1.Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Solanum nigrum on Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats
Min WU ; Zhenxiang AN ; Yuanli HE ; Weinong WEN ; Qiang SU ; Song HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):117-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Solanum nigrum on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1, respectively) S. nigrum, and silibinin capsules (18.9 mg·kg-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 40% CCl4 solution for the modeling of hepatic fibrosis. After 4 weeks of gavage, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta following intraperitoneal anesthesia. The rats were sacrificed, and the liver was separated. The pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver fibrosis indexes [type Ⅲ procollagen (PCⅢ), type Ⅳ collagen (Col Ⅳ), laminin (LN), and hyaluronic acid (HA)] in the rat serum were determined. The mRNA and protein levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) pathway-related factors were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significant hepatocyte edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells, connective tissue proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition in the liver tissue. Compared with the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose S. nigrum and silymarin capsules significantly improved the structure of liver cells and alleviated the edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, connective tissue proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition. Compared with those in the blank group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, LN, and HA were elevated in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, LN, and HA were reduced in all the treatment groups (P<0.05). Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups showed down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), with the high-dose S. nigrum group showing the best therapeutic effect. ConclusionS. nigrum modulates the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating apoptosis through the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 pathway.
2.Staged Efficacy of Qijia Rougan Prescription Combined with Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B-related Hepatic Fibrosis with Qi Deficiency and Collateral Stasis Syndrome Based on "Zhu Ke Jiao" Theory
Baixue LI ; Xin WANG ; Jibin LIU ; Li WEN ; Cen JIANG ; Wenjun WU ; Dong WANG ; Shuwan LIU ; Huabao LIU ; Yongli ZHENG ; Liang HUANG ; Yue SU ; Song ZHANG ; Yanan SHANG ; Hang ZHOU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):180-188
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory, Qijia Rougan prescription, combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis (CHB-HF) who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group (Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir) and a control group (entecavir). The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), portal vein diameter, hepatitis B serology, biochemical indicators, hepatic fibrosis markers in serum [hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen Ⅲ peptide (PⅢP), and type Ⅳ collagen (Ⅳ-C)], and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis, with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment, the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 (P<0.01), as well as notable improvements in LN, Ⅳ-C, and various TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05, P<0.01). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM, FIB-4, and various TCM syndrome score indicators (P<0.05, P<0.01), indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment, the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 (P<0.05). When compared to the control group after treatment, the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone, the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3, which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.
3.Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Extracranial Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor in Children
Shihan ZHANG ; Wen ZHAO ; Mei JIN ; Hongjun FAN ; Xisi WANG ; Libing FU ; Tong YU ; Yan SU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):34-42
To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of extracranial malignant rhabdoid tumor (eMRT) in children, and to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of this disease. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children with newly diagnosed eMRT who were admitted and treated in the Department of Pediatric Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, from March 2009 to December 2024. The clinical characteristics were summarized, and survival analysis and prognostic risk factor analysis were conducted. A total of 43 children with eMRT were included in this study, the median age at diagnosis of all patients was 20 months (range: 2-138 months). Among them, 24 cases were malignant renal rhabdoid tumors and 19 cases were extracranial, extrarenal rhabdoid tumors. Of the 43 children, 23 cases (53.5%) were complicated with distant metastasis. Twenty-nine (67.4%) underwent primary tumor resection. Among the children, 24 (55.8%) underwent gross total resection (GTR), 5 (11.6%) partial resection, and 14 (32.6%) biopsy only. Their 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 40.8%, 35.3%, and 33.3%, respectively ( Children with eMRT have an overall poor prognosis. A diagnostic age < 12 months is an independent risk factor for higher mortality in these children. Further large-scale, long-term follow-up studies are needed to explore the prognostic factors of this disease.
4.Clinical observation of evolocumab combined with atorvastatin in the treatment of borderline coronary artery disease
Ruiya SU ; Lichuang WANG ; Ou ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZENG ; Xian WEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1318-1322
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of evolocumab combined with atorvastatin in the treatment of patients with borderline coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, 342 hospitalized patients diagnosed with borderline CHD were enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from August 2021 to June 2024, and divided into control group (treated with atorvastatin, 190 cases) and trial group (treated with evolocumab combined with atorvastatin, 152 cases) according to therapeutic regimen. Blood lipid indexes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and intravascular ultrasound of the coronary artery at baseline and after 1 year of treatment, and incidence of cardiovascular adverse events were compared after propensity score matching. RESULTS A total of 295 patients (158 in control group and 137 in trial group) were finally included in the analysis. One year after the treatment, compared with control group, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hs-CRP levels were decreased significantly in trial group ( P <0.05), whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was increased significantly ( P <0.05). The lumen diameter, lumen area, and the minimum lumen area were significantly increased ( P <0.05), while plaque area and plaque burden were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Overall incidence of adverse events in trial group was significantly lower than that in control group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Evolocumab combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve coronary luminal narrowing and reduce plaque burden, as well as reduce the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events in patients with borderline CHD.
5.Targeting PPARα for The Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Tong-Tong ZHANG ; Hao-Zhuo ZHANG ; Li HE ; Jia-Wei LIU ; Jia-Zhen WU ; Wen-Hua SU ; Ju-Hua DAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2295-2313
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality among adults globally, with continuously rising morbidity and mortality rates. Metabolic disorders are closely linked to various cardiovascular diseases and play a critical role in their pathogenesis and progression, involving multifaceted mechanisms such as altered substrate utilization, mitochondrial structural and functional dysfunction, and impaired ATP synthesis and transport. In recent years, the potential role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in cardiovascular diseases has garnered significant attention, particularly peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which is recognized as a highly promising therapeutic target for CVD. PPARα regulates cardiovascular physiological and pathological processes through fatty acid metabolism. As a ligand-activated receptor within the nuclear hormone receptor family, PPARα is highly expressed in multiple organs, including skeletal muscle, liver, intestine, kidney, and heart, where it governs the metabolism of diverse substrates. Functioning as a key transcription factor in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and catalyzing or regulating biochemical reactions, PPARα exerts its cardioprotective effects through multiple pathways: modulating lipid metabolism, participating in cardiac energy metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, suppressing inflammatory responses, improving vascular endothelial function, and inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. These mechanisms collectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease development. Thus, PPARα plays a pivotal role in various pathological processes via mechanisms such as lipid metabolism regulation, anti-inflammatory actions, and anti-apoptotic effects. PPARα is activated by binding to natural or synthetic lipophilic ligands, including endogenous fatty acids and their derivatives (e.g., linoleic acid, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid) as well as synthetic peroxisome proliferators. Upon ligand binding, PPARα activates the nuclear receptor retinoid X receptor (RXR), forming a PPARα-RXR heterodimer. This heterodimer, in conjunction with coactivators, undergoes further activation and subsequently binds to peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs), thereby regulating the transcription of target genes critical for lipid and glucose homeostasis. Key genes include fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), and glucose transporter (GLUT), which are primarily involved in fatty acid uptake, storage, oxidation, and glucose utilization processes. Advancing research on PPARα as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases has underscored its growing clinical significance. Currently, PPARα activators/agonists, such as fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate and bezafibrate) and thiazolidinediones, have been extensively studied in clinical trials for CVD prevention. Traditional PPARα agonists, including fenofibrate and bezafibrate, are widely used in clinical practice to treat hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. These fibrates enhance fatty acid metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle by activating PPARα, and their cardioprotective effects have been validated in numerous clinical studies. Recent research highlights that fibrates improve insulin resistance, regulate lipid metabolism, correct energy metabolism imbalances, and inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, thereby ameliorating pathological remodeling of the cardiovascular system and reducing blood pressure. Given the substantial attention to PPARα-targeted interventions in both basic research and clinical applications, activating PPARα may serve as a key therapeutic strategy for managing cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, ischemic cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. This review comprehensively examines the regulatory roles of PPARα in cardiovascular diseases and evaluates its clinical application value, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for further development and utilization of PPARα-related therapies in CVD treatment.
