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.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
3.Comparison of chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of Wendan Decoction
Tan XUE ; Man-wen XU ; Xue-hua FAN ; Feng-yu DONG ; Yan MIAO ; Jia-ning SUN ; Jun-han SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Jing YAO ; Rui-xin LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):384-394
AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P<0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P<0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P<0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P<0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.
4.Dynamic electrical impedance tomography imaging algorithm based on complementary information fusion network
Xin-yi WANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Xiang TIAN ; Ning YANG ; Jun-jie DU ; Xue-chao LIU ; Feng FU ; Xue-tao SHI ; Can-hua XU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):1-6
Objective To propose a dynamic electrical impedance tomography imaging algorithm based on complementary information fusion network(CIFN)to enhance image quality of dynamic electrical impedance imaging.Methods There were three modules for initialization,multi-frame complementary information extraction and information fusion involved in the CIFN.Firstly,multi-frame dynamic conductivity distribution images were obtained by the initialization module;secondly,spatial complementary information was extracted from the images by using the multi-frame complementary information extraction module;finally,the fusion of lesion target distribution information and target re-reconstruction were realized by the information fusion module to aquire high-quality EIT images.With a 16-electrode multilayer cranial simulation model,the CIFN-based imaging method was compared with Tikhonov regularization algorithm,spectral constraint algorithm and U-Net algorithm in terms of imaging results of types of lesions to verify its performance.Results Compared with the Tikhonov regularization algorithm,spectral constraint algorithm and U-Net algorithm,the proposed CIFN-based algorithm exhibited the lowest mean absolute error(MAE)and the highest structural similarity(SSIM)when used to image different lesion targets,which accurately reconstructed the distribution of lesion targets and gained high imaging stability under common noise levels.Conclusion The proposed CIFN-based imaging algorithm obtains high imaging quality on a cranial simulation model and reconstruction results close to the real model distribution,which provides algorithmic support for subsequent clinical studies on electrical impedance imaging.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):1-6]
5.Prognostic Significance of Endothelial Activation and Stress Index in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Xin-Yue ZHOU ; Zhi-Qin YANG ; Jin HU ; Feng-Yi LU ; Qian-Nan HAN ; Huan-Huan ZHAO ; Wen-Xia GAO ; Yu-Han MA ; Hu-Jun LI ; Zhen-Yu LI ; Kai-Lin XU ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(4):1051-1056
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of endothelial activation and stress index(EASIX)for the prognosis of patients with mantle cell lymphoma(MCL).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess prognosis and compare the clinical features of patients diagnosed with MCL who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2010 to June 2023,had therapeutic indications and received standard treatment.Results:A total of 66 patients were included and divided into high EASIX group and low EASIX group,according to a cutoff value of 0.97 determined by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that prealbumin<0.2 g/L,high EASIX,and ECOG PS score ≥2 were independent risk factors influencing overall survival(OS)in MCL patients.The median OS of patients in the high and low EASIX group was 13.0 and 37.5 months,and the median progression-free survival was 8.8 and 26.0 months,respectively.The proportions of patients with ECOG PS score ≥2 and prealbumin<0.2 g/L at onset significantly increased in the high EASIX group compared to those in the low EASIX group.Conclusion:At the time of initial diagnosis,EASIX can serve as an independent prognostic indicator impacting OS in patients with MCL.Furthermore,patients in the high EASIX group experience a poorer prognosis and shorter survival duration compared with those in the low EASIX group.
6.The role and research progress of miRNA in intestinal mucosal barrier function
Bangrong XU ; Zhen-ghua JIANG ; Xin CHEN ; Jun CHEN ; Haibo LUO ; Daoming LIANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(7):1079-1083
The intestinal mucosal barrier plays a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immune regulation.Its integrity is essential for maintaining overall health,as it acts as a critical interface between the luminal contents and the host immune system.MicroRNAs(miRNAs),which are small noncoding RNAs,function as potent genetic regulators by interacting with multiple target genes to modulate entire cellular pathways.Recent studies have demon-strated that miRNAs are intricately involved in regulating the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier.This review examines the role of miRNAs in the intestinal mucosal barrier,encompassing their mechanisms,relevant clinical research findings,and potential directions for future investigation,to elucidate the potential value of miRNAs in the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of related diseases.
7.Pathogenic bacteria from children with vulvovaginitis and their antimicro-bial resistance
Jun ZHAO ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LYU ; Xin XU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):532-538
Objective To understand the pathogenic bacteria from children with vulvovaginitis and their antimi-crobial resistance.Methods Clinical data of children with vulvovaginitis and positive bacterial culture of vaginal se-cretion from Beijing Children's Hospital from January 1,2016 to December 31,2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Results Among 3 249 children with vulvovaginitis,a total of 3 389 pathogenic bacteria strains were detected,inclu-ding 1 730 strains of Gram-negative bacteria and 1 659 strains of Gram-positive bacteria,accounting for 51.05%and 48.95%,respectively.The top 5 detected pathogens were Haemophilus in fluenzae(n=1 201,35.44%),Strep-tococcus pyogenes(Group A)(n=694,20.48%),Staphylococcus aureus(n=375,11.06%),Streptococcus aga-lactiae(Group B)(n=183,5.40%),and Haemophilus parainfluenzae(n=179,5.28%).Among the isolated pathogens in pediatric patients across different age groups,Haemophilus in fluenzae accounted for 46.18%in chil-dren<7 years old,Streptococcus pyogenes(Group A)and Haemophilus in fluenzae accounted for 27.08%and 25.86%respectively in children aged 7-11 years old,Streptococcus agalactiae(Group B)and Staphylococcus au-reus accounted for 31.50%and 18.11%respectively in children>11-18 years old.The pathogens detected varied in different seasons.Among Gram-positive bacteria,Streptococcus pyogenes(Group A)had higher resistance rates to erythromycin and clindamycin,which were 93.52%and 92.94%,respectively.Among Gram-negative bacteria,Haemophilus in fluenzae had higher resistance rates to ampicillin,compound sulfamethoxazole,cefaclor,and cefu-roxime(all>34%).648 Haemophilus in fluenzae strains(53.96%)and 40 Haemophilus parain fluenzae strains(22.35%)produced β-lactamase.Conclusion The common pathogenic bacteria causing infectious vulvovaginitis in children are Haemophilus in fluenzae,Streptococcus pyogenes(Group A),and Staphylococcus aureus.The detec-tion rate of β-lactamase in Haemophilus influenzae is high.Understanding the pathogen detection and antimicrobial resistance status in hospitals can provide basis for clinician's empirical and rational selection of antimicrobial agents.
8.Study on the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis caused by dampness-heat stasis with Oxalis Formula combined with transacupuncture
Qiang LOU ; Ming-wei ZHAN ; Yu-qi LAI ; Xu-xin ZHAN ; You-ping XIAO ; Xue-jun SHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(2):165-171
Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Oxalicao Formula combined with transacu-puncture in the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis(CNP)characterized by dampness-heat stasis.Methods:A total of 70 patients diagnosed with CNP and characterized by dampness-heat stasis were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,with 35 cases in each group.The patients in control group received Qianlie Beixi capsules.While the patients in treatment group were administered with oxalis decoction in conjunction with acupuncture therapy which lasted for 8 weeks.Pre-and post-treatment evalua-tions for NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index(NIH-CPSI),Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scores,urodynamic pa-rameters,immune cell subsets and inflammatory factors were performed.Results:Ultimately,65 patients completed the study with 33 in the treatment group and 32 in the control group.After 8 weeks of intervention,the patients in both of groups demonstrated signifi-cant improvements(P<0.05).Specifically,remarkable reductions in the NIH-CPSI total score including pain score,urination score,quality of life impact score,TCM symptom score and inflammatory cytokine levels were observed.Additionally,there were upward trends in maximum and average urinary flow rates as well as the CD4+/CD8+ratio of immune cells(P<0.05).Compared to the con-trol group,the treatment group exhibited superior outcomes in reducing the NIH-CPSI total score,pain score,urination score,quality of life impact score,TCM symptom score,and inflammatory cytokine levels,and increasing in CD4+/CD8+ratios,maximum and av-erage urine flow rates(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of Oxalicao Formula and transacupuncture for treating CNP charac-terized by dampness-heat stasis demonstrates significant therapeutic benefits,which has considerable clinical application value.
9.Association between intraoperative nasojejunal tube placement and delayed gastric emptying after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Meng LIU ; Heng WANG ; Xiaohan KONG ; Faji YANG ; Zheyu NIU ; Yijie HAO ; Xin WANG ; Huaqiang ZHU ; Hengjun GAO ; Jun LU ; Xu ZHOU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1934-1945
Background and Aims:Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)has become a preferred approach for periampullary tumors,yet delayed gastric emptying(DGE)remains a frequent complication that hampers postoperative recovery.The nasojejunal feeding tube(NJT)is commonly used for early enteral nutrition,but its impact on DGE is controversial.This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative NJT placement increases the risk of DGE after LPD and to assess its influence on postoperative recovery outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort of 319 patients who underwent LPD at Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2017 to November 2023 was analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups based on intraoperative NJT placement(NJT group,n=200;non-NJT group,n=119).The incidence of DGE and postoperative outcomes were compared.Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching(PSM)were performed to identify independent risk factors for DGE.Results:The incidence of grade B/C DGE was significantly higher in the NJT group than in the non-NJT group(36.5%vs.21.8%,P=0.006).NJT placement was associated with longer postoperative hospital stay and higher hospitalization costs(both P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed intraoperative NJT placement(OR=1.960,95%CI=1.142-3.363,P=0.015)and intraoperative blood loss>400 mL(OR=1.921,95%CI=1.155-3.194,P=0.012)as independent risk factors for DGE.These findings were consistent after PSM.Conclusions:Prophylactic intraoperative NJT placement confers no additional benefit for postoperative recovery after LPD and is associated with a higher risk of DGE,prolonged hospitalization,and increased medical costs.Routine NJT placement should therefore be avoided,and individualized strategies should be adopted to minimize postoperative complications and enhance recovery.
10.Association between intraoperative nasojejunal tube placement and delayed gastric emptying after laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy
Meng LIU ; Heng WANG ; Xiaohan KONG ; Faji YANG ; Zheyu NIU ; Yijie HAO ; Xin WANG ; Huaqiang ZHU ; Hengjun GAO ; Jun LU ; Xu ZHOU
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(9):1934-1945
Background and Aims:Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy(LPD)has become a preferred approach for periampullary tumors,yet delayed gastric emptying(DGE)remains a frequent complication that hampers postoperative recovery.The nasojejunal feeding tube(NJT)is commonly used for early enteral nutrition,but its impact on DGE is controversial.This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative NJT placement increases the risk of DGE after LPD and to assess its influence on postoperative recovery outcomes.Methods:A retrospective cohort of 319 patients who underwent LPD at Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from April 2017 to November 2023 was analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups based on intraoperative NJT placement(NJT group,n=200;non-NJT group,n=119).The incidence of DGE and postoperative outcomes were compared.Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching(PSM)were performed to identify independent risk factors for DGE.Results:The incidence of grade B/C DGE was significantly higher in the NJT group than in the non-NJT group(36.5%vs.21.8%,P=0.006).NJT placement was associated with longer postoperative hospital stay and higher hospitalization costs(both P<0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed intraoperative NJT placement(OR=1.960,95%CI=1.142-3.363,P=0.015)and intraoperative blood loss>400 mL(OR=1.921,95%CI=1.155-3.194,P=0.012)as independent risk factors for DGE.These findings were consistent after PSM.Conclusions:Prophylactic intraoperative NJT placement confers no additional benefit for postoperative recovery after LPD and is associated with a higher risk of DGE,prolonged hospitalization,and increased medical costs.Routine NJT placement should therefore be avoided,and individualized strategies should be adopted to minimize postoperative complications and enhance recovery.

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