1.Liuwei Dihuangwan Promote Mitophagy to Modulate Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Impairments in Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Pengjue HUANG ; Mingyue JIANG ; Ji WU ; Niya YIN ; Lei OUYANG ; Qinquan ZHU ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):52-60
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on behavioral impairments in the rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore the mechanism of action. MethodsTwelve SD pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected with valproic acid (VPA) (10 rats) or normal saline (2 rats), and male offspring were selected to establish the model of ASD and the control rats. Rats were randomly assigned into model, low-dose (0.75 g·kg-1) and high-dose (1.5 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan, vitamin D (positive drug, 3.7×10-5 g·kg-1), and blank groups. Each group was administrated with the corresponding concentration of drugs or the same volume of normal saline by gavage for 2 weeks. After the intervention, the three-chamber social test was conducted to evaluate social interaction and social preference. The open field test was carried out to observe spontaneous behavior and anxiety state. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of the prefrontal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria in prefrontal neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the prefrontal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Western blot was employed to assess the expression differences of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (p-ULK1), Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK1), and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group spent less time sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.01) and showed reductions in the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed extensive apoptosis of neurons, with shrunken nuclei and red-stained cytoplasm, and extensive necrosis of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, mitochondrial swelling, decreased matrix density, disrupted cristae, and autophagic lysosomes in neurons, increases in the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01) and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and down-regulation in the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan and the vitamin D prolonged the time spent sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.05, P<0.01), restored the morphology of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, alleviated the swelling of mitochondria in neurons, increased the matrix density, mitigated the fragmentation and disorder of cristae, and increased the number of autophagosomes. Moreover, the drugs decreased the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan ameliorate autism-like behaviors and reduce neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory damage in the rat model of ASD by promoting mitophagy mediated by the AMPK/ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Zijingpi in Famous Classical Formulas
Shuyi YANG ; Linmin FENG ; Wuwei MENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):212-224
By consulting herbal texts, medical records, formula collections, and other relevant literature from various historical periods, as well as modern and contemporary research materials, different aspects of the historical evolution of Zijingpi, including its name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal part, genuine producing areas, harvesting, processing, and preparation, properties and flavors, and primary indications, were systematically reviewed and verified, providing a basis for the development of famous classical formula preparations containing this medicinal material. According to the textual research, Cercis chinensis was first recorded under the name "Zijingmu" in the Rihuazi Bencao from the Five Dynasties period. From the Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, it was known by various names such as "Zijing", "Zijingpi", and "Zijingmupi". In modern and contemporary times, it has been officially named "Zijingpi", with aliases such as "Mantiaohong", "Zihuashu", and "Qingminghua". Historically, the mainstream source of Zijingpi was the dried bark of Cercis chinensis Bunge, a species of the legume family. However, there were also instances of confusion with the Lythraceae plant Lagerstroemia indica L. The producing areas of Zijingpi have no special geographical limitation, and the plant is currently distributed throughout most parts of China. There were no special requirements for harvesting time in ancient times, while modern records indicate harvesting time in spring, summer, and autumn. Ancient processing methods were rarely recorded, with only mentions of stir-frying Zijingpi. Modern practice mostly uses the raw material medicinally. Modern standards prefer it to be "dry, long strips, and thick". The functions of Zijingpi, mainly to promote blood circulation, relieve strangury, and detoxify, have remained consistent from ancient to modern times. Based on the textual research findings, it is recommended that when developing and exploiting the famous classical formulas containing Zijingpi, the bark of C. chinensis should be selected as the source. The processing method should be chosen according to the formula requirements, and if no specific requirements are indicated, it is suggested to use the raw material medicinally.
5.Progress on immune evasion mechanisms of avian orthoreovirus
Boyi XU ; Di LEI ; Rendong FANG ; Hongzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1801-1806,1816
Avian orthoreovirus(ARV)is a globally significant immunosuppressive pathogen in poultry,capable of infecting a range of avian species and inducing conditions such as viral arthritis,tenosynovitis,and growth retardation,thereby presenting substantial challenges to the health and economic productivity of poultry.Under persistent immune selection pressure,ARV has evolved various immune evasion strategies,facilitating virus proliferation and the spread of progeny viru-ses.This article reviews the advancements in understanding the mechanisms by which ARV antag-onizes the host immune response during infection,aiming to inform research into ARV pathogene-sis and the identification of novel vaccine targets.
6.Clinical and radiological follow-up analysis of posterior tibial slope reducing osteotomy combined with primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with steep posterior tibial slope and excessive anterior tibial subluxation
Hui ZHANG ; Daofeng WANG ; Lei HONG ; Xuesong WANG ; Yue LI ; Guan WU ; Menglinqian DI
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(8):609-617
Objective To explore the clinical,radiological,and arthroscopic outcomes of anterior cru-ciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction combined with posterior tibial slope(PTS)reducing osteotomy in patients with increased PTS and excessive anterior tibial subluxation(ATS)due to primary ACL inju-ry.Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between 2016 and 2022 in our department.The inclusion criteria were PTS≥15° and ATS≥6 mm,and all pa-tients received ACL reconstruction combined with PTS reducing osteotomy with a follow-up of more than 2 years.Before and after the operation,they were assessed KT-1000 side-to-side difference(KT SSD),pivot shift grade,Lachman test,anterior tibial subluxation of the medial and lateral compart-ments(ASMC and ASLC),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and arthroscopic findings of associat-ed injuries.Moreover,graft laxity was defined as graft laxity observed on MRI or arthroscopy,KT SSD>3 mm,or pivot>1+,while graft failure was defined as graft rupture on MRI or arthroscopy,KT SSD>5 mm,or pivot>2+.Meanwhile,clinical outcomes were compared preoperatively and post-operatively,and graft status and associated injuries were described.Results A total of 30 patients were included,with an average age of 31 years,and 23%of female.The inter-observer reliability for mea-surements of PTS and ATS was greater than 0.80.Compared to preoperative values,postoperative PTS(18.2° vs.6.8°,P<0.001),KT SSD(7.8 mm vs.1.2 mm,P<0.001),ASLC(7.5 mm vs.4.5 mm,P=0.002),and ASMC(5.0 mm vs.2.7 mm,P=0.034),all showed significant improvements.In addi-tion,the proportion of patients with postoperative pivot grade of 2+to 3+(73.3%vs.6.7%,P<0.001)and Lachman grades Ⅱ-Ⅲ(70%vs.3.3%,P<0.001)reduced significantly.At the last follow-up,the incidence of graft laxity was 20%,and that of the graft failure was 13.3%.Among all pa-tients,1 patient(3.3%)had graft roof impingement or cyclops lesion,and 3(10%)suffered from concomitant cartilage injury,with 4(13.3%)undergoing intercondylar notchplasty due to intercondylar notch hyperplasia.However,no complications related to osteotomy,such as infection,non-union,or fixation failure,were observed.Conclusion Over a follow-up period of at least 2 years,for primary ACL injury patients with steep PTS and excessive ATS,combined ACL reconstruction with PTS reduc-ing osteotomy improves knee stability,but significantly reduces PTS,the incidence of severe pivot grade,anterior tibial subluxation in both medial and lateral compartments,and delays the occurrence of graft laxity and failure.
7.Progress on immune evasion mechanisms of avian orthoreovirus
Boyi XU ; Di LEI ; Rendong FANG ; Hongzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1801-1806,1816
Avian orthoreovirus(ARV)is a globally significant immunosuppressive pathogen in poultry,capable of infecting a range of avian species and inducing conditions such as viral arthritis,tenosynovitis,and growth retardation,thereby presenting substantial challenges to the health and economic productivity of poultry.Under persistent immune selection pressure,ARV has evolved various immune evasion strategies,facilitating virus proliferation and the spread of progeny viru-ses.This article reviews the advancements in understanding the mechanisms by which ARV antag-onizes the host immune response during infection,aiming to inform research into ARV pathogene-sis and the identification of novel vaccine targets.
8.Influencing factors of cognitive function in older patients with common cardiovascular diseases based on the health ecological model
Yajie ZHAO ; Huixiu HU ; Chao SUN ; Lei WANG ; Di GUO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(22):2947-2954
Objective:Based on the health ecological model, this study aimed to identify the influencing factors of cognitive function in older patients with common cardiovascular diseases in China, providing insights for the prevention of cognitive impairment in this population.Methods:A multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit 9 833 older patients with common cardiovascular diseases from ten ClassⅢ Grade A hospitals located in North China, East China, Central-South China, Southwest China, and Northwest China between January and December 2023. General information and cognitive status were assessed using a self-designed Ceneral Information Questionnaire and the Mini-mental State Examination. Binary Logistic regression was applied to explore factors influencing cognitive function.Results:Among the 9 833 patients, 2 394 (24.3%, 2 394/9 833) were identified with cognitive impairment. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that intrapersonal level (gender, age, physical function, history of stroke, and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), behavioral level (social activity participation and regular exercise), interpersonal network level (marital status and self-reported social support), and living and working conditions level (educational level, per capita monthly household income, and type of residence area) were the influencing factors of cognitive function ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Cognitive function in older adults with cardiovascular diseases is suboptimal and influenced by multi-level and multidimensional factors. Healthcare providers should focus on monitoring high-risk individuals and promoting social participation and regular physical activity among this population.
9.A Method for Detecting Depression in Adolescence Based on an Affective Brain-Computer Interface and Resting-State Electroencephalogram Signals.
Zijing GUAN ; Xiaofei ZHANG ; Weichen HUANG ; Kendi LI ; Di CHEN ; Weiming LI ; Jiaqi SUN ; Lei CHEN ; Yimiao MAO ; Huijun SUN ; Xiongzi TANG ; Liping CAO ; Yuanqing LI
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(3):434-448
Depression is increasingly prevalent among adolescents and can profoundly impact their lives. However, the early detection of depression is often hindered by the time-consuming diagnostic process and the absence of objective biomarkers. In this study, we propose a novel approach for depression detection based on an affective brain-computer interface (aBCI) and the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG). By fusing EEG features associated with both emotional and resting states, our method captures comprehensive depression-related information. The final depression detection model, derived through decision fusion with multiple independent models, further enhances detection efficacy. Our experiments involved 40 adolescents with depression and 40 matched controls. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 86.54% on cross-validation and 88.20% on the independent test set, demonstrating the efficiency of multimodal fusion. In addition, further analysis revealed distinct brain activity patterns between the two groups across different modalities. These findings hold promise for new directions in depression detection and intervention.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Adolescent
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Case-Control Studies
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Depression/diagnosis*
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Early Diagnosis
;
Rest
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Electroencephalography/methods*
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Brain-Computer Interfaces
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Models, Psychological
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Reproducibility of Results
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Affect/physiology*
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Photic Stimulation/methods*
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Video Recording
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Brain/physiopathology*
10.Identification and functional analysis of β-amyrin synthase gene in Dipsacus asper.
Huan LEI ; Hua HE ; Jiao XU ; Chang-Gui YANG ; Wei-Ke JIANG ; Tao ZHOU ; Lan-Ping GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1043-1050
Dipsaci Radix is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in China, with triterpenoid saponins as the main active components. β-Amyrin synthase, a member of the oxidosqualene cyclase superfamily, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins. Asperosaponin Ⅵ is an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin. To explore the β-amyrin synthase genes involved in the biosynthesis of asperosaponin Ⅵ in Dipsacus asper, this study screened the candidate genes from the transcriptome data of D. asper. Two β-amyrin synthase genes, Da OSC1 and Da OSC2, were identified by phylogenetic analysis and correlation analysis. The coding sequences of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were 2 286 bp and 2 295 bp in length, encoding 761 and 764 amino acids,respectively. Multiple sequence alignments showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had three conserved motifs( DCTAE, QW, and MWCYCR) unique to the oxidosqualene cyclase family. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had the highest expression levels in the roots. Compared with normal growth conditions, the low-temperature treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the production of β-amyrin, which suggested that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were able to catalyze the synthesis of β-amyrin. This study clarified the catalytic functions of two β-amyrin synthases in D. asper, analyzed their expression patterns in different tissue and at low temperatures. The findings provide a foundation for further studying the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory mechanism of asperosaponin Ⅵ in D. asper.
Intramolecular Transferases/chemistry*
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Phylogeny
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Plant Proteins/chemistry*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Dipsacaceae/classification*
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Saponins/metabolism*
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Oleanolic Acid/metabolism*

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