1.Targeted Regulation of Oocyte Quality by Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Formula: A Review
Zhicheng JIA ; Yong LIU ; Guotao HU ; Ruoxi ZHAO ; Weisen FAN ; Ying GUO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):328-336
The oocyte, as the origin of life, provides half the chromosomes to the embryo and supplies the proteins, substrates, energy, and other support necessary for embryonic development. It is the decisive factor determining the embryo's developmental potential. Infertility caused by reproductive endocrine diseases targets the oocyte as the final target cell. Improving oocyte quality represents a key and difficult point in the field of modern reproductive medicine. The decline of oocyte quality is related to meiosis abnormalities, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and other mechanisms. For oocyte quality problems, there is no unified international guideline to recommend drugs. Because the drug intervention research on oocytes involves strict clinical ethical restrictions, the current relevant research only stays in the animal and in vitro experimental stage and has not yet been applied to the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has a multi-target and multi-pathway regulation mechanism and is widely used in clinics. More and more research began to pay attention to the potential mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas in improving oocyte quality. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has the advantages of multi-target and multi-channel synergy as well as better safety, individualization, and conformity to clinical ethics in improving oocyte quality. This article systematically reviewed the research progress on traditional Chinese medicine compound formula interventions for oocyte quality, aiming to summarize existing findings and provide recommendations to improve oocyte quality and optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of female infertility within traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Targeted Regulation of Oocyte Quality by Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Formula: A Review
Zhicheng JIA ; Yong LIU ; Guotao HU ; Ruoxi ZHAO ; Weisen FAN ; Ying GUO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):328-336
The oocyte, as the origin of life, provides half the chromosomes to the embryo and supplies the proteins, substrates, energy, and other support necessary for embryonic development. It is the decisive factor determining the embryo's developmental potential. Infertility caused by reproductive endocrine diseases targets the oocyte as the final target cell. Improving oocyte quality represents a key and difficult point in the field of modern reproductive medicine. The decline of oocyte quality is related to meiosis abnormalities, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and other mechanisms. For oocyte quality problems, there is no unified international guideline to recommend drugs. Because the drug intervention research on oocytes involves strict clinical ethical restrictions, the current relevant research only stays in the animal and in vitro experimental stage and has not yet been applied to the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has a multi-target and multi-pathway regulation mechanism and is widely used in clinics. More and more research began to pay attention to the potential mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas in improving oocyte quality. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has the advantages of multi-target and multi-channel synergy as well as better safety, individualization, and conformity to clinical ethics in improving oocyte quality. This article systematically reviewed the research progress on traditional Chinese medicine compound formula interventions for oocyte quality, aiming to summarize existing findings and provide recommendations to improve oocyte quality and optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of female infertility within traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Oral Chinese Patent Medicines for Endometriosis: A Scoping Analysis of Clinical Evidence
Xiaojun BU ; Zhiran LI ; Shan HUANG ; Ruihua ZHAO ; Xing LIAO ; Weiwei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):186-197
ObjectiveTo systematically retrieve, analyze, and summarize the basic information and clinical research evidence of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) for endometriosis via a scoping review method. MethodsCPMs indicated for EM were identified from three major drug lists, CNKI, clinical guidelines, and textbooks. Relevant clinical studies were retrieved from eight Chinese and English databases from inception to April 1, 2025. Key data from included studies were extracted to analyze characteristics of CPMs and their clinical evidence. ResultsA total of 18 CPMs were included, among which those with blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects accounted for the highest proportion. Constituent herbs predominantly exhibited sweet, bitter, and pungent flavors, with tropism to the liver and spleen meridians. Daily treatment costs varied substantially across CPMs. The 438 included studies involved 13 CPMs, among which Guizhi Fuling capsules/pills, Sanjie Zhentong capsules, and Dan'e Fukang soft extract/granules were the most extensively studied. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were the predominant study design. The most common comparison was between CPMs combined with Western medicine and Western medicine alone. The largest number of studies reported a sample size of 51-100 cases. The high-frequency outcome indicators covered 10 domains, including clinical response rate, adverse reactions, female hormone levels, serum CA125 levels, and recurrence status. ConclusionMultiple oral CPMs demonstrate efficacy in EM management, yet inadequate safety profiles persist in drug labeling. The annual number of clinical studies on oral CPMs for endometriosis showed an overall increasing trend. However, clinical research has shortcomings including uneven distribution of CPMs, small sample sizes, and suboptimal methodological rigor. Future efforts should focus on updating drug indications and safety information in package inserts, conducting high-quality clinical research, and generating more robust evidence to support the clinical use of oral CPMs for EM.
4.Oral Chinese Patent Medicines for Endometriosis: A Scoping Analysis of Clinical Evidence
Xiaojun BU ; Zhiran LI ; Shan HUANG ; Ruihua ZHAO ; Xing LIAO ; Weiwei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):186-197
ObjectiveTo systematically retrieve, analyze, and summarize the basic information and clinical research evidence of Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) for endometriosis via a scoping review method. MethodsCPMs indicated for EM were identified from three major drug lists, CNKI, clinical guidelines, and textbooks. Relevant clinical studies were retrieved from eight Chinese and English databases from inception to April 1, 2025. Key data from included studies were extracted to analyze characteristics of CPMs and their clinical evidence. ResultsA total of 18 CPMs were included, among which those with blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects accounted for the highest proportion. Constituent herbs predominantly exhibited sweet, bitter, and pungent flavors, with tropism to the liver and spleen meridians. Daily treatment costs varied substantially across CPMs. The 438 included studies involved 13 CPMs, among which Guizhi Fuling capsules/pills, Sanjie Zhentong capsules, and Dan'e Fukang soft extract/granules were the most extensively studied. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were the predominant study design. The most common comparison was between CPMs combined with Western medicine and Western medicine alone. The largest number of studies reported a sample size of 51-100 cases. The high-frequency outcome indicators covered 10 domains, including clinical response rate, adverse reactions, female hormone levels, serum CA125 levels, and recurrence status. ConclusionMultiple oral CPMs demonstrate efficacy in EM management, yet inadequate safety profiles persist in drug labeling. The annual number of clinical studies on oral CPMs for endometriosis showed an overall increasing trend. However, clinical research has shortcomings including uneven distribution of CPMs, small sample sizes, and suboptimal methodological rigor. Future efforts should focus on updating drug indications and safety information in package inserts, conducting high-quality clinical research, and generating more robust evidence to support the clinical use of oral CPMs for EM.
5.Collection and Identification of Questions in Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseases in Endometriosis Based on the Delphi Method
Ruoxi ZHAO ; Guotao HU ; Weiwei SUN ; Zhiran LI ; Xing LIAO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):153-159
Objective To identify the basic and clinical questions of the Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseases in Endometriosis based on the Delphi method.Methods Based on the preliminary literature review,preliminary pan-research and expert interviews,the questions of the Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseasesin in Endometriosis were drafted.Totally 15 experts were selected for two rounds of Delphi method expert correspondence and the results were statistically analyzed to finalize the questions for inclusion in the guidelines.Results A total of 65 entries were finally identified for inclusion in the guideline questions and condensed into 8 guideline questions.The quality control of the two rounds of Delphi method was good.The positive coefficient of experts in both rounds was 100%.The coefficient of authority of experts was>0.70.In the degree of Delphi coordination,the mean coefficients of variation were 0.23 and 0.26,and the coefficients of Kendall's concordance were 0.510 and 0.309,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusion This study uses two rounds of Delphi method to determine the issues included in the Guidelines for Preventive Treatment of Diseases in in Endometriosis,laying a solid foundation for the subsequent development of the guidelines.
6.Collection and Determination of Guideline Issues of Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Adenomyosis Based on Delphi Method
Zhiran LI ; Xiaojun BU ; Weiwei SUN ; Xing LIAO ; Ruoxi ZHAO ; Ruihua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):150-156
Objective To determine the basic and clinical issues to be included in the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Adenomyosis based on the Delphi method.Methods Based on literature review,preliminary general research,and expert interviews,this study drafted a survey questionnaire for guideline questions.After selecting the expert group,two rounds of Delphi method were conducted to determine the basic and clinical issues included in the guidelines.The questionnaire results were statistically analyzed to evaluate the quality control of Delphi method.Results A total of 15 experts were selected to participate in two rounds of Delphi questionnaire surveys.Finally,39 basic and clinical questions were included,which were condensed into 8 guideline questions.The expert positivity coefficient was 100%,the average coefficient of variation of the two rounds of coordination was 0.23 and 0.30,respectively,and the expert authority coefficient was 0.903.The quality control of the two rounds of Delphi method was good.Conclusion Based on the Delphi method,the basic and clinical issues of the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Adenomyosis are determined,laying the foundation for the subsequent development of the guidelines.
7.Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction promoting spinal cord injury repair in mice
Ruihua ZHAO ; Sixian CHEN ; Yang GUO ; Lei SHI ; Chengjie WU ; Mao WU ; Guanglu YANG ; Haoheng ZHANG ; Yong MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1118-1126
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have confirmed that Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction can promote the recovery of spinal cord injury by inhibiting pyroptosis of splenic B cells,promoting the phagocytosis of myelin debris by microvascular endothelial cells,affecting the migration and infiltration of microglia,promoting the recovery of damaged neurons,and decreasing neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord injury,but the mechanism of this is still not clear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction on the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2(TREM2)and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in mice following spinal cord injury. METHODS:Thirty-six C57BL/6 mice were selected and randomly divided into a sham-operation group,a model group and a Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group,with 12 mice in each group.In the model and Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction groups,mouse models of T10 spinal cord injury were prepared by the modified Allen's method.On the 1st day after modeling,the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group was given Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction by gavage,and the sham-operation group and the model group were given saline by gavage once a day for 28 days.During the drug administration period,mouse motor function was evaluated by Basso Mouse Scale score and inclined plane test.On the 7th and 28th days after modeling,hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the spinal cord tissue of the mice;immunofluorescence double staining was used to detect the protein expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1(IBA1)and TREM2;and western blot assay was used to detect the expression of TREM2,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2,Bax and Caspase3 in spinal cord tissue. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Basso Mouse Scale scores and inclined plane test results indicated that the motor function of the mouse hindlimbs was declined after spinal cord injury,and Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction significantly improved motor function in mice with spinal cord injury.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results revealed that Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction significantly ameliorated the pathological structure of spinal cord tissue compared with the model group,manifesting as reduced degrees of dorsal white matter and neuronal atrophy,decreased cytoplasmic vacuolization,and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.Immunofluorescence double staining results showed that on the 7th day after modeling,the protein expression of IBA1 and TREM2 in the model group was lower than that in the sham-operation group(P<0.05),and the protein expression of IBA1 and TREM2 in the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05);on the 28th day after modeling,the protein expression of TREM2 in the model group was lower than that in the sham-operation group(P<0.05),and the protein expression of TREM2 in the spinal cord tissue of the mice in the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group was higher than that in the model group(P<0.05).Western blot results analysis demonstrated that on the 7th day after modeling,compared with the sham-operation group,the model group exhibited a significant reduction in TREM2,PI3K,and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in p-Akt,Bax and p-Akt/Aktp-PI3K(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group showed a significant increase in TREM2,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2,p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Ak,and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant decrease in Bax and Caspase3 protein expression(P<0.05).On the 28th day after modeling,compared with the sham-operation group,the model group exhibited a significant reduction in TREM2,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2 and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant increase in Bax protein expression(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction group showed a significant increase in TREM2,PI3K,Akt,p-Akt,Bcl2,and Bcl2/Bax(P<0.05),as well as a significant decrease in Bax protein expression(P<0.05).To conclude,Wen-Shen-Tong-Du Decoction may activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by up-regulating the expression of TREM2 protein in microglia,and then inhibit neuronal apoptosis,thus exerting neuroprotective effects and promoting the repair of spinal cord injury.
8.Characteristics of immune response induced by mucosal immunization with recombinant adenovirus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis phosphodiesterase.
Ting DAI ; Yanzhi LU ; Ruihua ZHAO ; Huanhuan NING ; Jian KANG ; Leran HAO ; Jialing LI ; Yuxiao CHANG ; Yinlan BAI
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):1-8
Objective The prevalence of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains is exacerbating the global burden of tuberculosis (TB), highlighting the urgent need for new treatment strategies for TB. Methods The recombinant adenovirus vaccine expressing cyclic di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) phosphodiesterase B (CnpB) (rAd-CnpB), was administered to normal mice via mucosal immunization, either alone or in combination with drug therapy, to treat Mtb respiratory infections in mice.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of antibodies in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to assess the transcription levels of cytokines interferon γ(IFN-γ) and interleukin 10(IL-10) in mouse lungs. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets in the lungs and spleens. ELISA was employed to measure the levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10, inflammatory factors IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secreted by spleen cells following antigen stimulation. The bacteria loads in the lungs and spleens of Mtb-infected mice were enumerated by plate counting methods. Resluts Intranasal immunization with rAd-CnpB induced high titers of IgG in mouse serum and the production of IgG and IgA in BALF, along with alterations in T lymphocyte subsets in the lungs and spleens. Administration of rAd-CnpB, either alone or in combination with drugs, to Mtb-infected mice significantly increased serum IgG levels as well as IgA and IgG levels in BALF. rAd-CnpB immunization promoted the secretion of CnpB-specific cytokines and inflammatory factors by splenocytes in Mtb-infected mice. However, rAd-CnpB immunotherapy, either alone or combined with drugs, did not significantly affect the bacterial loads in the lungs and spleens of mice with Mtb respiratory infections. Conclusion Mucosal immunization with rAd-CnpB induced significant mucosal, humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and significantly enhanced CnpB-specific cellular immune responses in Mtb-infected mice.
Animals
;
Adenoviridae/immunology*
;
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics*
;
Mice
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Female
;
Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases/genetics*
;
Tuberculosis Vaccines/administration & dosage*
;
Tuberculosis/prevention & control*
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Cytokines
;
Lung/microbiology*
;
Immunization
;
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/immunology*
;
Immunity, Mucosal
9.Prospective Study on Tooth Loss and Risk of Esophageal Cancer Among Residents of A Natural Village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province
Jingjing WANG ; Ruihua XU ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Qiang ZHANG ; Xin SONG ; Mengxia WEI ; Junfang GUO ; Xuena HAN ; Yaru FU ; Bei LI ; Junqing LIU ; Lingling LEI ; Min LIU ; Qide BAO ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(7):548-553
Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss
10.Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Formulas in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway: A Review
Guanyu ZHAO ; Ruihua XIN ; Ying WANG ; Lei SHI ; Lidong DU ; Guotai WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):305-314
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a refractory disease of the digestive system characterized by diverse etiologies, complex pathogenesis, a prolonged course, and frequent relapses. In recent years, the incidence of UC has been increasing annually, severely impairing patients' quality of life, posing a risk of malignant transformation that may threaten patients' lives, and resulting in a substantial medical burden. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas, with their advantages of multi-component and multi-target actions, have become a new therapeutic option for UC. The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a core component of innate immunity, and its aberrant activation is closely associated with the onset and progression of UC, involving multiple processes such as inflammation and oxidative stress, and exhibiting crosstalk with pathways including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). At present, NLRP3 has become one of the most intensely studied hotspots in UC-related research. Although increasing studies have focused on the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by TCM compound formulas for UC treatment, challenges remain due to the complex pathogenesis of UC and the compositional diversity of TCM, hindering the realization of precision therapy. In this context, by reviewing literature from the past decade, this paper summarizes the activation process of NLRP3 and its relationship with UC, and elucidates the roles and mechanisms by which TCM compound formulas regulate the NLRP3 inflammasome and related signaling pathways, with a view to providing a reference for further research into the pathogenesis of UC, TCM treatment strategies, and their mechanisms of action.

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