1.Interpretation of Middle-regulating Formulas Based on Fuxing Jue
Junqiao AN ; Yixin MA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):265-272
The Dunhuang manuscript Fuxing Jue takes the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" as the core of its theory on prescription and compatibility. Its medication principles mainly include the "five elements principle of tonifying and purging" and the "five elements principle of elimination and transformation". Based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the five Zang organs, it flexibly applies medicinal properties, usage, and flavor transformation for tonifying and purging, forming its unique method of medication and compatibility. In Taiyin disease, "fullness syndrome" often occurs together with "diarrhea", and these two conditions also serve as the primary indications for the middle-regulating formulas. Among them, Lizhong Wan (Tang) mainly address Taiyin deficiency. The three Xiexin Tang (Banxia Xiexin Tang, Gancao Xiexin Tang, Shengjiang Xiexin Tang) address Taiyin deficiency accompanied by pathogenic excess. The Sini Tangand Tongmai Sini Tang primarily treat dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney with impaired opening and closing of Taiyin, manifesting as diarrhea. The medicinal flavors of middle-regulating formulas are pungent, sweet, and bitter, acting directly on the spleen of Taiyin. The pungent flavor induces purging of the spleen, sweet flavor tonifies the spleen, and bitter flavor eliminates lumps. When the constituent medicinal units of middle-regulating formulas are unified, the ratio of pungent to sweet flavors reflects the tonic and purgative strength of the formula. In addition, the two decoction methods, "short-term decoction to extract Qi" and "long-term decoction to extract flavor", also influence the formula's tonifying and purgative effects. Based on the composition of flavors and special decoction methods, this article discusses the differences in the use of middle-regulating formulas for treating "“fullness syndrome" versus "diarrhea". Dysfunction of the spleen can give rise to various diseases. Therefore, middle-regulating formulas are not limited to treating "deficiency, cold, and dampness" syndromes. Later generations of physicians further modified Lizhong Tang to treat "excess, heat, and dryness" syndromes, laying a solid foundation for more flexible and effective clinical application of middle-regulating formulas.
2.Interpretation of Middle-regulating Formulas Based on Fuxing Jue
Junqiao AN ; Yixin MA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):265-272
The Dunhuang manuscript Fuxing Jue takes the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" as the core of its theory on prescription and compatibility. Its medication principles mainly include the "five elements principle of tonifying and purging" and the "five elements principle of elimination and transformation". Based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the five Zang organs, it flexibly applies medicinal properties, usage, and flavor transformation for tonifying and purging, forming its unique method of medication and compatibility. In Taiyin disease, "fullness syndrome" often occurs together with "diarrhea", and these two conditions also serve as the primary indications for the middle-regulating formulas. Among them, Lizhong Wan (Tang) mainly address Taiyin deficiency. The three Xiexin Tang (Banxia Xiexin Tang, Gancao Xiexin Tang, Shengjiang Xiexin Tang) address Taiyin deficiency accompanied by pathogenic excess. The Sini Tangand Tongmai Sini Tang primarily treat dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney with impaired opening and closing of Taiyin, manifesting as diarrhea. The medicinal flavors of middle-regulating formulas are pungent, sweet, and bitter, acting directly on the spleen of Taiyin. The pungent flavor induces purging of the spleen, sweet flavor tonifies the spleen, and bitter flavor eliminates lumps. When the constituent medicinal units of middle-regulating formulas are unified, the ratio of pungent to sweet flavors reflects the tonic and purgative strength of the formula. In addition, the two decoction methods, "short-term decoction to extract Qi" and "long-term decoction to extract flavor", also influence the formula's tonifying and purgative effects. Based on the composition of flavors and special decoction methods, this article discusses the differences in the use of middle-regulating formulas for treating "“fullness syndrome" versus "diarrhea". Dysfunction of the spleen can give rise to various diseases. Therefore, middle-regulating formulas are not limited to treating "deficiency, cold, and dampness" syndromes. Later generations of physicians further modified Lizhong Tang to treat "excess, heat, and dryness" syndromes, laying a solid foundation for more flexible and effective clinical application of middle-regulating formulas.
3.Intervention Strategies for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Combined Classical Formulas Based on the Theory of "Disease of Both Blood and Water"
Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE ; Jie WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Ziyi WANG ; Dongmei LI ; Junqiao AN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):370-374
Based on the theory of "disease of both blood and water" in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (《金匮要略》), and in combination with the dynamic syndrome evolution of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), this paper systematically clarifies the pathomechanism of HFpEF, characterized by yang deficiency as the root, blood stasis as the pivotal factor and water retention as the manifestation. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles have been proposed, which are warming yang and banking up original qi to consolidate the root, activating blood and unblocking collaterals to smooth the mechanism, and promoting urination and regulating pivot to remove the branch. On this basis, a compound formula structure of "one monarch, one minister and one assistant" is established, forming an integrated intervention strategy that synergistically combines the three methods of warming yang, activating blood, and promoting urination through combined classical formulas. Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤), which warms yang and dissolves rheum, is used to consolidate the root and directly target the source of yang deficiency, serving as the monarch; Guizhi Fuling Pills (桂枝茯苓丸), which activates blood, promotes urination and unblocks the pivot, assists in interrupting the binding of blood stasis and water retention, serving as the minister; Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (葶苈大枣泻肺汤), which regulates qi, disperses retained fluids, and eliminates the manifestation, alleviates acute water-retention symptoms, serving as the assistant. This compound formula is warming without being drying, diuretic without being drastic, and dispels stasis without consuming blood, thereby achieving the therapeutic effects of warming yang, activating blood, and promoting urination.
4.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
5.An AI-Driven Research Pathway for Upholding Fundamental Principles and Breaking New Ground of Traditional Chinese Medicine Under the Guidance of Complexity Science
Lijiang REN ; Longfei LI ; Jinkai CHEN ; Qingyong HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1137-1141
Complexity science and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) share a profound intrinsic compatibility. To address the limitations of reductionist approaches in guiding the dynamically holistic theory and practice of TCM, this paper develops a novel research pathway under the guidance of complexity science, using the open complex giant systems (OCGS) theory as its practical framework, upholding the fundamental principles of TCM and breaking new ground of artificial intelligence (AI). The core tasks of this pathway involve the objectification and structured diagnosis-treatment systems, and the construction of a complex, large-scale TCM model. The paper further delineates the data architecture design and reinforcement learning training pathway. Acknowledging the differences in information processing between the human brain and computers, it proposes a training strategy that minimizes manual labeling of "syndromes" and instead focuses on the training paradigm of "herb-human interaction → syndrome manifestation → dosage adjustment". Under the guidance of complexity science theory, TCM is poised for deep integration with AI technology, driving technological innovation powered by data and computational capabilities.
6.Improving the Certainty of Evidence in Animal Experiment Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis: An Empirical Study of the GRADE Method
Tengfei LI ; Qingyong ZHENG ; Jianguo XU ; Yiyi LI ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Mingyue ZHANG ; Jiexiang TIAN ; Gang WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):101-111
Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.
7.Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments
Qingyong ZHENG ; Donghua YANG ; Zhichao MA ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Yang LU ; Jingyu WANG ; Lina XING ; Yingying KANG ; Li DU ; Chunxiang ZHAO ; Baoshan DI ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):496-507
Animal experiments are an essential component of life sciences and medical research. However, the external validity and reliability of individual animal studies are frequently challenged by inherent limitations such as small sample sizes, high design heterogeneity, and poor reproducibility, which impede the effective translation of research findings into clinical practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis represent a key methodology for integrating existing evidence and enhancing the robustness of conclusions. Currently, however, the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the field of animal experiments lacks standardized guidelines for their conduct and reporting, resulting in inconsistent quality and, to some extent, diminishing their evidence value. To address this issue, this paper aims to systematically delineate the reporting process for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and to propose a set of standardized recommendations that are both scientific and practical. The article's scope encompasses the entire process, from the preliminary preparatory phase [including formulating the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) question, assessing feasibility, and protocol pre-registration] to the key writing points for each section of the main report. In the core methods section, the paper elaborates on how to implement literature searches, establish eligibility criteria, perform data extraction, and assess the risk of bias, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, in conjunction with relevant guidelines and tools such as Animal Research: Reporting of in Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and a risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). For the presentation of results, strategies are proposed for clear and transparent display using flow diagrams and tables of characteristics. The discussion section places particular emphasis on how to scientifically interpret pooled effects, thoroughly analyze sources of heterogeneity, evaluate the impact of publication bias, and cautiously discuss the validity and limitations of extrapolating findings from animal studies to clinical settings. Furthermore, this paper recommends adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to comprehensively grade the quality of evidence. Through a modular analysis of the entire reporting process, this paper aims to provide researchers in the field with a clear and practical guide, thereby promoting the standardized development of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and enhancing their application value in scientific decision-making and translational medicine.
8.Exploration on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Micro-inflammatory State of Chronic Heart Failure with Anxiety and Depression Based on Theory of"Deficient Qi Stagnation"
Ziyi WANG ; Xingyu FAN ; Yuzhi JIA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):19-24
There is a close relationship between cardiovascular disease and psychological disease in pathogenesis,treatment and prognosis,but the specific pathological mechanism is not clear.This article explored the understanding of heart failure with anxiety and depression in TCM based on the theory of"deficient qi stagnation",and discussed the pathological mechanism and treatment methods of micro-inflammatory state in heart failure with anxiety and depression in combination with relevant research in both TCM and Western medicine.It is believed that"deficient qi"is the internal factor for the onset of heart failure with anxiety and depression,and"stagnation"is an important pathological condition for the onset.Treatment can be carried out by tonifying qi and blood,nourishing yin and warming yang to replenish"deficient qi",and regulating qi,resolving phlegm,promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis and promoting diuresis to unblock"stagnation",which can provide theoretical reference for related research and integrated treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine on this disease.
