1.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.
2.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
3.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
4.Changes in balance and lower limb biomechanics of spastic hemiplegia under different visual deprivation and task conditions
Guanjun LIANG ; Huanlan XU ; Hewei ZHANG ; Dali ZHANG ; Qin GU ; Mingdi LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different visual inputs and task conditions on balance function and lower limb biomechanical characteristics in children with spastic hemiplegia. MethodsFrom March to July, 2025, 30 children aged six to nine years old with spastic hemiplegia (hemiplegia group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were selected. A 2×2×2 mixed experimental design was employed, involving groups (hemiplegia vs. healthy), tasks (single-task vs. dual-task), and vision (eyes open vs. eyes closed). One week before test, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Wee Function Independent Measurement (WeeFIM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). A 3D gait analysis system and a plantar pressure testing system were used to collect spatio-temporal parameters of walking speed, stride length, cadence and step width, kinematic parameters of hip/knee/ankle joint angles, kinetic parameters of forefoot loading ratio, center of pressure (CoP) displacement, while dual-task cost (DTC) was caculated. ResultsSpatio-temporal parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, walking speed and stride length decreased while step width increased in the hemiplegia group. Significant interaction effects among group, task, and vision were observed for speed, stride length, and step width (F > 4.886, P < 0.05). Kinematic parameters indicated that during dual-tasks, the hemiplegia group exhibited increased hip flexion and decreased ankle dorsiflexion; under eyes-closed conditions, knee flexion increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected all joint angles (F > 4.876, P < 0.05). Kinetic parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, the forefoot loading ratio and anteroposterior CoP displacement decreased, while mediolateral CoP displacement increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected CoP displacement (F > 4.355, P < 0.05). All the DTC was significantly higher in the hemiplegia group than in the control group, except DTC of the cadence (|t| > 14.393, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the score of FMA-LE was strongly negatively correlated with DTC (|r| > 0.731, P < 0.01). The Functional Independence Measure for Children and Working Memory Index showed moderate negative correlations with the DTC of walking speed and cadence (|r| > 0.462, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe gait and balance of children with spastic hemiplegia are concurrently influenced by dual-tasking and visual input. The superposition of visual deprivation and dual-tasks significantly exacerbates gait abnormalities. Furthermore, is strongly correlated with motor function and working memory.
5.Changes in balance and lower limb biomechanics of spastic hemiplegia under different visual deprivation and task conditions
Guanjun LIANG ; Huanlan XU ; Hewei ZHANG ; Dali ZHANG ; Qin GU ; Mingdi LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different visual inputs and task conditions on balance function and lower limb biomechanical characteristics in children with spastic hemiplegia. MethodsFrom March to July, 2025, 30 children aged six to nine years old with spastic hemiplegia (hemiplegia group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were selected. A 2×2×2 mixed experimental design was employed, involving groups (hemiplegia vs. healthy), tasks (single-task vs. dual-task), and vision (eyes open vs. eyes closed). One week before test, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Wee Function Independent Measurement (WeeFIM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). A 3D gait analysis system and a plantar pressure testing system were used to collect spatio-temporal parameters of walking speed, stride length, cadence and step width, kinematic parameters of hip/knee/ankle joint angles, kinetic parameters of forefoot loading ratio, center of pressure (CoP) displacement, while dual-task cost (DTC) was caculated. ResultsSpatio-temporal parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, walking speed and stride length decreased while step width increased in the hemiplegia group. Significant interaction effects among group, task, and vision were observed for speed, stride length, and step width (F > 4.886, P < 0.05). Kinematic parameters indicated that during dual-tasks, the hemiplegia group exhibited increased hip flexion and decreased ankle dorsiflexion; under eyes-closed conditions, knee flexion increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected all joint angles (F > 4.876, P < 0.05). Kinetic parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, the forefoot loading ratio and anteroposterior CoP displacement decreased, while mediolateral CoP displacement increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected CoP displacement (F > 4.355, P < 0.05). All the DTC was significantly higher in the hemiplegia group than in the control group, except DTC of the cadence (|t| > 14.393, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the score of FMA-LE was strongly negatively correlated with DTC (|r| > 0.731, P < 0.01). The Functional Independence Measure for Children and Working Memory Index showed moderate negative correlations with the DTC of walking speed and cadence (|r| > 0.462, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe gait and balance of children with spastic hemiplegia are concurrently influenced by dual-tasking and visual input. The superposition of visual deprivation and dual-tasks significantly exacerbates gait abnormalities. Furthermore, is strongly correlated with motor function and working memory.
6.Changes in balance and lower limb biomechanics of spastic hemiplegia under different visual deprivation and task conditions
Guanjun LIANG ; Huanlan XU ; Hewei ZHANG ; Dali ZHANG ; Qin GU ; Mingdi LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different visual inputs and task conditions on balance function and lower limb biomechanical characteristics in children with spastic hemiplegia. MethodsFrom March to July, 2025, 30 children aged six to nine years old with spastic hemiplegia (hemiplegia group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were selected. A 2×2×2 mixed experimental design was employed, involving groups (hemiplegia vs. healthy), tasks (single-task vs. dual-task), and vision (eyes open vs. eyes closed). One week before test, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Wee Function Independent Measurement (WeeFIM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). A 3D gait analysis system and a plantar pressure testing system were used to collect spatio-temporal parameters of walking speed, stride length, cadence and step width, kinematic parameters of hip/knee/ankle joint angles, kinetic parameters of forefoot loading ratio, center of pressure (CoP) displacement, while dual-task cost (DTC) was caculated. ResultsSpatio-temporal parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, walking speed and stride length decreased while step width increased in the hemiplegia group. Significant interaction effects among group, task, and vision were observed for speed, stride length, and step width (F > 4.886, P < 0.05). Kinematic parameters indicated that during dual-tasks, the hemiplegia group exhibited increased hip flexion and decreased ankle dorsiflexion; under eyes-closed conditions, knee flexion increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected all joint angles (F > 4.876, P < 0.05). Kinetic parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, the forefoot loading ratio and anteroposterior CoP displacement decreased, while mediolateral CoP displacement increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected CoP displacement (F > 4.355, P < 0.05). All the DTC was significantly higher in the hemiplegia group than in the control group, except DTC of the cadence (|t| > 14.393, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the score of FMA-LE was strongly negatively correlated with DTC (|r| > 0.731, P < 0.01). The Functional Independence Measure for Children and Working Memory Index showed moderate negative correlations with the DTC of walking speed and cadence (|r| > 0.462, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe gait and balance of children with spastic hemiplegia are concurrently influenced by dual-tasking and visual input. The superposition of visual deprivation and dual-tasks significantly exacerbates gait abnormalities. Furthermore, is strongly correlated with motor function and working memory.
7.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Classic Formula Puji Xiaoduyin
Lianchao ZHU ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Zhidan GUO ; Rongze MA ; Zhengshao ZHANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Xiubo DU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):238-247
Puji Xiaoduyin, a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic, was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula (the Second Batch)-Han Medicine, published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name, historical origin, drug dosage, herb origin, processing methods, decocting methods, function, and clinical applications. Additionally, this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were: Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma (20.65 g each), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g, Scrophulariae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (8.26 g each), Forsythiae Fructus, Arctii Fructus, Isatidis Radix, and Lasiosphaera Calvatia (4.13 g each), Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma (2.891 g each), Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix (8.26 g each). These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose, including 20.65 g of the powder, was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag, the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula, Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat, removing stagnation and dissipating mass, the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic, pestilence, red and swelling head, face, and neck, dry mouth and tongue, as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory, dermal, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases, with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps (66 times), followed by tonsillitis (28 times). In conclusion, the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.
8.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Classic Formula Puji Xiaoduyin
Lianchao ZHU ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Zhidan GUO ; Rongze MA ; Zhengshao ZHANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Xiubo DU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):238-247
Puji Xiaoduyin, a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic, was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula (the Second Batch)-Han Medicine, published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name, historical origin, drug dosage, herb origin, processing methods, decocting methods, function, and clinical applications. Additionally, this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were: Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma (20.65 g each), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g, Scrophulariae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (8.26 g each), Forsythiae Fructus, Arctii Fructus, Isatidis Radix, and Lasiosphaera Calvatia (4.13 g each), Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma (2.891 g each), Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix (8.26 g each). These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose, including 20.65 g of the powder, was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag, the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula, Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat, removing stagnation and dissipating mass, the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic, pestilence, red and swelling head, face, and neck, dry mouth and tongue, as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory, dermal, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases, with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps (66 times), followed by tonsillitis (28 times). In conclusion, the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.
9.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.
10.Mechanism of ductular reaction and related treatment strategies
Jiayan SHAN ; Huaqian XU ; Chengzhi BAI ; Liang ZHANG ; Chao DU ; Yong ZHANG ; Shanhong TANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):733-738
Ductular reaction (DR) refers to the adaptive pathological changes that occur after hepatobiliary injury, and it is essentially a repair response involving the proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation of biliary epithelial cell (BEC). With the understanding of the biological function of BEC, the potential value of DR in disease prognosis and treatment has gradually become a research hotspot. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of DR, its potential as a therapeutic target, and future development directions, as well as novel therapies suggested by targeting these molecular mechanisms, in order to provide a new direction for overcoming current bottlenecks in the treatment of bile duct diseases.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail