1.Animal Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Jiyu ZOU ; Lijian PANG ; Tianjiao WANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Yongming LIU ; Qi SI ; Tianya CAO ; Xuenan MA ; Ying WANG ; Jiaran WANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):294-303
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as one of the three major causes of death, is a complex systemic disease with high prevalence, high mortality, high disability, frequent acute exacerbations, and a variety of pulmonary complications. The pathogenesis is complex. Western medicine has no effective specificity scheme for a complete cure. However, multiple-component and multiple-target characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrate significant advantages in COPD treatment through multi-link, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism intervention. Therefore, exploring the essence of COPD pathogenesis and discovering effective TCM treatment drugs through the application of TCM principles and prescriptions is a key focus of modern research. Animal models are of paramount importance in medical research. It is the first consideration to select appropriate animals, adopt reasonable modeling methods to replicate stable animal models that closely resemble the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological characteristics of COPD, and use appropriate evaluation methods to determine the success of COPD animal models in experimental research. The core of experimental research lies in observing the intervention effect of TCM on COPD animal models, exploring the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms of TCM on COPD disease, and finding TCM monomers, single herbs, and TCM formulas with definite curative effects. At present, animal model research on COPD mainly involves model establishment, model evaluation, efficacy observation, mechanism exploration, and other aspects. In recent years, there has been no systematic organization, update, and reflection on the relevant research on TCM intervention in COPD animal models. This study reviewed the selection of animals for the COPD model, methods for establishing COPD animal models, model evaluation methods, and the intervention effects of TCM on COPD animal models. It aims to grasp the current research status and identify existing problems for further improvement, in order to provide evidence and support for scientific research and clinical treatment of COPD.
2.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
3.Animal Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Jiyu ZOU ; Lijian PANG ; Tianjiao WANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Yongming LIU ; Qi SI ; Tianya CAO ; Xuenan MA ; Ying WANG ; Jiaran WANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):294-303
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as one of the three major causes of death, is a complex systemic disease with high prevalence, high mortality, high disability, frequent acute exacerbations, and a variety of pulmonary complications. The pathogenesis is complex. Western medicine has no effective specificity scheme for a complete cure. However, multiple-component and multiple-target characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrate significant advantages in COPD treatment through multi-link, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism intervention. Therefore, exploring the essence of COPD pathogenesis and discovering effective TCM treatment drugs through the application of TCM principles and prescriptions is a key focus of modern research. Animal models are of paramount importance in medical research. It is the first consideration to select appropriate animals, adopt reasonable modeling methods to replicate stable animal models that closely resemble the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological characteristics of COPD, and use appropriate evaluation methods to determine the success of COPD animal models in experimental research. The core of experimental research lies in observing the intervention effect of TCM on COPD animal models, exploring the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms of TCM on COPD disease, and finding TCM monomers, single herbs, and TCM formulas with definite curative effects. At present, animal model research on COPD mainly involves model establishment, model evaluation, efficacy observation, mechanism exploration, and other aspects. In recent years, there has been no systematic organization, update, and reflection on the relevant research on TCM intervention in COPD animal models. This study reviewed the selection of animals for the COPD model, methods for establishing COPD animal models, model evaluation methods, and the intervention effects of TCM on COPD animal models. It aims to grasp the current research status and identify existing problems for further improvement, in order to provide evidence and support for scientific research and clinical treatment of COPD.
4.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
5.Nutritional insufficiency and appropriate catch-up growth in extremely preterm infants within 24 months of corrected age: a retrospective cohort study
Xiaoli QU ; Chunjin PENG ; Yixue ZHAO ; Yulan YANG ; Na LUO ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):68-76
Objective:To assess the status of undernutrition and appropriate catch-up growth in extremely preterm infants within 24 months of corrected age (CA).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 422 extremely preterm infants born at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Women and Children's Medical Center, Southern Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 and followed up until 24 months of CA were enrolled. The extremely preterm infants were grouped by gestational age at birth (<25, 25-26, 27 weeks), birth weight (<500, 500-749, 750-999,≥1 000 g), weight for gestational age (large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA)) and sex. Weight data within 24 months of CA were collected every 3 months. Nutritional insufficiency, growth rate, and achievement of adequate catch-up growth were analyzed during the period from 0 to 24 months of CA. Z-score method was used to analyze data. Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) were used before 40 weeks of corrected gestational age, and World Health Organization child growth standards (2009) fitted Z-scores were applied from 40 weeks of CA. Changes in weight Z-scores of extremely preterm infants from 0 to 24 months of CA were observed and compared, the occurrence of moderate to severe malnutrition and growth retardation was determined, nutritional insufficiency was assessed, and growth rate as well as the achievement of appropriate catch-up growth were analyzed. The Lambda-mu-sigma method combined with the Z-score fitting model was used to fit and analyze the distribution characteristics of weight percentiles in extremely preterm infants. The Chi-square test was used to compare differences among groups.Results:A total of 422 extremely preterm infants were included, with a gestational age at birth of 26.3(25.4, 27.2) weeks and a birth weight of (880±177) g. Among them, 238 were males and 184 were females; 36 cases (8.5%) were LGA, and 16 cases (3.8%) were SGA. During follow-up within 24 month of CA, 89 cases (21.1%) developed moderate to severe malnutrition. When compared separately among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, there had both statistically differences in the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition ( χ2=42.94 and 9.17, both P<0.05). The incidence was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks gestational age at birth group in their respective groups. Growth retardation occurred in 5.2% (22/422). However, there had statistically differences in the incidence of growth retardation among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, in each grouped time interval ( χ2=21.61 and 4.30, both P<0.05). The proportions of rapid growth were relatively high in the 0-3 months and 3-6 months of CA groups, which were 96 cases (27.4%) and 98 cases (26.6%), respectively. Overall, appropriate catch-up growth was achieved in 341 cases (80.8%) from 0 to 24 months of CA. There had statistically differences in the completion rate of appropriate catch-up growth among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups ( χ2=23.65 and 7.08, both P<0.05). The completion rate was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks of gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks of gestational age at birth group. Conclusions:The lower the birth weight and gestational age of extremely preterm infants, the higher the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition and the lower the achievement rate of adequate catch-up growth within 24 months of CA. The period of 0-6 months of CA is the critical window for catch-up in extremely preterm infants.
6.BANCR/miR-145-5p-Reg3A/DMBT1 Axis Facilitates AKT-GLUT1/HK2-Mediated Warburg Effect in Gastric Cancer
Liang WANG ; Yufei LIANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Shan LIN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):112-120
Objective To elucidate the mechanism by which the BANCR/miR-145-5p axis regulates the AKT-GLUT1/HK2 pathway through downstream targets Reg3A/DMBT1 to facilitate the Warburg effect in gastric cancer. Methods Expression levels of BANCR, miR-145-5p, Reg3A, and DMBT1 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed targeted relationships. Glycolytic capacity was assessed via glucose uptake. Immunohistochemistry analyzed molecular expression in 60 paired clinical samples. The prognostic values of key molecules in the BANCR/miR-145-5p-Reg3A/DMBT1 axis were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results BANCR was significantly upregulated, whereas miR-145-5p was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues, correlating with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor differentiation. Reg3A and DMBT1 were identified as direct targets of miR-145-5p. Knockdown of BANCR or overexpression of miR-145-5p significantly suppressed Reg3A/DMBT1 expression, reduced AKT phosphorylation and GLUT1/HK2 levels, and inhibited glycolysis. Clinical analysis revealed positive correlations between Reg3A/DMBT1 expression and glycolytic markers, with both serving as independent risk factors for poor prognosis. Conclusion The BANCR/miR-145-5p axis activates the AKT pathway by targeting Reg3A/DMBT1, thereby promoting GLUT1/HK2/LDHA-mediated glycolysis and facilitating the Warburg effect in gastric cancer. This regulatory axis represents a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.
7.Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment strategies for molar-incisor hypomineralization
ZHAO Fang ; WANG Xin ; HUANG Jinwei ; LIU Jingping ; XU He
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):292-301
Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental defect of enamel that is characterized primarily by abnormal enamel mineralization affecting the first permanent molars and permanent incisors. Due to insufficient mineralization, teeth affected by MIH are prone to post-eruptive breakdown and caries, potentially leading to sequelae such as tooth sensitivity and occlusal problems. The diagnosis of MIH is primarily based on relevant perinatal and infantile medical history, the characteristic distribution of affected teeth, and the morphological features of the enamel defects. Based on the extent and severity of the enamel defect, MIH is classified as mild or severe. Diagnosis and treatment strategies emphasize early screening, diagnosis, and intervention, prioritizing prevention, providing symptomatic care, and implementing regular recall assessments. Mild MIH predominantly manifests as demineralized enamel opacities or discoloration, typically without significant enamel breakdown. Treatment focuses on caries prevention and aesthetic restoration, employing techniques such as remineralization, micro-abrasion, resin infiltration, bleaching, fluoride application, and fissure sealants. Severe MIH typically presents with extensive enamel opacities accompanied by substantial enamel breakdown and may be complicated by caries and tooth sensitivity. Management primarily involves restoring the structural defects or, for teeth that cannot be preserved, extraction followed by orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive management often requires a multimodal approach integrating various therapeutic modalities to restore both the function and aesthetics of the affected teeth and overall dentition. This article provides a review of advancements in diagnosis and the treatment strategies for MIH, offering a reference for clinical practice.
8.Mechanisms of Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang in Improving Obesity-type Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Shiwei HU ; Biran ZHU ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Luyao RUAN ; Ji KUANG ; Jianghuan HUA ; Zhe LIU ; Yanyue YAO ; Ji WANG ; Min ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):21-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang (MLC) improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (Con) and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole (1 mg·kg-1) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). After model establishment, the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group (Mod, normal saline), metformin group (Met, 0.3 g·kg-1), low-dose MLC group (MLC-L, 4.3 g·kg-1), medium-dose MLC group (MLC-M, 8.6 g·kg-1), and high-dose MLC group (MLC-H, 17.2 g·kg-1). Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K (p-PI3K/PI3K), phosphorylated Akt/Akt (p-Akt/Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing, the abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups (P<0.05), while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased (P<0.05). KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that, compared with the Mod group, body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met, MLC-M, and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T, FSH, and LH/FSH were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the E2 level was increased (P<0.01). Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased, whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure, effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS, and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
9.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
10.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.


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