1.Animal Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Jiyu ZOU ; Lijian PANG ; Tianjiao WANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Yongming LIU ; Qi SI ; Tianya CAO ; Xuenan MA ; Ying WANG ; Jiaran WANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):294-303
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as one of the three major causes of death, is a complex systemic disease with high prevalence, high mortality, high disability, frequent acute exacerbations, and a variety of pulmonary complications. The pathogenesis is complex. Western medicine has no effective specificity scheme for a complete cure. However, multiple-component and multiple-target characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrate significant advantages in COPD treatment through multi-link, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism intervention. Therefore, exploring the essence of COPD pathogenesis and discovering effective TCM treatment drugs through the application of TCM principles and prescriptions is a key focus of modern research. Animal models are of paramount importance in medical research. It is the first consideration to select appropriate animals, adopt reasonable modeling methods to replicate stable animal models that closely resemble the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological characteristics of COPD, and use appropriate evaluation methods to determine the success of COPD animal models in experimental research. The core of experimental research lies in observing the intervention effect of TCM on COPD animal models, exploring the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms of TCM on COPD disease, and finding TCM monomers, single herbs, and TCM formulas with definite curative effects. At present, animal model research on COPD mainly involves model establishment, model evaluation, efficacy observation, mechanism exploration, and other aspects. In recent years, there has been no systematic organization, update, and reflection on the relevant research on TCM intervention in COPD animal models. This study reviewed the selection of animals for the COPD model, methods for establishing COPD animal models, model evaluation methods, and the intervention effects of TCM on COPD animal models. It aims to grasp the current research status and identify existing problems for further improvement, in order to provide evidence and support for scientific research and clinical treatment of COPD.
2.Animal Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Jiyu ZOU ; Lijian PANG ; Tianjiao WANG ; Ningzi ZANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Yongming LIU ; Qi SI ; Tianya CAO ; Xuenan MA ; Ying WANG ; Jiaran WANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):294-303
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as one of the three major causes of death, is a complex systemic disease with high prevalence, high mortality, high disability, frequent acute exacerbations, and a variety of pulmonary complications. The pathogenesis is complex. Western medicine has no effective specificity scheme for a complete cure. However, multiple-component and multiple-target characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrate significant advantages in COPD treatment through multi-link, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism intervention. Therefore, exploring the essence of COPD pathogenesis and discovering effective TCM treatment drugs through the application of TCM principles and prescriptions is a key focus of modern research. Animal models are of paramount importance in medical research. It is the first consideration to select appropriate animals, adopt reasonable modeling methods to replicate stable animal models that closely resemble the clinical manifestations and pathophysiological characteristics of COPD, and use appropriate evaluation methods to determine the success of COPD animal models in experimental research. The core of experimental research lies in observing the intervention effect of TCM on COPD animal models, exploring the specific pathways and regulatory mechanisms of TCM on COPD disease, and finding TCM monomers, single herbs, and TCM formulas with definite curative effects. At present, animal model research on COPD mainly involves model establishment, model evaluation, efficacy observation, mechanism exploration, and other aspects. In recent years, there has been no systematic organization, update, and reflection on the relevant research on TCM intervention in COPD animal models. This study reviewed the selection of animals for the COPD model, methods for establishing COPD animal models, model evaluation methods, and the intervention effects of TCM on COPD animal models. It aims to grasp the current research status and identify existing problems for further improvement, in order to provide evidence and support for scientific research and clinical treatment of COPD.
