1.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
2.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
3.Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulus improves sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats
Yunliang GUO ; Can WANG ; Zedong YAN ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Zhipeng WEN ; Pengsen LIU
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(3):351-358
Objective:To investigate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF)on sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats and also explore its related mechanism.Methods:Thirty elderly male rats were randomly divided into the control group,sevoflurane treatment group(SEV),and sevoflurane+PEMF treatment group(SEV+PEMF).Rats in the sevoflurane group and sevoflurane+PEMF group passively inhaled 2.5%sevoflurane for 4 h,while rats in the SEV+PEMF group were stimulated with 2 mT,15 Hz PEMF for 14 d(2 h/day).The cognitive function of rats was evaluated via the Morris water maze testing.The serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),IL-6,neuron specific enolase(NSE),and β amyloid protein(Aβ),as well as the levels of nerve growth factor(NGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in hippocampal tissue,were de-termined via ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the expression of autophagy-related biomarkers in rat hippocampal tissue.Secondly,30 elderly male rats were randomly divided into three groups:SEV group,SEV+PEMF group,and SEV+3-MA(the autophagy inhibitor)+PEMF group.The Morris water maze experiment was used to evaluate the change of PEMF-induced improvement of cognitive function sevoflurane-inhaled elderly rats following the autophagy inhi-bition.Results:PEMF inhibited sevoflurane-induced increase in escape latency and overall swimming distance,as well as the decrease in the number of crossing target quadrant(P<0.05);PEMF decreased the levels of serum Aβ and NSE in elderly rats inhaled with sevoflurane(P<0.05),decreased the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6(P<0.05),increased the levels of NGF and BDNF in hippocampal tissue(P<0.05),inhibited neuronal apoptosis in hip-pocampal tissue and increased its autophagy level(P<0.05).Following inhibition of autophagy with 3-MA,the im-provement of PEMF on the decreased learning and memory ability induced by sevoflurane in elderly rats was significantly inhibited(P<0.05).Conclusion:PEMF can effectively inhibit sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats by regulating the autophagy of hippocampal neuronal cells.
4.Study on mechanism of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction in treatment of endometriosis fibrosis based on mitophagy
Can-can HUANG ; Wen-wen WAN ; Xiu-jia JI ; Bin YUE ; Yu-gui ZHANG ; Xiao-hua ZHANG ; Li LIANG ; Guo-lian CHEN ; Quan-sheng WU ; Hai-yan MAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1177-1185
Aim To explore the mechanism of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction in antagonizing endometriosis fibrosis by regulating mitophagy.Methods After the animal model was constructed,the syndrome was evalu-ated by general condition,organ water content and ther-mal imaging.The curative effect was evaluated by the weight of ectopic focus and the degree of adhesion.The pathological changes were compared using HE stai-ning,transmission electron microscopy,Masson and Sir-ius red staining.The expression of PINK1 and Parkin was detected by immunohistochemistry.The expression of mRNA and protein was determined by qPCR and Western blot,and the level of serum ROS was detected by ELISA.Results The autonomic activity of model mice was weakened,the water content of organs rose,and the temperature of limbs and lower abdomen was reduced by thermal imaging.HE staining showed obvi-ous hyperplasia of ectopic epithelium and glands.Transmission electron microscopy showed mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum structure damage,and nor-mal autophagy structure disappeared.Masson and Siri-us red staining showed increased collagen deposition;immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of PINK1 and Parkin in ectopic foci.qPCR and Western blot showed that the expression of PINK1,Parkin,Bec-lin1,LC3 mRNA and protein in ectopic foci of model mice decreased,the expression of p62 mRNA and pro-tein increased,and serum ROS increased.The syn-drome performance of model mice was improved after the intervention of Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction;the inflammatory infiltration of ectopic foci was relieved,the morphology of mitochondria and endoplasmic retic-ulum was restored,and normal autophagy structure ap-peared.The degree of collagen deposition and fibrosis was reduced;the mRNA and protein expression of PINK1,Parkin,Beclin1 and LC3 increased.The ex-pression of p62 mRNA and protein decreased,and the level of ROS decreased.Conclusions Jiawei Shaofu Zhuyu decoction can improve the fibrosis of ectopic le-sions in mice with endometriosis of cold-dampness sta-sis syndrome,which may be related to the regulation of mitophagy.
