1.Causal Inference on Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Breast Cancer: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Yi DU ; Mengyao XUE ; Huiying CHEN ; Ying SUN ; Tianyu LUO ; Haidong SUN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):267-273
Objective To investigate the causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer by using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for metabolic syndrome and breast cancer were acquired from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit GWAS database and the GWAS Catalog, with populations encompassing the United States and East Asia. A bidirectional causal design was employed: a forward analysis with metabolic syndrome as the exposure and breast cancer as the outcome, followed by a reverse analysis wherein their roles were interchanged. The inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was primarily used for effect estimation, supplemented by MR-Egger regression, the weighted median method, the simple mode method, and the weighted mode method. Instrument variable strength was screened using the F-statistic (F>10). Robustness of the results was assessed through heterogeneity tests, horizontal pleiotropy tests, forest plots, and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses. Results The IVW analysis indicated no significant causal relationship between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer (OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.97-1.03), P>0.05). Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results, suggesting the good robustness of the study findings. Conclusion This study found no evidence to support a causal relationship, either positive or negative, between metabolic syndrome and breast cancer.
2.Construction of Mouse Models of Psoriasis-like Lesions Induced by Cold Exposure Combined with Imiquimod and Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription
Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Jiarong WU ; Jiaqi LI ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Mengyao JIANG ; Huan LIU ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):69-78
ObjectiveTo establish the mouse models of psoriasis-like lesions induced by continuous cold exposure or intermittent cold exposure combined with imiquimod (IMQ), and to evaluate the interventional effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on the two models. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were selected and classified into two experimental batches. The first batch of 36 mice was randomized into a room temperature group, a continuous cold exposure (10 ℃/24 h) group, and an intermittent cold exposure (10 ℃/6 h) group. Each group was further divided into a normal subgroup and a model subgroup (topical application of IMQ to induce skin lesions), with 6 mice in each subgroup, for modeling and evaluation. The second batch of 54 mice, with 6 in each group, were subjected to the same temperature grouping with an additional KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) group. Comprehensive evaluation of model characteristics and KXJD efficacy was conducted through Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scoring, skin temperature measurement by infrared thermography, histopathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31) by immunohistochemistry, detection of Claudin-1 and Occludin by immunofluorescence assay, determination of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantification of mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) in skin lesions by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsModel mice in all temperature groups exhibited typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal groups, the model groups showed increased PASI scores, decreased skin temperatures (P<0.05), obvious epidermal thickening, parakeratosis, and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as elevated mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 (P<0.05). Cold exposure further aggravated psoriasis. The total PASI score of the intermittent cold exposure model group was higher than that of the room temperature model group (P<0.05). The serum IL-10 did not show a compensatory elevation, and the blood vessels presented a characteristic of elevated CD31 expression (P<0.05) without a synchronous increase in VEGF. The continuous cold exposure model group exhibited more significant dermal capillary tortuosity and dilation, with the highest mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 among all groups. Compared with the respective model groups, KXJD intervention alleviated skin lesions, reduced epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased skin temperature, with the temperature increase being particularly significant in the intermittent cold exposure+KXJD group (P<0.05). Furthermore, KXJD down-regulated the expression of VEGF and CD31, restored the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin, decreased the mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.05), and reduced the serum TNF-α level. ConclusionThis study successfully established compound psoriasis-like mouse models induced by cold exposure combined with IMQ. It confirms that cold aggravates the severity of psoriasis by exacerbating the closure of Xuanfu (sweat pores), microcirculation disorders, and immune imbalance. Moreover, different cold exposure patterns have distinct mechanism differences. Continuous cold exposure focuses on enhancing the inflammatory response via the IL-23/IL-17 axis and angiogenesis, simulating chronic aggravation under a long-term cold environment. Intermittent cold exposure tends to impair immune regulation and induce microvascular endothelial stress, corresponding to acute exacerbations caused by sudden temperature drops. KXJD can effectively alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions under cold conditions by unblocking Xuanfu, regulating vasomotor function, and correcting abnormal immune-inflammatory responses.
3.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Alleviates Psoriatic Skin Lesions in Mice by Modulating Cold-sensitive TRPM8 Neuron-derived Signaling
Xue XIAO ; Bin YANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Haoruo YANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Yuanyao SHE ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):89-101
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on skin lesions in psoriasis-like mouse models under cold environment exposure, and to analyze its influences on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and related neuroimmune regulatory factors. MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6J mice were randomized into 6 groups, with 6 mice in each group. Two feeding conditions were set: Normal temperature and cold [simulating a cold environment at (10±0.5) ℃, for 6 h daily]. Mice were induced to develop psoriasis-like lesions by applying imiquimod externally. The model mice were allocated into model groups and KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) groups. Normal mice were used as the control group. Specifically, mice were allocated into normal temperature, normal temperature model, normal temperature+KXJD, cold exposure control, cold exposure model, and cold exposure+KXJD groups. The pathological changes in skin lesions were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+ T lymphocytes, CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and substance P (SP) were detected by immunofluorescence assay. The protein level of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in the skin tissue was determined by Western blot. The expression of TRPM8, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) at the protein and mRNA levels was determined by immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR, respectively. The levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and TRP pathway network construction were conducted based on the GEO database. The co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions was verified by immunofluorescence double labeling. ResultsBoth the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups showed typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure control groups, the model groups had excessive epidermal keratinization, thickened spinous layer, and inflammatory infiltration in the dermis, with increased pathological scores (P<0.05), increased infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and expression of p-ERK and SP, upregulated mRNA levels of TRPM8, TRPA1, and TRPV2, downregulated mRNA level of TRPV1 (P<0.05), and reduced content of CGRP and increased content of NPY in the serum. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reduced the pathological manifestations and pathological scores of psoriasis-like skin lesions (P<0.05), and inhibited the infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and the expression of p-ERK and SP. Gene enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs of psoriasis were significantly enriched in the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway and TRP channel inflammatory regulation. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reversed the abnormal mRNA levels of genes related to the TRP channel subfamilies (P<0.05), increased the CGRP level, and decreased the NPY level. Immunofluorescence double labeling further confirmed that compared with the model groups, KXJD down-regulated the co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions. ConclusionKXJD may ameliorate psoriasis-like skin lesions by downregulating the overexpressed cold-sensitive receptor TRPM8 in skin lesions and correcting the disorder of neuropeptide (such as SP and CGRP) release mediated by it, thereby inhibiting the IL-23/helper T cell 17 (Th17) core inflammatory pathway, suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, and regulating the Xuanfu (sweat pore)-TRPM8-neuroimmune response axis.
4.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Ameliorating Psoriasis-like Inflammation via TrkA Receptor-mediated Regulation of CGRP Expression and Dendritic Cell Activation
Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):102-110
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on neuroimmunological inflammation in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice. MethodsA total of 24 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): Normal, model, KXJD, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor GW441756 groups. The mice in the model, KXJD, and GW441756 groups were topically treated with 5% IMQ cream (62.5 mg·d-1) on the back to induce psoriasis-like inflammation. The KXJD group received KXJD by gavage (30.42 g·kg-1), the GW441756 group received intraperitoneal injection of GW441756 (10 mg·kg-1), and the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, with continuous intervention for 5 days. The severity of skin lesions was evaluated using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure epidermal thickness and observe pathological changes in the lesioned skin. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the lesioned skin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lesioned tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TrkA and phosphorylated TrkA (p-TrkA). Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the expression of TrkA receptor, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), cluster of differentiation 11c (CD11c), and CGRP in the lesions. Flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of splenic dendritic cells (DCs). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited typical psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, infiltration and scaling, with histopathological findings of epidermal hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. The model group showed significantly increased expression of Ki67, IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased fluorescence intensity of CD11c, and significantly decreased CGRP expression (P<0.05). The splenic DC activation was significantly enhanced, as indicated by the increased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD86 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both the KXJD and GW441756 groups showed amelioration of the psoriasis-like skin inflammation, with significantly down-regulated expression of IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly up-regulated expression of CGRP (P<0.01), reduced CD11c+ DC infiltration, and restored splenic DC activation balance (down-regulated CD86 MFI and up-regulated CD80 and CD40 MFI). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of KXJD on Ki67 was significantly superior to that of the GW441756 group (P<0.01). ConclusionKXJD may alleviate IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice by targeting and inhibiting TrkA receptor phosphorylation, regulating CGRP expression in the lesions, and ameliorating aberrant activation of dendritic cells, while also significantly inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation.
5.Construction and Application of An Animal Model of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on Humanized IGF1R Mice
Xiaowei YANG ; Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Yaxin WANG ; Shan CAO ; Xiaolan CUI ; Jing SUN ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):48-53
ObjectiveTo construct an animal model of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-infected pneumonia suitable for preclinical studies. MethodsThe virulence of RSV to the four cell lines was observed by cytopathic effect (CPE), and 50% tissue culture infective dose(TCID50) was calculated. Twenty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group. Six BALB/c-hIGF1R mice served as the humanized IGF1R model group. Except for the normal group, the other groups received intranasal RSV infection on days 1 and 3 to establish a viral pneumonia model. The efficacy of establishing an RSV-induced pneumonia animal model based on humanized insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) mice was evaluated by measuring organ indices, peripheral blood lymphocyte percentages, pulmonary pathology and imaging, and pulmonary viral load. Additionally, ten BALB/c mice served as normal group, and thirty-two BALB/c-hIGF1R mice were randomly assigned to humanized IGF1R model group, ribavirin group (82.5 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), and high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen (3.3 mg·kg-¹·d-¹ , 1.65 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), with 8 mice per group. The viral load in lung tissue was measured after ribavirin and Lianhua Qingwen intervention, and the model was applied to the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs. ResultsIn the lungs of the humanized IGF1R model group, large solid and diffuse ground-glass shadows were seen, and the lung volume was significantly increased (P<0.01). The lung index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and both the spleen index and thymus index were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The percentages of CD3+ and CD4+T cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and there was a large amount of inflammation and stasis in the perivascular area of the lung tissue, which was predominantly characterized by lymphocytes. The endothelium of blood vessels was partially detached, with a small number of eosinophils. After infecting BALB/c-hIGF1R mice with RSV, the expression of viral nucleic acids in the lung tissue of the mice was significantly increased, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The expression of viral nucleic acids in the ribavirin group and the high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen was significantly reduced, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). ConclusionHumanized IGF1R mice are more susceptible to respiratory SVC, and the animal model of RSV-infected pneumonia based on humanized IGF1R mice was successfully constructed, which is suitable for the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs.
6.Mechanism of Tibetan Medicine Sanwei Doukoutang to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in 5×FAD Mice Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Shuran LI ; Yaxin WANG ; Jing SUN ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Dan XIE ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Yanyan BAO ; Qiyue SUN ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Xinying LI ; Xihe CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; LIUXIAN ; Mengyao CUI ; Qingshan LIU ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):54-60
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tibetan medicine Sanwei Doukoutang (SWDK) on cognitive dysfunction in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related mechanism. MethodsFifty SPF 5 × FAD mice were randomly divided into model group, total ginsenoside group(0.04 g·kg-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of SWDK (32.60, 16.30, 8.15 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group, and ten wild-type mice of the same age were used as the normal group, male and female in 1∶1. Gavage administration was performed once daily for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze test and contextual fear memory experiment were used to observe learning and memory function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to observe the changes in the pathomorphology of brain tissue in mice. The levels of synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic dense substance 95 (PSD95) in mice serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of mouse brain tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The protein levels of BDNF, Wnt family member 3A(Wnt3a), and β-catenin were detected in the hippocampus of mice by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group of mice, the model group of mice had significantly more complex swimming routes and lower swimming speed (P<0.01), significantly lower percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a significantly lower percentage of freezing time (P<0.05). The number of neurons in the hippocampal region of mice was obviously reduced and unevenly arranged. The levels of SYP and PSD95(P<0.01) in the serum of mice were reduced, and the positive expression of BDNF in the DG region of the brain tissue of mice was reduced. The levels of hippocampal BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the SWDK group and the total ginsenoside group had significantly shorter swimming routes, the high- and medium- dose SWDK groups significantly higher swimming speeds (P<0.01), significantly higher percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), obviously higher percentage of Freezing time (P<0.05), and obviously more neurons in the hippocampal region of the mice with tighter arrangement. The mice had elevated levels of serum SYP (P<0.05, P<0.01), PSD95 (P<0.01), increased BDNF-positive cells in the DG region of brain tissue, and obviously elevated levels of BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSWDK can significantly improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which promotes BDNF expression and thereby enhances synaptic plasticity, allowing neuronal signaling to be restored.
