1.Analysis of Differential Metabolites of Pinelliae Rhizoma at Different Browning Stages Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics
Jing TAO ; Honghong LIANG ; Ruoshi LI ; Zhouli XU ; Minzhao LI ; Aien TAO ; Guihua JIANG ; Li AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):191-199
ObjectiveTo investigate differential metabolites associated with browning in the post-harvest processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma, providing data support for elucidating the key metabolites and metabolic pathways involved in browning, and developing safe and efficient sulfur-free processing techniques. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS) was used to detect the metabolites of Pinelliae Rhizoma at different browning stages(0, 8, 16 h) for widely targeted metabolomics. Subsequently, Multivariate statistical analysis of metabolites was conducted using principal component analysis(PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and K-means cluster analysis. Differential metabolites at different browning stages were screened based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and |log2fold change(FC)|≥1, and metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). ResultsA total of 1 416 metabolites were identified across the three browning stages of Pinelliae Rhizoma, predominantly comprising amino acids and their derivatives(239), lipids(219), alkaloids(156), phenolic acids(121), terpenoids(113), and flavonoids(111). A two-by-two comparison of the three browning phases, yielded 622 differential metabolites that were significantly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and purine metabolic pathway. Further analysis revealed that carbohydrates such as D-mannose and turanose, phenolic acids such as 1-O-caffeoyl-6-O-glucosyl-β-D-glucose, dicaffeoylshikimic acid, and flavonoids such as epigallocatechin gallate, vitexin-7-O-rutinoside, luteolin-7-O-(6″-malonyl)glucoside-5-O-arabinoside, catechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, isovitexin-7-O-glucoside-2″-O-rhamnoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside-4ʹ-O-sophoroside, 3,5,3ʹ,4ʹ,5ʹ-penta-hydroxyflavan-7-gallate may act as browning substrates and play important roles in the browning process. ConclusionCarbohydrates, phenolic acids, and flavonoids may serve as key substrates in the browning process of Pinelliae Rhizoma, involving pathways such as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and purine metabolism, which can provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the browning mechanism.
2.Ancient and Modern Documentation of Classic Formula Sangjuyin
Xiaofang WANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Wangju ZHOU ; Yiping WANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Ruiting SU ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):200-207
Sangjuyin, as a pungent and cooling agent with precise therapeutic effect, is a classic pungent formula for cooling relief of the epidermis, which is highly respected by medical practitioners. This formula is from the Wenbing Tiaobian written by WU Jutong in the Qing dynasty, on the basis of which subsequent medical practitioners have made additions and subtractions to apply it. The authors used the bibliometric method to systematically organize the medical books from the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China and modern literature to analyze the composition, concoction, decoction, efficacy, and previous and modern application of Sangjuyin. After examination, the drug base of this formula is basically clear. Armeniacae Semen Amarum is the dried mature seeds of Armeniaca vulgaris, family Rosaceae. Forsythiae Fructus is the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa, family Mulleinaceae. Menthae Haplocalycis Herba is the dried above-ground part of Mentha haplocalyx, family Labiatae. Mori Folium is the dried leaves of Morus alba, family Moraceae. Chrysanthemi Flos is the dried head of Chrysanthemum morifolium, family Asteraceae. Platycodonis Radix is the dried root of Eryngium grandiflorum, family Eryngium. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of the Leguminosae family, and Phragmitis Rhizoma is the fresh or dried rhizome of Phragmites communis of the Gramineae family. It is recommended that the eight drugs be used in raw form as medicine. The dosage and method of decoction were converted into a modern single dosage of 7.46 g Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 5.60 g Forsythiae Fructus, 2.98 g Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 9.33 g Mori Folium, 3.73 g Chrysanthemi Flos, 7.46 g Platycodonis Radix, 2.98 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 11.19 g Phragmitis Rhizoma, with 400 mL water added, and the solution was boiled to obtain 200 mL, taken twice a day. Sangjuyin has the efficacy of dispersing wind and clearing heat, promoting lung and relieving cough, and it is used for treating the initial onset of wind-warmth and the evidence of evil spirits in the lungs and collaterals. Modern research has shown that Sangjuyin is often used in the treatment of cough, pneumonia, rhinitis, and other respiratory diseases, and the results of this study provide a reference for the later development of Sangjuyin.