5.Applying seminars and case-based learning in teaching neurophysiology in rehabilitation medicine
Feng GUO ; Jicheng LOU ; Min LU ; Shaoping XIE ; Can LUO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(2):161-165
Objective:To observe the effectiveness of using cases in seminars to teach neuroelectrophysiology in rehabilitation medicine.Methods:Sixty participants in the " Hubei Province Rehabilitation Shortage Talent Training Program" were divided into an experimental group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). During a ninety-minute " Neuroelectrophysiological Technology" training course, the experimental group was taught in a seminar using the case study method (SCL training) while the control group was taught using traditional lecture-based learning (LBL). All then took a theory test and a case analysis test and completed a survey of teaching satisfaction. Results:The average score of the SCL group on the theory and case analysis tests were significantly higher than those of the LBL group. The teaching satisfaction survey showed that the SCL group exhibited greater interest and motivation, better communication, teamwork and clinical thinking. They were generally more satisfied with their teaching method compared to the LBL group.Conclusions:The SCL method can effectively improve the learning and satisfaction of neuroelectrophysiology students. It helps to mobilize learning enthusiasm, cultivate clinical thinking ability, and deepen the memory of knowledge points. It is an effective method in teaching rehabilitation medicine.
6.Effects of rotating magnetic fields on sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in elderly rats
Can WANG ; Zhipeng WEN ; Yanwen HU ; Jing CAI ; Yunliang GUO
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(8):1102-1108
Objective To investigate the ameliorative effect and the related mechanism of rotating magnetic fields(RMF)on sevoflurane(SEV,a commonly used inhalational anesthetics in clinics)-induced cognitive impairments in elderly rats.Methods The cognitive functions of 24 elderly male SD rats which were allocated into 3 experimental groups(Control group,SEV group,and SEV+RMF group;n=8 per group)were assessedviawater maze testing,and the damage and repair of hippocampal neurons were detected using ELISA and Western blotting assays.Water maze testing was also conducted on additional 24 elderly male SD rats which were randomized into 3 groups(SEV group,SEV+RMF group,and SEV+autophagy inhibitor+RMF group;n=8 per group)for assessing their cognitive functions.Results Compared with SEV group,RMF intervention significantly reduced the escape latency and swimming distance in water maze test(P<0.01),while increasing the number of platform crossovers(P<0.001).RMF downregulated the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,and interleukin-6 in SEV-treated rats(P<0.001),and led to remarkable reductions in both serum neuron-specific enolase and β-amyloid protein levels(P<0.001).Moreover,RMF upregulated the expressions of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampal neurons(P<0.001),suppressed the expression of apoptotic protein caspase-3 and autophagy related protein p62 in the hippocampus,and upregulate the expression of autophagy related protein Beclin-1(P<0.001).However,the administration of autophagy inhibitor 3-MA abolished the ameliorative effects of RMF on SEV-induced cognitive impairments in elderly rats(P<0.001).Conclusion RMF can effectively improves SEV-induced cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats,and this neuroprotective effect is mediated by the autophagy activation in hippocampal neurons.
7.Applying seminars and case-based learning in teaching neurophysiology in rehabilitation medicine
Feng GUO ; Jicheng LOU ; Min LU ; Shaoping XIE ; Can LUO
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(2):161-165
Objective:To observe the effectiveness of using cases in seminars to teach neuroelectrophysiology in rehabilitation medicine.Methods:Sixty participants in the " Hubei Province Rehabilitation Shortage Talent Training Program" were divided into an experimental group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). During a ninety-minute " Neuroelectrophysiological Technology" training course, the experimental group was taught in a seminar using the case study method (SCL training) while the control group was taught using traditional lecture-based learning (LBL). All then took a theory test and a case analysis test and completed a survey of teaching satisfaction. Results:The average score of the SCL group on the theory and case analysis tests were significantly higher than those of the LBL group. The teaching satisfaction survey showed that the SCL group exhibited greater interest and motivation, better communication, teamwork and clinical thinking. They were generally more satisfied with their teaching method compared to the LBL group.Conclusions:The SCL method can effectively improve the learning and satisfaction of neuroelectrophysiology students. It helps to mobilize learning enthusiasm, cultivate clinical thinking ability, and deepen the memory of knowledge points. It is an effective method in teaching rehabilitation medicine.
8.Early clinical efficacy of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction on ischemic cerebrovascular disease after interventional therapy
Qinghua WANG ; Gesheng WANG ; Ruiping LI ; Can ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Kaihang GUO ; Xiaobo DONG ; Wenxin WANG ; Rongjuan GUO ; Le WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):108-121
Objective:
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction in the intervention of early traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes after ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) intervention.
Methods:
From October 2020 to July 2023, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to include 60 patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome after ICVD interventional therapy. They were assigned to the Yiqi Tongluo Decoction treatment group (30 cases) and the TCM placebo routine treatment control group (30 cases) according to the randomized block design. Both groups received routine standardized treatment of Western medicine, including dual antiplatelet, lipid regulation, and control of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The treatment group was treated with Yiqi Tongluo Decoction based on the control group. The course of treatment was 60 days and follow-up was carried out 2 and 6 months after the operation. The improvement of qi deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, phlegm syndrome score and TCM syndrome score, modified Rankin score (mRS), Barthel index (BI) score, Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) level, incidence of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke (IS) and incidence of adverse reactions, Head and neck CT angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination were collected. The clinical efficacy of the patients 2 months after the operation was taken as the main outcome index to preliminarily evaluate the early and long-term efficacy of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction after the ICVD intervention. The early and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of Western medicine standardized treatment combined with TCM Yiqi Tongluo Decoction on patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome after ICVD intervention were evaluated. The safety of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction in the treatment of patients after ICVD intervention with white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), plasminogen time (PT), recurrence of cerebral ischaemia and restenosis in patients at 2 and 6 months after treatment were evaluated.
Results:
Compared to the control group, the TCM syndrome scores for qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm syndrome in the treatment group reduced significantly, the clinical efficacy improved significantly, the mRS score and FABP4 were reduced, and the BI score was increased. Adverse events such as cerebral ischaemia were fewer in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant; levels of CRP, WBC and PT were reduced, and levels of FIB were reduced at 6 months post-treatment, all P<0.01, and images were intuitively compared. The treatment group was superior to the control group.
Conclusion
Yiqi Tongluo Decoction combined with Western medicine standard treatment can improve the early clinical efficacy of ICVD patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery, improve neurological impairment and daily living ability, reduce the state of qi deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome and phlegm syndrome after interventional surgery, and improve the clinical efficacy of TCM. At the same time, it can reduce the level of FABP4, the target of atherosclerosis and restenosis after interventional surgery, reduce the level of inflammation after interventional surgery in patients with ICVD, regulate coagulation function, and reduce the incidence of long-term recurrence of cerebral ischemia after interventional surgery, with good safety.
9.Comparison of effectiveness between zero-profile anchored cage and plate-cage construct in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis.
Geshifu LE ; Zhihao LIU ; Can GUO ; Hao LIU ; Chen DING
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(2):193-200
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by using zero-profile anchored cage (ZAC) in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis, by comparing with plate-cage construct (PCC).
METHODS:
A clinical data of 65 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted between January 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. During consecutive three-level ACDF, 35 patients were fixed with ZAC (ZAC group) and 30 patients with PCC (PCC group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), cervical lordosis, and surgical segmental angle. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, clinical indicators (JOA score, NDI, VAS score), and radiological indicators (cervical lordosis, surgical segmental angle, implant subsidence, surgical segment fusion, and adjacent segment degeneration), and the postoperative complications [swelling of the neck (PSTT), dysphagia] were recorded and compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
Patients in both groups were followed up 24-39 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in ZAC group than in PCC group, and the length of hospital stay was longer, but there was no significant difference ( P>0.05). At each time point after operation, both groups showed significant improvements in JOA score, VAS score, and NDI compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Both groups showed an increase in PSTT at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), but returned to preoperative levels at last follow-up ( P>0.05). The PSTT at 3 days and 3 months after operation were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months and at last follow-up ( P>0.05). The incidences of dysphagia at 3 days and 3 months were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 6 months and last follow-up between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no postoperative complication in both groups including hoarseness, esophageal injury, cough, or hematoma. Both groups showed improvement in cervical lordosis and surgical segmental angle compared to preoperative levels, with a trend of loss during follow-up. The cervical lordosis loss and surgical segmental angle loss were significantly more in the ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05). The incidence of implante subsidence was significantly higher in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ZAC group and PCC group in the incidences of surgical segment fusion and adjacent segment degeneration ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
In consecutive three-level ACDF, both ZAC and PCC can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The former can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, while the latter can better maintain cervical curvature and reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.
Humans
;
Spondylosis/surgery*
;
Cervical Vertebrae/surgery*
;
Spinal Fusion/instrumentation*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Diskectomy/instrumentation*
;
Bone Plates
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Internal Fixators
;
Operative Time
;
Length of Stay
10.Laboratory Diagnosis and Molecular Epidemiological Characterization of the First Imported Case of Lassa Fever in China.
Yu Liang FENG ; Wei LI ; Ming Feng JIANG ; Hong Rong ZHONG ; Wei WU ; Lyu Bo TIAN ; Guo CHEN ; Zhen Hua CHEN ; Can LUO ; Rong Mei YUAN ; Xing Yu ZHOU ; Jian Dong LI ; Xiao Rong YANG ; Ming PAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):279-289
OBJECTIVE:
This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF.
METHODS:
Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus.
RESULTS:
LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response.
CONCLUSION
The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Genome, Viral
;
Lassa Fever/virology*
;
Lassa virus/classification*
;
Molecular Epidemiology
;
Phylogeny


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