3.Mechanism of Weiliuan Mixture in Regulating Ferroptosis and Inhibiting Progression of Gastric Cancer Based on Transcriptome
Jingxiao LI ; Shenlin LIU ; Xi ZOU ; Minghao QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):125-135
ObjectiveTo observe the inhibitory effect of the Weiliuan mixture (WLAHJ) on the subcutaneous xenograft tumor of MKN-74 gastric cancer cells, and explore the potential anti-gastric cancer mechanism of WLAHJ by using transcriptomic sequencing technology to reveal related genes and pathways. Methods30 Balb/c nude mice were randomly divided into model, low-, medium-, and high-dose(15,30,45 g·kg-1) WLAHJ and 5-FU (0.025 g·kg-1) groups to build a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model with MKN-74 human gastric cancer cells. After modeling,each group was continuously treated with the corresponding drugs for 28 days. During the treatment period, the body weight and tumor size of the mice were observed and recorded every 2 days. At the end of the treatment, the mice were sacrificed, and required samples were collected to calculate the tumor inhibition rate of WLAHJ on the subcutaneous xenograft tumor. High-throughput transcriptomic sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in the subcutaneous tumor tissues of the model group and the medium-dose WLAHJ group, thus exploring the potential mechanism of WLAHJ in gastric cancer intervention. Immunofluorescence experiments were conducted to detect the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), transferrin receptor protein-1 (TFR-1), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in subcutaneous xenograft tumors of each group. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) and colony formation assays were used to detect the viability and anti-proliferative ability of human gastric cancer AGS and MKN-74 cells at different concentrations of WLAHJ. Kits were used to detect the levels of Fe2+, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, TRF-1, ACSL4, spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15), and key proteins in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. ResultsThe mechanism of WLAHJ in gastric cancer intervention may be related to ferroptosis and the PI3K/Akt /mTOR signaling pathway. The growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors in nude mice of the WLAHJ and 5-FU groups(P<0.05,P<0.01), GPX4, and SLC7A11 dropped significantly(P<0.01), while TFR-1, ACSL4, SAT1, and ALOX15(P<0.05,P<0.01)increased significantly compared with those in the model group. The levels of ROS, Fe2+, and MDA increased in the WLAHJ and 5-FU groups and the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, SOD activity, the ratios of phosphorybation (p)-mTOR/mTOR, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-Akt/Akt protein expressions(P<0.05,P<0.01)decreased compared with those in the blank group. ConclusionThe mechanism of WLAHJ in treating gastric cancer may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/ Akt /mTOR signaling pathway to intervene in ferroptosis.
4.Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Shenlong Decoction Granules in Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Qi SI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Mei WANG ; Weidong ZHENG ; Chuang LIU ; Yongming LIU ; Haoyang ZHANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Jiyu ZOU ; Jingze LI ; Lijian PANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):237-245
ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation (30 patients) and control groups (30 patients). All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally,the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules,while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each,taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed,and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and 6 min walk test (6MWT). The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test [actual value/expected value of total lung volume (TLC%),actual value/expected value of vital capacity(FVC%),actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide(DLCO%),actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%),and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC)],blood gas analysis [arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2),partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2),and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)],serum inflammatory factors [transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-13 (IL-13),interleukin-12 (IL-12),and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ)],and quality of survival evaluation [St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score]. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment, and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study,comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period,the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% (9/27),whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% (14/26),which was statistically superior to the control group (χ2=4.034,P<0.05). After the treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,DLCO%,FEV1%,PaO2,PaCO2,TGF-β1,IL-4,IL-13,IL-12,and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved (P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,PaO2,and PaCO2 were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication (P<0.01). Three months after the end of medication,the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group (P<0.05),and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF,enhance exercise tolerance,improve the quality of life,and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.
5.Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Shenlong Decoction Granules in Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Qi SI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Mei WANG ; Weidong ZHENG ; Chuang LIU ; Yongming LIU ; Haoyang ZHANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Jiyu ZOU ; Jingze LI ; Lijian PANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):237-245
ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation (30 patients) and control groups (30 patients). All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally,the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules,while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each,taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed,and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and 6 min walk test (6MWT). The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test [actual value/expected value of total lung volume (TLC%),actual value/expected value of vital capacity(FVC%),actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide(DLCO%),actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%),and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC)],blood gas analysis [arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2),partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2),and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)],serum inflammatory factors [transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-13 (IL-13),interleukin-12 (IL-12),and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ)],and quality of survival evaluation [St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score]. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment, and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study,comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period,the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% (9/27),whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% (14/26),which was statistically superior to the control group (χ2=4.034,P<0.05). After the treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,DLCO%,FEV1%,PaO2,PaCO2,TGF-β1,IL-4,IL-13,IL-12,and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved (P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,PaO2,and PaCO2 were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication (P<0.01). Three months after the end of medication,the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group (P<0.05),and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF,enhance exercise tolerance,improve the quality of life,and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.
6.Shaoyaotang Regulates Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming to Inhibit Macrophage Polarization Toward M1 Phenotype
Shaijin JIANG ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Qi CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):86-93
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of Shaoyaotang on glucose metabolism reprogramming of macrophages and the mechanism of this decoction in inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. MethodsHuman monocytic leukemia-1 (THP-1) cells were treated with 100 ng·L-1 phorbol myristate acetate for induction of macrophages as the normal control group. The cells treated with 100 ng·L-1 lipopolysaccharide combined with 20 ng·L-1 interferon (IFN)-γ for induction of M1-type macrophages were taken as the M1 model group. M1-type macrophages were treated with the blank serum, Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 0.5 mol·L-1 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), and Shaoyaotang-containing serum + 2-DG, respectively. After intervention, the expression of CD86 and CD206 was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were assessed by ELISA. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). ResultsCompared with that in the normal control group, the expression of CD86, the marker of M1-type macrophages, increased in the M1 model group and blank serum group (P<0.01), which indicated that the M1 inflammatory model was established successfully. In addition, the M1 model group was observed with up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 (P<0.01). Compared with the M1 model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 2-DG, and combined intervention groups showed decreased expression of CD86 (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 produced by M1-type macrophages (P<0.01), increased expression of CD206 (marker of M2-type macrophages) (P<0.01), and elevated levels of IL-10 and TGF-β produced by M2-type macrophages (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang inhibits macrophage differentiation toward pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages and promotes the differentiation toward anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages by regulating glucose metabolism reprogramming. The evidence gives insights into new molecular mechanisms and targets for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
7.Shaoyaotang Regulates Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming to Inhibit Macrophage Polarization Toward M1 Phenotype
Shaijin JIANG ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Yiwen WANG ; Yiling XIA ; Erle LIU ; Qi CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):86-93
ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of Shaoyaotang on glucose metabolism reprogramming of macrophages and the mechanism of this decoction in inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype. MethodsHuman monocytic leukemia-1 (THP-1) cells were treated with 100 ng·L-1 phorbol myristate acetate for induction of macrophages as the normal control group. The cells treated with 100 ng·L-1 lipopolysaccharide combined with 20 ng·L-1 interferon (IFN)-γ for induction of M1-type macrophages were taken as the M1 model group. M1-type macrophages were treated with the blank serum, Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 0.5 mol·L-1 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), and Shaoyaotang-containing serum + 2-DG, respectively. After intervention, the expression of CD86 and CD206 was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were assessed by ELISA. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). ResultsCompared with that in the normal control group, the expression of CD86, the marker of M1-type macrophages, increased in the M1 model group and blank serum group (P<0.01), which indicated that the M1 inflammatory model was established successfully. In addition, the M1 model group was observed with up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 (P<0.01). Compared with the M1 model group, the Shaoyaotang-containing serum, 2-DG, and combined intervention groups showed decreased expression of CD86 (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α and glycolysis-related factors HIF-1α, GLUT1, HK2, GAPDH, and PFKFB3 produced by M1-type macrophages (P<0.01), increased expression of CD206 (marker of M2-type macrophages) (P<0.01), and elevated levels of IL-10 and TGF-β produced by M2-type macrophages (P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyaotang inhibits macrophage differentiation toward pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages and promotes the differentiation toward anti-inflammatory M2-type macrophages by regulating glucose metabolism reprogramming. The evidence gives insights into new molecular mechanisms and targets for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
8.Effects of Cldn14 gene knockout on the formation of calcium oxalate stones in rats and its mechanism
Peiyue LUO ; Liying ZHENG ; Tao CHEN ; Jun ZOU ; Wei LI ; Qi CHEN ; Le CHENG ; Lifeng GAN ; Fangtao ZHANG ; Biao QIAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(2):168-173
Objective: To explore the effects of Cldn14 gene knockout on renal metabolism and stone formation in rats,so as to provide reference for research in the field of urinary calium metabolism and stone formation. Methods: Cldn14 gene knockout homozygous rats and wild-type rats of the same age were randomly divided into 4 groups:wild-type control (WC) group,wild-type ethylene glycol (WE) group,gene knockout control (KC) group and gene knockout ethylene glycol (KE) group,with 10 rats in each group.The WE and KE groups were induced with ethylene glycol + ammonium chloride to form kidney stones,while the WC and KC groups received normal saline gavage.After 4 weeks of standard maintenance feeding,the urine samples were collected to detect the venous blood.The kidneys were collected for HE,Pizzolatto's staining and transmission electron microscopy.The protein in renal tissues was extracted to detect the expressions of Claudin16 and Claudin19. Results: Crystal deposition was observed in the renal tubular lumen of the WE and the KE groups,and more crystals were detected in the KE group.The WE group had a large number of intracytoplasmic black crystalline inclusions observed in renal tubular epithelial cells under transmission electron microscope,followed by the KE and KC groups.Compared with WC and WE groups,KC and KE groups had significantly decreased serum calcium and magnesium levels but significantly increased urinary calcium level.In addition,the urinary calcium level was higher in the WE group than in the WC group and higher in the KE group than in the KC group.The KE group had lower level of Claudin16,but there was no significant difference in the level of Claudin19 among the 4 groups(P>0.05). Conclusion: Knockout of Cldn14 gene alone cannot effectively reduce urinary calcium excretion or reduce the risk of stone formation in rats,which may be related to the decrease of Claudin16 level.
9.Association of diabetes and risk of tuberculosis in community population in Shanghai
Jin LI ; Qi ZHAO ; Jinyan ZOU ; Yong LI ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Liping LU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):42-46
Objective To explore the association of diabetes status with the development of tuberculosis (TB) among the community population in Shanghai, and to provide evidence for the formulation of tuberculosis prevention and control strategies. Methods This population-based cohort study was based on Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB) in China. The baseline data were acquired by questionnaires, physical examinations and blood biochemistry tests. TB incidence was obtained by matching with TB management information system data. A Cox proportional risk model was established to assess the risk of tuberculosis. Results A total of 36 014 research subjects were included, with an average age of 56.3±11.3 years, of which 14 587 (40.5%) were male. Over 6 years of follow-up, 47 individuals progressed to tuberculosis (incidence rate: 19.8 per 100 000 person-year, 95% CI: 14.6 -26.4). An increased risk of TB was observed in participants with newly diagnosed diabetes compared with those without diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.73; 95% CI, 1.19 - 6.28). Conclusion The risk of tuberculosis in newly diagnosed diabetic patients is significantly increased, and strengthening tuberculosis screening for this population should be considered in practical work.
10.The Mechanisms of Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors in Exercise Central Fatigue
Lu-Lu GUAN ; Bo-Te QI ; Du-Shuo FENG ; Jing-Wang TAN ; Meng CAO ; Yu ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1321-1336
Exercise fatigue is a complex physiological and psychological phenomenon that includes peripheral fatigue in the muscles and central fatigue in the brain. Peripheral fatigue refers to the loss of force caused at the distal end of the neuromuscular junction, whereas central fatigue involves decreased motor output from the primary motor cortex, which is associated with modulations at anatomical sites proximal to nerves that innervate skeletal muscle. The central regulatory failure reflects a progressive decline in the central nervous system’s capacity to recruit motor units during sustained physical activity. Emerging evidence highlights the critical involvement of central neurochemical regulation in fatigue development, particularly through neurotransmitter-mediated modulation. Alterations in neurotransmitter release and receptor activity could influence excitatory and inhibitory signal pathways, thus modulating the perception of fatigue and exercise performance. Increased serotonin (5-HT) could increase perception of effort and lethargy, reduce motor drive to continue exercising, and contribute to exercise fatigue. Decreased dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NE) neurotransmission can negatively impact arousal, mood, motivation, and reward mechanisms and impair exercise performance. Furthermore, the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems interact with each other; a low 5-HT/DA ratio enhances motor motivation and improves performance, and a high 5-HT/DA ratio heightens fatigue perception and leads to decreased performance. The expression and activity of neurotransmitter receptors would be changed during prolonged exercise to fatigue, affecting the transmission of nerve signals. Prolonged high-intensity exercise causes excess 5-HT to overflow from the synaptic cleft to the axonal initial segment and activates the 5-HT1A receptor, thereby inhibiting the action potential of motor neurons and affecting the recruitment of motor units. During exercise to fatigue, the DA secretion is decreased, which blocks the binding of DA to D1 receptor in the caudate putamen and inhibits the activation of the direct pathway of the basal ganglia to suppress movement, meanwhile the binding of DA to D2 receptor is restrained in the caudate putamen, which activates the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia to influence motivation. Furthermore, other neurotransmitters and their receptors, such as adenosine (ADO), glutamic acid (Glu), and γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) also play important roles in regulating neurotransmitter balance and fatigue. The occurrence of central fatigue is not the result of the action of a single neurotransmitter system, but a comprehensive manifestation of the interaction between multiple neurotransmitters. This review explores the important role of neurotransmitters and their receptors in central motor fatigue, reveals the dynamic changes of different neurotransmitters such as 5-HT, DA, NE, and ADO during exercise, and summarizes the mechanisms by which these neurotransmitters and their receptors regulate fatigue perception and exercise performance through complex interactions. Besides, this study presents pharmacological evidence that drugs such as agonists, antagonists, and reuptake inhibitors could affect exercise performance by regulating the metabolic changes of neurotransmitters. Recently, emerging interventions such as dietary bioactive components intake and transcranial electrical stimulation may provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and alleviation of exercise fatigue by regulating neurotransmitter levels and receptor activity. Overall, this work offers new theoretical insights into the understanding of exercise central fatigue, and future research should further investigate the relationship between neurotransmitters and their receptors and exercise fatigue.


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