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.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
3.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
4.Role of insomnia symptoms in the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms in college freshmen
YANG Jieru, LI Xiaoxiao,HUANG Yan, HU Dongyue, YANG Jiaxing, BAO Jinying, CHANG Litao, LEI Yuanting, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):250-255
Objective:
To analyze the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms, with the mediating role of insomnia symptoms among college freshmen, so as to provide a reference basis for reducing the occurrence of anxiety symptoms in college freshmen.
Methods:
From October to December 2021, 31 856 freshmen were selected by the purposive sampling method in 22 colleges across 11 provinces (Fujian, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Chongqing) in China. The Semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to investigate college freshmen drinking behaviors. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 and the Insomnia Severity Index were used to assess anxiety symptoms and insomnia symptoms in college freshmen. The generalized linear model was employed to analyze the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms in college freshmen, and the structural equation modeling was used to assess the mediating effect of insomnia symptoms on the association.
Results:
The detection rate of anxiety symptoms among college freshmen was 28.2%, the detection rates of the mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe were 6.6%, 15.9%, 3.2% and 2.6%, respectively. While 23.6% of college freshmen reported drinking in the past month, the rates were 39.8% among boys and 15.9% among girls. After adjusting for demographic variables (ethnicity, education, major, etc.) and confounding variables (self evaluation of learning burden, number of close friends, screen time, etc.), the results of generalized linear model analysis showed that beer consumption was associated with anxiety symptoms in college freshmen( β =0.09, 95% CI =0.04-0.14), girls( β =0.14, 95% CI =0.07-0.21) and those aged 19-20 years ( β =0.12, 95% CI =0.05-0.19)(all P <0.05). Red wine consumption was associated with anxiety symptoms in male students ( β =0.13, 95% CI =0.02-0.24, P <0.05). Alcohol and beer consumption were associated with insomnia in college freshmen[ β (95% CI ) =0.22(0.08-0.36),0.31(0.23-0.39),both P <0.01]. Insomnia symptoms partially mediated the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms among college freshmen with a mediating effect value of 0.05, accounting for 50.49% of the total effect.
Conclusions
Insomnia symptoms partially mediates the association between drinking behaviors and anxiety symptoms in college freshmen. Measures should be taken to simultaneously intervene in the drinking behaviors and insomnia symptoms of college freshmen to prevent the occurrence of their anxiety symptoms.
5.Investigation of natural radionuclide activity indrinking water in Hohhot, China
Bo JU ; Gerilemandahu ; Yulong BAO ; Shuai ZHANG ; Xiang LIU ; Haribala ; Xiao XU ; Zhichao SUN ; Xiaojuan YANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):159-164
Objective :
To investigate the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in drinking water (tap water andwell water) in urban and rural areas of Hohhot, assess the safety of drinking water, and to provide data support for localdrinking water radioactivity monitoring and management.
Methods :
Representative samples of well water and tap waterwere collected from nine banners/counties/districts in Hohhot. Activity concentrations were measured using a low-back-ground gross α/β counter, an α spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and a radium/radon analyzer.
Results :
A total of nine tap water samples and nine well water samples were analyzed. For the tap water samples, gross αactivity concentrations ranged from 0.093 to 0.193 Bq/L, gross β from 0.091 to 0.225 Bq/L, uranium mass concentrationsfrom 2.32 to 10.36 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.09 to 0.20 μg/L,210Po activity concentrations from below theminimum detectable limit to 0.41 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 8.70 to 13.35 mBq/L. For the well watersamples, gross α activity concentrations ranged from 0.111 to 0.203 Bq/L, gross β from 0.111 to 0.270 Bq/L, uranium massconcentrations from 2.31 to 13.28 μg/L, thorium mass concentrations from 0.17 to 0.26 μg/L,210Po activity concentrationsfrom 1.03 to 2.12 mBq/L, and 226Ra activity concentrations from 15.38 to 23.63 mBq/L.