3.Research Advances of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease:Overview and Prospects
Liang DAI ; Guang JI ; Xianbo WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hanchen XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):386-391
The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is fundamentally rooted in spleen deficiency and is closely associated with phlegm turbidity, damp-heat and blood stasis. Clinically, liver constraint with spleen deficiency and internal retention of damp turbidity represent the predominant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns. Researches have indicated intrinsic connections between the syndrome patterns and biological indicators such as gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. Regarding treatment, classical famous formulas, modern empirical formulas, and newly developed TCM drugs show positive effects in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, and alleviating metabolic inflammation, exhibiting multi-target mechanisms of action; acupuncture and other external therapies also provide adjunctive value. Nevertheless, current researches still have limitations such as the lack of high-quality clinical evidence and insufficient systematic elucidation of the uncerlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on conducting high-quality TCM clinical trials with hard endpoint outcomes such as hepatic histology outcomes, and utilizing modern technologies like multi-omics to elucidate TCM's mechanisms of action, thereby advancing the position of TCM as a first-line therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
4.Changes in balance and lower limb biomechanics of spastic hemiplegia under different visual deprivation and task conditions
Guanjun LIANG ; Huanlan XU ; Hewei ZHANG ; Dali ZHANG ; Qin GU ; Mingdi LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different visual inputs and task conditions on balance function and lower limb biomechanical characteristics in children with spastic hemiplegia. MethodsFrom March to July, 2025, 30 children aged six to nine years old with spastic hemiplegia (hemiplegia group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were selected. A 2×2×2 mixed experimental design was employed, involving groups (hemiplegia vs. healthy), tasks (single-task vs. dual-task), and vision (eyes open vs. eyes closed). One week before test, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Wee Function Independent Measurement (WeeFIM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). A 3D gait analysis system and a plantar pressure testing system were used to collect spatio-temporal parameters of walking speed, stride length, cadence and step width, kinematic parameters of hip/knee/ankle joint angles, kinetic parameters of forefoot loading ratio, center of pressure (CoP) displacement, while dual-task cost (DTC) was caculated. ResultsSpatio-temporal parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, walking speed and stride length decreased while step width increased in the hemiplegia group. Significant interaction effects among group, task, and vision were observed for speed, stride length, and step width (F > 4.886, P < 0.05). Kinematic parameters indicated that during dual-tasks, the hemiplegia group exhibited increased hip flexion and decreased ankle dorsiflexion; under eyes-closed conditions, knee flexion increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected all joint angles (F > 4.876, P < 0.05). Kinetic parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, the forefoot loading ratio and anteroposterior CoP displacement decreased, while mediolateral CoP displacement increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected CoP displacement (F > 4.355, P < 0.05). All the DTC was significantly higher in the hemiplegia group than in the control group, except DTC of the cadence (|t| > 14.393, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the score of FMA-LE was strongly negatively correlated with DTC (|r| > 0.731, P < 0.01). The Functional Independence Measure for Children and Working Memory Index showed moderate negative correlations with the DTC of walking speed and cadence (|r| > 0.462, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe gait and balance of children with spastic hemiplegia are concurrently influenced by dual-tasking and visual input. The superposition of visual deprivation and dual-tasks significantly exacerbates gait abnormalities. Furthermore, is strongly correlated with motor function and working memory.
5.Changes in balance and lower limb biomechanics of spastic hemiplegia under different visual deprivation and task conditions
Guanjun LIANG ; Huanlan XU ; Hewei ZHANG ; Dali ZHANG ; Qin GU ; Mingdi LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different visual inputs and task conditions on balance function and lower limb biomechanical characteristics in children with spastic hemiplegia. MethodsFrom March to July, 2025, 30 children aged six to nine years old with spastic hemiplegia (hemiplegia group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were selected. A 2×2×2 mixed experimental design was employed, involving groups (hemiplegia vs. healthy), tasks (single-task vs. dual-task), and vision (eyes open vs. eyes closed). One week before test, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Wee Function Independent Measurement (WeeFIM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). A 3D gait analysis system and a plantar pressure testing system were used to collect spatio-temporal parameters of walking speed, stride length, cadence and step width, kinematic parameters of hip/knee/ankle joint angles, kinetic parameters of forefoot loading ratio, center of pressure (CoP) displacement, while dual-task cost (DTC) was caculated. ResultsSpatio-temporal parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, walking speed and stride length decreased while step width increased in the hemiplegia group. Significant interaction effects among group, task, and vision were observed for speed, stride length, and step width (F > 4.886, P < 0.05). Kinematic parameters indicated that during dual-tasks, the hemiplegia group exhibited increased hip flexion and decreased ankle dorsiflexion; under eyes-closed conditions, knee flexion increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected all joint angles (F > 4.876, P < 0.05). Kinetic parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, the forefoot loading ratio and anteroposterior CoP displacement decreased, while mediolateral CoP displacement increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected CoP displacement (F > 4.355, P < 0.05). All the DTC was significantly higher in the hemiplegia group than in the control group, except DTC of the cadence (|t| > 14.393, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the score of FMA-LE was strongly negatively correlated with DTC (|r| > 0.731, P < 0.01). The Functional Independence Measure for Children and Working Memory Index showed moderate negative correlations with the DTC of walking speed and cadence (|r| > 0.462, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe gait and balance of children with spastic hemiplegia are concurrently influenced by dual-tasking and visual input. The superposition of visual deprivation and dual-tasks significantly exacerbates gait abnormalities. Furthermore, is strongly correlated with motor function and working memory.
6.Changes in balance and lower limb biomechanics of spastic hemiplegia under different visual deprivation and task conditions
Guanjun LIANG ; Huanlan XU ; Hewei ZHANG ; Dali ZHANG ; Qin GU ; Mingdi LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):345-355
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of different visual inputs and task conditions on balance function and lower limb biomechanical characteristics in children with spastic hemiplegia. MethodsFrom March to July, 2025, 30 children aged six to nine years old with spastic hemiplegia (hemiplegia group) and 30 healthy children (control group) were selected. A 2×2×2 mixed experimental design was employed, involving groups (hemiplegia vs. healthy), tasks (single-task vs. dual-task), and vision (eyes open vs. eyes closed). One week before test, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Wee Function Independent Measurement (WeeFIM) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ). A 3D gait analysis system and a plantar pressure testing system were used to collect spatio-temporal parameters of walking speed, stride length, cadence and step width, kinematic parameters of hip/knee/ankle joint angles, kinetic parameters of forefoot loading ratio, center of pressure (CoP) displacement, while dual-task cost (DTC) was caculated. ResultsSpatio-temporal parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, walking speed and stride length decreased while step width increased in the hemiplegia group. Significant interaction effects among group, task, and vision were observed for speed, stride length, and step width (F > 4.886, P < 0.05). Kinematic parameters indicated that during dual-tasks, the hemiplegia group exhibited increased hip flexion and decreased ankle dorsiflexion; under eyes-closed conditions, knee flexion increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected all joint angles (F > 4.876, P < 0.05). Kinetic parameters showed that under dual-task and eyes-closed conditions, the forefoot loading ratio and anteroposterior CoP displacement decreased, while mediolateral CoP displacement increased. The interaction of the three factors significantly affected CoP displacement (F > 4.355, P < 0.05). All the DTC was significantly higher in the hemiplegia group than in the control group, except DTC of the cadence (|t| > 14.393, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that the score of FMA-LE was strongly negatively correlated with DTC (|r| > 0.731, P < 0.01). The Functional Independence Measure for Children and Working Memory Index showed moderate negative correlations with the DTC of walking speed and cadence (|r| > 0.462, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe gait and balance of children with spastic hemiplegia are concurrently influenced by dual-tasking and visual input. The superposition of visual deprivation and dual-tasks significantly exacerbates gait abnormalities. Furthermore, is strongly correlated with motor function and working memory.
7.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
8.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
9.Molecular Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Xin PENG ; Yunhui LI ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Haotian XU ; Ziming DANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):304-313
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disease that poses a significant threat to global health, exhibiting high morbidity, disability and mortality rate, with its prevention and treatment situation becoming increasingly critical. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex, and the underlying cellular and molecular biological mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Programmed cell death (PCD) is the process wherein cells actively undergo demise to maintain internal environmental stability in response to certain signals or specific stimuli. Contemporary medical research indicates that the dysregulation of PCD patterns such as apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis is closely related to the onset and progression of COPD. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms of PCD in COPD may provide novel perspectives for in-depth understanding and prevention of the disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by holistic regulation. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted in the TCM field focusing on modulating apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis for the treatment of COPD, yielding remarkable achievements. Therefore, this study systematically explored the molecular mechanism of PCD in COPD and reviewed the potential mechanisms and intervention status of TCM targeting PCD in COPD, aiming to provide insights and references for the clinical prevention, treatment and in-depth research of COPD.
10.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.

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