1.Liuwei Dihuangwan Promote Mitophagy to Modulate Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Impairments in Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Pengjue HUANG ; Mingyue JIANG ; Ji WU ; Niya YIN ; Lei OUYANG ; Qinquan ZHU ; Di ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):52-60
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on behavioral impairments in the rat model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore the mechanism of action. MethodsTwelve SD pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected with valproic acid (VPA) (10 rats) or normal saline (2 rats), and male offspring were selected to establish the model of ASD and the control rats. Rats were randomly assigned into model, low-dose (0.75 g·kg-1) and high-dose (1.5 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan, vitamin D (positive drug, 3.7×10-5 g·kg-1), and blank groups. Each group was administrated with the corresponding concentration of drugs or the same volume of normal saline by gavage for 2 weeks. After the intervention, the three-chamber social test was conducted to evaluate social interaction and social preference. The open field test was carried out to observe spontaneous behavior and anxiety state. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of the prefrontal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria in prefrontal neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the prefrontal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Western blot was employed to assess the expression differences of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (p-ULK1), Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (ULK1), and FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group spent less time sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.01) and showed reductions in the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.01). In addition, the model group showed extensive apoptosis of neurons, with shrunken nuclei and red-stained cytoplasm, and extensive necrosis of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, mitochondrial swelling, decreased matrix density, disrupted cristae, and autophagic lysosomes in neurons, increases in the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01) and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and down-regulation in the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, low-dose and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan and the vitamin D prolonged the time spent sniffing stranger 1 and stranger 2 in the three-chamber social test (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased the total distance traveled, average speed, distance traveled in the central area, and time spent in the central area in the open field test (P<0.05, P<0.01), restored the morphology of neurons in the prefrontal tissue, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, alleviated the swelling of mitochondria in neurons, increased the matrix density, mitigated the fragmentation and disorder of cristae, and increased the number of autophagosomes. Moreover, the drugs decreased the rate of Iba-1 positive cells in the prefrontal area (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of p-AMPK/AMPK, p-ULK1/ULK1, and FUNDC1 (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan ameliorate autism-like behaviors and reduce neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory damage in the rat model of ASD by promoting mitophagy mediated by the AMPK/ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway.
2.Identification and Biological Characterization of Pathogen and Screening of Effective Fungicides for Wilt of Tetradium ruticarpum
Yuxin LIU ; Qin XU ; Yue YUAN ; Tiantian GUO ; Zheng'en XIAO ; Shaotian ZHANG ; Ming LIU ; Fuqiang YIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):198-206
ObjectiveTo identify the pathogen species responsible for the wilt disease of Tetradium ruticarpum in Chongqing, investigate there biological characteristics, and screen effective fungicides, so as to provide a theoretical basis for disease control in production. MethodsThe pathogen was isolated via the tissue culture method. Pathogenicity was verified according to Koch's postulates. The pathogen was identified based on morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. The mycelial growth rate method was used for biological characterization of the pathogen and fungicide screening. ResultsThe pathogen colonies were nearly circular with irregular edges, white, short, velvety aerial hyphae, and pale purple undersides. Macroconidia were colorless, sickle-shaped, with 3-5 septa, while microconidia were transparent, elliptical, aseptate or with 1-2 septa. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis showed that the pathogen clustered in the same clade as Fusarium fujikuroi with 100% support, which, combined with morphological characteristics, identified the pathogen causing wilt of T. ruticarpum in Chongqing as F. fujikuroi. The optimal conditions for the mycelial growth of F. fujikuroi were mung bean agar (MBA) with glucose as the carbon source, beef extract and yeast powder as nitrogen sources, 28 ℃, pH 7.0, and alternating light/dark conditions. The optimal conditions for sporulation were potato dextrose agar (PDA) with glucose as the carbon source, beef extract as the nitrogen source, 28 ℃, pH 7.0, and complete darkness. Among chemical fungicides, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on F. fujikuroi. Shenqinmycin and tetramycin were the most effective bio-fungicides. ConclusionThis study is the first to report F. fujikuroi as the causal agent of wilt disease in T. rutaecarpa. The chemical fungicide phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and the bio-fungicides shenqinmycin and tetramycin showed strong inhibitory effects against F. fujikuroi.
3.Analysis of the application status of prescription pre-review systems in Yunnan province
Fan XU ; Wenjie YIN ; Kejia LI ; Zhengfu LI ; Jie CHEN ; Meixian WU ; Ruixiang CHEN ; Songmei LI ; Guowen ZHANG ; Te LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):6-10
OBJECTIVE To investigate the application status of prescription pre-review systems in healthcare institutions of Yunnan province, evaluate their system functions and management capabilities, and provide a practical basis for promoting rational drug use. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among public healthcare institutions at or above the secondary level in Yunnan province to investigate the deployment status of the systems. A capability maturity assessment framework was constructed, encompassing 6 dimensions and 39 indicators, including real-time prescription review, prescription correlation review, rule setting, evidence-based information support, prescription authority management, and system operation management. This framework was then used to evaluate the institutions that had implemented the pre-review systems. RESULTS A total of 100 valid questionnaires were collected, with 37 institutions having adopted prescription pre-review systems, mainly tertiary hospitals. The system predominantly adopted a modular architecture and was embedded into the hospital information system through application programming interfaces and middleware, providing certain capabilities for real-time prescription risk identification. Evaluation results indicated that basic functions such as reviewing indications, contraindications, and drug compatibility performed well, while deficiencies remained in functions related to parenteral nutrition prescription, review of drug dosage for specific diseases, individual patient characteristic recognition, and rule setting. Moreover, the construction of review centers and establishment of management systems were also not well-developed. CONCLUSIONS The overall application rate of prescription pre-review systems in Yunnan province remains low. System functions and management mechanisms require further improvement. It is recommended to enhance information infrastructure in lower-level institutions and explore regionally unified review models to promote standardized and intelligent development of prescription review practices.
4.Effects of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol in rats
Ming LU ; Xiaoyu YIN ; Wenli LI ; Shan LI ; Xiangchen LI ; Zhiqing ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):179-184
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol in rats. METHODS Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, clopidogrel normal-dose group and clopidogrel high-dose group, with 6 rats in each group. Among them, rats in the normal-dose group and high-dose group were given 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg clopidogrel by gavage, respectively, and rats in the control group were given the same volume of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Afterward, 2.4 mg/kg ciprofol was injected by tailvein and blood samples were collected from the inner canthus of the eye at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min after the end of the administration. During this period, the duration of the loss of righting reflex (LORR) in rats was counted. After the proteins were precipitated by acetonitrile, the rat plasma sample was analyzed by LC-MS/MS using deuterated ciprofol as the internal standard, Symmetry C18 as the chromatographic column, and acetonitrile-0.01% ammonia solution containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (gradient elution) as the mobile phase to detect the concentration of ciprofol in the plasma. The pharmacokinetic parameters in rats were calculated by using DAS 2.0 software. RESULTS Compared with control group, area under the drug concentration-time curve and mean residence time of ciprofol increased or prolonged significantly, while plasma clearance decreased significantly in clopidogrel normal-dose and high-dose groups; the duration of LORR in rats was prolonged by 19.5% and 23.9%, with statistical difference (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters or LORR duration of ciprofol between the different dose groups of clopidogrel (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clopidogrel could inhibit the metabolism of ciprofol in rats and prolong the duration of LORR.
5.Effects of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol in rats
Ming LU ; Xiaoyu YIN ; Wenli LI ; Shan LI ; Xiangchen LI ; Zhiqing ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):179-184
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of clopidogrel on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol in rats. METHODS Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, clopidogrel normal-dose group and clopidogrel high-dose group, with 6 rats in each group. Among them, rats in the normal-dose group and high-dose group were given 7.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg clopidogrel by gavage, respectively, and rats in the control group were given the same volume of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Afterward, 2.4 mg/kg ciprofol was injected by tailvein and blood samples were collected from the inner canthus of the eye at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, 45 and 60 min after the end of the administration. During this period, the duration of the loss of righting reflex (LORR) in rats was counted. After the proteins were precipitated by acetonitrile, the rat plasma sample was analyzed by LC-MS/MS using deuterated ciprofol as the internal standard, Symmetry C18 as the chromatographic column, and acetonitrile-0.01% ammonia solution containing 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (gradient elution) as the mobile phase to detect the concentration of ciprofol in the plasma. The pharmacokinetic parameters in rats were calculated by using DAS 2.0 software. RESULTS Compared with control group, area under the drug concentration-time curve and mean residence time of ciprofol increased or prolonged significantly, while plasma clearance decreased significantly in clopidogrel normal-dose and high-dose groups; the duration of LORR in rats was prolonged by 19.5% and 23.9%, with statistical difference (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters or LORR duration of ciprofol between the different dose groups of clopidogrel (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Clopidogrel could inhibit the metabolism of ciprofol in rats and prolong the duration of LORR.