Conclusion
The activityconcen-trations of natural radionuclides in both well water and tap water in the Hohhot region were at environmental backgroundlevels and met national drinking water hygiene standards.
6.Aquaporin 1 promotes proliferation and migration of tumor by up-regulating claudin-1 expression in colon cancer
Wei Wei XIE ; Lin XU ; Qian LI ; Dao Quan ZHANG ; Yu Bao ZHOU
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):307-318
With the rising incidence of colon cancer, several studies have indicated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression is associated with the development of colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms between them. Methods: We screened data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and retrospectively examined AQP1 protein expression in 127 colon cancer patients to analyze the relationship between AQP1 expression and pathological stages, prognosis. We created stable colon cancer cell lines with differential AQP1 expression, the effect of AQP1 expression on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and explored potential molecular mechanisms through Western blotting. Results: High AQP1 expression was associated with poorer survival (overall survival [OS], p = .028) in colon cancer patients from the TCGA database. Similarly, retrospective clinical data indicated that high AQP1 expression was associated with reduced disease-free survival and OS (p = .036 and p = .017, respectively). The low-expressing AQP1 colon cancer cells exhibited a decrease in proliferation and migration ability of colon cancer cells compared to the overexpressing AQP1 group (p < .05) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting experiments validated heightened expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin- 1 in the tumor tissues of the overexpressing AQP1 group. Conversely, reduced AQP1 expression resulted in decreased expression of claudin- 1. Conclusions: AQP1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in colon cancer and potentially enhances the proliferation and migration of colon cancer by up-regulating claudin-1 expression.
7.Efficacy of anticoagulation treatment alone and combining mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Lei YAN ; Zhen XU ; Wenying BAO ; Yingge XU ; Song ZHANG ; Ming ZHU ; Yinyin WU ; Shaofeng SHUI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(8):497-501
Objective To compare the efficacy of anticoagulation treatment(AT)alone and combining mechanical thrombectomy(MT)for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis(CVST).Methods Totally 150 patients with CVST were collected,including 90 underwent only AT(AT group)and 60 underwent MT+AT(combined group).The rate of venous sinus recanalization at discharge,the prognosis at discharge and 6,12 months after discharge(modified Rankin scale[mRS]score of 0 to 2 was considered as good prognosis)were compared between groups,and relative complications were recorded.Results At discharge,the rate of complete and partial recanalization of venous sinuses in combined group were both higher than that in AT group(both P<0.001).No significant difference of the rate of good prognosis at discharge was found between groups(P=0.191),while 6 and 12 months after discharge,the rate of good prognosis in combined group were both higher than that in AT group(P=0.046,0.028).During the treatment and follow-up period,no significant difference of the incidence of complications was found between groups(5.00%[3/60]vs.11.11%[10/90],P=0.245).Conclusion Compared with AT alone,AT combining with MT could improve revascularization rate and prognosis of CVST without increasing the risk of complications.
8.Clinical evaluation of daratumumab in combination with lenalidomide and bortezomib and with daratu-mumab,bortezomib,and dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma
Yuchen ZHAO ; Manting XU ; Jing BAO ; Liang XIA
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(18):2913-2919
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the daratumumab-based regimens,including daratumumab,dexamethasone,and lenalidomide(DRd),as well as daratumumab,dexamethasone,and bortezomib(DVd),in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM)at our center.Methods Eighty patients with RRMM were assigned to either the DRd group(42 cases)or the DVd group(38 cases)based on their treatment regimens.Both groups received a baseline treatment of daratumumab combined with dexamethasone(Dd regimen).In the DVd group,1.3 mg/m2 of bortezomib was administered subcutaneously on days 1,4,8,and 11 of each cycle,followed by a 10 day drug-free interval(days 12~21),repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression.In the DRd group,25 mg of lenalidomide was orally administered daily from day 1 to day 21 of each cycle,in addition to the Dd regimen,continuing until disease progression.The two groups were compared in terms of laboratory parameters,tumor markers,clinical efficacy,safety profiles,and long-term prognostic outcomes.Results After treatment,the overall response rate(ORR)of the DRd group and the DVd group was 78.57%(33 out of 42 cases)and 52.63%(20 out of 38 cases),respectively.The serum creatinine(SCr)levels were(92.54±14.33)and(102.07±15.41)μmol/L,respectively;the M protein contents were(19.62±2.04)and(21.08±2.23)g/L,respectively;the β2-microglobulin(β2-MG)levels were(3.49±1.12)and(4.16±1.25)mg/L,respectively;and the progression-free survival rates were 42.86%(18 out of 42 cases)and 26.32%(10 out of 38 cases),respectively.All these indicators showed statistically significant differences between the DRd group and the DVd group(all P<0.05).The incidence rates of adverse reactions in the observation group and the control group were 14.29%(6 out of 42 cases)and 13.16%(5 out of 38 cases),respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion The DRd regimen demonstrates superior efficacy compared to the DVd regimen in treating patients with RRMM,leading to improved patient prognosis with a favorable safety profile.
9.Research progress on protective effect of cannabidiol on central nervous system diseases
Pan-pan LI ; Bao-qi WANG ; Xiao-ming SHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Yu-min XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1818-1822
Cannabidiol(CBD),a natural,non-toxic,non-psy-choactive cannabinoid extracted from Cannabis sativa L,has a wide range of pharmacological activities,including anti-inflam-matory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,analgesic,anti-tumor,anti-convulsant,anxiolytic effects.Recent studies have indica-ted that CBD may have potential neuroprotective effects in vari-ous models of central nervous system diseases.This paper re-views the experimental research progress of CBD in central nerv-ous system diseases and its possible neuroprotective mecha-nisms,aiming to provide references for its clinical application and new drug development.
10.Current status and standardization issues analysis of outcome indicators in randomized controlled trials of treating vascular dementia with acupuncture
Liang BAO ; Xuechun DING ; Zhenfeng ZHANG ; Zhenggang LU ; Chunning LI ; Wenshuai XU ; Qiucheng GUO ; Fei LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1470-1480
Objective To analyze the current status of outcome measures in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of acupuncture treatment for vascular dementia(VD)and promote the development of a standardized set of outcome measures.Methods Chinese and English literature databases were searched,including the Chinese Medical Periodical Full-Text Database,the Chinese Biology Medicine disc,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data,VIP Database,PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Web of Science,Chinese Clinical Trials Registry,and the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry.Two researchers independently screened RCT literature on acupuncture treatment for VD between January 1,2015 and January 1,2025,risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.Extract basic study information,intervention measures,diagnostic criteria for both Chinese and Western medicine,TCM syndromes,and outcome measures.Summarize the indicator domains of RCT studies on acupuncture treatment for VD,and analyze the basic information and outcome measures of the included studies.Results A preliminary search identified 2,898 articles,of which 93 RCTs were ultimately included.These studies involved 84 outcome measures,covering six indicator domains:symptoms/signs(23.81%),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes(3.57%),medical checkups(60.71%),quality of life(5.95%),safety assessment(4.76%),and prognosis follow-up(1.19%).A total of 91(97.85%)RCTs reported treatment duration,ranging from 2 to 24 weeks;72(77.42%)RCTs used clinical efficacy as the outcome indicator;11 studies(11.83%)reported safety assessments and adverse events.Conclusion Currently,the RCT study design for acupuncture treatment of VD lacks unified standards and has numerous methodological issues.These include insufficient description of sample size estimation processes,strong reliance on subjective rating scales,ambiguous definitions of primary and secondary outcome measures,incomplete integration of Chinese and Western medical indicators,and insufficient reflection of individualized syndrome differentiation and treatment characteristics.In addition,safety assessments and follow-up mechanisms remain relatively weak.Future research should focus on the essential nature of VD,establish a core set of indicators aligned with the clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine,promote the scientific and standardized development of acupuncture research for VD,and provide more compelling evidence-based support for clinical practice.


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