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.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
3.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
4.Effect of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味方) on Inflammatory Reaction and Expression of Endometrial Receptivity-Related Factors in A Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Miscarriage with High Testosterone-Insulin Resistance
Tingting GUO ; Meng JIANG ; Huaiying YANG ; Xiang JI ; Yuehui ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):275-282
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味方, MSP) in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage, focusing on inflammatory response and endometrial receptivity. MethodsThirty female SPF-grade SD rats with regular estrous cycles and in proestrus, and 15 male SPF-grade SD rats were housed together in a 2∶1 ratio at 18:00. At 8:00 next morning, rats showing abundant sperm and vaginal plugs were considered pregnant on the day 0.5. The 30 pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups, normal group, model group, and MSP group, with 10 rats in each group. From day 0.5 to day 13.5 of pregnancy, the MSP group was given 26.6 g/(kg·d) of the MSP via gavage twice a day for 14 consecutive days. The normal group and the model group received 4 ml of normal saline daily. From day 7.5 to day 13.5 of pregnancy, the rats in the model group and MSP group were intraperitoneally injected with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS) for 7 consecutive days to establish a PCOS model with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage. On day 13.5 of pregnancy, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to measure blood glucose levels at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. On day 14.5, serum level of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Embryo implantation, miscarriage rate, and average number of live fetuses were observed. Uterine tissue pathology was examined by HE staining, and mRNA expression of Il-6, Tnf-α, leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif), homeobox gene 10 (Hoxa10), prolactin family 8 subfamily A member 2 (Prl8a2), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (Igfbp1) in the uterine tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose level at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, increased miscarriage rate, elevated HOMA-IR, decreased average number of live fetuses, lower level of P4 and E2, higher level of IL-6, TNF-α, and FINS, and higher mRNA expression of Il-6 and Tnf-α in the uterine tissue. The mRNA expression of Lif, Hoxa10, and Prl8a2 was reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The uterus had a dark red color, visible areas of bleeding, fewer embryos with developmental abnormalities, and increased placental necrosis. Pathological examination revealed thrombus in the decidual layer, unclear decidual cell morphology, loose arrangement, scattered distribution, edema degeneration in the cytoplasm, and nuclear shrinkage or disappearance, with extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells. In contrast, compared with the model group, the MSP group showed significantly lower blood glucose level at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, reduced miscarriage rate, lower HOMA-IR, increased number of live fetuses, higher level of P4 and E2, and lower level of IL-6, TNF-α, and FINS. The mRNA expression of Il-6 and Tnf-α in the uterine tissue was lower, while the expression of Lif, Hoxa10, and Prl8a2 mRNA was higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was significant improvement in uterine and embryo conditions, as well as in uterine tissue pathology. ConclusionThe MSP can reduce the miscarriage rate in a PCOS model with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting inflammation, improving endometrial receptivity, and restoring the defects in endometrial decidualization.
5.Distribution characteristics, source apportionment, and health risk assessment of metals and metalloids in PM2.5 in a southern city in 2019
Yaxin QU ; Suli HUANG ; Chao WANG ; Jie JIANG ; Jiajia JI ; Daokui FANG ; Shaohua XIE ; Xiaoheng LI ; Ning LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):196-204
Background Metals and metalloids in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may cause damage to the respiratory and circulatory systems of the human body, and long-term exposure is prone to causing chronic poisoning, cancer, and other adverse effects. Objective To assess the distribution characteristics of metals and metalloids in outdoor PM2.5 in a southern city of China, conduct source apportionment, and evaluate the associated health risks, thereby providing theoretical support for further pollution control measures. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected in districts A, B, and C of a southern China city, and the concentrations of 17 metals and metalloids were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pollution sources were assessed through enrichment factor and principal components analysis, and the main pollution sources were quantified using absolute principal component scores-multivariate linear regression (APCS-MLR). Health risks were evaluated based on the Technical guide for environmental health risk assessment of chemical exposure (WS/T777—2021). Results The ambient air PM2.5 concentrations in the city were higher in winter and spring, and lower in summer and autumn. The annual average concentrations of ambient PM2.5 in districts A, B, and C were 36.7, 31.9, and 24.4 μg·m−3, respectively. The ambient PM2.5 levels in districts B and C were below the second-grade limit set by the Ambient air quality standards (GB 3095—2012). The enrichment factors of cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), and antimony (Sb) were greater than 10, those of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and molybdenum (Mo) fell between 1 and 10, and those of manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), and uranium (U) were below or equal to 1. The comprehensive evaluation of source analysis showed that the main pollution sources in districts A and C and the whole city were coal-burning. In district B, the main pollution source was also coal combustion, followed by industrial process sources and dust sources. The carcinogenic risks of As and Cr were between 1×10−6 and 1×10−4. However, the hazard quotients for 15 metals and metalloids in terms of non-carcinogenic risk were below 1. Conclusion Cr and As in the atmospheric PM2.5 of the city present a certain risk of cancer and should be paid attention to. In addition, preventive control measures should be taken against relevant pollution sources such as industrial emission, dust, and coal burning.
6.Exploration on the relation between tumors and anaphylactic reaction from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine constitution
Yuhan ZONG ; Huaiyu WANG ; Mengru ZHOU ; Haoyue JIANG ; Luyao JIN ; Xihuan ZHU ; Ji WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):240-245
The etiology of tumors is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including the host and environmental conditions. Allergy is primarily driven by the immune response of helper T cell 2 (Th2). Research has shown that the Th2 immune response is closely related to tumors, which is specifically manifested through Th2 antibodies, allergy-related effector cells and mediators within the tumors, as well as tumor immune-related functions. This internal interaction mechanism will increase the complexity and challenges associated with the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors and allergy. The formation of allergic constitution is shaped by both congenital and acquired factors, and its physical state is closely linked to the occurrence and progression of allergic diseases. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relationship between tumors and allergic reactions from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution theory. Based on the four basic principles of the TCM constitution, including endowment inheritance theory, environment constraint theory, body-spirit composition theory, and life process theory, this exploration will focus on four aspects: genetic factors and internal disease causes, inflammatory environments and functional regulation, psychological disorders and emotional pathogenesis, as well as age structure and disease risk. Furthermore, from the perspective of constitution-disease relation of chronic disease prevention, this paper will discuss the significant importance of adjusting allergic constitution to improve both subjective symptoms and objective indicators of allergic reactions in tumor patients.
7.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid alleviates inflammation in C2C12 myoblasts through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway
Huihui JI ; Xu JIANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yunhong XING ; Liangliang WANG ; Na LI ; Yuting SONG ; Xuguang LUO ; Huilin CUI ; Ximei CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1220-1229
BACKGROUND:Rev-erbα is involved in the regulation of inflammation,but pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.To reduce the relevant risk,an exploration on SR9009,a Rev-erbα agonist,combined with other drugs to relieve inflammation in skeletal myoblasts was conducted,laying the theoretical foundation for the treatment of inflammation-associated skeletal muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the relationship of SR9009,indolepropionic acid and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS:(1)C2C12 myoblasts were induced to differentiate in the presence of lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL).RNA-seq and KEGG pathway analysis were used to study signaling pathways.(2)C2C12 myoblast viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 assay to determine optimal concentrations of indolepropionic acid.Subsequently,cells were categorized into control group,lipopolysaccharide(1 μg/mL)group,SR9009(10 μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,indolepropionic acid(80μmol/L)+lipopolysaccharide group,and SR9009+indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.ELISA was employed to measure protein expression levels of interleukin-6 in the cultured supernatant.Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Western blot assay were employed to measure protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65.(3)After Rev-erbα was knocked down by siRNA,knockdown efficiency was assessed by RT-qPCR.And mRNA levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were also measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,lipopolysaccharide time-dependently inhibited myofibroblast fusion to form myotubes,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were elevated,and the level of interleukin-6 in the cell supernatant was significantly increased.The results of KEGG pathway showed that the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was activated by lipopolysaccharide.Indolepropionic acid exhibited significant suppression of C2C12 myoblasts viability when its concentration exceeded 80 μmol/L.Indolepropionic acid and SR9009 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby played an anti-inflammatory role,and suppressed the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression were downregulated.SR9009 combined with indolepropionic acid notably reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,further downregulated the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor α,TLR4 and CD14.The ratio of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression was significantly lower than that in the SR9009+lipopolysaccharide group or indolepropionic acid+lipopolysaccharide group.Rev-erbα increases time-dependently with lipopolysaccharide induction.The knockdown efficiency of Rev-erbα by siRNA reached over 58%,and lipopolysaccharide was added after Rev-erbα was successfully knocked down.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly up-regulated.These results conclude that Rev-erbα may act as a promising pharmacological target to reduce inflammation.SR9009 targeted activation of Rev-erbα combined with indolepropionic acid significantly inhibits the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and attenuates the inflammatory response of C2C12 myofibroblasts.Moreover,the combined anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of the intervention alone.
8.Effectiveness of an online patient education video for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Samuel Ji Quan KOH ; Jonathan YAP ; Chun Yen KOK ; Yilin JIANG ; Yu Jen LOO ; Michelle Wei Ling HO ; Yu Fei LIM ; See Hooi EWE ; Mohammed Rizwan AMANULLAH ; Zameer Abdul AZIZ ; Sivaraj GOVINDASAMY ; Victor CHAO ; Kay Woon HO
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(3):197-199
9.Subjective market food freshness as a moderator of healthy eating intentions: based on the theory of planned behavior
Yi JIANG ; Seungwoo LEE ; Ji-Yun HWANG
Journal of Nutrition and Health 2025;58(2):227-237
Purpose:
Food freshness may influence the healthy eating choices of consumers. This study aimed to examine whether self-reported market food freshness moderates the relationships between the three major constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the intention for healthy eating among Chinese adults.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2019 among 408 Chinese adults aged 18–64 years residing in Shanghai and parts of the Anhui Province, using a previously validated questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the moderating effects of market food freshness.
Results:
Based on a single subjective measure, 42.9% of the participants perceived market food freshness as low, and 57.1% perceived it as high. In the unconstrained model, perceived behavioral control (PBC) showed positive relationships with both short-term and long-term intentions for healthy eating (p < 0.001). Among participants reporting lower market food freshness, the relationship between PBC and short-term intention remained significant (p < 0.001), and the relationship between short-term and long-term intentions became significant (p = 0.042). However, among participants reporting higher market food freshness, PBC maintained significant relationships with short-term (p < 0.001) and longterm (p = 0.028) intentions, and the relationship between subjective norms and short-term intention became significant (p = 0.013). The moderating effect of market food freshness was significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Market food freshness may moderate the relationships between the TPB constructs and the intentions for healthy eating in Chinese adults. These findings highlight the importance of developing tailored, region-specific strategies to enhance healthy eating behaviors among the Chinese population, accounting for disparities in resource availability and contextual differences. Further research should examine the underlying mechanisms driving regional variations in these associations.
10.Subjective market food freshness as a moderator of healthy eating intentions: based on the theory of planned behavior
Yi JIANG ; Seungwoo LEE ; Ji-Yun HWANG
Journal of Nutrition and Health 2025;58(2):227-237
Purpose:
Food freshness may influence the healthy eating choices of consumers. This study aimed to examine whether self-reported market food freshness moderates the relationships between the three major constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the intention for healthy eating among Chinese adults.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2019 among 408 Chinese adults aged 18–64 years residing in Shanghai and parts of the Anhui Province, using a previously validated questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the moderating effects of market food freshness.
Results:
Based on a single subjective measure, 42.9% of the participants perceived market food freshness as low, and 57.1% perceived it as high. In the unconstrained model, perceived behavioral control (PBC) showed positive relationships with both short-term and long-term intentions for healthy eating (p < 0.001). Among participants reporting lower market food freshness, the relationship between PBC and short-term intention remained significant (p < 0.001), and the relationship between short-term and long-term intentions became significant (p = 0.042). However, among participants reporting higher market food freshness, PBC maintained significant relationships with short-term (p < 0.001) and longterm (p = 0.028) intentions, and the relationship between subjective norms and short-term intention became significant (p = 0.013). The moderating effect of market food freshness was significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Market food freshness may moderate the relationships between the TPB constructs and the intentions for healthy eating in Chinese adults. These findings highlight the importance of developing tailored, region-specific strategies to enhance healthy eating behaviors among the Chinese population, accounting for disparities in resource availability and contextual differences. Further research should examine the underlying mechanisms driving regional variations in these associations.


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