1.Current Status of Prediction Models of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Emerging Acute Infectious Diseases
Jiaxin ZUO ; Chengyang JING ; Tiantian ZHOU ; Fang HAN ; Di WANG ; Xing LIAO ; Jing HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):247-254
ObjectiveTo analyze the current status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prediction model research for emerging acute infectious diseases, in order to provide reference for subsequent model construction and optimization. MethodsEight databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase, were systematically searched to comprehensively collect Chinese and English literature on TCM prediction models for emerging acute infectious diseases. The search period ranged from database inception to July 5, 2024. Reporting quality compliance was evaluated using the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis—Traditional Chinese Medicine (TRIPOD-TCM) guideline. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). ResultsA total of 21 studies were included, comprising 11 early warning model studies, 5 diagnostic model studies, 3 prognostic model studies, and 2 prescription prediction model studies, involving 84 models in total. The diseases involved were mainly viral infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and hepatitis B. The most frequently applied TCM theory was the "five movements and six climates" theory. The most commonly used modeling method was neural network-based approaches. The most frequently reported predictive factors were meteorological variables, including daily mean temperature, wind speed, precipitation, relative humidity, and vapor pressure. In terms of reporting quality, the included studies showed poor item-level compliance, with only 13 sub-items achieving compliance rates above 50%. Overall compliance ranged from 27% to 59% across studies. Although the included studies showed relatively good applicability, all were assessed as having a high risk of bias. The main sources of bias included inappropriate handling of missing data, absence of calibration methods, and unreasonable validation strategies, indicating deficiencies across multiple stages of model development. ConclusionCurrent research on TCM prediction models for emerging acute infectious diseases exhibits distinctive modeling characteristics. These models are based on traditional TCM theories such as the "five movements and six climates", incorporate TCM-specific features as predictive variables, and use TCM syndromes as outcomes. However, they generally suffer from low reporting compliance and a high risk of bias. Future studies should systematically design model development and validation processes, adhere to TRIPOD-TCM reporting standards, and apply PROBAST or develop dedicated bias risk assessment tools for TCM prediction models to improve methodological quality and promote their translation into clinical practice.
2.Protective effects of liensinine against acetaminophen-induced liver injury through relieving inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis
Yaran SUO ; Shuyu LI ; Chunjin FU ; Xin CHAI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Yin Kwan WONG ; Haining LYU ; Chengchao XU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):52-61
Background: Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity has attracted considerable attention in clinical settings due to the limited treatment options available. Liensinine stands out as a key alkaloid known for its pharmaceutical activities. However, the role of liensinine in mitigating APAP-induced liver injury remains unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the protective effects of liensinine against APAP-induced liver injury. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were treated with a dose of 200 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine or varying doses of liensinine (10 or 20 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. APAP (400 mg/kg, i.g.) was then administered to induce liver damage for 12 hours. Blood samples and hepatic tissues were collected for further analysis. Liver enzyme levels and histopathological analysis were employed to assess liver injury. RNA-seq was conducted to evaluate the dynamic changes in gene expression. Biochemical assays were used to measure oxidative stress and inflammation, while the TUNEL assay was performed to assess hepatocyte apoptosis. Results: The results demonstrated that the administration of liensinine mitigated serum liver enzyme levels and tissue damage resulting from APAP overdose. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant and coordinated changes in genes related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and apoptosis pathway in response to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The expression alterations of key genes within these three pathways, associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, were reversed by liensinine, indicating its potential in alleviating APAP-induced liver damage through multiple signaling pathways. This suggests the diverse therapeutic effects of liensinine, including inflammation suppression, oxidative stress reduction, and cell apoptosis inhibition. Indeed, pretreatment with liensinine effectively reduced inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, and apoptotic cells induced by APAP. Conclusions: Liensinine mitigates APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through multifaceted pathways, providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic benefits.
3.Protective effects of liensinine against acetaminophen-induced liver injury through relieving inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis
Yaran SUO ; Shuyu LI ; Chunjin FU ; Xin CHAI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Yin Kwan WONG ; Haining LYU ; Chengchao XU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):52-61
Background: Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity has attracted considerable attention in clinical settings due to the limited treatment options available. Liensinine stands out as a key alkaloid known for its pharmaceutical activities. However, the role of liensinine in mitigating APAP-induced liver injury remains unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the protective effects of liensinine against APAP-induced liver injury. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were treated with a dose of 200 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine or varying doses of liensinine (10 or 20 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. APAP (400 mg/kg, i.g.) was then administered to induce liver damage for 12 hours. Blood samples and hepatic tissues were collected for further analysis. Liver enzyme levels and histopathological analysis were employed to assess liver injury. RNA-seq was conducted to evaluate the dynamic changes in gene expression. Biochemical assays were used to measure oxidative stress and inflammation, while the TUNEL assay was performed to assess hepatocyte apoptosis. Results: The results demonstrated that the administration of liensinine mitigated serum liver enzyme levels and tissue damage resulting from APAP overdose. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant and coordinated changes in genes related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and apoptosis pathway in response to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The expression alterations of key genes within these three pathways, associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, were reversed by liensinine, indicating its potential in alleviating APAP-induced liver damage through multiple signaling pathways. This suggests the diverse therapeutic effects of liensinine, including inflammation suppression, oxidative stress reduction, and cell apoptosis inhibition. Indeed, pretreatment with liensinine effectively reduced inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, and apoptotic cells induced by APAP. Conclusions: Liensinine mitigates APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through multifaceted pathways, providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic benefits.
4.Protective effects of liensinine against acetaminophen-induced liver injury through relieving inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis
Yaran SUO ; Shuyu LI ; Chunjin FU ; Xin CHAI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Yin Kwan WONG ; Haining LYU ; Chengchao XU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):52-61
Background: Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity has attracted considerable attention in clinical settings due to the limited treatment options available. Liensinine stands out as a key alkaloid known for its pharmaceutical activities. However, the role of liensinine in mitigating APAP-induced liver injury remains unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the protective effects of liensinine against APAP-induced liver injury. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were treated with a dose of 200 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine or varying doses of liensinine (10 or 20 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days. APAP (400 mg/kg, i.g.) was then administered to induce liver damage for 12 hours. Blood samples and hepatic tissues were collected for further analysis. Liver enzyme levels and histopathological analysis were employed to assess liver injury. RNA-seq was conducted to evaluate the dynamic changes in gene expression. Biochemical assays were used to measure oxidative stress and inflammation, while the TUNEL assay was performed to assess hepatocyte apoptosis. Results: The results demonstrated that the administration of liensinine mitigated serum liver enzyme levels and tissue damage resulting from APAP overdose. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant and coordinated changes in genes related to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and apoptosis pathway in response to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The expression alterations of key genes within these three pathways, associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, were reversed by liensinine, indicating its potential in alleviating APAP-induced liver damage through multiple signaling pathways. This suggests the diverse therapeutic effects of liensinine, including inflammation suppression, oxidative stress reduction, and cell apoptosis inhibition. Indeed, pretreatment with liensinine effectively reduced inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress indicators, and apoptotic cells induced by APAP. Conclusions: Liensinine mitigates APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice through multifaceted pathways, providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic benefits.
5.Effect and mechanism of dexmedetomidine on neurological function in rat model of Parkinson's disease
Sha LIAO ; Jiwei TANG ; Ting TANG ; Di WU ; Zhongming WANG ; Yong LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(5):650-655
Objective To investigate the effect of Dex on neurological function in PD rats through the receptor interacting protein kinase 1(RIPK1)/RIPK3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like pro-tein(MLKL)pathway.Methods After rat PD model was constructed,the PD rats were assigned into PD group,L-,M-and H-Dex groups(intraperitoneal injection of 25,50,and 100 μg/kg Dex,respectively),and Dex+recombinant RIPK1 protein(rRIPK1)group(intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg/kg Dex+8 μg/kg rRIPK1),with 6 animals in each group.Another 6 rats served as sham-operation(Sham)group.The rats from the Sham group and PD group were intragastrically ad-ministered and injected with an equal amount of normal saline solution once a day.After 21 con-secutive days,the rotational behavior was observed of in each group rats.HE staining was per-formed to detect the pathological changes in dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.TUNEL staining was conducted to measure the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons.ELISA was used to determine the levels of neurotransmitters[DA,HVA,3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid(DOPAC),5-hydroxytrptamine(5-HT)]and inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-1β)in the sub-stantia nigra.Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway related proteins in the substantia nigra tissues.Results Intact and well-arranged mor-phology and structure were observed in the neurons of the Sham group.The PD group presented prominently less neurons,in scattered arrangement,with obviously reduced volume,irregular nu-clear deformation,indicating notably neuronal damage.The severity of neuronal damage was at-tenuated sequentially in the L-Dex,M-Dex,and H-Dex groups,but the damage in the Dex+rRIPK1 group was further worsened.The PD group had significantly larger number of rotations,longer escape latency,higher apoptotic rate,increased TNF-α and IL-1β contents,and elevated lev-els of p-RIPK1/RIPK1(1.07±0.18 vs 0.36±0.11),p-RIPK3/RIPK3(1.32±0.21 vs 0.47±0.14),and p-MLKL/MLKL(0.79±0.11 vs 0.18±0.05),but lower DA,DOPAC,5-HT,and HVA con-tents than the Sham group(P<0.05).Dex treatment of low,medium and high doses reserved all above changes induced by PD modeling(P<0.05).The Dex+rRIPK1 group obtained larger num-ber of rotations,longer escape latency,higher apoptotic rate,increased TNF-α and IL-1β contents,and elevated levels of p-RIPK1/RIPK1(0.95±0.17 vs 0.41±0.12),p-RIPK3/RIPK3(1.14±0.20 vs 0.51±0.15),and p-MLKL/MLKL(0.72±0.09 vs 0.24±0.06),but decreased DA,DOPAC,5-HT,and HVA contents when compared with the H-Dex group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dex protects the neurological function of PD rats by inhibiting the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway.
6.Effect of deep muscle stimulation combined with electromyographic biofeedback on the spasms of the triceps surae and gait changes after stroke
Qiming ZHANG ; Di LIAO ; Zhiliang ZHONG ; Lihua LIN ; Xiang ZHENG ; Qiong LI ; Sharui SHAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):385-392
BACKGROUND:Deep muscle stimulation has the effects of releasing muscle adhesion,relieving muscle spasm,improving and restoring muscle compliance and elasticity.Electromyographic biofeedback therapy can promote nerve recovery and improve lower limb motor function and gait. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of the effect of deep muscle stimulation combined with electromyographic biofeedback therapy on the spasm of the triceps surae and gait changes after stroke by using a digital muscle detector and three-dimensional gait analysis system. METHODS:A total of 72 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the Rehabilitation Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University from October 2020 to October 2023.And they were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups(n=36 per group):a control group and a combined group.The control group received routine rehabilitation therapies,electromyographic biofeedback and pseudo deep muscle stimulation,while the combined group received true deep muscle stimulation treatment on the basis of the control group,five times per week,for 4 consecutive weeks.The oscillation frequency and dynamic stiffness of the affected gastrocnemius muscle,active range of motion of the ankle dorsiflexion muscle,electromyographic signal of the tibialis anterior muscle,Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower limbs,and three-dimensional gait analysis parameters were statistically analyzed before and after treatment in two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After treatment,oscillation frequency and dynamic stiffness values of the inner and outer sides of the affected gastrocnemius muscle in both groups of patients were significantly reduced compared with before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group showed a more significant decrease compared with the control group(P<0.05).The active range of motion of the ankle dorsiflexion muscle,electromyographic signal of the tibialis anterior muscle,and Fugl-Meyer scores after treatment were significantly increased or improved compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the combined group showed a more significant increase or improvement compared with the control group(P<0.05).In terms of gait parameters,the walking speed,frequency,and stride in both groups of patients were significantly increased compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the combined group showed a more significant increase compared with the control group(P<0.05).The percentage time of support phase on the healthy side was shortened compared with before treatment(P<0.05),while the combined group showed a more significant decrease compared with the control group(P<0.05).In addition,there was no significant difference between the two groups except for the percentage of healthy side support(P>0.05).To conclude,the combination of deep muscle stimulation and electromyographic biofeedback can effectively alleviate triceps spasm in the short term after stroke,improve ankle dorsiflexion function,enhance lower limb motor function,and improve gait.The treatment effect is significant and worthy of clinical promotion and application.
7.Sodium lactate modulates TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway for treatment of right heart failure
Zhong-jian ZHANG ; Xiao-ying LUO ; Di QU ; Chun-liu QIAN ; Ting ZENG ; Zhi-ling HE ; Jia-jie LIAO ; Shuang LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1843-1849
Aim To investigate the effects of sodium lactate(NALA)on right heart failure induced by monocrotaline(MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hy-pertension in rats and to reveal the underlying mecha-nisms.Methods Forty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly allocated into four groups,with ten rats in each group,namely,MCT group,NALA group,and NALA+MCT group;the MCT and NALA+MCT groups were administered a single intraperito-neal injection of MCT at 60 mg·kg-1 to induce pul-monary hypertension,and one week later,the NALA and NALA+MCT groups received intraperitoneal in-jections of NALA at 0.1 g·kg-1(once a day,for 5 weeks),while the CON and MCT groups received e-qual volumes of physiological saline(once a day,for 5 weeks);right heart function was assessed using echo-cardiography,right ventricular and pulmonary artery remodeling were evaluated via histopathological sec-tions,and the expression levels of ANP,BNP,and in-flammatory factors were measured by ELISA,along with assessments of oxidative stress levels,Western blot detection of the expression levels of proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.Results Compared to the CON group,the MCT group exhibited increased RVSP and RVHI,decreased right heart function,in-creased collagen fiber deposition,and elevated oxida-tive stress and inflammatory factor expression,and the expression levels of proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB signa-ling pathway increased(P<0.05);compared to the MCT group,the NALA+MCT group showed reduced RVSP and RVHI,improved right heart function,atten-uated pulmonary vascular remodeling,decreased ex-pression of ANP,BNP,inflammatory factors,and H2O2,along with increased antioxidant enzyme expres-sion,and the expression levels of proteins in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion NALA can inhibit right ventric-ular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension,and the underlying mechanism may involve the allevia-tion of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress through the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