7.Establishment and Application of Animal Models for Disease-syndrome Combination in Viral Pneumonia: A Review
Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Jing SUN ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):61-69
Currently, viral pneumonia (VP) presents a major challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prevention and treatment of VP is guided by the core concept of strengthening vital energy and eliminating pathogenic factors rather than targeting specific pathogens, alongside a holistic approach of syndrome differentiation and treatment. By summarizing the clinical syndromes of patients, the core pathogenesis was clarified to achieve individualized therapy. Animal models for disease-syndrome combination integrate the etiology and pathogenesis of VP and simulate the individualized manifestations of patients at different disease stages, providing an experimental platform for elucidating the theoretical basis of TCM in treating VP and promoting the development of effective TCM formulations. However, there are limitations in the application and promotion of disease-syndrome combination animal models due to the lack of standardization and normalization of model construction systems, which arise from diverse species selection, compound modeling methods, and multidimensional evaluation indicators. This paper systematically reviewed the recent research on animal models for disease-syndrome combination in VP from the perspective of species selection, modeling methods, evaluation indicators, and application status. Furthermore, it summarized the advantages and limitations of existing models, identifies future directions for improvement, and proposes optimization strategies. This review provides a reference for establishing standardized and normalized animal models for disease-syndrome combinations in VP, supporting the theoretical modernization of TCM in preventing and controlling emerging respiratory infectious diseases, and contributing to the development of new TCM drugs.
8.Construction and Application of An Animal Model of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on Humanized IGF1R Mice
Xiaowei YANG ; Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Yaxin WANG ; Shan CAO ; Xiaolan CUI ; Jing SUN ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):48-53
ObjectiveTo construct an animal model of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-infected pneumonia suitable for preclinical studies. MethodsThe virulence of RSV to the four cell lines was observed by cytopathic effect (CPE), and 50% tissue culture infective dose(TCID50) was calculated. Twenty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group. Six BALB/c-hIGF1R mice served as the humanized IGF1R model group. Except for the normal group, the other groups received intranasal RSV infection on days 1 and 3 to establish a viral pneumonia model. The efficacy of establishing an RSV-induced pneumonia animal model based on humanized insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) mice was evaluated by measuring organ indices, peripheral blood lymphocyte percentages, pulmonary pathology and imaging, and pulmonary viral load. Additionally, ten BALB/c mice served as normal group, and thirty-two BALB/c-hIGF1R mice were randomly assigned to humanized IGF1R model group, ribavirin group (82.5 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), and high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen (3.3 mg·kg-¹·d-¹ , 1.65 mg·kg-¹·d-¹), with 8 mice per group. The viral load in lung tissue was measured after ribavirin and Lianhua Qingwen intervention, and the model was applied to the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs. ResultsIn the lungs of the humanized IGF1R model group, large solid and diffuse ground-glass shadows were seen, and the lung volume was significantly increased (P<0.01). The lung index was significantly increased (P<0.01), and both the spleen index and thymus index were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The percentages of CD3+ and CD4+T cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and there was a large amount of inflammation and stasis in the perivascular area of the lung tissue, which was predominantly characterized by lymphocytes. The endothelium of blood vessels was partially detached, with a small number of eosinophils. After infecting BALB/c-hIGF1R mice with RSV, the expression of viral nucleic acids in the lung tissue of the mice was significantly increased, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). The expression of viral nucleic acids in the ribavirin group and the high and low dose groups of Lianhua Qingwen was significantly reduced, with significant differences compared with the normal group (P<0.01). ConclusionHumanized IGF1R mice are more susceptible to respiratory SVC, and the animal model of RSV-infected pneumonia based on humanized IGF1R mice was successfully constructed, which is suitable for the evaluation of anti-RSV drugs.
