1.Xiaoyaosan Regulates HPT Axis in Rat Model with Syndrome of Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency via CGA/GPX2/TSHβ Pathway for Thyroid Hormone Synthesis
Fang WANG ; Ruxin YUAN ; Lingjin FAN ; Zongli CHEN ; Huaye XIAO ; Liqiang YANG ; Xiaohong LI ; Chuncheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):1-10
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xiaoyaosan regulates HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency by observing its effect on the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit (CGA)/glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2)/thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit (TSHβ) pathway for thyroid hormone synthesis. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model, high-dose (16.7 g·kg-1), medium-dose (8.35 g·kg-1), and low-dose (4.175 g·kg-1) Xiaoyaosan, and fluoxetine (0.001 8 g·kg-1) groups, with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days. The intervention groups were treated with Xiaoyaosan decoctions or fluoxetine suspension, respectively. After modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue of the rats. Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of TSH receptor (TSHR) in the thyroid tissue, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significant atrophy and irregularity of thyroid follicles, a marked reduction in colloid secretion, extensive vacuolar degeneration of adenocytes in the anterior pituitary, lowered serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid tissue, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue, outperforming the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group. Moreover, they elevated the serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH (P<0.05, P<0.01). The serum TSH level was also elevated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, GPX2, and TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group (P<0.01). In the fluoxetine group, the mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid, TRHR in the pituitary, and TRH, CGA, and GPX2 in the hypothalamus were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe downregulation of CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Xiaoyaosan may regulate the HPT axis dysfunction by up-regulating the CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway.
2.Exploration on Mechanism of Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice with Portulacae Herba Based on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxue WANG ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiang PU ; Zhongzhao ZHANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO ; Xiangyan KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):115-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, compound dexamethasone acetate cream group (2.075×10-2 g·g-1), blank matrix cream group, low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.1 g·g-1), high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.2 g·g-1), and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group (0.2 g·g-1 + 30 mg·kg-1 ML385), with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment, the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group, the mice in the other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to establish an ACD model. After respective administration, the skin lesion of the mice was scored, and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score (P<0.01), severe pathological damage to skin tissue, increased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and decreased content of SOD (P<0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group, the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), reduced pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group, the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in the serum of mice (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.The Discipline Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Context of Mutual Understanding of Civilizations
Yongyan WANG ; Yipin FAN ; Qiang LI ; Xinyu JI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):2-5
The mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations today provides a broad perspective and new opportunity for the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fostering the interdisciplinary integration, fusion, and innovation of the discipline. The premise of mutual understanding of civilizations is uphold the principles of Chinese traditional scholarship and original thinking, overcome academic barriers and cognitive differences, and achieve the organic integration of knowledge systems and research methods. The development of TCM as a discipline should first be based on literature as a carrier to convey ideas and ensure the continuity of the academic tradition. Secondly, the discipline development should be guided by the unique, original thinking of TCM, accurately identifying the bottlenecks in its development, focusing on the key links for improvement, continuously exploring innovative academic paths, and striving to build a leading research platform. Finally, the cultivation of talents in the field of TCM discipline should focus on leading ones with international academic discourse power and influence, and establish an academic team with clinical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge structure.
4.Discussion on Mechanisms of "State-Target Differentiation and Treatment" for Diabetic Foot Ulcers from the Perspective of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Hong CHEN ; Weijing FAN ; Renyan HUANG ; Guobin LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):23-29
Building on the theory of "state-target differentiation and treatment" proposed by Academician TONG Xiaolin, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are considered to belong to the "collateral injury" stage, characterized by the interplay of five states,i.e. dampness, heat, stasis, deficiency, and impairment. The dynamic biological process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with the healing process of DFUs. The treatment of DFUs through staged differentiation under the "state-target differentiation and treatment" theory not only provides a basis for precise clinical treatment, but also offers insights into the regulatory roles of EMT in different states and potential intervention targets. The dampness state typically exits during the inflammatory phase, local inflammation and fluid metabolism disorders inducing EMT. Treatment focuses on draining dampness and alleviating edema, promoting local microcirculation, and improving tissue hypoxia. The heat state often reflects acute local inflammatory responses. Treatment emphasizes clearing heat and resolving toxins, regulating the EMT process to reduce inflammation, control infection, and alleviate redness, swollen, heat, and pain in the affected area. The stasis state mainly occurs during the proliferation phase. Treatment centers on invigorating blood and dissolving stasis, and unblocking the channels and quickening the collaterals. EMT plays a role in remodeling the extracellular matrix, promoting tissue repair and angiogenesis. The deficiency state is common in chronic phase, where treatment prioritizes tonifying qi and nourishing blood while reinforcing healthy qi and dispelling pathogens. EMT regulation focuses on restoring local tissue metabolism and improving the micro-environment to enhance tissue repair capacity. The impairment state represents the progression of disease deterioration. Treatment should focus on supplementing qi, blood, yin, and yang, and also promoting muscle growth and strengthening bones, supplementing by resolving toxins and stasis. EMT plays a role by regulating the activity of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes to prevent excessive tissue repair and scarring, thereby facilitating the reconstruction of normal tissue structures.