6.Follow up analysis of tuberculosis incidence risk and risk factors among middle school students in Chongqing
ZHANG Wen, SU Qian, LIAO Wenping, ZHANG Liyi, XIN Yu, L Juan, LUO Jie, SHI Lin, FAN Jun, SHI Yaling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1351-1354
Objective:
To understand the incidence risk and risk factors of tuberculosis (TB) among middle school students in Chongqing, so as to provide a basis for formulating TB prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
From September to December 2022, 32 181 middle school students were selected as the study cohort from 15 administrative districts in Chongqing by using the stratified cluster random sampling method. All cohort members were screened with the tuberculin skin test (TST), and relevant information was collected from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. On the basis of active screening, the follow up data of the participants were compared with the National Tuberculosis Management Information System to obtain the incidence status of the study subjects. The Log rank test was used to compare the TB incidence rates among students with different characteristics, and a Cox proportional hazards model was established to analyze the incidence risk and risk factors of TB.
Results:
The TST screening rate of the cohort members was 93.0%. During the 2 year follow up period, a total of 36 TB cases occurred, with a cumulative incidence rate of 111.87/100 000 and an incidence density of 55.95/100 000. Among them, the cumulative incidence rate of students from public schools (170.44/ 100 000 ) was higher than that of students from private schools (41.16/100 000), the cumulative incidence rate of students in schools located in high epidemic areas (153.95/100 000) was higher than that in medium epidemic areas (69.00/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=11.49, 4.73, both P <0.05). The Log-rank test for different TST results showed that the difference in TB comulative incidence rate between students with strongly positive TST results (216.55/ 100 000 ) and those with negative TST results (81.40/100 000) was statistically significant ( χ 2=5.85, P <0.05). Univariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that the risk of TB was lower in students from private schools ( HR=0.25, 95% CI = 0.10-0.59) and students in medium epidemic areas ( HR=0.46, 95%CI =0.23-0.94); whereas the risk of TB was increased in students with strongly positive TST results ( HR=1.39, 95%CI =1.05-1.84) (all P <0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of TB in students from private schools was lower than that of students from public schools ( HR=0.23, 95%CI=0.08-0.62, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The annual average incidence rate of TB among middle school students in Chongqing is at a relatively high level. It is necessary to strengthen the management and intervention for student groups, including those in public schools, those in schools located in high epidemic areas, and those with strongly positive TST results, so as to reduce the incidence rate of TB.
7.Sishenwan Restores Intestinal Barrier in Rat Model of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Due to Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Short-chain Fatty Acids
Qian ZHANG ; Siqi LI ; HUYUNLIAN ; Na WEN ; Chaoqun HUANG ; Binbin LIU ; Chengxia SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Sishenwan in restoring the intestinal barrier function in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency based on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids. MethodsAfter the delivery of 10 SPF-grade pregnant rats, 4 male suckling rats were kept in each litter for the experiment. The male suckling rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-dose (3.51 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, high-dose (7.02 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, and Peifeikang (0.54 g·kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The blank group was fed conventionally, and the other groups were subjected to mother-child separation and Sennae Folium gavage (1 g·mL-1, 10 mL·kg-1) for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After the modeling was completed, the rats in Sishenwan groups were administrated with the corresponding dose of Sishenwan decoction by gavage, and the Peifeikang group with bifidobacterium triple live powder+normal saline suspension. The blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. The general conditions and fecal characteristics of rats were observed. After 2 weeks of administration, the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. The pathological changes of the colon tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-22 (IL-22). Immumohistochemical staining (IHC) was performed to detect the positive expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue of rats, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for intestinal flora. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum contents of rats. ResultsThe colon tissue in the blank group presented a clear structure, neat glands, and no inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group, the colon tissue showcased a disorganized structure, irregular arrangement of glands, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan groups and the Peifeikang group exhibited an intact colon tissue structure, regular arrangement of glands, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group, the modeling lowered the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.01), and decreased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid and increased the content of butyric acid in cecum contents (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan raised the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Peifeikang elevated the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the serum (P<0.01). High-dose Sishenwan and Peifeikang up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid in cecum contents (P<0.05), and decreased the content of butyric acid (P<0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the intestinal flora structure of the model group changed compared with that of the blank group. Compared with the model group, Sishenwan and Peifeikang increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Ligilactobacillus, UBA3282, Akkermansia, and Corynebacterium while reducing the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Desulfovibrio. They can restore the intestinal flora structure similar to that in the blank group. ConclusionSishenwan can alleviate diarrhea symptoms and colonic mucosal inflammation, increase the expression of tight junction proteins in the colonic mucosa, and strengthen the intestinal barrier in IBS-D rats with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The mechanism of action may be related to optimizing the structure and balance of intestinal flora and regulating the SCFAs, and the effect of high-dose Sishenwan is obvious.
8.Sishenwan Restores Intestinal Barrier in Rat Model of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Due to Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Short-chain Fatty Acids
Qian ZHANG ; Siqi LI ; HUYUNLIAN ; Na WEN ; Chaoqun HUANG ; Binbin LIU ; Chengxia SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Sishenwan in restoring the intestinal barrier function in the rat model of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency based on intestinal flora and short-chain fatty acids. MethodsAfter the delivery of 10 SPF-grade pregnant rats, 4 male suckling rats were kept in each litter for the experiment. The male suckling rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-dose (3.51 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, high-dose (7.02 g·kg-1) Sishenwan, and Peifeikang (0.54 g·kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The blank group was fed conventionally, and the other groups were subjected to mother-child separation and Sennae Folium gavage (1 g·mL-1, 10 mL·kg-1) for the modeling of IBS-D due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. After the modeling was completed, the rats in Sishenwan groups were administrated with the corresponding dose of Sishenwan decoction by gavage, and the Peifeikang group with bifidobacterium triple live powder+normal saline suspension. The blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. The general conditions and fecal characteristics of rats were observed. After 2 weeks of administration, the rats were anesthetized for sample collection. The pathological changes of the colon tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-22 (IL-22). Immumohistochemical staining (IHC) was performed to detect the positive expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue of rats, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for intestinal flora. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum contents of rats. ResultsThe colon tissue in the blank group presented a clear structure, neat glands, and no inflammatory cell infiltration. In the model group, the colon tissue showcased a disorganized structure, irregular arrangement of glands, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the model group, the low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan groups and the Peifeikang group exhibited an intact colon tissue structure, regular arrangement of glands, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the blank group, the modeling lowered the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon tissue (P<0.01), and decreased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid and increased the content of butyric acid in cecum contents (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Sishenwan raised the levels of TGF-β, IL-10, and IL-22 in the serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Peifeikang elevated the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the serum (P<0.01). High-dose Sishenwan and Peifeikang up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 and occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the content of acetic acid and propionic acid in cecum contents (P<0.05), and decreased the content of butyric acid (P<0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that the intestinal flora structure of the model group changed compared with that of the blank group. Compared with the model group, Sishenwan and Peifeikang increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Muribaculaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Ligilactobacillus, UBA3282, Akkermansia, and Corynebacterium while reducing the relative abundance of Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, and Desulfovibrio. They can restore the intestinal flora structure similar to that in the blank group. ConclusionSishenwan can alleviate diarrhea symptoms and colonic mucosal inflammation, increase the expression of tight junction proteins in the colonic mucosa, and strengthen the intestinal barrier in IBS-D rats with the syndrome of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. The mechanism of action may be related to optimizing the structure and balance of intestinal flora and regulating the SCFAs, and the effect of high-dose Sishenwan is obvious.
9.Research progress in machine learning in processing and quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces.
Han-Wen ZHANG ; Yue-E LI ; Jia-Wei YU ; Qiang GUO ; Ming-Xuan LI ; Yu LI ; Xi MEI ; Lin LI ; Lian-Lin SU ; Chun-Qin MAO ; De JI ; Tu-Lin LU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3605-3614
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are a core carrier for the inheritance and innovation of TCM, and their quality and safety are critical to public health and the sustainable development of the industry. Conventional quality control models, while having established a well-developed system through long-term practice, still face challenges such as relatively long inspection cycles, insufficient objectivity in characterizing complex traits, and urgent needs for improving the efficiency of integrating multidimensional quality information when confronted with the dual demands of large-scale production and precision quality control. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, machine learning can deeply analyze multidimensional data of the morphology, spectroscopy, and chemical fingerprints of decoction pieces by constructing high-dimensional feature space analysis models, significantly improving the standardization level and decision-making efficiency of quality evaluation. This article reviews the research progress in the application of machine learning in the processing, production, and rapid quality evaluation of TCM decoction pieces. It further analyzes current challenges in technological implementation and proposes potential solutions, offering theoretical and technical references to advance the digital and intelligent transformation of the industry.
Machine Learning
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
;
Quality Control
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
Humans
10.Establishment of different pneumonia mouse models suitable for traditional Chinese medicine screening.
Xing-Nan YUE ; Jia-Yin HAN ; Chen PAN ; Yu-Shi ZHANG ; Su-Yan LIU ; Yong ZHAO ; Xiao-Meng ZHANG ; Jing-Wen WU ; Xuan TANG ; Ai-Hua LIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4089-4099
In this study, lipopolysaccharide(LPS), ovalbumin(OVA), and compound 48/80(C48/80) were administered to establish non-infectious pneumonia models under simulated clinical conditions, and the correlation between their pathological characteristics and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes was compared, providing the basis for the selection of appropriate animal models for TCM efficacy evaluation. An acute pneumonia model was established by nasal instillation of LPS combined with intraperitoneal injection for intensive stimulation. Three doses of OVA mixed with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant were injected intraperitoneally on days one, three, and five and OVA was administered via endotracheal drip for excitation on days 14-18 to establish an OVA-induced allergic pneumonia model. A single intravenous injection of three doses of C48/80 was adopted to establish a C48/80-induced pneumonia model. By detecting the changes in peripheral blood leukocyte classification, lung tissue and plasma cytokines, immunoglobulins(Ig), histamine levels, and arachidonic acid metabolites, the multi-dimensional analysis was carried out based on pathological evaluation. The results showed that the three models could cause pulmonary edema, increased wet weight in the lung, and obvious exudative inflammation in lung tissue pathology, especially for LPS. A number of pyrogenic cytokines, inclading interleukin(IL)-6, interferon(IFN)-γ, IL-1β, and IL-4 were significantly elevated in the LPS pneumonia model. Significantly increased levels of prostacyclin analogs such as prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and PGD2, which cause increased vascular permeability, and neutrophils in peripheral blood were significantly elevated. The model could partly reflect the clinical characteristics of phlegm heat accumulating in the lung or dampness toxin obstructing the lung. The OVA model showed that the sensitization mediators IgE and leukotriene E4(LTE4) were increased, and the anti-inflammatory prostacyclin 6-keto-PGF2α was decreased. Immune cells(lymphocytes and monocytes) were decreased, and inflammatory cells(neutrophils and basophils) were increased, reflecting the characteristics of "deficiency", "phlegm", or "dampness". Lymphocytes, monocytes, and basophils were significantly increased in the C48/80 model. The phenotype of the model was that the content of histamine, a large number of prostacyclins(6-keto-PGE1, PGF2α, 15-keto-PGF2α, 6-keto-PGF1α, 13,14-D-15-keto-PGE2, PGD2, PGE2, and PGH2), LTE4, and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid(5S-HETE) was significantly increased, and these indicators were associated with vascular expansion and increased vascular permeability. The pyrogenic inflammatory cytokines were not increased. The C48/80 model reflected the characteristics of cold and damp accumulation. In the study, three non-infectious pneumonia models were constructed. The LPS model exhibited neutrophil infiltration and elevated inflammatory factors, which was suitable for the efficacy study of TCM for clearing heat, detoxifying, removing dampness, and eliminating phlegm. The OVA model, which took allergic inflammation as an index, was suitable for the efficacy study of Yiqi Gubiao formulas. The C48/80 model exhibited increased vasoactive substances(histamine, PGs, and LTE4), which was suitable for the efficacy study and evaluation of TCM for warming the lung, dispersing cold, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm. The study provides a theoretical basis for model selection for the efficacy evaluation of TCM in the treatment of pneumonia.
Animals
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice
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Pneumonia/genetics*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Male
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Humans
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Cytokines/immunology*
;
Female
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Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects*
;
Lung/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
;
Ovalbumin
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C


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