1.Application of Zebrafish in Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Jiarui WU ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Qiqi FAN ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):58-70
As a new type of model organism, zebrafish is gradually gaining prominence in the field of scientific research. The unique biological characteristics and advantages of zebrafish make them play an increasingly important role in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. Compared with other common experimental animals, zebrafish have a fast reproductive and growth speed and high embryo transparency, making them an ideal model for evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. This provides a new perspective and method for research on traditional Chinese medicine. With the growing global interest in traditional Chinese medicine, it has become crucial to find scientific and accurate methods to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. The introduction of the zebrafish model has brought new breakthroughs in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. To further promote the application of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine, this article systematically searched and sorted out the previous studies related to the application of zebrafish for this purpose since 2023. The commonly used disease models and indicators of zebrafish in evaluating the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the mechanism of zebrafish in exploring the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, were primarily reviewed. The application of zebrafish in evaluating the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and the typical examples in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were demonstrated. The limitations encountered by zebrafish models in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were highlighted. The resolution of these problems will help further improve the accuracy and reliability of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. The article discussed the evaluation of effectiveness, safety, and quality control of zebrafish applied in traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide a reference for establishing standards for traditional Chinese medicine and promoting its modernization in the future.
2.Hepatotoxicity and Anti-osteoporotic Mechanism of Evodiamine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Shan LU ; Qiqi FAN ; Jiarui WU ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):79-86
ObjectiveBased on the zebrafish model, the hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporotic activity of evodiamine (EVO) were studied. The mechanism of EVO in treating osteoporosis was explored by using network pharmacology and real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). MethodsThree days after fertilization (3 dpf), zebrafish were randomly selected and exposed to different concentrations of EVO solution for 96 hours. The mortality rate of zebrafish at different concentrations was calculated at the exposure endpoint, and a "dose-toxicity" curve was drawn. The 10% lethal concentration (LC10) was calculated. Liver phenotype, acridine orange staining, and pathological tissue sections of liver-transgenic zebrafish [CZ16 (gz15Tg.Tg (fabp 10a: ds Red; ela31: EGFP))] were used to confirm hepatotoxicity of EVO. On this basis, prednisolone was used to create a model of osteoporosis in zebrafish. The skull development, area of the skull stained by alizarin red, and cumulative optical density were used as indicators to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic activity of EVO in a safe dose. Based on network pharmacology, the mechanism of action of EVO in the treatment of osteoporosis was predicted and verified through Real-time PCR. ResultsThe LC10 of EVO on zebrafish (7 dpf) was determined to be 0.4 mg·L-1. Compared with the control group, sublethal concentrations (
3.Clinical Efficacy of Fuyuan Tongluo Prescription in Prevention and Treatment of Restenosis with Collateral Obstruction Syndrome After Interventional Operation of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Fangfang WU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Guobin LIU ; Hongfei WANG ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):134-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Fuyuan Tongluo prescription (composed of Astragali Radix, Carthami Flos, Spatholobi Caulis, Liquidambaris Fructus, Lycopodii Herba, Centellae Herba, etc.) in the treatment of restenosis with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional operation of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, and its impact on the primary patency rate. MethodsA total of 88 patients with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery for lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n1=44) received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The observation group (n2=44) was treated with Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks and were followed up for 36 weeks. The changes in primary patency rate, symptom scores, ankle-brachial index (ABI), coagulation function, and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. ResultsFor primary patency rate, after 36 weeks of treatment, the observation group had a significantly better primary patency rate than the control group (χ2=4.14,P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in primary patency rate between the two groups. Clinical efficacy comparison: Based on symptom quantification scores, and using the Nimodipine method as a reference, the overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group after 24 weeks of treatment (χ2=2.24,P<0.05). ABI levels: The observation group had a higher ABI than the control group after 24 and 36 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Inflammatory markers: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, CRP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels before and after treatment between the two groups. ConclusionAdding Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules to dual antiplatelet therapy can improve the primary patency rate of the affected vessels in patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans after interventional surgery. Longer use of Fuyuan Tongluo prescription can significantly improve clinical symptoms, demonstrating clinical application value.
4.Clinical Efficacy of Fuyuan Tongluo Prescription in Prevention and Treatment of Restenosis with Collateral Obstruction Syndrome After Interventional Operation of Lower Limb Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Fangfang WU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Guobin LIU ; Hongfei WANG ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):134-140
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the Fuyuan Tongluo prescription (composed of Astragali Radix, Carthami Flos, Spatholobi Caulis, Liquidambaris Fructus, Lycopodii Herba, Centellae Herba, etc.) in the treatment of restenosis with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional operation of lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans, and its impact on the primary patency rate. MethodsA total of 88 patients with collateral obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery for lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n1=44) received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. The observation group (n2=44) was treated with Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules in addition to aspirin and clopidogrel. Both groups received treatment for 24 weeks and were followed up for 36 weeks. The changes in primary patency rate, symptom scores, ankle-brachial index (ABI), coagulation function, and inflammatory markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. ResultsFor primary patency rate, after 36 weeks of treatment, the observation group had a significantly better primary patency rate than the control group (χ2=4.14,P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no significant difference in primary patency rate between the two groups. Clinical efficacy comparison: Based on symptom quantification scores, and using the Nimodipine method as a reference, the overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group after 24 weeks of treatment (χ2=2.24,P<0.05). ABI levels: The observation group had a higher ABI than the control group after 24 and 36 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Coagulation function indicators: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in both groups were lower than before treatment (P<0.05). Inflammatory markers: After 24 and 36 weeks of treatment, CRP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels before and after treatment between the two groups. ConclusionAdding Fuyuan Tongluo prescription non-decocted granules to dual antiplatelet therapy can improve the primary patency rate of the affected vessels in patients with lower limb arteriosclerosis obliterans after interventional surgery. Longer use of Fuyuan Tongluo prescription can significantly improve clinical symptoms, demonstrating clinical application value.
5.Effects of Combined Tongue Three-Needle Acupuncture and Acupoint Application on Lianquan (CV 23) on Swallowing Function and Surface Electromyography Signals in Patients with Dysphagia after Ischemic Stroke
Xiaoyu DENG ; Dongmei XU ; Qiong FAN ; Lei YUAN ; Wei WU ; Haimei LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1559-1565
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and potential mechanism of combined tongue three-needle acupuncture and acupoint application on Lianquan (CV 23) for patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke. MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 160 patients with post-stroke dysphagia, who were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 80 cases in each group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation training, while the treatment group received tongue three-needle acupuncture combined with acupoint application on Lianquan (CV 23) on the basis of conventional rehabilitation training, for 4 weeks in both groups. We compared the clinical effectivenss of both groups after treatment, and assessed the swallowing function including videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and functional oral intake scale (FIOS), swallowing contrast test including hyoid maximum displacement (HmaxD), pharyngeal transit time (PTT), and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening, surface electromyography (sEMG) test including maximum amplitude and swallowing duration as well as swallowing quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) score of the patients in both groups before treatment, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, respectively. ResultsThe total effective rate in treatment group was 82.50% (66/80), significantly higher than 66.25% (53/80) in control group (P<0.05). The VFSS, and FOIS scores, UES opening rate and HmaxD, sEMG maximal amplitude values, and SWAL-QOL scores were increased in both groups after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment compared with the values before treatment (P<0.05), while SSA scores, PTT, and swallowing duration were decreased compared within group before treatment (P<0.05). VFSS and FOIS scores, UES opening rate and HmaxD, sEMG maximal amplitude values, and SWAL-QOL scores after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment in the treatment group were higher (P<0.05), while SSA scores, PTT, and swallowing duration were lower (P<0.05) than those in the control group at the same time. ConclusionCombined tongue three-needle acupuncture and acupoint application on Lianquan (CV 23) for patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke can significantly improve swallowing activities, and its mechanism of action may be related to the improvement of the contraction ability and coordination of swallowing-related muscle groups.
6.Comparison of Protein and Polypeptide Components and Antithrombotic Activity In Vitro of Three Preparations Containing Hirudo
Wanling ZHONG ; Yunnan MA ; Jinhong YE ; Xiaoyu FAN ; Huijuan SHEN ; Rui YUAN ; Yaxuan ZHANG ; Zhuyuan LIU ; Shouying DU ; Pengyue LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):184-194
ObjectiveTo compare the contents and relative molecular weight distributions of proteins and polypeptides in Naoxuekang dropping pills, Huoxue Tongmai capsules and Maixuekang capsules of Hirudo single medicinal preparations, to evaluate the in vitro anticoagulant, antiplatelet and fibrinolytic activities of the three preparations, and to investigate the effects of temperature, pH and digestive enzymes on the anticoagulant activities of the three preparations. MethodsThe contents of soluble proteins and polypeptides in the three preparations were determined by bicinchoninic acid assay(BCA) and Bradford method, and the relative molecular weight distributions of the three preparations were determined by electrophoresis combined with gel chromatography. The antithrombin activity of the three preparations was evaluated by fibrinogen-thrombin time(Fibg-TT) method, and their anticoagulant activities were further assessed by the elongations of activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), prothrombin time(PT) and thrombin time(TT). The antiplatelet aggregation activities of the three preparations were measured by turbidimetry and the fibrinolytic activities were measured by fibrin plate method. Relative TT was used as index to investigate the effects of temperature, pH and digestive enzyme buffer on anticoagulant activities of the three preparations. ResultsAt the lowest single dosage, the contents of proteins and polypeptides were in the order of Maixuekang capsules>Huoxue Tongmai capsules>Naoxuekang dropping pills. Both Huoxue Tongmai capsules and Maixuekang capsules had 11 electrophoretic bands between 4.0 kDa and 90 kDa, the bands of Maixuekang capsules were more clear in the range of >25 kDa, and there was 1 obvious band at 14 kDa for the two capsules. Huoxue Tongmai capsules had one specific band at 9.0 kDa and Maixuekang capsules had one specific band at 48.0 kDa. Naoxuekang dropping pills only had 2 electrophoretic bands at 6.5 kDa and 8.5 kDa, primarily containing peptides below 2 kDa, most of which were oligopeptides. The anticoagulant activity concentrations of the three preparations exhibited a certain dose-dependent effect. At the lowest single dosage, The anticoagulant activity concentrations were ranked as Naoxuekang dropping pills>Huoxue Tongmai capsules>Maixuekang capsules. The prolongation effect of the three preparations on coagulation time was dose-dependent. At the same concentration, the prolongation effect of Naoxuekang dropping pills and Huoxue Tongmai capsules was APTT prolongation rate>TT prolongation rate>PT prolongation rate, whereas for Maixuekang capsules, the sequence was TT prolongation rate>APTT prolongation rate>PT lengthening rate. At the single minimum dosage, the order of APTT prolongation rate was Maixuekang capsules>Huoxue Tongmai capsules≈Naoxuekang dropping pills, the order of PT prolongation rate was Naoxuekang dropping pills≈Maixuekang capsules>Huoxue Tongmai capsules, and the order of TT prolongation rate was Maixuekang capsules>Huoxue Tongmai capsules>Naoxuekang dropping pills. The three preparations showed dose-dependent effects on platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate(ADP) and arachidonic acid(AA), and the effect induced by ADP was stronger than that induced by AA. The anti-platelet aggregation effect of Naoxuekang dropping pills was significantly stronger than that of Maixuekang capsules(P<0.01), whereas Huoxue Tongmai capsules had the effect of promoting platelet aggregation. None of the three preparations had the ability to dissolve fibrin. The anticoagulant activity of Naoxuekang dropping pills was least affected by heating, while the activities of the two capsules decreased significantly within 5 min above 80 ℃, and continued to decrease within 2 h. Compared with pure water, the anticoagulant activities of the three preparations could be increased by 1-3 times under strong acidity(pH 1-3). In the pepsin buffer, the anticoagulant activity of Naoxuekang dropping pills could be increased by 1-3 times, while the anticoagulant activities of Huoxue Tongmai capsules and Maxuekang capsules were significantly decreased, the lowest levels were about 60% and 20%, respectively. In trypsin buffer, the anticoagulant activities of Naoxuekang dropping pills, Huoxue Tongmai capsules and Maixuekang capsules decreased significantly, and the lowest levels decreased to about 41%, 41% and 35%, respectively. ConclusionThe contents of proteins and polypeptides and relative molecular weights of the preparations derived from lyophilized fresh Hirudo powder, dried Hirudo powder and reflux extract of Hirudo decrease sequentially, and the anticoagulant activity decrease gradually, but the anticoagulant pathway is different. And the anti-platelet aggregation activity of the reflux extract is significantly enhanced. The heat resistance and gastrointestinal stability of the three preparations increase successively, and the first two are suitable for enteric-soluble preparations, while the latter is suitable for routine oral administration. The above results can provide data reference for the rationality of different preparation methods, active substances, pharmacodynamics and mechanism of Hirudo preparations.
7.Incidence, mortality, and burden of Parkinson's disease in China: A time-trend analysis and comparison with the global burden based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Fan GAO ; Xiaoyu CHENG ; Junyi LIU ; Yinlian HAN ; Chengjie MAO ; Chongke ZHONG ; Chunfeng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3176-3183
BACKGROUND:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and is associated with a significant Global Burden of Disease (GBD). We analyzed the trends in PD incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) burden in China, and compared them with global data.
METHODS:
Estimates and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for incidence, mortality, DALYs, years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) for PD were extracted from the GBD, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021. We describe the epidemiology of PD at global and Chinese levels, analyze trends in incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2021 by joinpoint regression models, and decompose PD burden according to population size, age structure, and epidemiological changes.
RESULTS:
GBD 2021 estimated 508,378 (95% UI: 430,499-592,748) incident cases of PD, 92,035 (95% UI: 75,908-108,133) deaths, and 2,159,514 (95% UI: 1,826,196-2,521,344) DALYs in China, with the higher age-standardized rate (ASR) in incidence, mortality and DALYs than the global levels. The DALY burden of PD in China increased slightly from 1990 to 2021, consistent with the global upward trend. Joinpoint regression analysis indicated that the ASR of incidence in China increased faster than the global average, while the ASR of mortality decreased, with the fastest decline in 2004-2014. Decomposition analysis revealed that men and the middle sociodemographic index (SDI) quintile (32.82%) were responsible for the most significant DALYs, whose changes were primarily driven by population growth and aging.