5.Analysis of the causes of medical disputes and research on countermeasures: based on the practice of handling medical disputes in a certain hospital from 2018 to 2023
Xiaoting YAN ; Yi FAN ; Miao SHE
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):131-138
ObjectiveTo explore the current situation, causes, and countermeasures of medical disputes in a tertiary A comprehensive hospital in Xi’an from 2018 to 2023. MethodsA total of 804 medical dispute cases that had been processed in a tertiary A hospital in Xi’an from January 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The occurrence, current characteristics, and cause distribution of medical disputes were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsThe cumulative incidence rate of medical disputes was 4.408/100,000, and the compensation rate was 31.59% (254/804). The incidence and compensation rate of medical disputes showed an overall increasing trend year by year from 2018 to 2023 (P<0.05). The proportion of deceased patients in dispute cases in the past 6 years showed an increasing trend annually (χ2=30.396, P=0.011). Medical dispute cases mainly came from hospitalized patients (65.17%) and patients undergoing surgical treatment (55.35%), and the top five departments with medical dispute cases were the hepatobiliary surgery department, cardiovascular medicine department, obstetrics and gynecology department, emergency department, and gastroenterology department. The number of in-hospital mediations showed a decreasing trend annually, while the number of people’s mediations showed an increasing trend annually from 2018 to 2023 (χ2=34.523, P<0.001). The top five causes of medical disputes in this hospital were surgical/operational complications (29.10%), disease condition assessment/disease diagnosis (10.45%), diagnosis and treatment plan (9.45%), diagnosis and treatment effectiveness (8.83%), and medical insurance reimbursement (7.59%). ConclusionThe number of medical disputes and compensation cases in comprehensive hospitals is increasing annually, and high-risk departments such as the surgical department and emergency department need to be given high attention. The handling of medical disputes has shown diversification, with people’s mediation gradually taking the dominant position. The causes of medical disputes mainly concentrated on diagnosis and treatment technology, doctor-patient communication, medical insurance, and other aspects. It is necessary to continuously improve the level of clinical diagnosis and treatment technology, strengthen doctor-patient communication, improve the medical insurance system, strengthen hospital connotation management, alleviate doctor-patient conflicts, and builds a harmonious doctor-patient relationship.
6.Ideas of Staged Prevention and Treatment of Cervical Cancer by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):193-196
According to the pathological changes of cervical cancer, it is believed that traditional Chinese medicine can effectively prevent and treat through the following three stages. Firstly, during the stage of persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infection, the state before disease arises, it is advisable to prevent from arises. The disease mechanism of this stage is liver constraint and spleen deficiency, damp-turbidity retention, and modified Wandai Decoction (完带汤) can be used strengthen the spleen and soothe the liver, boost qi and dispel dampness. Secondly, at low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) of the uterine cervix with persistent HR-HPV infection stage, the disease state, should control the development of existing disease, and the disease mechanism of this stage is depletion of qi and blood, combined with dampness and stasis. Modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder (当归芍药散) can be used to strengthen spleen, soften liver, promote blood circulation and drain water. Thirdly, after the surgery treatment of cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer, the post-treatment state, it is advisable to "prevent recurrence after treatment", and the disease mechanism of this stage is co-existing of deficiency, stasis, and dampness with a small amount of cancer toxin. Prescriptions of modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder and Fangji Fuling Decoction (防己茯苓汤) can be used to boost qi, warm yang, invigorate blood and drain water, and also resolve toxins.
7.Equity of human resource allocation in centers for disease control and prevention in China based on agglomeration degree
FAN Jun ; JIN Yuya ; GAO Weiwei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):86-91
Objective:
To evaluate the equity of human resource allocation in centers for disease control and prevention (CDCs) in China, so as to provide insights into optimizing human resource and promoting the high-quality development of CDCs.
Methods:
The number, age, educational level and professional title of CDCs personnel from 2017 to 2021 were collected from China Health Statistics Yearbook and China Statistical Yearbook. General information of human resource in CDCs across different provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) was described, and the equity of human resource allocation was assessed using agglomeration degree.
Results:
The number of personnel in CDCs was 190 730 in 2017, and it began to increase from 2020, reaching 209 550 in 2021, with an average annual growth rate of 2.47%. The staffing gap decreased from 52 534 to 37 655. The proportion of personnel aged 55 years and older increased from 10.74% to 16.69%, the proportion of personnel with a bachelor's degree or above increased from 36.50% to 47.80%, the proportion of personnel with senior professional titles increased from 9.75% to 13.31%, and the number of personnel per 10 000 permanent residents increased from 1.36 to 1.48. Agglomeration degree analysis indicated that the equity of human resource allocation in terms of both geography and population was relatively good among the CDCs of 12 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) including Beijing, Tianjin and Liaoning; the equity of human resource allocation was relatively good in terms of geography and was relatively poor in terms of population among 11 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) including Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang; the equity of human resource allocation was relatively poor in terms of geography and was relatively good in terms of population among the CDCs of 8 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) including Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Hainan.
Conclusions
Although there was an increase in the number of personnel in CDCs from 2017 to 2021, the growth rate was low. There were differences in the equity of human resource allocation among provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities), with a relative shortage of human resource in CDCs in the east area.
8.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.
9.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 (
10.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.


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