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.Society of Critical Care Medicine 2024 Guidelines on Adult ICU Design: An Interpretation
Hui ZHANG ; Jianhua SUN ; Wanchen ZHAO ; Lingli XIE ; Cong MA ; Yifan FANG ; Jing CAI ; Na GUO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):421-428
This article provides a systematic interpretation and review of the
3.Isolation and nitrogen transformation characterization of a moderately halophilic nitrification-aerobic denitrification strain Halomonas sp. 5505.
Zhuobin XIE ; Yun WANG ; Gangqiang JIANG ; Yuwei LI ; Wenchang LI ; Yifan LIU ; Zhangxiu WU ; Yuanyuan HUANG ; Shukun TANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(6):2467-2482
The biological nitrogen removal technology utilizing heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) bacteria has shown effectiveness in wastewater treatment. However, the nitrogen removal efficiency of HN-AD bacteria significantly decreases as the salinity increases. To tackle the challenge of treating high-salt and high-nitrogen wastewater, we isolated a moderately halophilic HN-AD strain 5505 from a salt lake in Xinjiang. The strain was identified based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Single-factor experiments were carried out with NH4+-N, NO3--N, and NO2--N as sole or mixed nitrogen sources to study the nitrifying effect, denitrifying effect, and nitrogen metabolism pathway of the strain. The strain was identified as Halomonas sp.. It can grow in the presence of 1%-25% (W/V) NaCl and exhibited efficient nitrogen removal ability in the presence of 3%-8% NaCl. At the optimal NaCl concentration (8%), the strain showed the NH4+-N, NO3--N and NO2--N removal rates of 100.0%, 94.11% and 74.43%, respectively. Strain 5505 removed inorganic nitrogen mainly by assimilation, which accounted for over 62.68% of total nitrogen removal. In the presence of mixed nitrogen sources, strain 5505 showed a preference for utilizing ammonia, with a potential HN-AD pathway of NH4+→NH2OH→NO2-→NO3-→NO2-→NO/N2O/N2. The findings provide efficient salt-tolerant bacterial resources, enhance our understanding of biological nitrogen removal, and contribute to the nitrogen removal efficiency improvement in the treatment of high-salt and high-nitrogen wastewater.
Halomonas/classification*
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Nitrogen/isolation & purification*
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Denitrification
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Nitrification
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Wastewater/microbiology*
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Aerobiosis
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Biodegradation, Environmental
;
Salinity
4.Huoxue Shufeng Granule alleviates central sensitization in chronic migraine mice via TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.
Xiaotao LIANG ; Yifan XIONG ; Xueqi LIU ; Xiaoshan LIANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei XIE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):986-994
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Huoxue Shufeng Granules (HXSFG) for alleviating central sensitization in a mouse model of chronic migraine (CM).
METHODS:
We analyzed the main chemical components of HXSFG through literature review and explored their pharmacological mechanisms by bioinformatics analyses. In a male C57BL/6J mouse model of CM established by intraperitoneal injections of nitroglycerin (10 mg/kg) every other day (5 injections), the effects of gavage with low, and high doses of HXSFG or intraperitoneal injections of topiramate for ameliorating central sensitization were evaluated using Von Frey test and a hot plate apparatus; the changes in expressions of inflammatory factors, the proteins in the TLR4/NF‑κB signaling pathway, and activation of c-Fos and CGRP were detected using RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the main active components in HXSFG for alleviating CM included formononetin, paeoniflorin, quercetin, and tanshinone. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 492 GO entries, comprising 366 biological processes, 46 cellular components, and 80 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the Toll-like receptor and NF‑κB signaling pathways were crucial in mediating the therapeutic effects of HXSFG on CM. In the mouse models of CM, both topiramate and HXSFG treatments alleviated the symptoms of central sensitization, evidenced by improved mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the mice. HXSFG significantly reduced the expression of c-Fos and CGRP, improved inflammatory markers, and downregulated the expressions of TLR4, p-NF‑κB, IL-1β, and TNF‑α proteins in the mouse models.
CONCLUSIONS
HXSFG effectively alleviates central sensitization in CM mice by modulating the inflammatory pathways and inhibiting the TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for CM.
Animals
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Migraine Disorders/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Inflammation
5.Modified Chaihu Guizhi Decoction alleviates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Xiaotao LIANG ; Xiaoshan LIANG ; Yifan XIONG ; Shiru XIE ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei XIE
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2146-2159
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the mechanisms of Modified Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (MCGD) for ameliorating anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in a mouse model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).
METHODS:
The main chemical constituents of MCGD were identified through literature review, and network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the potential pharmacological mechanisms of MCGD. For in vivo validation, male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, CUMS model group, fluoxetine (FLX) treatment group, and low- and high-dose MCGD treatment groups (n=15), and in all but the control group, CUMS models were established by daily exposure to two randomized stressors for 28 consecutive days. Starting from 3 days prior to modeling, MCGD and fluoxetine treatments were administered daily via gavage and intraperitoneal injection, respectively. Depression- and anxiety-like behaviors of the mice were assessed using sucrose preference test, forced swim test, open field test and elevated plus maze test. The changes in mRNA expressions of the clock genes and inflammatory markers and expressions of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling proteins were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect microglia activation in the mice.
RESULTS:
The key active compounds in MCGD identified by network pharmacology analysis included quercetin, acacetin, formononetin, nobiletin, and baicalein. GO analysis identified 607 enriched pathways, and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed significant involvement of the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In the mouse models of CUMS, treatment with both fluoxetine and MCGD significantly alleviated anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. MCGD treatment significantly reduced Iba1 expression, improved the inflammatory markers, reversed the decrease in clock gene circadian rhythm amplitude, and obviously downregulated the expressions of JAK2, p-STAT3, p-NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6 proteins.
CONCLUSIONS
MCGD effectively alleviates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in CUMS mice by modulating the inflammatory pathways and inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Janus Kinase 2/metabolism*
;
STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Depression/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Anxiety/drug therapy*
;
Stress, Psychological
;
Disease Models, Animal
6.Screening and validation of tsRNAs associated with lung adenocarcinoma
Chunli LU ; Yifan SHAN ; Weijia XIE ; Tingting XIA ; Ying XIANG ; Na WU ; Long WU ; Li BAI ; Yafei LI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(2):122-131
Objective To explore the roles of transfer RNA-derived small RNAs(tsRNAs)in the oncogenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma by analyzing the differential expression of tsRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma and the relationship between the expression levels of tsRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma and the prognosis of patients in order to further screen and validate the tsRNAs associated with lung adenocarcinoma.Methods The differential expression of tsRNAs between lung adenocarcinoma tissues and normal tissues was analyzed based on the database of the Computational Medicine Center.The effects of tsRNAs expression levels on the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients were analyzed based on the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database(TCGA-LUAD).The target genes were predicted based on TRFtarget2.0 and tRFTar databases.Gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis were performed based on DAVID and KOBA KEGG online websites.The expression levels of target genes in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and normal tissues were analyzed based on the University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal(UALCAN)database.In vitro cell proliferation,migration,and invasion assays were performed to investigate the biological functions of tRF-19-69M8LOJX in lung adenocarcinoma cells.Results Compared with the normal tissues,tRF-19-69M8LOJX was up-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues(log2FC=4.28,FDR<0.05).High expression level of tRF-19-69M8LOJX was associated with shorter progression-free survival(HR=1.565,95%CI=1.142-2.145,P=0.005).And its overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration(P<0.001),and invasion(P=0.009)of A549 cells,and up-regulated COL1A1(P=0.002)and VCAN(P=0.022)significantly in the tRF-19-69M8LOJX overexpression cell model.Conclusion tRF-19-69M8LOJX is up-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues.And its high expression is closely associated with poor prognosis.The tsRNA may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of lung adenocarcinoma.
7.Significant fundamental translational research on breast cancer in China:progress and prospects
Yufeng LU ; Han WANG ; Yifan XIE ; Yizhou JIANG ; Zhimin SHAO
China Oncology 2025;35(2):143-153
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor that poses a threat to women's health in China,with incidence and mortality rates persistently increasing.Given this critical situation,there is an urgent need to optimize therapeutic options through basic translational research to address current treatment challenges.This article provided a comprehensive overview of the significant advancements in fundamental translational breast cancer research in China over the past five years,aiming to provide a scientific basis and new directions for precision treatment of breast cancer.This research encompasses a range of subjects,including molecular typing,biomarker identification,exploration of drug resistance mechanisms,optimization of precision treatment strategies,and identification of new targets in breast cancer.In the domain of molecular typing,researchers have revealed substantial disparities in treatment responses among distinct subtypes of breast cancer through in-depth analysis.This has led to the proposal of specific therapeutic strategies for each subtype,thereby establishing a robust theoretical foundation for individualized treatment approaches.The identification of biomarkers plays a pivotal role in selecting appropriate treatment options for patients.Recent research advancements have demonstrated the potential of liquid biopsy and proteomics technologies in uncovering promising biomarkers,offering novel prospects for the early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of breast cancer.In the investigation of resistance mechanisms,researchers have elucidated the molecular underpinnings of resistance to endocrine therapy and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-targeted therapy and proposed potential strategies to overcome resistance.This has paved the way for novel approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy.In the context of immunotherapy and targeted therapies,the discernment of novel targets and biomarkers has facilitated novel perspectives on breast cancer treatment.Based on advanced comprehension of tumor heterogeneity,researchers constantly optimize precision treatment strategies through multiomics analysis,thus offering patients with breast cancer enhanced personalized treatment options.Concurrently,the implementation of novel technologies has been instrumental in facilitating the advancement of precision treatment for breast cancer.For instance,the application of artificial intelligence technology has demonstrated considerable potential in the early screening,diagnosis,efficacy assessment and prognosis prediction of breast cancer.Conversely,the advent of innovative drug delivery systems facilitated by nanotechnology has led to enhanced targeting and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents.Furthermore,research into hydrogel patch technology and tumor vaccines has yielded novel strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.Overall,China has accomplished remarkable achievements in the field of basic translational research on breast cancer.These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer,but also provide new directions and hope for the development of future therapeutic strategies.With the advancement of multidisciplinary integration and the application of new emerging technologies,precision therapy is expected to provide more benefits to breast cancer patients.
8.Quantitative evaluation of long-term care insurance policy in China's deeply aging areas:based on PMC index model
Jiahui LIU ; Mengjiao YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Ruixuan WANG ; Jing SONG ; Xiaochun LI ; Chunxiao YANG ; Zhiqiang FENG ; Yuwei XIE ; Xin'gang SANG ; Wenqiang YIN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(3):314-323
Objective To quantitatively evaluate the structure and content of the long-term care insurance(LTCI)policy in China's deeply aging areas.Methods Using the Policy Modeling Consistency(PMC)index model indicator design method,a LTCI policy evalua-tion index system was constructed,consisting of nine primary indicators and 34 secondary indicators.A total of 123 provincial-level LTCI policies issued in deeply aging regions of China between June 1,2014,and October 1,2024 were analyzed.High-frequency word extraction was performed using ROSTCM 6.0,and a social network diagram of LTCI policies was created.The policy structure and content were quantitatively evaluated and ana-lyzed based on the established policy evaluation index system.Results The main content of LTCI policies in deeply aging areas of China covered services,institutions and assessment.The highest policy score was 7.28,and the lowest was 2.20,with an average score of 5.00.There were 25 perfect policies,63 excellent policies,28 good policies and seven qualified policies.In the dimension of policy content,the indexes of five primary indicators of policy evaluation,policy target groups,policy nature,policy perspective and policy tools were 0.60 or more;while the indexes of four primary indicators of policy content,incentives and constraints,policy timeliness,and policy level were 0.50 or less.Conclusion LTCI policies issued in China's deeply aging areas provide comprehensive coverage in aspects such as poli-cy evaluation,policy target groups and policy nature,and need to be improved in policy tool selection and the construction of incentive and constraint mechanisms.
9.“Dual-track regulatory”models for regenerative medicine in Japan and the Republic of Korea and their impli-cations for China
Yifan YANG ; Jinping XIE ; Rong SHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(15):1832-1836
OBJECTIVE To provide references and recommendations for improving the regulatory framework for cell and gene therapy products and treatments in China. METHODS This study systematically examined the “dual-track regulatory” frameworks for regenerative medicine products and treatments in Japan and the Republic of Korea, summarized their beneficial experiences, and explored optimization strategies for China’s regulatory practices. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Both Japan and the Republic of Korea have established clear management processes for two distinct pathways “registered clinical trials for regenerative medicine products” and “clinical research on regenerative medicine treatments” guided by shared principles of “risk stratification” and “full lifecycle oversight”. Based on these findings, it is recommended that China: strengthen top-tier legislative framework to explicitly delineate the regulatory scope governing cell and gene therapy products and treatments; clarify the jurisdictional responsibilities of relevant regulatory bodies to enhance oversight efficacy; appropriately calibrate the regulatory scope, and adopt a balanced regulatory approach that harmonizes standardization with innovation incentives, thereby accelerating the clinical translation of regenerative medicine products.
10.Research progress on facial expressions for assessing emotions in dogs
Ning SUN ; Yan ZHANG ; Liuwei XIE ; Shu XU ; He HUANG ; Xianxin XU ; Yifan SUN ; Shifan TAO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):567-580
Emotions are an integral part of animal welfare.Facial expressions are increasingly used as a non-invasive method for assessing the emotional state of animals.Dogs(Canis familiaris)are closely related to humans,and facial expressions are crucial for interspecies communication and emotional expression.This paper reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of facial expressions and the anatomical structure of the facial muscles and their evolution in dogs,the analogy between dog and human facial expressions,and the expression of various parts of the dog's face under different emotions.These studies demonstrate that dog's facial expressions can be used as a potential indicator of animal welfare,and that dogs can be used as a model animal for studying interspecies facial emotional communication.The use of dog's facial expressions to assess emotions will aid multidisciplinary research,including in the fields of neuroscience,psychopharmacology,animal behavior,and animal welfare.

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