CONCLUSIONS
The burden of PD showed an overall increasing trend from 1990 to 2021, which was primarily driven by population growth and aging. This study highlights the significant challenges in controlling and managing PD, including the increase in cases and gender differences, which may provide guidance for comprehensive strategies to address the changing profiles of PD in China.
Humans
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Parkinson Disease/mortality*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Male
;
Incidence
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Female
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Quality-Adjusted Life Years
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Aged, 80 and over
;
Cost of Illness
;
Adolescent
;
Pattern Analysis, Machine
8.Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective triterpenoids from the traditional Mongolian medicine Gentianopsis barbata.
Huizhen CHENG ; Huan LIU ; Xiaoyu QI ; Yuzhou FAN ; Zhongzhu YUAN ; Yuanliang XU ; Yanchun LIU ; Yan LIU ; Kai GUO ; Shenghong LI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1111-1121
Gentianopsis barbata (G. barbata) represents a significant plant species with considerable ornamental and medicinal value in China. This investigation sought to elucidate the primary constituents within the plant and investigate their pharmacological properties. Fifty triterpenoids (1-50), including nine previously undescribed compounds (1, 2, 7, 10, 20, 28, 29, 37, and 41) were isolated and characterized from the whole plants of G. barbata. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the novel 3,4;9,10-diseco-24-homo-cycloartane triterpenoid skeleton. The isolated triterpenoids demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine secretion in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, and hepatoprotective effects by preventing tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate both the presence of diverse triterpenoids in G. barbata and their therapeutic potential for inflammatory and hepatic conditions, providing scientific evidence supporting the clinical application of this traditional Mongolian medicinal plant.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
;
Mice
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
;
Animals
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Humans
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Hep G2 Cells
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
;
Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
Protective Agents/isolation & purification*
;
Liver/drug effects*
;
Gentianaceae/chemistry*
;
Plant Extracts/chemistry*
;
Molecular Structure
9.Clinical and mechanistic research progress of TCM on ulcerative colitis of liver depression and spleen deficiency
Sa FAN ; Xiaoyu DUAN ; Kangjie ZHU ; Zhenkui ZUO
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(2):265-269
Liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome is a common syndrome type of ulcerative colitis (UC). Based on the theory of 'collaborative treatment of liver and spleen', TCM shows its effect and less adverse reactions in the treatment of UC with liver depression and spleen deficiency. The internal treatment of TCM based on syndrome differentiation and treatment by stages, as well as the external treatment of TCM based on TCM enema therapy, acupuncture therapy and acupoint application therapy, can relieve symptoms, improve relevant clinical indicators and improve the quality of life of patients. The mechanism studies show that the TCM with the effect of soothing the liver and activating the spleen plays a therapeutic role by regulating signal pathway conduction, regulating intestinal flora, and improving the level of inflammatory factors.
10.Tracking observation of fine motor development in children aged 6-8 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):831-834
Objective:
To examine the developmental trajectory of fine motor ability in schoolage children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for two years, so as to provide scientific evidence to promote motor development in ADHD children.
Methods:
From April to June 2019, 31 children aged 6-8 years old were selected from a public elementary school. They were diagnosed with ADHD by two psychiatric professionals according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) criteria. Additionally, 31 typical developmental children, matched for age, sex and IQ with the ADHD group, were recruited as the control group. Fine motor ability was assessed with tasks of hand manual dexterity in Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MACB-2), and a followup assessment was conducted from April to June 2021. The development changes of fine motor ability between two groups of children were compared by using t test and repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
Between baseline and followup periods after two years, the total score of hand fine motor in the ADHD group did not show significant improvement (7.4±3.0, 8.0±3.4; t=-1.05, P>0.05), while there was a small effect size improvement in typically developing control group (9.5±2.1, 10.5±2.4; t=-2.12, effect size=0.38, P<0.05). Followup after two years, coin/peg throwing scores with dominant hand improved between ADHD group and control group (7.0±3.3, 9.5±3.2; 8.4±2.8, 11.6±1.6) (t=-3.74, -6.33, P<0.01; effect size=0.67, 1.14), with a smaller improvement in the ADHD group. The score for threading beads/threads decreased in between ADHD group and control group (7.9±2.4, 5.8±3.1; 9.2±1.1, 8.2±1.9) (t=3.89, 2.78, P<0.01; effect size=0.70, 0.50), with a greater decrease in the ADHD group.
Conclusions
The development speed of fine motor ability in children with ADHD aged 6-8 is slow and continues to lag behind normal developmental children. Fine motor development in children with ADHD should be closely monitored, and targeted interventions should be implemented when necessary.


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