9.Mechanism of Tibetan Medicine Sanwei Doukoutang to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in 5×FAD Mice Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Shuran LI ; Yaxin WANG ; Jing SUN ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Dan XIE ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Yanyan BAO ; Qiyue SUN ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Xinying LI ; Xihe CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; LIUXIAN ; Mengyao CUI ; Qingshan LIU ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):54-60
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tibetan medicine Sanwei Doukoutang (SWDK) on cognitive dysfunction in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related mechanism. MethodsFifty SPF 5 × FAD mice were randomly divided into model group, total ginsenoside group(0.04 g·kg-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of SWDK (32.60, 16.30, 8.15 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group, and ten wild-type mice of the same age were used as the normal group, male and female in 1∶1. Gavage administration was performed once daily for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze test and contextual fear memory experiment were used to observe learning and memory function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to observe the changes in the pathomorphology of brain tissue in mice. The levels of synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic dense substance 95 (PSD95) in mice serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of mouse brain tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The protein levels of BDNF, Wnt family member 3A(Wnt3a), and β-catenin were detected in the hippocampus of mice by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group of mice, the model group of mice had significantly more complex swimming routes and lower swimming speed (P<0.01), significantly lower percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a significantly lower percentage of freezing time (P<0.05). The number of neurons in the hippocampal region of mice was obviously reduced and unevenly arranged. The levels of SYP and PSD95(P<0.01) in the serum of mice were reduced, and the positive expression of BDNF in the DG region of the brain tissue of mice was reduced. The levels of hippocampal BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the SWDK group and the total ginsenoside group had significantly shorter swimming routes, the high- and medium- dose SWDK groups significantly higher swimming speeds (P<0.01), significantly higher percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), obviously higher percentage of Freezing time (P<0.05), and obviously more neurons in the hippocampal region of the mice with tighter arrangement. The mice had elevated levels of serum SYP (P<0.05, P<0.01), PSD95 (P<0.01), increased BDNF-positive cells in the DG region of brain tissue, and obviously elevated levels of BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSWDK can significantly improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which promotes BDNF expression and thereby enhances synaptic plasticity, allowing neuronal signaling to be restored.
10.Establishment and Application of Animal Models for Disease-syndrome Combination in Viral Pneumonia: A Review
Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Jing SUN ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):61-69
Currently, viral pneumonia (VP) presents a major challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prevention and treatment of VP is guided by the core concept of strengthening vital energy and eliminating pathogenic factors rather than targeting specific pathogens, alongside a holistic approach of syndrome differentiation and treatment. By summarizing the clinical syndromes of patients, the core pathogenesis was clarified to achieve individualized therapy. Animal models for disease-syndrome combination integrate the etiology and pathogenesis of VP and simulate the individualized manifestations of patients at different disease stages, providing an experimental platform for elucidating the theoretical basis of TCM in treating VP and promoting the development of effective TCM formulations. However, there are limitations in the application and promotion of disease-syndrome combination animal models due to the lack of standardization and normalization of model construction systems, which arise from diverse species selection, compound modeling methods, and multidimensional evaluation indicators. This paper systematically reviewed the recent research on animal models for disease-syndrome combination in VP from the perspective of species selection, modeling methods, evaluation indicators, and application status. Furthermore, it summarized the advantages and limitations of existing models, identifies future directions for improvement, and proposes optimization strategies. This review provides a reference for establishing standardized and normalized animal models for disease-syndrome combinations in VP, supporting the theoretical modernization of TCM in preventing and controlling emerging respiratory infectious diseases, and contributing to the development of new TCM drugs.

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