6.Mid- and long-term efficacy of mitral valve plasty versus replacement in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitation: A 10-year single-center outcome
Hanqing LIANG ; Qiaoli WAN ; Tao WEI ; Rui LI ; Zhipeng GUO ; Jian ZHANG ; Zongtao YIN ; Jinsong HAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):108-113
Objective To compare the mid- and long-term clinical results of mitral valve plasty (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Methods Patients with FMR who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The patients who underwent MVP were divided into a MVP group, and those who underwent MVR into a MVR group. The clinical data and mid-term follow-up efficacy of two groups were compared. Results Finally 236 patients were included. There were 100 patients in the MVP group, including 53 males and 47 females, with an average age of (61.80±8.03) years. There were 136 patients in the MVR group, including 72 males and 64 females, with an average age of (61.29±8.97) years. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the extracorporeal circulation time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative hospital and ICU stay, intraoperative blood loss, or hospitalization death (P>0.05), but the time of mechanical ventilation in the MVP group was significantly shorter than that in the MVR group (P=0.022). The total follow-up rate was 100.0%, the longest follow-up was 10 years, and the average follow-up time was (3.60±2.55) years. There were statistical differences in the left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and cardiac function between the two groups compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). The postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction in the MVP group was statistically higher than that before surgery (P=0.002), but there was no statistical difference in the MVR group before and after surgery (P=0.658). The left atrial diameter in the MVP group was reduced compared with the MVR group (P=0.026). The recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation in the MVP group was higher than that in the MVR group, and the difference was statistically significant (10.0% vs. 1.5%, P=0.003). There were 14 deaths in the MVP group and 19 in the MVR group. The cumulative survival rate (P=0.605) and cardiovascular events-free survival rate (P=0.875) were not statistically significant between the two groups by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion The safety, and mid- and long-term clinical efficacy of MVP in the treatment of FMR patients are better than MVR, and the left atrial and left ventricular diameters are statistically reduced, and cardiac function is statistically improved. However, the surgeon needs to be well aware of the indications for the MVP procedure to reduce the rate of mitral regurgitation recurrence.
7.Advances in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer
Xiaozheng KANG ; Ruixiang ZHANG ; Zhen WANG ; Xiankai CHEN ; Yong LI ; Jianjun QIN ; Yin LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):153-159
Neoadjuvant therapy has become the standard treatment for locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer, significantly improving long-term survival compared to surgery alone. Neoadjuvant therapy has evolved to include various strategies, such as concurrent chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted combination therapy. This enriches clinical treatment options and provides a more personalized and scientific treatment approach for patients. This article aims to comprehensively summarize current academic research hot topics, review the rationale and evaluation measures of neoadjuvant therapy, discuss challenges in restaging methods after neoadjuvant therapy, and identify the advantages and disadvantages of various neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies.
8.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
9.Pathways Related to Osteoporosis Treatment with Active Ingredients of Scutellaria Baicalensis: A Review
Jianqiang DU ; Wenxiu QIN ; Xuesong YIN ; Dan ZHAO ; Zhicheng PAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Enpeng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):325-330
With the aging of the global population, osteoporosis (OP) is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently, the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore, developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years, the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment, it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, osteoprotegerin (OB)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK (OPG/RANKL/RANK), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered, making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide, clarified their mechanisms of action, and explored some issues, providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.
10.Pathways Related to Osteoporosis Treatment with Active Ingredients of Scutellaria Baicalensis: A Review
Jianqiang DU ; Wenxiu QIN ; Xuesong YIN ; Dan ZHAO ; Zhicheng PAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Enpeng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):325-330
With the aging of the global population, osteoporosis (OP) is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently, the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore, developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years, the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment, it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, osteoprotegerin (OB)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK (OPG/RANKL/RANK), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered, making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide, clarified their mechanisms of action, and explored some issues, providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail