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.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
3.Analysis of Animal Models of Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration Based on Clinical Disease-syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Yun GAO ; Jiahao LI ; Jianying YANG ; Xiaoshan ZHANG ; Honghao BI ; Menglu MIAO ; Huiyi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):191-197
ObjectiveAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of low vision and blindness in people over 50 years old, and dry AMD (dAMD) is one type for which there is currently no clear treatment. On the basis of the diagnosis and clinical characteristics of dAMD in traditional Chinese and Western medicine, this paper evaluated the fitting degrees of existing animal models of dAMD with clinical characteristics according to the evaluation methods of animal models, and put forward suggestions and prospects. MethodsLiterature on animal models of dAMD was searched against database, and the characteristics of the models were assigned according to the diagnosis criteria of diseases and syndromes of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and the fitting degrees of the models with clinical characteristics were analyzed and evaluated. ResultsAt present, the animal models of dAMD are mainly established targeting complement factors, chemokines, oxidative damage, lipid/glucose metabolism, and natural strains. Most of the models can simulate the major pathological changes of dAMD, showing the fitting degree of 25%-50% with clinical characteristics in Western medicine. However, the evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, especially the evaluation of secondary syndromes, is missing, and the models present low fitting degrees with the clinical characteristics in TCM. ConclusionExisting animal models of dAMD are mostly established under the guidance of Western diagnostic standards, which reproduce the main disease characteristics of Western medicine and lack observation of TCM syndromes. Future studies can pay attention to the intervention factors and evaluation systems of spleen deficiency Qi deficiency and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome and build the animal model of dAMD with integration of disease and syndrome based on clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
4.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.
5.Mechanism of Yizhi Qingxin Prescription in Regulating PKA/CaN Pathway to Improve Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Model Mice
Xiaochen GUO ; Jiangang LIU ; Dandan SHI ; Ziqi NING ; Yaoyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Meixia LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):97-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Yizhi Qingxin prescription improves mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulating mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and kinetic balance based on the protein kinase A (PKA)/calcineurin (CaN) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty three-month-old amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) double transgenic mice were randomly divided into a model group, a donepezil group(0.65 mg·kg-1), a low-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-L,2.6 g·kg-1), a medium-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-M,5.2 g·kg-1), and a high-dose Yizhi Qingxin prescription group (YQF-H,10.4 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. Twelve C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background served as a normal group. Each treatment group received gavage administration daily, with the model and normal groups receiving equal volume of physiological saline. Intervention continued for 12 consecutive weeks. The learning and memory abilities of the mice were assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)/Nissl staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure. Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) Ca2+ probe was used to measure intracellular Ca2+ concentration in brain tissue. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of PKA, CaN, sodium/calcium/lithium exchanger (NCLX), mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), calmodulin (CaM), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), and phosphorylated dynamin-related protein 1 (serine 637 site) [p-Drp1(S637)] in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the expression of PKA, CaN, CaM, NCLX, MCU, and Drp1 mRNAs. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the recognition index (RI) of the model group decreased (P0.01), and the number of crossings through the original platform area, the duration of stay in the target quadrant, and the distance were reduced (P0.01). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-DRP1 (ser637) significantly decreased (P0.05), and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly decreased (P0.05). The escape latency (EL) was prolonged (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level significantly increased (P0.01). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1, as well as the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1, significantly increased (P0.05). After intervention with Donepezil and Yizhi Qingxin prescription, compared with that in the model group, the RI of the treatment group significantly increased (P0.05), and the number of crossings through the platform and the duration of stay in the target quadrant significantly increased (P0.05). The protein expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) and the mRNA expression of PKA and NCLX significantly increased (P0.05). On the 4th and 5th days, the EL was shortened (P0.05), and the intracellular Ca2+ level decreased (P0.05). The protein expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 and the mRNA expression of CaN, MCU, and Drp1 significantly decreased (P0.05). ConclusionYizhi Qingxin prescription regulates the PKA/CaN pathway, upregulates the expression of PKA, NCLX, and p-Drp1 (ser637) proteins, reduces the expression of CaN, CaM, MCU, and Drp1 proteins, and regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial dynamic balance, thereby enhancing the spatial learning and memory abilities of AD mice.
6.Analysis of Animal Models of Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration Based on Clinical Disease-syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Yun GAO ; Jiahao LI ; Jianying YANG ; Xiaoshan ZHANG ; Honghao BI ; Menglu MIAO ; Huiyi GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):191-197
ObjectiveAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of low vision and blindness in people over 50 years old, and dry AMD (dAMD) is one type for which there is currently no clear treatment. On the basis of the diagnosis and clinical characteristics of dAMD in traditional Chinese and Western medicine, this paper evaluated the fitting degrees of existing animal models of dAMD with clinical characteristics according to the evaluation methods of animal models, and put forward suggestions and prospects. MethodsLiterature on animal models of dAMD was searched against database, and the characteristics of the models were assigned according to the diagnosis criteria of diseases and syndromes of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and the fitting degrees of the models with clinical characteristics were analyzed and evaluated. ResultsAt present, the animal models of dAMD are mainly established targeting complement factors, chemokines, oxidative damage, lipid/glucose metabolism, and natural strains. Most of the models can simulate the major pathological changes of dAMD, showing the fitting degree of 25%-50% with clinical characteristics in Western medicine. However, the evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, especially the evaluation of secondary syndromes, is missing, and the models present low fitting degrees with the clinical characteristics in TCM. ConclusionExisting animal models of dAMD are mostly established under the guidance of Western diagnostic standards, which reproduce the main disease characteristics of Western medicine and lack observation of TCM syndromes. Future studies can pay attention to the intervention factors and evaluation systems of spleen deficiency Qi deficiency and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome and build the animal model of dAMD with integration of disease and syndrome based on clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
7.Criteria for pancreas donor selection in islet transplantation and the experience of Changzheng hospital
Hanxiang ZHONG ; Junfeng DONG ; Wenyuan GUO ; Shengxian LI ; Hao YIN ; Yuanyu ZHAO ; Junsong JI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):164-169
Diabetes mellitus, characterized by glucose metabolism disorders and marked by insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, has seen a continuous rise in prevalence. In recent years, islet transplantation has matured as a therapeutic approach for diabetes, becoming an important method for glycemic control and the reduction of diabetes-related complications. Donor selection directly influences transplant outcomes, and various research institutions worldwide have proposed multiple scoring systems to optimize donor assessment, such as the University of Alberta scoring system and the North American Islet Donor Score. This article explores the impact of key factors such as donor age, body mass index and ischemia time on islet transplantation. Combining practical experience in pancreatic donor selection from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, it proposes screening criteria for pancreatic donors suitable for China, aiming to provide new evidence for improving the success rate of islet transplantation.
8.Construction and application of the standardized management index system for traditional Chinese medicine reserved in the department of medical institutions
He TANG ; Longlong TANG ; Xiaoyu JU ; Youquan TANG ; Huiling GUO ; Shengjiang GUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):1-5
OBJECTIVE To establish a whole-process quality management index system for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) reserved in the department of medical institutions, providing a reference for standardized management. METHODS An initial indicator framework was determined by collecting and analyzing relevant laws, regulations, policy documents, group standards, and literature on TCM management. Two rounds of Delphi expert consultation involving 20 experts were conducted to refine and optimize the indicator system. The analytic hierarchy process was used to construct judgment matrices and convert the indicator weights into a percentage-based system; an assessment was conducted on 14 departments with reserved TCM among the affiliated units of the Quality Management and Control Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hebei Province. RESULTS The response rate for both rounds of consultation was 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.89. The final quality management system of TCM reserved in the department included four first-level indicators: management (composite weight: 0.366 3), processing (composite weight: 0.119 7), storage (composite weight: 0.291 7) and usage (composite weight: 0.222 3), and twenty-four second-level indicators, such as establishing an organizational structure for hospital drug quality management and having dedicated regulations for backup drugs in clinical departments. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance confirmed consistency across all levels of indicators. Based on the application of the indicator system for evaluation, the average score for the standardized management of reserved TCM in the department of medical institutions increased from 67.01 points to 85.15 points over three months. CONCLUSIONS The constructed indicator system meets the standardized management requirements for reserved TCM, enabling closed-loop management across the entire process of management, processing, storage and usage. It provides a reference for medical institutions to enhance the precision and standardization of reserved TCM management.
9.Association between types of obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among hypertensive patients
GUO Yanqiang ; ZHANG Li ; ZHANG Lan ; HAN Rongrong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):36-42
Objective:
To explore the association between types of obesity and 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among hypertensive patients, so as to provide the basis for formulating ASCVD prevention strategies for hypertensive patients.
Methods:
From January to December 2021, hypertensive patients who were under follow-up management and completed health examinations at three community health service centers in Linping District, Hangzhou City were selected by a cluster sampling method. Basic information, lifestyle, disease history, height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and blood biochemical indicators were collected through health examination data. Based on assessments of body mass index (BMI) and WC, participants were categorized into four types: non-obese, general obesity only, central obesity only, and combined obesity. The Prediction for ASCVD risk in China (China-PAR) was used to assess 10-year ASCVD risk, which was categorized as low, moderate, and high risk. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between different types of obesity and ASCVD risk among hypertensive patients.
Results:
A total of 10 408 hypertensive patients were included, with a median age of 68.00 (interquartile range, 10.00) years. There were 4 301 (41.32%) males and 6 107 (58.68%) females. The proportions of non-obese, general obesity only, central obesity only, and combined obesity were 34.93% (3 635 individuals), 22.85% (2 378 individuals), 4.32% (450 individuals), and 37.90% (3 945 individuals), respectively. There were 3 389 (33.52%) cases at high risk of ASCVD. Among them, high ASCVD risk was observed in 1 107 (30.45%), 896 (37.68%), 122 (27.11%), and 1 364 (34.58%) patients with non-obese, general obesity only, central obesity only, and combined obesity, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, smoking, drinking, physical activity, and diabetes, the risk of high ASCVD in hypertensive patients with general obesity only and combined obesity was 1.383 times (95%CI: 1.235-1.548) and 1.225 times (95%CI: 1.109-1.354) that of non-obese hypertensive patients, respectively.
Conclusions
General obesity only and combined obesity can increase the 10-year high risk of ASCVD among hypertensive patients. It is necessary to strengthen comprehensive management of body weight and WC among hypertensive patients to reduce the risk of ASCVD.
10.Effect and Mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Lignans on Behavior of Schizophrenic Mice
Jiaqi LI ; Xi CHEN ; Siwei WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yiting LIU ; Ziyan GUO ; Zilong LUN ; Chengyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans on schizophrenia induced by dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) in mice and to clarify its mechanism. MethodsMale mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into blank, model, positive drug, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1, respectively) Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans groups. The blank group was administrated with distilled water, and the other groups were injected with 0.5 mg·kg-1 MK-801 to induce schizophrenia symptoms. Meanwhile, risperidone was injected at 0.2 mg·kg-1 in the positive drug group, and mice in the intervention groups were injected with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mice were observed by autonomous activity test, open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the prefrontal lobe of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the changes of the hippocampal tissue were observed by Nissl staining. The protein levels of silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3a (FoxO3a) in the hippocampus of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans reduced the total number of autonomous activities, total distance in the open field test, immobile time in the forced swimming test, and levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in peripheral blood (P<0.05), while increasing the number of platform crossings in the water maze test and DA and 5-HT levels in the brain tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, risperidone and low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans improve the neural cell morphology in the CA1 region, with full cells in neatly dense arrangement and exhibiting clear membrane boundary. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans inhibited the expression of SIRT 1 and FoxO3a in the hippocampus (P<0.05). ConclusionTo sum up, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans may improve the behavior of schizophrenic mice by activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.


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