1.Early warning of influenza epidemic based on CUSUM and EWMA models in Daxing District, Beijing
Hong LEI ; Qiuling LI ; Qi LIU ; Meichen LIU ; Enhuan DU ; Jinfeng TANG ; Zhiping LI ; Yadi GAN ; Lijie ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):13-17
Objective To explore the effectiveness of the cumulative sum (CUSUM) and the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) for early warning of influenza epidemic using two datasets of reported influenza cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases. Methods Using the reported cases of influenza and ILI in Daxing District, Beijing, from week 23 of 2018 to week 22 of 2024 as data sets, the CUSUM and EWMA models were established, respectively. The positive rate of influenza etiology was used as the “gold standard”, and the Youden index was used as the evaluation index to compare the early warning effect of the two models under different data sets and different parameters. Results In CUSUM, the optimal Youden indices of the reported influenza cases set and the ILI cases set were 0.751 and 0.635, respectively. In EWMA, the optimal Youden indices of the reported influenza cases set and the ILI cases set were 0.544 and 0.464, respectively. The optimal EWMA and CUSUM models could both issue early warning signals in advance of the “gold standard”. Conclusion In the influenza epidemic early warning in Daxing District, Beijing, the CUSUM model established with the reported cases of influenza can achieve good early warning effects, but the model parameters need to be dynamically adjusted according to the local epidemic characteristics.
2.Literature Analysis and Validity Assessment for Animal Models of Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder
Wangyue LIAO ; Shuang LEI ; Xuan LI ; Min GUO ; Ruoran ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):66-80
Attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. It seriously impairs academic achievement, social interaction, and vocational development, and increases the risk of accidental injury and substance abuse. In some cases, the symptoms may also exert an indirect disruptive effect on public order. Its aetiology involves interactions among genetic, perinatal environmental, and psychosocial factors that cannot be fully disentangled by single clinical studies. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of existing animal models is essential for revealing pathophysiology and developing novel therapies. Using the keywords "attention deficit and hyperactive disorder", "models, animal", "validity", and their English equivalents, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang for publications from 2000 to 2025 (retrieving 328 publications) and added further references by citation tracking. Eighty-six rodent ADHD models that provided detailed construction protocols, behavioural assessments, neurobiological mechanisms, or pharmacological data were included and classified into spontaneous genetic, genetically engineered, and environmentally induced paradigms. Their face, construct, and predictive validity were compared. Among spontaneous genetic models, spontaneously hypertensive rats reproduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and stimulant responses well, yet hypertension and sex differences limit specificity. Acallosal mouse strains link corpus callosum absence to ADHD-like behaviours, but neurotransmitter studies remain scarce. Genetically engineered rodents—including dopamine transporter, neurokinin-1 receptor and mediator complex subunit 23 knockout or conditional gene knockout lines—precisely dissect dopaminergic, noradrenergic, synaptic, or epigenetic pathways, yet generally lack full phenotypic coverage, social-deficit modelling, and comorbidity representation, and are accompanied by adverse effects such as growth retardation or ocular defects. Environmentally induced models employ lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, alcohol, nicotine exposures, 6-hydroxydopamine lesions, neonatal hypoxia, early social isolation, or maternal stress to recapitulate core symptoms. However, dose-schedule standardisation is lacking. Behavioural reversibility diverges from clinical persistence, and non-specific phenotypes such as anxiety or depression are common. Overall, no single paradigm simultaneously achieves high validity across all three dimensions. Currently, ADHD models have progressed from single-factor simulations to multidimensional evaluation, yet significant gaps remain in genetic-background standardisation, sex differences, cross-species translation, and syndrome-differentiation modelling under traditional Chinese medicine. Future directions should integrate genetic, environmental, and epigenetic interactions, establish life-span validation systems, and incorporate computational neuroscience alongside integrative Chinese-Western strategies to enhance clinical relevance and translational utility, thereby providing robust evidence-based support for mechanistic elucidation, drug screening and precision intervention in ADHD.
3.Mechanism of NAFLD-associated Intestinal Barrier Damage and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention Strategies Based on "Turbid Pathogenic Factors Entering the Blood" Theory
Haoyang QIN ; Lei LUO ; Mengge LI ; Xueqian KONG ; Fanghua ZHANG ; Zhongqin DANG ; Zhibo DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):277-287
Intestinal barrier damage is a prominent feature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serves as a critical factor driving the progression from simple fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory integrates classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles with contemporary disease evolution trends and research findings. It posits that endogenous turbid pathogenic factors within the body infiltrate the blood vessels, leading to impure and viscous blood quality, thereby triggering various diseases. Based on this theory, this article elucidated the pathogenic mechanism of NAFLD-associated intestinal barrier damage. It argued that in NAFLD, the liver loses its dredging function, and the spleen becomes obstructed and dysfunctional. Moreover, essential nutrients fail to be properly transformed, resulting in the internal generation of turbid pathogenic factors. This subsequently initiates a series of pathological changes, namely, "infiltration of phlegm-turbidity into the blood, eroding the intestinal mucosa", "infiltration of glucose-turbidity into the blood, macerating and eroding the intestinal mucosa", "infiltration of heat-turbidity into the blood, scorching and eroding the intestinal mucosa", and "infiltration of stasis-turbidity into the blood, stagnating and eroding the intestinal mucosa", ultimately causing intestinal barrier damage. Furthermore, guided by the "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory, this article explored TCM intervention strategies: employing medicinals targeting the liver meridian to address the root cause and reduce the generation and deposition of turbid pathogenic factors in the liver, administering blood-system medicinals to clear the blood and purge turbidity, thereby intercepting the progression of the disease mechanism, and applying tonifying medicinals to bolster healthy Qi and defend against turbid invasion, allowing the damaged intestinal mucosa to gradually heal. This article presented novel theoretical and medicinal perspectives for analyzing NAFLD-associated intestinal barrier damage based on the "turbid pathogenic factors entering the blood" theory, aiming to provide new entry points and broader horizons for related research and clinical practice.
4.Microscopic Mechanism of Ulcerative Colitis and New Ideas on Medicine Management Based on Theory of Mutual Interference Between Lucidity and Turbidity
Yuying XU ; Changpu ZHAO ; Lei LUO ; Renwu CHEN ; Zishun LI ; Meiling LI ; Rongzhi LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Guangjie SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):288-299
The chapter Zhouyu in Guoyu says "Qi of the heaven and the earth moves without losing its order." With lucidity ascending and turbidity descending, Qi moves in a normal state, and Yin and Yang consolidate the foundation of the body. The mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity leads to the disorder of Qi movement, thus causing diseases. It is a pathological state of disorder between ascending and descending, as well as between entering and exiting, gradually evolving into a state of turbidity affecting lucidity and transforming into pathogen, which can be used to interpret and analyze the core of disease pathogenesis. The theory of lucidity and turbidity is connected with the harmony of nutrient and defensive aspects, Qi circulation, and sweat pore associating with Qi movement, and it has common implications with immune responses and nutrient metabolism system, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and mitochondrial energy synthesis. Modern studies have shown that intestinal flora imbalance, bile acid receptor inactivation, macrophage polarization imbalance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, ferroptosis and other related microscopic pathological mechanisms are involved in the development and progression of ulcerative colitis. By delving into the common meaning of the classic theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical pathological mechanisms, this paper summarizes the correspondence between the micropathological mechanism and the theory of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity in the regulation and mamagement of ulcerative colitis. The combined use of sweet and warm medicinal materials consolidates the middle Qi and activates Qi circulation, thus ascending lucidity and descending turbidity. The combined use of pungent medicinal materials for dispersing and bitter medicinal materials for descending simultaneously raises warm and clear Qi. Wind-extinguishing medicinal materials facilitate the ascending of Qi and the opening of sweat pores. Accordingly, turbidity descends and lucidity ascends. The prescriptions incorporating these medication principles are in agreement with the therapeutic approach of following the normal flow of lucidity and turbidity. This paper clarifies the scientific connotation and micropathologic mechanism of ulcerative colitis from the perspective of mutual interference between lucidity and turbidity, providing new theories and prescriptions for the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ulcerative colitis.
5.Investigation of radon activity concentration and dose assessment in subways of Nanning City, China
Xiufang LU ; Yilong MA ; Rongzheng HUANG ; Ziyue LI ; Jiajie LEI ; Lanying FENG ; Zhangfan CHEN ; Xinchun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):67-73
Objective To investigate the radon activity concentrations in subways of Nanning City and assess the average annual effective doses for subway staff and passengers due to radon exposure. Methods Sixty-three stations across the subway lines 2, 3, and 5 were selected as study sites. Radon activity concentrations were measured using the scintillation counting method with scintillation vials. Results The radon activity concentrations in subway lines 2, 3, and 5 were 7.9-24.4, 12.0-26.2, and 12.6-18.2 Bq/m3, respectively. The average radon activity concentrations for these three lines were (17.4 ± 4.6), (19.1 ± 4.1), and (14.6 ± 1.7) Bq/m3, respectively. Statistical analysis using SPSS 26.0 software revealed a significant difference in radon activity concentrations among these stations (P<0.01). Considering the data in previous research, the average radon activity concentration across all stations in the subway lines of Nanning City was determined to be 17.4 Bq/m3. The estimated average annual effective dose due to radon exposure was 0.131 mSv for subway staff and 0.033 mSv for passengers. Conclusion The radon activity concentrations in the subway lines of Nanning City were significantly lower than the national standard limit (400 Bq/m3). The annual effective doses from radon exposure for both subway staff and passengers were below the limits specified in the Basic Standards for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources (GB18871—2002). The health impact of radon and its progeny on subway staff and passengers in the subway lines of Nanning City was extremely low and can be considered negligible.
6.Zhuluan Decoction Ameliorates Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy of KGN Through Regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Jing ZENG ; Xingxing YI ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):89-98
ObjectiveTo elucidate the underlying mechanism through which Zhuluan decoction suppresses excessive autophagy in human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN) and ameliorates premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsThe optimal concentration of cyclophosphamide for inducing a POI model in KGN cells was identified via the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Subsequently, the impacts of varying concentrations of Zhuluan decoction-containing serum on the viability of the KGN cell model were assessed. After the optimal drug concentration was determined, KGN cells were categorized into the following groups: blank control (20% blank serum), model (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide), autophagy inhibitor (20% blank serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum (20% Zhuluan decoction-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide + 20 μmol·L-1 chloroquine phosphate), and estradiol valerate (20% estradiol valerate-containing serum + 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide). Following 48 hours of incubation, flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of KGN cells in each group. Western blotting was employed to quantify the protein levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, Akt, p-mTOR, and mTOR, along with the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins such as Beclin1, autophagy-related 5 homolog (ATG5), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), in each group. Additionally, monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining was performed to evaluate the extent of autophagy in each group. ResultsIncubation of KGN cells with 5 μmol·L-1 cyclophosphamide for 48 h successfully established a POI model, marked by a significant inhibition of KGN cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation exhibited a positive correlation with its concentration. Zhuluan decoction-containing serum at 20% and 30% promoted cell proliferation and mitigated the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphamide on KGN cell proliferation, with comparable therapeutic efficacy observed at both concentrations. Compared with the blank control group, the model group displayed an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01), reduced protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR (P<0.01), increased protein levels of Beclin1, LC3, and ATG5 (P<0.01), no significant alterations in the protein levels of Akt and mTOR, and an enhanced MDC autophagy fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). In comparison to that the model group, the apoptosis rates in the blank control group, model group, Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, autophagy inhibitor group, autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group, and estradiol valerate group all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the most pronounced reduction observed in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. The protein levels of PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were higher in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), being the highest in the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoctio-containing serum group (P<0.01). The protein levels of Beclin1 and ATG5 were lower in other groups than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression level of LC3 declined in the Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group and the estradiol valerate group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while it decreased without statistical significance in the autophagy inhibitor group and the autophagy inhibitor + Zhuluan decoction-containing serum group. ConclusionZhuluan decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to inhibit excessive autophagy and counteract the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on the KGN cell model, thus managing POI.
7.Mechanistic Study on Tougu Xiaotong Capsules in Regulating PANoptosis to Delay Degeneration of Chondrocytes in Knee Osteoarthritis
Jinxia YE ; Yixin LIN ; Xiaoqing LEI ; Yanfeng HUANG ; Changlong FU ; Desen LI ; Wenyi WANG ; Lan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):149-161
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tougu Xiaotong capsules (TGXTC) on the regulation of chondrocyte PANoptosis, delay of chondrocyte degeneration, and improvement of the symptoms in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsIn vivo experiments: 50 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into five groups (n=10 per group): sham operation group, model group, low-dose TGXTC group (7.2 g·kg-1), high-dose TGXTC group (14.4 g·kg-1), and diclofenac sodium group (0.05 g·kg-1). Except for the sham group, KOA models were established in all other groups using the modified Hulth method. Following successful model induction, the TGXTC groups received daily oral gavage of 7.2 or 14.4 g·kg-1 for 6 weeks, while the diclofenac sodium group received 0.05 g·kg-1 solution daily over the same duration. Model evaluation was performed using Lequesne MG score; micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to scan the knee, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and safranin O-fast green staining were used to observe the morphology of cartilage, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine ultrastructural changes of PANoptosis. Multiple immunofluorescence (IF) co-localization assays was performed to detect the co-localization of cleaved Caspase-3, receptor-interacting protein 3 (RlPK3), and the N-terminal domain of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N) in cartilage tissue, while western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of cleaved Caspase-3, RIPK3, and GSDMD-N. In vitro experiments: The knee cartilages of 4-week-old SD rats were isolated, and a chondrocyte in vitro culture system was established through mechanical digestion with 0.2% type Ⅱ collagenase. Second-generation chondrocytes were divided into three groups: the control group, the model group (pretreated with 10 mg·L-1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h followed by treatment with 1 μmol·L-1 nigericin for 4 h), and the TGXTC treatment group (pretreated with 10 mg·L-1 LPS for 24 h, followed by exposure to 1 μmol·L-1 nigericin for 4 h and subsequently treated with 100 mg·L-1 TGXTC for an additional 24 h). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis of chondrocytes were evaluated via fluorescence microscopy following staining with ROS detection, AO/EB and YO-PRO-1/PI staining kits. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to investigate the ultrastructural changes associated with PANoptosis in cartilage tissue of KOA mice. Inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-18) were measured using ELISA. Western blot was conducted to assess protein expressions related to PANoptosis, including cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the Lequesne MG scores were significantly up-regulated(P<0.01) in the model group, and the pathological changes of cartilage were significantly, with joint spaces narrower, osteophyte formation increased, secere abrasion of cartilage surface. Ultrastructural analysis revealed pronounced chondrocyte apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, along with markedly elevated expression of cleaved Caspase-3, RlPK3, and GSDMD-N in cartilage tissue (P<0.01). In addition, The mean fluorescence intensities of ROS, orange-red fluorescence in AO/EB staining, green fluorescence and red fluorescence in YO-PRO-1/PI staining were increased of chondrocyte in the model group (P<0.01) . The levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatant were increased (P<0.01). The expression of PANoptosis related proteins (cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3) were also significantly upregulated(P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the TGXTC group demonstrated a significant improvement in various parameters of mice. These included a reduction in the Lequesne MG score, an increase in joint space, a decrease in osteophyte formation, diminished cartilage damage, reduced release of ROS, and alleviation of apoptotic, necroptotic, and pyroptotic processes in chondrocytes. Additionally, mitochondrial swelling and endoplasmic reticulum dilation were also mitigated. The levels of ROS as well as IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of proteins associated with PANoptosis in cartilage tissue showed marked reductions (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in chondrocytes: cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-8, RIPK3, ZBP1, GSDMD-N, and NLRP3 exhibited significant decreases as well (P<0.05). ConclusionTGXTC may mitigate chondrocytes degeneration and alleviate KOA symptoms by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing the activation of PANoptosis pathways.
8.Comparative Study on Effect of Jingui Shenqiwan and Liuwei Dihuangwan on Reproductive Ability and Brain Function of Normal Mice
Hong SUN ; Fan LEI ; Chenggong LI ; Rui LUO ; Shixian HU ; Bin REN ; Juan HAO ; Yi DING ; Lijun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):1-14
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Jingui Shenqiwan (JSW) and Liuwei Dihuangwan (LDW) on the reproductive ability and brain function of normal mice and compare the actions of the two medications. MethodsSeven groups of female and male mice were divided at a ratio of 2∶1. Except for the control group, the other six groups were as follows: a group of both males and females receiving JSW (3.0 g·kg-1), a group of both males and females receiving LDW (4.5 g·kg-1), a group of males receiving water and females receiving JSW, a group of males receiving water while females receiving LDW, a group of females receiving water while males receiving JSW, and a group of females receiving water while males receiving LDW. Each group was administered the drug for 14 days and then caged together at a 2∶1 (female∶male) ratio to detect the number of pregnant mice and calculate the pregnancy rate. Pregnant mice continued receiving the drug until they naturally gave birth, which was followed by the observation of newborn mice, calculation of their average number, and the measurement of the offspring's preference for sugar water and neonatal recognition index. At the end of the experiment, the weights of the thymus and spleen were measured to calculate the organ coefficients, and mRNA or protein expression was analyzed in the brain and testes or ovaries. A 1% sucrose solution was used to examine the euphoria of their brain reward systems, while novel object recognition test (NOR) was applied to assess their memory capabilities. mRNA expression was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) assay, and protein expression was analyzed with Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, oral administration of JSW to both male and female mice for 14 days significantly increased the pregnancy rate of female mice on day 2 after being caged together (P<0.05), while LDW showed a trend but no statistical significance. Additionally, compared with the control group, JSW could upregulate the gene expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the thalamus, as well as reproductive stem cell factor (SCF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (c-Kit) in the testes and reproductive stem cell marker mouse vasa homologue (MVH) in the ovaries, upregulate the expression of proteins influencing neuronal functional activity, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in hippocampal neurons (P<0.05), and enhance sucrose preference in male mice (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, JSW significantly increased sucrose preference and novel object recognition index in offspring mice (P<0.05), which was related to the upregulation of hippocampal dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (Nmdar) gene expression. Compared with the control group, both JSW and LDW could upregulate the protein expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), BDNF, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus of offspring mice (P<0.05). ConclusionJSW significantly enhances the reproductive ability of normal mice, which is not only related to the release of gonadotropin but also associated with its regulation of brain function. Additionally, JSW has a certain regulatory effect on the brain function of the offspring mice.
9.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
10.Mechanism of Action of Guishenwan in Treatment of Ovarian Insufficiency Diseases: A Review
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Shengyu WANG ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):317-324
Guishenwan (GSW), originating from Jingyue Quanshu (Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with a history of over 400 years. Designed for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, it is clinically applied to treat diseases associated with essence-blood deficiency, such as ovarian insufficiency diseases in women, oligospermia-induced infertility in men, and lumbar disc herniation. Numerous studies have confirmed its significant efficacy and advantages in managing ovarian insufficiency diseases, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and premature ovarian failure (POF). According to recent literature, the therapeutic mechanisms of GSW in treating ovarian insufficiency diseases involve regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA) function, ameliorating reproductive endocrine disorders, improving ovarian function, modulating relevant signaling pathways, and exerting immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A review of GSW in clinical treatment revealed that clinical applications of GSW, particularly in combination with Western medicine, not only alleviate symptoms but also compensate for the limitations of hormone replacement therapy, thereby reducing recurrence, minimizing adverse reactions, and enhancing safety. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of GSW in ovarian insufficiency diseases, offer innovative TCM strategies for developing novel ovarian-protective drugs, promote the integration of TCM and Western medicine in reproductive medicine, and ultimately contribute a Chinese approach to global management of ovarian insufficiency diseases.


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