1.Sleep status in children with autism spectrum disorder and its relationship with executive function and neurodevelopment
Xiaoyu CHEN ; Yongmei ZHOU ; Qin LIU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):167-170
Objective To investigate the sleep status in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relationship with executive function and neurodevelopment. Methods The medical records of 346 children with ASD in the hospital from April 2023 to January 2025 were retrospectively collected. The sleep status of children was investigated by Children’ s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). According to the score, the children were divided into good sleep group (CSHQ score<41 points, 189 cases) and sleep disorder group (CSHQ score≥41 points, 157 cases). The general data were compared between groups of children. Chinese version of Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) and developmental behavior assessment scale of children aged 0-6 years (Children's psychological scale-II) were used to analyze the relationship between sleep status and executive function and neurodevelopment in children with ASD. Results The CSHQ score of 346 children was (39.08±3.24) points, including 157 cases with CSHQ score≥41 points and 189 cases with CSHQ score<41 points. The proportion of severe previous medical history and executive function score in sleep disorder group were significantly higher than those in good sleep group, and the evaluation result of developmental quotient was lower than that in good sleep group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that executive ability and neurodevelopment were closely related to sleep status in children with ASD (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that sleep status in children with ASD was negatively correlated with executive function (r=-0.456, P<0.05), and was positively correlated with the developmental quotient (r=0.547, P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of sleep disorder is high in children with ASD, and sleep status is closely related to executive function and neurodevelopment. Clinically, it is necessary to pay attention to the sleep problems in children with ASD, and take effective intervention measures to improve the sleep quality of children and promote the training of executive function and neurodevelopment.
2.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying Therapy in Treating Panvascular Disease Through "Immune-metabolic-genetic" Axis
Xuan SUN ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):1-11
Pan vascular disease (PVD) is a systemic vascular disorder that has become the leading cause of death among the Chinese residents, and there is currently a lack of effective systemic treatment options. Clinical practice has found that the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of kidney tonification can effectively intervene in PVD and target key pathological mechanisms of PVD recognized in Western medicine. Accordingly, this paper conducts research from the following three aspects: First, it clarifies that immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility constitute the core pathological mechanisms of PVD in Western medicine. Typical pathological manifestations include progressive vascular endothelial injury, lipid deposition, and plaque formation, ultimately leading to multi-organ damage and dysfunction. PVD activates pathways such as the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggering immune dysregulation; it also induces disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, water-salt metabolism, and hormonal metabolism, synergizing with genetic susceptibility factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene) to accelerate vascular homeostasis imbalance. Second, this study analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the TCM theory of "kidney deficiency" and the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis, revealing the theoretical basis for kidney tonification in intervening PVD. The kidney stores essence, governs bones, and produces marrow, which is related to the generation and differentiation of immune cells. It regulates Qi transformation and governs water, overseeing material and energy metabolism. The kidney is the root of congenital essence and governs reproduction, closely related to genetic mechanisms. Third, by integrating modern clinical research, this study elaborates on the unique advantages and clinical value of kidney tonification in targeting the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis of heart, brain, and kidney organs. Traditional kidney-tonifying formulas and their active ingredients improve immune-inflammatory responses, enhance material and energy metabolism homeostasis, and modulate epigenetic pathways through multiple pathways, targeting various pathways to intervene in PVD. This study systematically elucidates the scientific connotation of kidney tonification in treating PVD, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for integrated TCM-Western medicine approaches and contributing to innovation and improvement in diagnostic and treatment strategies for PVD.
3.Pharmacological Effect and Preparation Development of Geniposide: A Review
Yongmei GUAN ; Yidan LIU ; Hua ZHANG ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Zhenzhong ZANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):317-326
Geniposide, the primary active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Gardeniae Fructus, is a water-soluble iridoid glycoside. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that geniposide exhibits various biological activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant effects, and inhibitory activity against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Recent research has revealed its promising potential in preventing and treating diseases such as atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, indicating broad application prospects. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of geniposide are primarily associated with the inhibition of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, improvement of lipid metabolism, and regulation of apoptosis. However, due to its high water solubility and rapid metabolism in vivo, geniposide suffers from low oral bioavailability, which limits its therapeutic efficacy and clinical application. In recent years, various formulations, such as creams, cubic liquid crystals, hydrogels, and liposomes, have been developed to address its bioavailability issues. This article reviewed the latest research progress on the pharmacological activities and formulation development of geniposide by analyzing domestic and international literature from the past decade, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for further research, development, and utilization of geniposide and its formulations.
4.Preparation of Triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extract Ethanol Transfersomes and Analysis on Its in Vitro Anti-inflammatory Mechanism
Ling TAO ; Zhiyan WAN ; Yidan LIU ; Zhe LI ; Zhenzhong ZANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Yongmei GUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):210-218
ObjectiveTo prepare triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma extract ethanol transfersomes(TP-CX@TESs), conduct its quality evaluation, and investigate its in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsTP-CX@TESs was prepared via the ultrasonic injection method. With encapsulation efficiency and particle size as evaluation indicators, Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology(BBD-RSM) was employed to optimize the formulation process. The TP-CX@TESs prepared under the optimal process was characterized and evaluated for in vitro transdermal performance. A lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established. After 24 h of drug intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide(NO), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were detected. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2(JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, the encoding gene of α7nAChR(CHRNA7), and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB). ResultsResults of BBD-RSM showed that the optimal formulation for preparing TP-CX@TESs was as follows:egg yolk lecithin content of 2.3%, ethanol volume fraction of 30%, and ratio of polysorbate-80 to egg yolk lecithin of 2∶5. Microscopic characterization revealed that TP-CX@TESs exhibited a spherical-like structure with a particle size of (105.60±3.85) nm, a polydispersity index of 0.19±0.03, and a Zeta potential of (-15.89±0.98) mV. The encapsulation efficiencies of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were (76.88±4.40)%, (78.84±4.40)%, and (65.88±0.06)%, respectively. Both in vitro release and transdermal penetration of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide in TP-CX@TESs all followed the first-order kinetic model, showing a certain sustained-release property. Experimental results in RAW264.7 cells indicated that TP-CX@TESs significantly inhibited the release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6(P<0.01), remarkably upregulated the protein expression levels of STAT3 and α7nAChR(P<0.01), increased the mRNA expression level of CHRNA7, and significantly downregulated the mRNA expression level of NF-κB(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe optimized formulation process of TP-CX@TESs is simple and feasible, along with favorable in vitro release property, good transdermal permeability, and excellent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB.
5.Preparation of Triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Extract Ethanol Transfersomes and Analysis on Its in Vitro Anti-inflammatory Mechanism
Ling TAO ; Zhiyan WAN ; Yidan LIU ; Zhe LI ; Zhenzhong ZANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Yongmei GUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):210-218
ObjectiveTo prepare triptolide-Chuanxiong Rhizoma extract ethanol transfersomes(TP-CX@TESs), conduct its quality evaluation, and investigate its in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. MethodsTP-CX@TESs was prepared via the ultrasonic injection method. With encapsulation efficiency and particle size as evaluation indicators, Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology(BBD-RSM) was employed to optimize the formulation process. The TP-CX@TESs prepared under the optimal process was characterized and evaluated for in vitro transdermal performance. A lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was established. After 24 h of drug intervention, the levels of inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide(NO), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were detected. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2(JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, the encoding gene of α7nAChR(CHRNA7), and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB). ResultsResults of BBD-RSM showed that the optimal formulation for preparing TP-CX@TESs was as follows:egg yolk lecithin content of 2.3%, ethanol volume fraction of 30%, and ratio of polysorbate-80 to egg yolk lecithin of 2∶5. Microscopic characterization revealed that TP-CX@TESs exhibited a spherical-like structure with a particle size of (105.60±3.85) nm, a polydispersity index of 0.19±0.03, and a Zeta potential of (-15.89±0.98) mV. The encapsulation efficiencies of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were (76.88±4.40)%, (78.84±4.40)%, and (65.88±0.06)%, respectively. Both in vitro release and transdermal penetration of triptolide, ferulic acid, and ligustilide in TP-CX@TESs all followed the first-order kinetic model, showing a certain sustained-release property. Experimental results in RAW264.7 cells indicated that TP-CX@TESs significantly inhibited the release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6(P<0.01), remarkably upregulated the protein expression levels of STAT3 and α7nAChR(P<0.01), increased the mRNA expression level of CHRNA7, and significantly downregulated the mRNA expression level of NF-κB(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe optimized formulation process of TP-CX@TESs is simple and feasible, along with favorable in vitro release property, good transdermal permeability, and excellent in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the mechanism is related to the inhibition of NF-κB.
6.Analysis of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis, Mechanisms, and Efficacy-related Quality Markers of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix with Different Therapeutic Effect
Xiaowei MENG ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Wenting WU ; Ronghua LIU ; Yongmei GUAN ; Hui OUYANG ; Liping HUANG ; Yaqi WANG ; Qiong LI ; Huanhuan DONG ; Jianping GONG ; Weifeng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):269-281
Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix are the dried roots of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii of the Leguminosae family, respectively. Since their separate inclusion in the 2005 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the two herbs have been individually recorded. Although they share the same functions and indications, the required content of puerarin differs by a factor of up to eightfold between them. The current quality standard relies solely on a single indicator, puerarin, which fails to reflect the correlation between chemical constituents and core therapeutic effects. This has resulted in prominent issues of mixed use in clinical practice and production, thereby constraining the high-quality development of the industry. Modern research has demonstrated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix contains a comprehensive range and higher content of isoflavonoid constituents, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix is rich in starch and polysaccharides. Puerariae Lobatae Radix exhibits stronger effects in antipyresis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and central analgesia, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix demonstrates greater advantages in anti-inflammation, hypoglycemia, and peripheral analgesia. Based on this, the chemical material bases of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix at both the macromolecule and micromolecule levels were systematically reviewed and compared. The pharmacodynamic material bases and mechanisms of action underlying their three core therapeutic effects, namely "relieving exterior syndrome and clearing heat", "promoting fluid production to quench thirst", and "dredging channels and activating collaterals", were summarized. The most highly correlated common metabolic pathway shared by both herbs for these three therapeutic effects is the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, and their common core target is prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). This review provided clinical application recommendations based on the therapeutic differences between the two herbs, elucidated the scientific connotation of their "same origin but different effects", and, grounded in the quality marker (Q-Marker), proposed the concept of efficacy-related Q-Marker based on "substance-efficacy-syndrome" association, as well as a novel strategy for efficacy-oriented quality evaluation. Preliminary screening of quality markers associated with different therapeutic effects was also conducted. This study aims to provide critical scientific evidence for the precise clinical application of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the improvement of quality standards, and the high-quality development of the industry.
7.Discussion on the correlation between the systolic blood pressure circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability and the left ventricular blood ejection among 178 patients with hypertension
Jia ZHANG ; Xueqin LU ; Linlin LIU ; Wen ZHANG ; Guangzhao LI ; Jiadong PANG ; Yongming LIU ; Cheng LU ; Yongmei JIN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(1):23-28
Objective:To discuss the relationship between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability (BPV) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among 178 patients with hypertension.Methods:This article was a retrospective study. Totally 178 patients with hypertension from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected based on incorporated basis. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography examination were performed. Data such as patients' SBP circadian rhythm, BPV, heart ultrasound heart dynamic maps were collected, and the relationship between SBP circadian rhythm and BPV and their LVEF was explored.Results:Among the 178 patients, the decreased proportion of SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of existed SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of inverted SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm; patients with disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm were the youngest (63.8 ± 14.5) years old, and patients with inverted SBP circadian rhythm were the oldest (71.5 ± 9.4) years old ( P<0.05); the 24-hour systolic blood pressure standard deviation of SBP circadian rhythm was observed in patients with (13.1 ± 2.8) mmHg
8.Research progress in mechanism of Chinese materia medica for the prevention and treatment of diminished ovarian reserve based on signaling pathways
Xinwan MENG ; Weiyi LI ; Xinyu LIU ; Yongmei HAN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(8):1178-1183
Chinese materia medica mainly prevents and treats diminished ovarian reserve by regulating PI3K/Akt, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, PI3K/Akt/FoxO3, PTEN/PI3K/Akt, TGF-β1/Smads, Nrf2/HO-1, AMPK and other signaling pathways. It also involves Hippo, Wnt / β-catenin, Notch and other signaling pathways, which can improve the ovarian environment, promote ovarian function repair, inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis, promote oocyte growth, regulate hormone levels, and play anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and anti-fibrosis roles.
9.Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction Combined with Tirofiban on Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism and Neurological Function in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Junhua LI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yongmei XIA ; Lei LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1589-1596
Objective To observe the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with Tirofiban on cerebral oxygen metabolism and neurological function in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 110 patients with ischemic stroke of qi deficiency and blood stasis type who were treated at Rizhao Central Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024 were selected.The patients were randomly divided into a control group and a combined group using a random number table,with 55 patients in each group.The control group received intravenous infusion of Tirofiban,while the combined group was given additional Buyang Huanwu Decoction orally on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment for both groups covered 2 weeks.Before and after treatment,the changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,oxidative stress response,neurological function,platelet function,and indicators associated with cerebral oxygen metabolism in both groups were observed.Results(1)After treatment,the scores of TCM syndromes of sudden dizziness,hemiplegia,shortness of breath and fatigue,and pale and dull complexion were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the combined group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the levels of serum oxidative stress response indicators of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were increased(P<0.05),while the levels of serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were decreased(P<0.05)in both groups compared with those before treatment.The combined group showed more significant increase in serum GSH-Px and SOD levels and more significant decrease in serum ox-LDL and MDA levels than the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the platelet function indicators of platelet aggregation rate and platelet adhesion rate were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the combined group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,arterial oxygen content(CaO2)was increased(P<0.05),while the levels of cerebral oxygen extraction rate(ERO2),and cerebral arteriovenous oxygen content difference[D(a-jv)O2]were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the changes of the levels in the combined group were more obvious than those in the control group(P<0.01).(5)Ater treatment,the neurological function indicators of NIHSS scores and serum neuron-specific enolase(NSE)level were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),while the levels of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and nerve growth factor(NGF)were increased(P<0.05).The combined group showed significant decrease in NIHSS scores and serum NSE level and significant increase in serum BDNF and NGF levels compared to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion For the treatment of patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of ischemic stroke,Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with Tirofiban is effective on reducing TCM syndrome scores,improving cerebral oxygen metabolism and neurological function indicators,and inhibiting oxidative stress response,with significant therapeutic effects.
10.Dynamic changes in autophagosome formation and lipid droplet accumulation during spermiogenesis in mice
Yixuan YANG ; Xiaojing QIAN ; Zhenghui LIU ; Daishu HAN ; Yongmei CHEN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(7):851-857
Objective To investigate the temporal and spatial relationship between autophagosome formation during spermatid deformation and lipid droplet distribution in seminiferous tubules,thereby providing insights into the en-ergy sources underlying spermiogenesis.Methods Healthy adult wild-type male mice were used in this study.The expression profile of the autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)in the testis was ex-amined using immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.The ultrastructural features of autophagosomes were observed via transmission electron microscopy.Lipid droplets in the seminiferous tubules were visualized by Oil Red O staining,and the relationship between lipid metabolism and energy dynamics was assessed by measuring ATP content and ATPase activity.Results Autophagosomes were detected in deforming spermatids and Sertoli cells.LC3 was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids,with increasing levels found from stages Ⅱ to Ⅳ.Concurrently,lipid droplets within these cells also increased,peaking in spermatids and residual bodies during stagesⅦ-Ⅷ,followed by a decline.In contrast,lipid droplets in Sertoli cells remained markedly in-creased during stages Ⅸ-Ⅰ and low during stages Ⅱ-Ⅷ.The change of ATP levels in the seminiferous tubules showed a similar pattern as Sertoli cell lipid content,whereas ATPase activity showed an inverse trend.All these changes displayed a clear stage-dependent manner.Conclusions During spermatid elongation in mice LC3 expres-sion,autophagosome formation,lipid droplet accumulation in both spermatozoa and Sertoli cells,as well as ATP and ATPase levels in seminiferous tubules exhibit a tightly coordinated spatiotemporal relationship.These findings suggest that autophagy and lipid metabolism synergistically contribute to the energy supply required for the extensive cellular remodeling that occurs during spermiogenesis.


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