactor analysis, propensity scores, and disease risk scores. Unmeasured and unknown confounding factors can be corrected using instrumental variable methods, difference-in-difference methods, and correction for underlying event rate ratios. Correcting and controlling confounding factors can ensure a balance between groups, and confounding bias can be reduced. In addition, methods such as sensitivity analysis and determination of interactions make the control of confounding factors more comprehensive. Due to the unique characteristics of TCM, observational studies of TCM face unique challenges in identifying and controlling confounding factors, including the ever-changing TCM treatment measures received by patients, the often-overlooked confounding effects in the four diagnostic information of TCM, and the lack of objective criteria for TCM evidence-based diagnosis. Some scholars have already conducted innovative explorations to address these issues, providing a methodological basis for conducting higher-quality TCM observational studies, so as to obtain more rigorous real-world evidence of TCM and gradually develop quality evaluation criteria for OS that are consistent with the characteristics of TCM.
6.Key Techniques and Methodological Considerations for Formation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Classification Standards
Guozhen ZHAO ; Xingyu ZONG ; Xueyao ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Feng ZHOU ; Xuanling ZENG ; Jiahao LIN ; Ning LIANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Qianzi CHE ; Bin LIU ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):257-261
The classification of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes is one of the core technical elements in the industry standard of Specification of Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect Evaluation of Diseases and Syndromes in TCM. In the past,when clinical standards for TCM were formulated,the determination of TCM syndrome classification relied heavily on textbooks and expert experience,lacking systematic research. This approach thus failed to reflect the advancement and scientificity of the standards,thereby affecting their implementation and application. This article reviewed the presentation forms and technical methods of TCM syndrome classification,including the two-tier syndrome classification model with primary and secondary symptoms,as well as the application of modern literature research,ancient literature research,Delphi method,in-depth expert interviews,consensus conferences,and real-world research. When syndrome classification standards are developed,it is necessary to build upon modern literature research,adopt a mixed approach combining qualitative research and quantitative analysis results,and reach expert consensus through consensus conferences. Through systematic research,the scientificity,applicability,and coordination of TCM syndrome classification standards can be enhanced,providing guidance for the standardization of TCM.
7.UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS Analysis of the Active Components of Total Flavonoids Extracts from Sarcandra glabra in Promoting Megakaryocyte Differentiation
Zhongkang ZHANG ; Xiaonan LU ; Zhen LU ; Jia HU ; Huizhen LIU ; Ting LU ; Guangbin SHANG
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(1):56-64
Objective To screen the active components of total flavonoid extracts of Sarcandra glabra to promote megakaryocyte differentiation.Methods(1)A model of megakaryocyte differentiation disorder was established by co-culturing human megakaryocytic leukaemia cells(Dami)with human bone marrow stromal cells(HS-5)as an evaluation system,and the experimental groupings were as follows:the Dami group(Dami),the control group(Dami+HS-5),and the PMA group[Dami+HS-5+5 ng·mL-1 foprolol 12-tetradecanoate 13-acetate(PMA)],and model group[Dami+HS-5+1%rabbit anti-rat platelet serum(APS)+5 ng·mL-1 PMA]were cultured for 48 hours.The expressions of megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation surface marker molecules,CD41a and CD61 were detected by flow cytometry.(2)Forty-nine SD male rats were randomly divided into blank plasma group,15-minute group,30-minute group,60-minute group,90-minute group,120-minute group,and 240-minute group,with 7 rats in each group.The rats in each administration group were gavaged with 1.26 g·kg-1 of total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra,and blood was collected at six set time points(15,30,60,90,120,240 minutes)for the preparation of time-dependent serum-containing plasma of total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra.(3)Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS)was used to analyze the plasma of the time-dependent serum-containing plasma of the total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra,and the peak area was used to construct a matrix(X-matrix)of the amount of chemical composition change over time in the time-dependent serum-containing plasma of the total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra.The collected time-dependent serum-containing plasma of the total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra at six different time points was used to intervene in the model of megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation disorder,and the expression of cell surface molecules CD41a and CD61 was detected by flow cytometry to construct the matrix of effect of time-dependent serum-containing plasma of the total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra(Y-matrix).(4)After the data of X and Y matrices were standardized,partial least squares(PLS)was used to calculate and analyze the quantitative and qualitative effect relationship,and variable importance for projection(VIP)>1 was used as the threshold to screen the effect components related to the changes of cell surface molecules CD41a and CD61,and chemical composition identification,as the potential effector components in the total flavonoid extracts of Sarcandra glabra were used to promote the differentiation of megakaryocytes,and finally the regression evaluation system was used to verify the efficacy of its medicinal effect.Results(1)Compared with the Dami group,the expression level of CD41a on the surface of Dami cells in the control group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression levels of CD41a and CD61 on the surface of Dami cells in the PMA group were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the PMA group,the expression levels of CD41a and CD61 on the surface of Dami cells in the model group were significantly reduced(P<0.01).(2)Compared with the blank plasma group,the expression levels of the molecules CD41a and CD61 on the surface of Dami cells at each time point of 15,30,60,90,120,and 240 minutes were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of CD41a and CD61 were both highest in the 30-minute group.The potential effective components with VIP value greater than 1 were screened out in the positive and negative ion mode,and 540.3638@12.25 and 559.2991@11.53 were selected for pharmacodynamic verification.559.2991@11.53 was identified as daucosterol(Dau),540.3638@12.25 was identified as rosmarinic acid 4-O-β-D-glucoside(Ros).After Ros and Dau intervened in the megakaryocyte differentiation and maturation disorder model respectively,the expression levels of CD41a and CD61 on the surface of Dami cells in the low-,medium-and high-dose groups(40,60 and 80 μg·mL-1)of Ros and Dau were significantly increased compared with the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Ros and Dau may be the active components of the total flavonoids extracts of Sarcandra glabra to promote the differentiation of megakaryocytes.
8.Exploration of Value Variable Selection and Measurement for Chinese Patent Medicine Based on Hedonic Price Theory
Yijiu YANG ; Haili ZHANG ; He ZHU ; Wei LI ; Zhao CHEN ; Bin LIU ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Tian SONG ; Wenjie CAO ; Weili WANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yanping WANG ; Sheng HAN ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(5):68-71,78
To reduce the subjectivity and uncertainty present in the current international methods of drug value pricing when converting value into monetary prices,based on the hedonic pricing theory,it considers the post-negotiation price between manufacturers and payers as a reasonable price reference in the value pricing of Chinese patent medicine.By constructing an indicator system for the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine,it selects and measures the value characteristic variables that affect the price of Chinese patent medicine.It serves as the theoretical foundation and research basis for establishing a Hedonic price model between characteristic price variables and negotiation prices,thereby promoting the enhancement of rationality and objectivity in value-guided pricing of Chinese patent medicine.
9.Methodology for Developing Rapid and Living Guidelines of Traditional Chinese Medicine (RALIG-TCM) (Part 3): Rapid Evidence Collection, Integration and Recommendation Formation
Ziteng HU ; Lijiao YAN ; Yujing ZHANG ; Yaxin CHEN ; Xiaoling LI ; Haili ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Jingya WANG ; An LI ; Zhao CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(3):281-286
The lack of direct evidence is an important problem faced in the formation of recommendations in rapid living guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine under public health emergencies, and the supplementation of indirect evidence can be a key method to solve this problem. For the collection of evidence, the type of evidence required, including direct and indirect evidence, should be clarified, and ‘direct first’ principle for selecting evidence can be set to standardize and accelerate the guideline development. When integrating evidence, recommendations can be formed directly if there is sufficient direct evidence, while regarding insufficient direct evidence, recommendations need to be supplemented and improved by integrating indirect evidence. In addition, when the body of evidence contains evidence from multiple sources, it is suggested to rate the evidence according to “higher rather than lower” principle. Finally, when forming recommendations, the level of evidence, safety and economic efficiency should be taken into consideration to determine the strength of the recommendation.
10.Methodology for Developing Rapid and Living Guidelines of Traditional Chinese Medicine (RALIG-TCM) (Part 4): Evidence Monitoring and Dynamic Updates
Lijiao YAN ; Ning LIANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Xiaoling LI ; Wenjie CAO ; Huizhen LI ; Xingyu ZONG ; Chen ZHAO ; Cheng LYU ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(3):287-291
In developing rapid and living guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in response to public health emergencies, it is important that evidence continue to be reviewed, and clinical questions and recommendations updated if necessary, due to the rapid changes in disease progression and the continuous generation of relevant research evidence. This paper proposed that the updating scope in dynamic mode should first be identified; then evidence monitoring should be carried out in four aspects, including clinical research, related guidelines or laws and regulations, disease progression, as well as clinical use of recommendations and clinical needs; finally, based on the results of the evidence monitoring, different options should be made, including revising the clinical questions, updating the evidence and recommendations, and withdrawing the guideline.

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