1.Pinelliae Rhizoma and Its Prescription Compatibility for Depression Treatment: A Review
Zhe XIE ; Yifan SHI ; Linzhe SU ; Ming BAI ; Yucheng LI ; Baoying WANG ; Erping XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):284-293
Depression is a common mental disorder that falls under the category of "stagnation syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its complex pathogenesis poses challenges for the development of novel therapeutic agents. Currently, clinically used antidepressants are often accompanied by significant side effects, and statistics show that about one-third of patients do not respond to these medications. TCM demonstrates advantages in the treatment of depression through multi-target, multi-pathway and multi-mechanistic approaches. Pinelliae Rhizoma, a phlegm-resolving herb, exhibits effects such as drying dampness and resolving phlegm, as well as eliminating stuffiness and reducing masses. The characteristics of harmonizing Yin and Yang and resolving stagnation in the middle energizer align precisely with the pathogenesis of depression syndrome, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in affected patients. Literature studies have found that the active ingredients of Pinelliae Rhizoma, such as cavidine, baicalein, β-sitosterol, as well as Pinelliae Rhizoma herb pairs, such as Pinelliae Rhizoma-Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, Pinelliae Rhizoma-husked sorghum, Pinelliae Rhizoma-Prunellae Spica, exhibit significant antidepressant effects. Furthermore, TCM formulas containing Pinelliae Rhizoma as the principal therapeutic agent, such as Banxia Xiexin Tang, Banxia Houpo Tang, and Wendan Tang, as well as formulas incorporating Pinelliae Rhizoma like compound Xiaochaihu Tang, Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang, and Erchen Tang, have also demonstrated favorable antidepressant efficacy. The antidepressant mechanism of these agents may involve modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) levels, up-regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reduction of oxidative stress, modulation of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammatory responses. This review summarized the antidepressant mechanisms and clinical applications of the active components, herb pairs, and TCM formulas containing Pinelliae Rhizoma, aiming to provide a reference for modern research on the use of Pinelliae Rhizoma in antidepressant therapy.
2.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
3.Exosomes Treat Ischemic Stroke by Regulation of Ferroptosis Through the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway in Mice
Yingtao XU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Ping LIN ; Haitao CHI ; Yi WANG ; Ying BAI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):20-31
ObjectiveA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model is established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. The study examines the mechanism by which exosomes (EXO) derived from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) improve ischemic stroke and regulate neural ferroptosis-related injury. MethodsThirty-two SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 - 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group): sham group (Sham), model group (MCAO), MCAO plus normal saline group (MCAO+NaCl), and MCAO plus exosome group (MCAO+EXO). The mouse MCAO model was established by electrocoagulation of the middle cerebral artery. Mice in the Sham group underwent exposure of the middle cerebral artery without electrocoagulation. Twenty-four hours before MCAO induction, mice in the MCAO+EXO group received a tail vein injection of 100 μL of exosomes derived from the culture supernatant of hAMSCs at a concentration of 9.5×1011 particles/mL. Mice in the MCAO+NaCl group were injected with an equal volume of normal saline via the tail vein. Twenty-four hours after model establishment, neurological deficits were evaluated using the Longa neurological deficit scoring system. Cerebral infarct volume was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes of neurons in the ischemic brain regions. The contents of ferrous iron (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were determined using microcolorimetric assays to evaluate differences among groups. The mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the infarct and peri-infarct regions of each group were analyzed by Western blotting. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group, the Longa neurological deficit score was significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group (P<0.01). Prominent cerebral infarction was observed in the MCAO group, whereas the infarct volume ratio was markedly decreased in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.001). Histopathological analysis revealed that mice in the MCAO group exhibited obvious neuronal damage, including cytoplasmic vacuolar degeneration, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, unclear nuclear structure, and disorganized neuronal arrangement, compared with the Sham group. In contrast, neurons in the MCAO+EXO group showed relatively preserved morphology, with intact cellular structures and large, regular nuclei located centrally within the cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that Fe2+ and MDA levels in the infarct core and peri-infarct regions were significantly increased in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.001). These levels were significantly reduced in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.01). In addition, total glutathione (total GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were markedly decreased in the MCAO group relative to the Sham group (P<0.01). Compared with the MCAO group, the MCAO+EXO group exhibited significantly increased levels of total GSH and GSH (P<0.001), while no significant change was observed in GSSG levels (P>0.05). Furthermore, both mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were significantly downregulated in the MCAO group compared with the Sham group (P<0.01, P<0.001). In contrast, both mRNA and protein expression levels of NRF2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 were significantly upregulated in the MCAO+EXO group compared with the MCAO group (P<0.05). ConclusionIn the mouse MCAO model, tail vein injection of exosomes derived from hAMSCs can improve motor function, reduce infarct area, protect neuronal cell morphology, and reduce the degree of nerve injury. Exosomes may exert a protective effect by activating the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and reducing ferroptosis in neuronal cells of MCAO model mice.
4.Mechanism of ductular reaction and related treatment strategies
Jiayan SHAN ; Huaqian XU ; Chengzhi BAI ; Liang ZHANG ; Chao DU ; Yong ZHANG ; Shanhong TANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):733-738
Ductular reaction (DR) refers to the adaptive pathological changes that occur after hepatobiliary injury, and it is essentially a repair response involving the proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation of biliary epithelial cell (BEC). With the understanding of the biological function of BEC, the potential value of DR in disease prognosis and treatment has gradually become a research hotspot. This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of DR, its potential as a therapeutic target, and future development directions, as well as novel therapies suggested by targeting these molecular mechanisms, in order to provide a new direction for overcoming current bottlenecks in the treatment of bile duct diseases.
5.Biomechanical comparison of posterior short-segment fixation with or without intermediate screws for thoracolumbar burst fractures under normal and osteoporotic conditions: a finite element analysis
Cheng XU ; XiangMing ZHANG ; Hong Jian CAO ; Chao SHEN ; Feng GE ; Xuedong BAI ; Chao ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):223-231
Methods:
Six finite element models of T12 burst fractures were developed to simulate short-segment stabilization under normal or osteoporotic bone conditions, with/without augmentation screws at the fractured vertebra. Spinal stiffness, implant stresses, and axial displacement/micromotion of the bony defect were measured and compared under mechanical loading.
Results:
Osteoporotic models exhibited a greater range of motion (ROM) than normal bone. All six-screw constructs reduced ROM across all motions compared with traditional four-screw models. Osteoporotic fracture models gained greater benefit from intermediate screw augmentation at the fracture vertebra, which also lowered axial displacement/micromotion. In six-screw models, rod stress increased while pedicle screw stress decreased. Intermediate screws at fractured vertebrae produced similar changes in stress distribution across all fixation models, regardless of bone quality.
Conclusions
Our findings may facilitate implant selection for osteoporotic burst fractures, supporting the use of more rigid fixation sixscrew constructs to reduce the risk of mechanical failure and postoperative re-collapse.
6.Research on safety risk signals of five drugs for Gaucher disease
Cheng YI ; Qiwei HAN ; Jing XU ; Nianfeng GUO ; Mengru BAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1607-1613
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the characteristics of adverse drug event (ADE) associated with five therapeutic agents for Gaucher disease(imiglucerase, velaglucerase alfa, taliglucerase alfa, eliglustat,and miglustat). METHODS ADE reports related to the above five drugs were retrieved from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from January 2004 to September 2025. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) methods were applied for data mining. system organ class (SOC) and preferred term (PT) from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA, version 26.0) drug ADE terminology were used for classification and statistical analysis of ADE. RESULTS A total of 4 329, 1 740, 500, 1 329 and 998 ADE reports were retrieved for the aforementioned five drugs, respectively, generating 4 612, 2 605, 776, 1 157 and 2 185 ADE signals. These signals involved 26 SOC, affecting 25, 26, 16, 19, and 19 SOC, respectively. The predominant SOCs were various injuries, poisoning and procedural complications, as well as infections and infestations. The top one PTs of each drug were as follows: bone infarction, zinc deficiency, failure to perform drug monitoring steps, ichthyosis, abnormal nerve conduction examination. New suspected PTs included weight gain and spontaneous abortion for imiglucerase and velaglucerase alfa, weight gain for taliglucerase alfa and eliglustat, and neuropsychiatric manifestations such as dementia and apathy for miglustat. In terms of severe ADEs, other serious medical events were predominant for imiglucerase and taliglucerase alfa; prolonged hospital stays were the main severe ADE for velaglucerase alfa and eliglustat; and death was the leading severe ADE for miglustat. CONCLUSIONS In clinical medication, apart from common ADE,for imiglucerase, clinicians should be alert to bone infarction, weight gain and spontaneous abortion, and strengthen monitoring related to bones, metabolism and pregnancy. For velaglucerase alfa, attention should be paid to zinc deficiency, bone infarction, weight gain and spontaneous abortion, with focused monitoring of nutritional status and pregnancy risks. For taliglucerase alfa, failure to perform drug monitoring steps and weight gain require vigilance, and medication procedures should be standardized along with regular weight monitoring. For eliglustat, clinicians need to watch out for ichthyosis and weight gain and pay close attention to skin conditions. For miglustat, bone infarction, abnormal nerve conduction examination and dementia should be closely monitored, with enhanced surveillance on nervous system function, infections and prognosis of critically ill patients,to ensure patient medication safety.
7.Modern Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action of Sanhuang Xiexintang: A Review
Zhiyi WANG ; Wenlong YANG ; Ming BAI ; Zibo LI ; Erping XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):237-247
Sanhuang Xiexintang (SHXXT), originating from the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue), comprises three medicinal herbs: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Scutellariae Radix. Renowned for its effects of purging fire, detoxifying, drying dampness, and draining heat, SHXXT primarily treats syndromes characterized by internal excess heat, dampness-heat stagnation, and reckless blood movement due to heat. Because of the concise formulation and remarkable efficacy of this formula, modern research has extensively explored the chemical composition, clinical applications, and pharmacological mechanisms of SHXXT, yielding significant advancements. As a modern derivative of SHXXT, Yiqing granules exemplify the transformation of classical formulas into convenient and precise applications, embodying the paradigm of modern development of classical formulas. This systematic review synthesizes recent research progress in SHXXT. Chemical analyses reveal that the active components—anthraquinones, alkaloids, and flavonoids—of SHXXT exert holistic therapeutic effects through multi-component synergy. Clinical studies demonstrate broad utility of this formula in managing digestive disorders, endocrine diseases, urinary tract infections, dermatological conditions, and systemic inflammatory diseases, highlighting its multi-system regulatory potential. Mechanism investigations elucidate its multi-target mechanism of action, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, metabolic-regulatory, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal-modulating effects, reflecting an integrated multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway mode of action. This review systematically summarizes the modern research progress in SHXXT, providing a theoretical foundation for deciphering the scientific essence of classical formulas and advancing their precision application in clinical practice.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory adenovirus infections among hospitalized patients under 18 years of age with pneumonia in Yancheng City of Jiangsu Province from 2023 to 2024
Yu BAI ; Peng SHEN ; Guoqing CHEN ; Shilin XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):511-516
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory adenovirus (AdV) infection among hospitalized patients under 18 years of age with pneumonia in Yancheng City of Jiangsu Province from 2023 to 2024, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of adenovirus infection. MethodsNasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from hospitalized patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with pneumonia at two national influenza sentinel hospitals in Yancheng City from February 2023 to June 2024. A respiratory pathogen nucleic acid detection kit was used to test for 28 pathogens, including influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human rhinovirus, adenovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, human metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, enterovirus, polyomavirus K1, polyomavirus WU, parainfluenza viruses 1‒4, coronavirus 229E, HKU1, OC43, and NL63, Haemophilus influenzae, Bordetella pertussis, Group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the novel coronavirus, and to analyze patients’ mixed infections. Adenovirus-positive samples were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using Hexon and Fibre as target genes, and the products were analyzed by sequencing. Whole-genome sequencing analyses were performed on positive samples with Ct values less than 22. ResultsAmong 368 hospitalized pneumonia patients under 18 years of age in Yancheng City from February 2023 to July 2024, most were male (51.63%, 190/368), with preschool-aged children (42.66%, 157/368) and primary school-aged children (40.22%, 148/368) comprising the majority. A total of 44 cases tested positive for adenovirus, yielding a positivity rate of 11.96%. Single infections, dual infections, and multiple infections accounted for 61.36% (27/44), 36.36% (16/44), and 2.27% (1/44), respectively. From November 2023, the adenovirus positivity rate rose sharply, peaking at 51.61% in December. Following PCR amplification and sequencing, valid sequences were successfully obtained for 37 strains, comprising 36 AdV-3 strains and 1 AdV-C strain. Eight adenovirus-positive samples with Ct values below 22 were inoculated into HEp-2 cell lines for virus isolation, and whole-genome sequencing analyses were performed on the five successfully isolated strains. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the AdV-3 strains collectively belonged to the same evolutionary clade. Whole-genome sequencing results indicated that four AdV-3 strains (HAdV-B3) showed no evidence of genetic recombination, whereas one AdV-C strain (HAdV-89) might have undergone genetic recombination. ConclusionThe adenovirus positivity rate among hospitalized pneumonia patients aged under 18 years of age in Yancheng from 2023 to 2024 was slightly higher than that reported in previous studies. Adenovirus infection exhibited a pattern of high incidence in winter, with the AdV-3 type being the predominant pathogen; one AdV-C strain (HAdV-89) might have undergone genetic recombination. It is recommended to strengthen surveillance of respiratory adenovirus type AdV-3 and its variants during the winter season, promote the use of multiplex pathogen detection techniques, and explore the clinical application of an AdV-3 vaccine.
9.Application of central auditory testing combined with electroencephalogram characteristics in the early screening of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease
Fengyi SUN ; Haiyan YIN ; Tingting YIN ; Bingqing YANG ; Jianpeng GU ; Yan WANG ; Yamei BAI ; Guihua XU ; Yulei SONG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(9):1016-1024
ObjectiveTo investigate the application of central auditory testing combined with electroencephalographic features in the early screening of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to conduct a field survey in the Qixia District of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, from July to September, 2025. A total of 40 older adults diagnosed as mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and 23 cognitively normal older adults were recruited. Auditory N-back and dichotic listening paradigms were employed for assessment, while the scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Beijing Version (MoCA-BJ) and 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) data were simultaneously collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictive indicators, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. ResultsThe total score of dichotic listening was positively correlated with overall cognitive function (r = 0.475, P < 0.01), while right-ear advantage showed negative correlations with overall cognition, visuospatial ability, abstract reasoning, and delayed recall (r < -0.276, P < 0.05). Task performance across all conditions of the N-back task was positively correlated with overall cognitive function (r > 0.249, P < 0.05). Regarding EEG features, δ and θ band power and power peaks were positively correlated with delayed recall (r > 0.258, P < 0.05), whereas (α+θ)/(α+β) and θ/(α+β) were positively correlated with naming ability and visuospatial executive function, respectively (r > 0.261, P < 0.05). The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that the total score of binaural dichotic listening, the accuracy of 1-back task, the average power of δ waves, and the ratio of θ/(α+β) were independent influencing factors for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (P < 0.05). The ROC analysis indicated that the AUC for auditory task performance and EEG features were 0.845 and 0.735 respectively, and when combined, the AUC increased to 0.862. ConclusionThe screening model based on the integration of auditory task performance and EEG features can be used in the early identification of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.
10.Regulatory Mechanisms of Programmed Cell Death in Acute Lung Injury and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Dacheng TIAN ; Wanjin LIU ; Yiwei CHEN ; Yanwen WANG ; Yixuan BAI ; Jinhui XU ; Shuaichun LIU ; Xingfang LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):307-319
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled pulmonary inflammatory responses, presenting high morbidity and mortality rates that pose serious threats to patient health. The pathogenesis of ALI involves complex interactions among pathological mechanisms including immune-inflammatory responses, disruption of the alveolar-capillary barrier, mesenchymal stem cell dysfunction, metabolic disorders, ferroptosis, and alterations in the gut microbiota. The dysregulation of programmed cell death (PCD) has increasingly emerged as a research focus. PCD represents a genetically regulated autonomous process of cell death, crucial for maintaining the internal stability of organisms. Recent studies indicate that multiple PCD modes, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis, participate in the development and progression of ALI by mediating pathological processes such as alveolar epithelial cell injury and vascular endothelial barrier disruption. Current therapeutic approaches for ALI encompass lung-protective ventilation, body fluid management, mesenchymal stem cell therapy, and pharmacological interventions. While these measures may alleviate clinical symptoms, they remain unable to reverse the pathological progression of lung injury. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses the unique advantages of a holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation-based treatment, achieving breakthrough progress in targeted PCD intervention for ALI. It can mitigate pulmonary tissue injury by suppressing inflammatory responses, regulating immune function, and improving coagulation disorders, thereby delaying the onset and progression of ALI. This paper delves into the molecular mechanisms of PCD in ALI, systematically reviewing the effects of TCM extracts, active constituents (terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols), and compound formulas (e.g., Qingjie Huagong prescription, Maxing Kugan Tang, and Yifei Jianpi prescription) in improving pulmonary epithelial cell function and mitigating lung injury by modulating PCD pathways. This review aims to provide theoretical underpinnings and novel directions for drug development in the clinical prevention and treatment of ALI.

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