8.Genome-Wide Identification of Cytochrome P450 Gene Family and Analysis of Flavonoid Synthase Genes in Chrysanthemum Indicum
Binkai ZHAO ; Shi CHEN ; Jiahao LIAO ; Di LEI ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Yifei LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):24-35
Objective Systematic identification and analysis of the cytochrome P450(CYP450)gene family members and their functions in Chrysanthemum indicum L.to provide a basis for further studies on their roles in the flavonoid synthesis pathway.Methods Based on the genomic data of a diploid Chrysanthemum indicum L.,the members of the P450 gene family were identified and analyzed using bioinformatics methods.Moreover,the transcriptome and quasi-targeted metabolome analysis were combined to screen the flavone synthase Ⅱ(FNSII)genes from the CYP93 family,and their expression levels were tested in different tissues of C.indicum using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR).Results A total of 460 P450 genes were identified from the C.indicum genome,belonging to 43 families within 8 family clans.The encoded proteins ranged from 336 to 1538 amino acids in length,with a relative molecular mass between 38.01 to 175.00 kDa,and an isoelectric point between 5.61 to 9.71.Chromosome localization analysis indicated that these 460 P450 genes were unevenly distributed on nine chromosomes,with the highest number of light-responsive elements in the promoter regions.Expression pattern analysis showed that the expression levels of two FNSII genes(CindChr2G00102820.1 and CindChr8G00552890.1)were significantly higher in leaf of C.indicum than in flower.Conclusion The comprehensive analysis of the P450 gene family in C.indicum is helpful to further elucidate the function of the P450 gene family in flavonoid biosynthesis.
9.Development of DUS Test Guidelines for New Pinellia ternata
Xinyao LI ; Mingxing WANG ; Bingbing LIAO ; Changjie CHEN ; Xiufu WAN ; Lanping GUO ; Yuhuan MIAO ; Dahui LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):225-233
Pinellia ternata, belonging to the Pinellia genus within the Araceae family, is a medicinal plant due to its tubers. There are severe issues with unclear germplasm and mixed varieties in its cultivation, necessitating urgent new variety protection efforts. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing of the plant variety is the basis for protecting new plant varieties, and the DUS test guidelines are the technical basis for DUS testing. To develop the DUS test guidelines for P. ternata, agronomic traits of 229 germplasm of P. ternata were observed and measured during its two growth stages over the years, and each character was graded and described. A total of 38 traits were selected as the test traits of the DUS test guideline for P. ternata. There were three plant traits, 19 leaf traits, six flower traits, two fruit traits, two tuber traits, five bulbil traits, and one ploidy trait. These traits could be divided into 22 quality characters, 12 quantitative characters, and four pseudo-quantitative characters, as well as seven groups, including plants, leaves, flowers, fruit, tubers, bulbils, and ploidy. By searching for standard traits, 10 standard varieties were ultimately determined. Preparing these guidelines will have great significance for reviewing and protecting P. ternata varieties, safeguarding breeders' rights, and promoting the development of the P. ternata industry.
10.Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate viability, DNA synthesis and DNA damage of spermatogonial stem cells and improves reproductive capacity.
Tian-Long LIAO ; Cai-Mei HE ; Di XIAO ; Zhi-Rong ZHANG ; Zuping HE ; Xiao-Ping YANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):543-549
Icariin is a pure compound derived from Epimedium brevicornu Maxim, and it helps the regulation of male reproduction. Nevertheless, the role and underlying mechanisms of Icariin in mediating male germ cell development remain to be clarified. Here, we have demonstrated that Icariin promoted proliferation and DNA synthesis of mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance iron (SPRi) and molecular docking (MOE) assays revealed that phosphodiesterase 5A (PDE5A) was an important target of Icariin in mouse SSCs. Mechanically, Icariin decreased the expression level of PDE5A. Interestingly, hydrogen peroxides (H 2 O 2 ) enhanced the expression level of phosphorylation H2A.X (p-H2A.X), whereas Icariin diminished the expression level of p-H2A.X and DNA damage caused by H 2 O 2 in mouse SSCs. Finally, our in vivo animal study indicated that Icariin protected male reproduction. Collectively, these results implicate that Icariin targets PDE5A to regulate mouse SSC viability and DNA damage and improves male reproductive capacity. This study thus sheds new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the fate decisions of mammalian SSCs and offers a scientific basis for the clinical application of Icariin in male reproduction.
Male
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Animals
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Flavonoids/pharmacology*
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Mice
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Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5/drug effects*
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DNA Damage/drug effects*
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Cell Survival/drug effects*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Spermatogonia/drug effects*
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Reproduction/drug effects*
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Adult Germline Stem Cells/metabolism*
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DNA Replication/drug effects*

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