1.Traditional Chinese medicine improves synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer's disease: A review of experimental studies
Shan HE ; Xinyu YANG ; Junhe SHI ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Lina MA
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):1-9
Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.
2.Danggui Shaoyaosan Alleviates Cognitive Impairment by Regulating Ketone Body Metabolism and Glutamate/AMPAR Pathway
Shasha WANG ; Xin WANG ; Kexin GONG ; Yi QIU ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Huifei WU ; Weirong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):44-52
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan (DSS) on cognitive impairment is related to its promotion of ketone body metabolism in the brain and regulation of glutamate/α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isox-azolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) pathway. MethodsMale APP/PS1 mice were randomized into model, low-dose (3.2 g
3.Mechanism of action of flavonoids in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and related signaling pathways
Wenxuan GUO ; Hongmei LIU ; Zhezhu JIN ; Chenghao LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1688-1697
The incidence rate of hepatic fibrosis remains at a high level, and there is still a lack of specific therapeutic drugs, posing a serious threat to human health. As a type of natural active components widely present in plants, flavonoids have multiple physiological functions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities, and a large number of studies have confirmed the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of flavonoids. As for the mechanism of action, flavonoids can target the functions of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting their proliferation and differentiation, promoting their apoptosis, regulating the level of autophagy, reducing the formation of extracellular matrix, and regulating iron metabolism in hepatic stellate cells, and meanwhile, they can inhibit chronic liver inflammatory response, improve oxidative stress status, regulate intestinal flora balance, and block epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thereby blocking the progression of fibrosis through multiple dimensions. At the level of signaling pathways, flavonoids mainly exert an anti-fibrotic effect by regulating the abnormal activation of the signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor-β1/Smad, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, nuclear factor-kappa B, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt/β-catenin, and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase. This article summarizes the research advances in the anti-fibrotic effect of flavonoids, in order to provide a theoretical basis for further exploring their medicinal potential.
4.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
5.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
6.Research progress in role of migration of Schwann cells in repairment of peripheral nerve injury
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):1137-1144
Peripheral nerve injury(PNI)is a common neurological disorder.As the primary constituent cells of the myelin sheath,Schwann cells(SCs)play a crucial role in the repairment process after PNI.After PNI,the SCs are activated and rapidly migrate to the injury site,forming a neural bridge that connects the proximal and distal stumps in conjunction with the endothelial cells,the extracellular matrix(ECM),and the fibroblasts.This bridge provides a pathway for axonal regrowth and guides axonal regeneration.The ability of SCs to migrate quickly to the damaged nerve site is a key factor influencing the formation of the neural bridge.The ECM,NT,non-coding RNAs,particularly long non-coding RNAs(lncRNA)and microRNA(miRNA),and various transcription factors regulate the migratory capacity of the SCs through multiple signaling pathways,thereby affecting the repair of PNI.However,to date,there has been no systematic study on the factors influencing the migration of SCs in PNI or their underlying mechanisms.This article comprehensively reviews the various factors affecting the migration of SCs after PNI,including the ECM,NT,non-coding RNAs,and transcription factors,as well as the related signaling pathways.It aims to provide the basis for systematically understanding the role of SCs in PNI repairment and to offer the reference for comprehensive analysis of the repairment mechanisms after PNI.
7.Evidence-based practice of perioperative patient-controlled analgesia management in patients with liver cancer receiving TACE treatment
Yongqi LIANG ; Yao LIU ; Jianbo ZHAO ; Wenxuan YU ; Fenfen LIN ; Qinqin ZHU ; Yunan LI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(12):1376-1384
Objective To evaluate the application of evidence-based perioperative patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)management in patients with liver cancer receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)treatment.Methods By using the application model of clinical evidence-based practice,the review indicators were formulated based on the best evidence.The baseline assessment was conducted,the barrier factors were analyzed,the best clinical decision was made,the implementation steps of PCA management,including training,monitoring,education,etc.were refined,and two rounds of clinical review were carried out.The knowledge-belief-practice level and the implementation of review indicators in 50 medical and nursing staff engaged in PCA management,as well as the changes in pain scores,the incidence of adverse reactions due to PCA management,and the patient's satisfaction in 159 patients after the application of evidence were compared with their corresponding values determined before the application of evidence.Results After implementing the evidence-based practice plan and applying the evidence,at multiple time points the pain scores and the incidences of adverse reactions were decreased significantly(P<0.05),the patient's satisfaction increased remarkably(P<0.01),the execution rate of medical and nursing staff for the review indicators were strikingly increased(P<0.01),and the knowledge-belief-practice level concerning PCA management was prominently improved(P<0.01).Conclusion The implementation of perioperative PCA management in patients with liver cancer receiving TACE treatment can help to reduce the perioperative pain level,improve the patient discomfort,increase the patient's satisfaction degree,and improve the ability of medical staff in performing PCA management and evidence-based practices.
8.Expert Consensus on Combined Screening for Common Cancers(2025 Edition)
Kexin CHEN ; Wanqing CHEN ; Yubei HUANG ; Zhangyan LYU ; Fangfang SONG ; Changfa XIA ; Yongjie XU ; Lei YANG ; Chao SHENG ; Yacong ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Yunmeng ZHANG ; Yuting JI ; Jingjing LI ; Wenxuan LI ; Jie WU ; Qianyun JIN ; Fengju SONG
China Cancer 2025;34(8):583-610
Malignant tumors(commonly referred to as cancer)represent a major global public health challenge and contribute significantly to the worldwide disease burden.Early screening plays a critical role in improving detection rates,enabling timely intervention,and enhancing pa-tient survival rates.However,current cancer screening guidelines primarily focus on site-specific screening,which may not fully address the need for comprehensive early detection.A scientifical-ly rational,multi-cancer screening approach offers several advantages:it optimizes the use of bio-logical samples,reduces time costs for participants,enhances the efficiency and comprehensive-ness of screening,and minimizes overall expenses.Such an approach also facilitates the rational allocation of healthcare resources,ultimately helping to reduce the societal burden of cancer.To address this need,the Cancer Epidemiology Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association has developed the Expert Consensus on Combined Screening for Common Cancers in China.This consensus integrates multidisciplinary expertise and synthesizes the latest domestic and interna-tional researches on cancer screening,early detection,and treatment for prevalent malignancies.Drawing upon China's unique demographic and healthcare context,as well as practical screening experiences,the consensus provides evidence-based recommendations on target populations,screening technologies,and procedural workflows for multi-cancer screening.These guidelines align with the principles and methodologies established by the World Health Organization(WHO),aiming to:enhance the effectiveness of combined cancer screening in China,improve early detec-tion rates,and provide a scientific foundation for national cancer prevention and control strategies.
9.Expert consensus on combined screening for common cancers(2025 edition)
Chen KEXIN ; Chen WANQING ; Huang YUBEI ; Lyu ZHANGYAN ; Song FANGFANG ; Xia CHANGFA ; Xu YONGJIE ; Yang LEI ; Sheng CHAO ; Zhang YACONG ; Wang PENG ; Zhang YUNMENG ; Ji YUTING ; Li JINGJING ; Li WENXUAN ; Wu JIE ; Jin QIANYUN ; Song FENGJU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(14):703-726
Malignant tumors(commonly referred to as cancers)represent a major global public health challenge and contribute substan-tially to the global disease burden.Early screening plays a crucial role in improving detection rates,enabling timely intervention,and enhan-cing patient survival.However,current cancer screening guidelines primarily focus on site-specific screening,which may not fully address the need for comprehensive early detection.A scientifically rational,multi-cancer screening approach offers several advantages:it optimizes the use of biological samples,reduces the time burden for participants,enhances the efficiency and comprehensiveness of screening,and min-imizes overall expenses.Moreover,this approach facilitates rational allocation of healthcare resources,ultimately helping to reduce the soci-etal burden of cancer.To address gap,the Cancer Epidemiology Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association has developed the Expert Consensus on Combined Screening for Common Cancers.This consensus integrates multidisciplinary expertise and synthesizes the latest do-mestic and international researches on cancer screening,early detection,and treatment of prevalent malignancies.Drawing upon China's unique demographic and healthcare context and practical screening experiences,the consensus provides evidence-based recommendations on target populations,screening technologies,and procedural workflows for multi-cancer screening.These guidelines align with the prin-ciples and methodologies established by the World Health Organization(WHO),aiming to enhance the effectiveness of combined cancer screening in China,improve early detection rates,and provide a scientific foundation for national cancer prevention and control strategies.
10.Research progress on rare real-world data-driven target trial emulation for drug repurposing
Bosheng LI ; Xuan HUANG ; Wenxuan WANG ; Wenyun YANG ; Fangrong YAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(8):926-937
For rare real-world data involving off-label drug use or comorbidity-associated polypharmacy,researchers have increasingly adopted target trial emulation to investigate drug repurposing for target indications.The success of such studies hinges on rigorous trial design and strict adherence to predefined protocols and standardized pipelines.Key elements in the trial design include the precise definition of inclusion and exclusion criteria,the selection of trial and control drugs and determination of treatment allocation time,the determination of appropriate efficacy endpoints for the target indication,the identification of causal estimands,and the development of robust strategies for confounding adjustment.The execution of the trial follows a structured process:screening eligible subjects,extracting relevant drug exposure data,constructing treatment and control groups,emulating the target trial,and ultimately generating hypotheses for drug repurposing through statistical inference.Propensity score methods,including stratification,matching and weighting techniques,are critical tools for addressing confounding bias and ensuring accurate estimation of causal effects.In recent years,creative progress has been made in target trial emulation,particularly in the calculation of propensity scores.Researchers have adopted advanced machine learning techniques,to enhance variable selection and have actively explored the use of innovative methods of digital intelligence technology like classification and regression trees,support vector machines,and deep learning for the application of propensity score calculation.Target trial emulation based on real-world data has achieved remarkable advancements in drug repurposing,demonstrating broad application prospects,particularly in cardiovascular diseases,metabolic disorders,Alzheimer's disease,and cancer.

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