1.Construction of Perimenopausal Depression Animal Models and Mechanism of Action of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xiaoting LI ; Shouzhu XU ; Jun KE ; Zhan ZHANG ; Bao XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):258-267
Perimenopausal depression (PMD) is an affective disorder that occurs in women during the transition from sexual maturity to old age. It can induce various complications, such as insomnia and cognitive decline. The etiology of PMD is complex. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed, there is still no unified theory that fully explains its pathogenesis. Research into its mechanisms relies heavily on animal experiments, and establishing reliable animal models is crucial for experimental studies. Appropriate animal models can better simulate human pathophysiological states, rapidly evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs and intervention methods, grasp the essence of the disease, and uncover its intrinsic connections, thereby exploring more advanced intervention strategies. However, there is a lack of systematic review and summarization of literature related to model construction. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), adhering to the principles of ''syndrome differentiation and treatment'' and ''holistic concept'', has shown significant efficacy in treating PMD. In recent years, research exploring and analyzing its therapeutic mechanisms has been increasing. Therefore, to gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of PMD animal modeling methods and the mechanisms of TCM, this paper reviewed Chinese and English literature on PMD animal models and mechanisms of TCM in PMD treatment. It summarized the construction methods of single-factor and multi-factor PMD models, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each modeling approach. Furthermore, it delved into the mechanisms of TCM intervention in PMD, revealing that TCM formulas primarily exert their effects by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, gut-brain axis, cell signaling pathways, neural circuits, hormone levels, and neurotransmitter levels. This review aims to provide a reference for future research in this field. In summary, by summarizing the progress in the methods for PMD animal model construction and the mechanisms of TCM, the paper seeks to offer new insights into the mechanistic research of TCM intervention in PMD.
2.Study on the effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder against bronchial asthma based on transcriptomics
Jiacheng JIN ; Wenyan CHEN ; Xin LI ; Qing XU ; Hangyu WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Pinghua SUN ; Jinhui WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):595-601
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder (QDP) on bronchial asthma in mice. METHODS The mice were divided into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), dexamethasone group (2 mg/kg), and QDP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), with 14 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice in all other groups were given ovalbumin via intraperitoneal injection followed by aerosol inhalation to induce a bronchial asthma model. During the modeling process, mice in each group were administered corresponding drug solutions or normal saline intragastrically/intraperitoneally. After the last medication, the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the mice was observed and counted; the pathological changes of the bronchus and lung tissue were observed; the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the lung tissue of the mice were determined, and the level of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the BALF and serum was determined. Transcriptomics was employed to predict and validate the mechanism of action of QDP against bronchial asthma. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the total cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and macrophage counts in the BALF of the QDP high-dose group were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05); the levels of MDA and NO in the lung tissue, and the levels of IL-17 in the BALF and serum were all decreased significantly ( P <0.05); the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased ( P <0.05); the arrangement of lung tissue cells tended to normalize, with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased exfoliation of bronchial simple columnar epithelial cells. The transcriptomic results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were B-cell receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, ferroptosis signaling pathway, and others. Further validation revealed that, compared with the model group, the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and chemokine ligand 20, as well as the phosphorylation level of NF-κB inhibitor protein α, were significantly decreased in the lung tissues of the mice in all QDP groups ( P <0.05). Conversely, the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were significantly increased ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QDP can effectively alleviate bronchial asthma by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, regulating oxidative stress, and reducing inflammatory responses.
3.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
4.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
5.Advances in computational approaches to herbal prescription recommendation in traditional Chinese medicine: A review
Xin DONG ; Geyan PAN ; Juxian TANG ; Xuchen ZHANG ; Yutong HOU ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiaohan MAO ; Zhipeng KE ; Zongyao ZHAO ; Xuezhong ZHOU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):119-131
Intelligent prescription recommendation has become an important research direction in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering new opportunities to support clinical decision-making and promote the modernization of TCM practice. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), a variety of computational approaches have been proposed to learn prescription patterns from clinical data and generate personalized treatment recommendations. However, despite increasing research activity, systematic and comprehensive reviews of AI-driven methods for TCM prescription recommendation remain limited. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of computational approaches for herbal prescription recommendation (HPR) in TCM. Existing methods are systematically categorized into several major paradigms, including traditional machine learning methods, topic model methods, sequential generative methods, deep learning and graph-based methods, and large language model–based frameworks. In addition to summarizing methodological developments, we also review commonly used public datasets and evaluation metrics in this field. Furthermore, representative models with publicly available implementations are experimentally evaluated on multiple benchmark datasets to provide a comparative analysis of their performance on the HPR task. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that hinder the practical deployment of intelligent prescription recommendation systems, including data heterogeneity, limited interpretability, and insufficient integration of TCM domain knowledge. Future research directions are outlined to facilitate the development of more reliable, interpretable, and clinically applicable AI-assisted HPR systems for TCM.
6.Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods: a scoping review
PAN Xiang ; TONG Yingge ; LI Yixuan ; NI Ke ; CHENG Wenqian ; XIN Mengyu ; HU Yuying
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):148-153
Objective:
To conduct a scoping review on the types, construction methods and predictive performance of health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods, so as to provide the reference for the improvement and application of such models.
Methods:
Publications on health literacy prediction models conducted using machine learning methods were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2024. The quality of literature was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool. Basic characteristics, modeling methods, data sources, missing value handling, predictors and predictive performance were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 524 publications were retrieved, and 22 publications between 2007 and 2024 were finally enrolled. Totally 48 health literacy prediction models were involved, and 25 had a high risk of bias (52.08%), with major issues focusing on missing value handling, predictor selection and model evaluation methods. Modeling methods included regression models, tree-based machine learning methods, support vector machines and neural network models. Predictors primarily encompassed factors at four aspects: individual, interpersonal, organizational and society/policy aspects, with age, educational level, economic status, health status and internet use appearing frequently. Internal validation was conducted in 14 publications, and external validation was conducted in 4 publications. Forty-two models reported the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.52 to 0.983, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods perform well, but have deficiencies in risk of bias, data processing and validation.
7.Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae reduces HFD-induced MAFLD in mice through activated AMPK-mediated inhibition of fatty acid synthesis
Ke ZHENG ; Ruishuo ZHANG ; Yijing XIN ; Yuge ZHOU ; Jiacheng LIN ; Weifan HUANG ; Fang WANG ; Liu YANG ; Xuehua SUN ; Xiaoni KONG
Liver Research 2025;9(2):157-168
Background and aims:Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is a common chronic condition that can lead to cancer due to its complex pathogenesis.Therapeutic agents targeting AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)activation have been suggested as potential treatments for metabolic disorders such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH).Rhizoma Atractylodis Mac-rocephalae(RAM)has been clinically used to treat obesity-related health problems,but its therapeutic effects on MAFLD and the underlying mechanism remain unclear.Therefore,this study was conducted to evaluate the function and underlying mechanism of RAM in the treatment of MAFLD.Methods:The effect of RAM decoction on MAFLD was evaluated using a high-fat diet(HFD)-induced MAFLD mouse model.In vitro studies were conducted using a palmitic acid/oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation model in the alpha mouse liver 12 cells and RAM-containing serum.The underlying mechanisms were elucidated through a combination of network pharmacology analysis,immunohis-tochemistry,western blotting,and polymerase chain reaction analysis.Results:Administration of RAM decoction significantly reduced body weight gain in MAFLD mice without changing food intake.The weights of the liver and inguinal adipose tissues were also reduced after RAM treatment.Additionally,RAM administration decreased serum levels of alanine aminotrans-ferase,aspartate transaminase,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and glucose,while reducing lipid droplet accumulation in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice.The underlying mechanisms included the activation of the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC),and inhibition of the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1(SREBP1).However,RAM did not alter the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1α.Furthermore,the RAM-induced upregulation of phosphorylated AMPK,phos-phorylated ACC,and SREBP1 expression,as well as the downregulation of fatty acid synthase expression,were reversed by using an AMPK inhibitor.Conclusions:Through a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation,we demonstrated that RAM may exert therapeutic effects on MAFLD by inhibiting lipid synthesis and activating phosphorylated AMPK pathways.
8.Analysis of the diseases screened by ultrasound and experience of ultrasound application in a certain island clinic
Chang LU ; Lanting JIA ; Ke JING ; Xiufeng JI ; Xin ZHANG ; Weijun WANG ; Lyuping SUN ; Hejing HUANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(2):116-121
Objective To investigate the types of diseases examined by ultrasonography in a certain island clinic,and to summarize the experience of ultrasound medical support in island area.Methods The ultrasound examination results of patients who were admitted to a certain island clinic from January 2017 to August 2022 were reviewed,and the types and characteristics of diseases examined by ultrasound were analyzed.Results A total of 2 043 patients underwent ultrasound examination.There were 76 disease categories and 1 579 diseases.The top five diseases were fatty liver(13.24%),kidney crystals(12.10%),kidney stones(10.70%),gallbladder polyps(6.33%)and ureteral stones with hydronephrosis(6.02%).Ultrasound could predict the pathological types of appendicitis and guide the clinical decision by observing the width of the appendiceal lumen and the layers of the appendiceal wall.Doppler-assessed ureteric jet could be used to determine the renal function of the affected side of ureteral calculi.Conclusion There are wide and varied disease categories in islands.Sonographers should have comprehensive abilities and qualities.This study can provide reference for the follow-up medical support on island area.
9.Analysis of factors influencing global longitudinal strain based on cardiac magnetic resonance after acute myocardial infarction
Ke LIU ; Yi-Qing ZHAO ; Zhen-Yan MA ; Xin A ; Li LI ; Wei-Ran KONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Hong-Bo ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Geng QIAN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(11):1382-1389
Objective To investigate the factors influencing global longitudinal strain(GLS)measured by cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods Clinical data of 315 hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute STEMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2016 to September 2021 were retrospectively collected.After analyzing CMR images of all patients,GLS and other strain parameters were obtained,and then the patients were divided into two groups according to the median GLS.In order to balance gender and age differences,1:1 propensity score matching was performed,and 206 patients were eventually included:GLS>-11.3%group(indicating severe GLS impairment,n=103)and GLS≤-11.3%group(n=103).Baseline characteristics,laboratory indicators,coronary angiographic parameters,electrocardiogram(ECG)features,and CMR parameters were compared between the two groups.Variables showing significant differences were analyzed for their correlation with GLS.Multivariate logistic regression and multiple stepwise linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with GLS impairment.Results Compared with GLS≤-11.3%group,GLS>-11.3%group had significantly higher peak levels of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB)and troponin T(TnT)(P<0.001).A higher proportion of patients in GLS>-11.3%group had the left anterior descending artery(LAD)as the culprit vessel,while a lower proportion had the right coronary artery(RCA)as the culprit vessel(P<0.001).Additionally,GLS>-11.3%group had longer QRS duration(P<0.001)and a higher incidence of pathological Q waves(P=0.001).Regarding CMR parameters,GLS>-11.3%group exhibited larger global circumferential strain(GCS),infarct size(IS),and left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),as well as lower global radial strain(GRS)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(P<0.001).Multivariate logistic regression indicated that peak TnT(OR=1.092,P=0.001),LAD culprit vessel(OR=3.744,P<0.001),and QRS duration(OR=1.026,P<0.001)were significantly associated with severely impaired GLS.Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the logarithmic value of peak TnT,LAD as the culprit vessel,and the square root of QRS duration were linearly correlated with GLS values(adjusted R2=0.301,P<0.001),and these independent variables explained 30.1%of the variation in GLS.Conclusion Elevated peak TnT,prolonged QRS duration,and LAD as the culprit vessel are significantly associated with severe GLS impairment in STEMI patients,indicating more severe myocardial infarction and worse left ventricular function.
10.Exploring behavioral patterns and hippocampal neurogenesis in autism spectrum disorder mice
Xiao-Jie NIU ; Jiao LIU ; Xin-Wei ZHANG ; Ze-Tao WANG ; Ke-Qi YAN ; Qi-Yuan LIU ; Wan-Yun HAO ; Pei-Jun ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(2):171-179
Objective To explore the behavioral patterns and hippocampal neurogenesis of CHD8+mice,and to provide behavioral and morphological basis for improving autism like behavior and neurogenesis.Methods Genotype of wild type(WT)and CHD8+/-mice was identified.Weight measurement was conducted on both male and female mice of the WT and CHD8+/-strains.Subsequently,a battery of behavioral tests was administered,which included three-chamber test,self-grooming test,nesting test,Y-maze spontaneous alternation test,food burial test,open-field test and light-dark transition test.Afterwards,the mice were administered 2%pentobarbital sodium(2 ml/kg)to induce anesthesia.Their brains were frozen with 4%paraformaldehyde,removed for photography and analysis to identify any alterations in brain size.Western blotting and immunofluorescent labeling were used to detect changes in the process of hippocampus neurogenesis.Results Western blotting analysis demonstrated a decrease in the amounts of chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8(CHD8)protein in both male and female mice with CHD8+genotype,as compared to WT mice.There were no notable disparities in body weight between male and female WT and CHD8+mice,as well as in brain size.The three-chamber social behavior test revealed that both male and female CHD8+/-mice had social deficiencies(P<0.05).During the open field test,there was no significant difference in the total distance moved by male and female WT and CHD8+/-mice.However,the amount of time spent in the central region was considerably lower in CHD8+/-mice compared to the WT mice(P<0.01).Furthermore,the light-dark transition test revealed that both male and female CHD8+/-mice spent considerably less time investigating the white box compared to the WT mice(P<0.05).Nevertheless,there were no notable alterations found in self-grooming,nesting,spontaneous alternation of Y-maze,and food burial experiments.In addition,Western blotting result demonstrated a significant drop in doublecortin(DCX)expression(P<0.001),and immunofluorescent staining revealed a notable reduction in the number of DCX+cells(P<0.01)in the hippocampus of CHD8+/-mice.Conclusion CHD8+/-mice exhibit social disorders and anxiety-like behaviors,with a decrease in the number of newly generated neurons in the hippocampus and neurogenesis disorders.


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