9.Biological characterization of CYP450 gene family in unfed nymph of Hyalomma asiaticum,and its distribution study with CYP20a1
Caishan LI ; Licui WEN ; Guangxin SHI ; Xueqing ZHAO ; Wenying DANG ; Qingyong GUO ; BAYIN-CHAHAN·GAILIKE
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1157-1168
This study aimed to identify,characterize,and functionally analyze the CYP450 gene fam-ily within Hyalomma asiaticum unfed nymphs(HasiUN)under regular physiological conditions,laying the groundwork for further study into the biosynthesis and metabolism of exogenous sub-stances associated with the CYP450 gene in HasiUN.Through our methods,we identified and characterized HasiUNCYP450 genes.We then annotated them using the gene ontology(GO)and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG).This was achieved with the help of bioinforma-tics,based on the transcriptome of 2-week-old HasiUN.Further on,we conducted a preliminary a-nalysis of tissue expression,distribution,and potential function with qRT-PCR and network inter-action predictions.Our analyses showed that 87 HasiUN CYP450 genes,ranging in size from 1089 to 1692 bp,encoded predominantly basic,hydrophilic,and unstable protein sequences.These se-quences had nearly identical numbers of transmembrane regions,both with and without a signal peptide.Phylogenetic and domain analyses indicated that HasiUN CYP450,having a complete CYP450 domain,were distributed among various clans,with most members found in clan 3.CYP20 clans,present in 13 species from 2 families and 7 genera,required either one-host or three-hosts to undergo their full life cycle.MEME analysis results hint at different clans having variations in the amount and combination of motifs.Expression level analysis showed that HasiUN CYP450 was expressed at different levels,with the highest distribution of normally expressed genes in clan 3 and low expression of all mito clan genes.Functional annotation revealed HasiUN CYP450 key as-sociation with biological processes,metabolism,and organismal systems according to the GO and KEGG annotations.Distribution results showed that HasiUN CYP20a1 was expressed in specific tissues,including salivary glands and ovaries.Functional analysis points to CYP20a1's role in UV-induced toxic metabolism,endocrine disruptor metabolism,and hazardous substance metabolism in the nervous system.Our research presents the first analysis of HasiUN CYP450 gene's biological characteristics and expression pattern under normal physiological conditions.Additionally,investi-gations into the distribution and function of a new category,HasiUN CYP20a1,were embarked upon.These findings establish a theoretical foundation for continued functional study of HasiUN CYP45 gene.
10.Biological characterization of CYP450 gene family in unfed nymph of Hyalomma asiaticum,and its distribution study with CYP20a1
Caishan LI ; Licui WEN ; Guangxin SHI ; Xueqing ZHAO ; Wenying DANG ; Qingyong GUO ; BAYIN-CHAHAN·GAILIKE
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1157-1168
This study aimed to identify,characterize,and functionally analyze the CYP450 gene fam-ily within Hyalomma asiaticum unfed nymphs(HasiUN)under regular physiological conditions,laying the groundwork for further study into the biosynthesis and metabolism of exogenous sub-stances associated with the CYP450 gene in HasiUN.Through our methods,we identified and characterized HasiUNCYP450 genes.We then annotated them using the gene ontology(GO)and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG).This was achieved with the help of bioinforma-tics,based on the transcriptome of 2-week-old HasiUN.Further on,we conducted a preliminary a-nalysis of tissue expression,distribution,and potential function with qRT-PCR and network inter-action predictions.Our analyses showed that 87 HasiUN CYP450 genes,ranging in size from 1089 to 1692 bp,encoded predominantly basic,hydrophilic,and unstable protein sequences.These se-quences had nearly identical numbers of transmembrane regions,both with and without a signal peptide.Phylogenetic and domain analyses indicated that HasiUN CYP450,having a complete CYP450 domain,were distributed among various clans,with most members found in clan 3.CYP20 clans,present in 13 species from 2 families and 7 genera,required either one-host or three-hosts to undergo their full life cycle.MEME analysis results hint at different clans having variations in the amount and combination of motifs.Expression level analysis showed that HasiUN CYP450 was expressed at different levels,with the highest distribution of normally expressed genes in clan 3 and low expression of all mito clan genes.Functional annotation revealed HasiUN CYP450 key as-sociation with biological processes,metabolism,and organismal systems according to the GO and KEGG annotations.Distribution results showed that HasiUN CYP20a1 was expressed in specific tissues,including salivary glands and ovaries.Functional analysis points to CYP20a1's role in UV-induced toxic metabolism,endocrine disruptor metabolism,and hazardous substance metabolism in the nervous system.Our research presents the first analysis of HasiUN CYP450 gene's biological characteristics and expression pattern under normal physiological conditions.Additionally,investi-gations into the distribution and function of a new category,HasiUN CYP20a1,were embarked upon.These findings establish a theoretical foundation for continued functional study of HasiUN CYP45 gene.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail