1.The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Runner’s High
Yun-Teng WANG ; Jia-Qi LIANG ; Wan-Tang SU ; Li ZHAO ; Yan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):358-373
“Runner’s high” refers to a momentary sense of pleasure that suddenly appears during running or other exercise activities, characterized by anti-anxiety, pain relief, and other symptoms. The neurobiological mechanism of “runner’s high” is unclear. This review summarizes human and animal models for studying “runner’s high”, analyzes the neurotransmitters and neural circuits involved in runner’s high, and elucidates the evidence and shortcomings of researches related to “runner’s high”. This review also provides prospects for future research. Research has found that exercise lasting more than 30 min and with an intensity exceeding 70% of the maximum heart rate can reach a “runner’s high”. Human experiments on “runner’s high” mostly use treadmill exercise intervention, and evaluate it through questionnaire surveys, measurement of plasma AEA, miRNA and other indicators. Animal experiments often use voluntary wheel running intervention, and evaluate it through behavioral experiments such as conditional place preference, light dark box experiments (anxiety), hot plate experiments (pain sensitivity), and measurement of plasma AEA and other indicators. Dopamine, endogenous opioid peptides, endogenous cannabinoids, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and other substances increase after exercise, which may be related to the “runner’s high”. However, attention should be paid to the functional differences of these substances in the central and peripheral regions, as well as in different brain regions. Moreover, current studies have not identified the targets of the neurotransmitters or neural factors mentioned above, and further in-depth researches are needed. The mesolimbic dopamine system, prefrontal cortex-nucleus accumbens projection, ventral hippocampus-nucleus accumbens projection, red nucleus-ventral tegmental area projection, cerebellar-ventral tegmental area projection, and brain-gut axis may be involved in the regulation of runner’s high, but there is a lack of direct evidence to prove their involvement. There are still many issues that need to be addressed in the research on the neurobiological mechanisms of “runner’s high”. (1) Most studies on “runner’s high” involve one-time exercise, and the characteristics of changes in “runner’s high” during long-term exercise still need to be explored. (2) The using of scales to evaluate subjects lead to the lacking of objective indicators. However, some potential biomarkers (such as endocannabinoids) have inconsistent characteristics of changes after one-time and long-term exercise. (3) The neurotransmitters involved in the formation of the “runner’s high” all increase in the peripheral and/or central nervous system after exercise. Attention should be paid to whether peripheral substances can enter the blood-brain barrier and the binding effects of neurotransmitters to different receptors are completely different in different brain regions. (4) Most of the current evidence show that some brain regions are activated after exercise. Is there a functional circuit mediating “runner’s high” between these brain regions? (5) Although training at a specific exercise intensity can lead to “runner’s high”, most runners have not experienced “runner’s high”. Can more scientific training methods or technological means be used to make it easier for people to experience the “runner’s high” and thus be more willing to engage in exercise? (6) The “runner’s high” and “addiction” behaviors are extremely similar, and there are evidences that exercise can reverse addictive behaviors. However, why is there still a considerable number of people in the sports population and even athletes who smoke or use addictive drugs instead of pursuing the “pleasure” brought by exercise? Solving the problems above is of great significance for enhancing the desire of exercise, improving the clinical application of neurological and psychiatric diseases through exercise, and enhancing the overall physical fitness of the population.
2.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
3.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
4.Key Information Research and Ancient and Modern Application Analysis of Classic Prescription Houpo Sanwutang
Wenli SHI ; Qing TANG ; Huimin CHEN ; Jialei CAO ; Bingqi WEI ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Yun ZHANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Lvyuan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):214-221
Houpo Sanwutang, included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions (Second Batch), was first recorded in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber written by ZHANG Zhongjing from the Eastern Han dynasty and was modified by successive generations of medical experts. A total of 37 pieces of effective data involving 37 ancient Chinese medical books were retrieved from different databases. Through literature mining, statistical analysis, and data processing, combined with modern articles, this study employed bibliometrics to investigate the historical origin, composition, decoction methods, clinical application, and other key information. The results showed that the medicinal origin of Houpo Sanwutang was clearly documented in classic books. Based on the conversion of the measurements from the Han Dynasty, it is recommended that 110.4 g Magnolia Officinalis Cortex, 55.2 g Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and 72 g Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be taken. Magnolia Officinalis Cortex and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus should be decocted with 2 400 mL water first, and 1 000 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. Following this, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma should be added for further decoction, and then 600 mL should be taken from the decocted liquid. A single dose of administration is 200 mL, and the medication can be stopped when patients restore smooth bowel movement. Houpo Sanwutang has the effect of moving Qi, relieving stuffiness and fullness, removing food stagnation, and regulating bowels. It can be used in treating abdominal distending pain, guarding, constipation, and other diseases with the pathogenesis of stagnated heat and stagnated Qi in the stomach. The above results provide reference for the future development and research of Houpo Sanwutang.
5.Change of forced vital capacity to weight index and future trend forecasting among Chinese Han students aged 7-18 during 2000-2019
ZHOU Yun, ZHANG Siying, ZHONG Yumei, TANG Lijun, LI Wenge, WU Xiulong
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1312-1317
Objective:
To explore the long term trend of forced vital capacity to weight index (FWI) among Chinese Han students aged 7-18 from 2000 to 2019, and to predict its changes over the next decade, so as to provide scientific evidences for targeted health interventions and school health policies.
Methods:
Based on the data of the five Chinese National Surveys on Students Constitution and Health conducted from 2000 to 2019, a total of 216 500, 233 565, 215 267, 214 256 and 212 632 Han students aged 7-18 were included, respectively. The long term trend of FWI among students was analyzed, and the GM (1,1) grey model was used to predict FWI changes over the next decade. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex, age, and urban-rural residence.
Results:
The FWI levels of Chinese Han students aged 7-18 were (55.30±11.47)(47.43±11.92)(48.11±12.46)(48.75±12.81)(50.93±13.11)mL/kg in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2019, respectively. The FWI of Chinese Han students showed a decreasing then increasing trend from 2000 to 2019, reaching the lowest point of approximately 47.03 mL/kg around 2006, and was projected to recover to 52.88 mL/kg by 2029. Boys had higher FWI for each year and the total level than girls from 2000 to 2019( t =72.58-304.66), and the decline between 2000 and 2005 was smaller in boys (13.1%) than in girls (15.4%). However, the gender gap gradually narrowed and was projected to reduce to 5.36 mL/kg by 2029. FWI increased with age, with the largest difference observed in 2014 between the 7-9 and 16-18 age groups (8.62 mL/kg). Before 2014, urban boys had slightly lower FWI than rural boys; the gap narrowed thereafter, and their FWI levels were expected to become similar by 2029. Urban girls generally had higher FWI than rural girls, and the urban-rural gap showed an increasing trend. By 2029, the largest difference was projected to occur in the 13-15 age group, reaching 7.74 mL/kg.
Conclusions
The FWI of Chinese Han students showed a trend of initial decline followed by a gradual increase from 2000 to 2019, with notable differences across sex, age, and urban-rural residence. Greater attention should be paid to the respiratory health of rural girls, and effective measures should be taken to reduce urban-rural disparities.
6.Oxidative Stress-related Signaling Pathways and Antioxidant Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Li TANG ; Yun-Long SHEN ; De-Jian PENG ; Tian-Lu RAN ; Zi-Heng PAN ; Xin-Yi ZENG ; Hui LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2486-2498
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It represents the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Notably, elevated levels of oxidative stress have been observed in the brains of AD patients, where excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause extensive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately compromising neuronal structure and function. Amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload, thereby promoting the generation of ROS. This, in turn, exacerbates Aβ aggregation and enhances tau phosphorylation, leading to the formation of two pathological features of AD: extracellular Aβ plaque deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These events ultimately culminate in neuronal death, forming a vicious cycle. The interplay between oxidative stress and these pathological processes constitutes a core link in the pathogenesis of AD. The signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress in AD include Nrf2, RCAN1, PP2A, CREB, Notch1, NF‑κB, ApoE, and ferroptosis. Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a key regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, exerts important antioxidant capacity and protective effects in AD. RCAN1 signaling pathway, as a calcineurin inhibitor, and modulates AD progression through multiple mechanisms. PP2A signaling pathway is involved in regulating tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation processes. CREB signaling pathway contributes to neuroplasticity and memory formation; activation of CREB improves cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Notch1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal development and memory, participates in modulation of Aβ production, and interacts with Nrf2 toco-regulate antioxidant activity. NF‑κB signaling pathway governs immune and inflammatory responses; sustained activation of this pathway forms “inflammatory memory”, thereby exacerbating AD pathology. ApoE signaling pathway is associated with lipid metabolism; among its isoforms, ApoE-ε4 significantly increases the risk of AD, leading to elevated oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. The ferroptosis signaling pathway is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and the subsequent release of lipid peroxidation products and ROS exacerbate oxidative stress and neuronal damage. These interconnected pathways form a complex regulatory network that regulates the progression of AD through oxidative stress and related pathological cascades. In terms of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, among the drugs currently used in clinical practice for AD treatment, memantine and donepezil demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and can improve the level of oxidative stress in AD patients. Some compounds with antioxidant effects (such asα-lipoic acid and melatonin) have shown certain potential in AD treatment research and can be used as dietary supplements to ameliorate AD symptoms. In addition, non-drug interventions such as calorie restriction and exercise have been proven to exerted neuroprotective effects and have a positive effect on the treatment of AD. By comprehensively utilizing the therapeutic characteristics of different signaling pathways, it is expected that more comprehensive multi-target combination therapy regimens and combined nanomolecular delivery systems will be developed in the future to bypass the blood-brain barrier, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
7.Effect of Yixintai on Mitochondrial Fission Proteins Fis1 and Mff in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Chengxin LIU ; Jiaming WEI ; Ziyan WANG ; Min SHI ; Hui YUAN ; Yun TANG ; Ya LI ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):143-151
ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Yixintai on mitochondrial fission proteins in the rat model of chronic heart failure. MethodTen of 60 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group, and the remaining 50 rats were subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for the modeling of heart failure post myocardial infarction. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.4, 2.8, and 5.6 g·kg-1, respectively) Yixintai, and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding doses of drugs by gavage, and the rats in the model group and sham operation group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 28 consecutive days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was then employed to measure the levels of amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the serum. Color Doppler ultrasound imaging was conducted to examine the cardiac function indicators. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were conducted to observe the pathological changes in the heart, and Image J was used to calculate collagen volume fraction (CVF). Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of myocardial cells. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to measure the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1) and mitochondrial fission factor (Mff) in the outer mitochondrial membrane of the myocardial tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed elevated levels of NT-pro BNP and BNP in the serum, decreased ATP content, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), disarrangement of myocardial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, increased collagen fibers and CVF, damaged myocardium and mitochondria, and increased apoptosis rate of myocardial cells, and up-regulated expression of Fis1 and Mff in the cardiac tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, different doses of Yixintai and trimetazidine lowered the serum levels of NT-pro BNP and BNP (P<0.05), increased the ATP content (P<0.05), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd and LVIDs (P<0.01). Moreover, the drugs alleviated the myocardial inflammatory damage and fibrosis, reduced CVF (P<0.01), repaired the myocardial mitochondrial structure, and decreased the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells (P<0.01). Medium- and high-dose Yixintai and trimetazidine down-regulated the expression of Fis1 and Mff in the myocardial tissue (P<0.05). ConclusionYixintai can improve mitochondrial structure, reduce myocardial cell apoptosis, and improve cardiac function by inhibiting the expression of Fis1 and Mff in the myocardial tissue.
8.Discussion of the methodology and implementation steps for assessing the causality of adverse event
Hong FANG ; Shuo-Peng JIA ; Hai-Xue WANG ; Xiao-Jing PEI ; Min LIU ; An-Qi YU ; Ling-Yun ZHOU ; Fang-Fang SHI ; Shu-Jie LU ; Shu-Hang WANG ; Yue YU ; Dan-Dan CUI ; Yu TANG ; Ning LI ; Ze-Huai WEN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(2):299-304
The assessment of adverse drug events is an important basis for clinical safety evaluation and post-marketing risk control of drugs,and its causality assessment is gaining increasing attention.The existing methods for assessing the causal relationship between drugs and the occurrence of adverse reactions can be broadly classified into three categories:global introspective methods,standardized methods,and probabilistic methods.At present,there is no systematic introduction of the operational details of the various methods in the domestic literature.This paper compares representative causality assessment methods in terms of definition and concept,methodological steps,industry evaluation and advantages and disadvantages,clarifies the basic process of determining the causality of adverse drug reactions,and discusses how to further improve the adverse drug reaction monitoring and evaluation system,with a view to providing a reference for drug development and pharmacovigilance work in China.
9.Clinical trial of brexpiprazole in the treatment of adults with acute schizophrenia
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Liang LI ; Dong YANG ; Jin-Guo ZHAI ; Tao JIANG ; Yu-Zhong SHI ; Bin WU ; Xiang-Ping WU ; Ke-Qing LI ; Tie-Bang LIU ; Jie LI ; Shi-You TANG ; Li-Li WANG ; Xue-Yi WANG ; Yun-Long TAN ; Qi LIU ; Uki MOTOMICHI ; Ming-Ji XIAN ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):654-658
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole in treating acute schizophrenia.Methods Patients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.The treatment group was given brexpiprozole 2-4 mg·d-1 orally and the control group was given aripiprazole 10-20 mg·d-1orally,both were treated for 6 weeks.Clinical efficacy of the two groups,the response rate at endpoint,the changes from baseline to endpoint of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS),Clinical Global Impression-Improvement(CGI-S),Personal and Social Performance scale(PSP),PANSS Positive syndrome subscale,PANSS negative syndrome subscale were compared.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events in two groups were compared.Results There were 184 patients in treatment group and 186 patients in control group.After treatment,the response rates of treatment group and control group were 79.50%(140 cases/184 cases)and 82.40%(150 cases/186 cases),the scores of CGI-I of treatment group and control group were(2.00±1.20)and(1.90±1.01),with no significant difference(all P>0.05).From baseline to Week 6,the mean change of PANSS total score wese(-30.70±16.96)points in treatment group and(-32.20±17.00)points in control group,with no significant difference(P>0.05).The changes of CGI-S scores in treatment group and control group were(-2.00±1.27)and(-1.90±1.22)points,PSP scores were(18.80±14.77)and(19.20±14.55)points,PANSS positive syndrome scores were(-10.30±5.93)and(-10.80±5.81)points,PANSS negative syndrome scores were(-6.80±5.98)and(-7.30±5.15)points,with no significant difference(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events between the two group(69.00%vs.64.50%,P>0.05).Conclusion The non-inferiority of Brexpiprazole to aripiprazole was established,with comparable efficacy and acceptability.
10.Career development of targeted admission medical students:A seven-year follow-up analysis based on four medical colleges
Hao-Qing TANG ; Hui-Xian ZHENG ; Bai-Song ZHANG ; Ming-Yue LI ; Xiao-Yun LIU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(1):43-50
Objective:Utilizing a seven-year panel data set of a targeted admission medical student cohort,this study aims to examine their career development and provide insights for retaining healthcare talent in township health centers and village clinics in the central and western rural areas of China.Method:Starting from 2015,cohorts of targeted and general clinical graduates from four medical colleges in central and western China were selected and tracked for their career progression.Results:The targeted graduates'standardized residency training and medical licensing examination pass rates were similar to those of general clinical graduates.They advanced more quickly in professional titles and positions,with 82.5%becoming attending physicians and 16.2%obtaining positions in the seventh year after graduation.However,their monthly income was significantly lower than that of general clinical graduates,and this income discrepancy expanded annually.As of December 2022,among the 493 targeted graduates who completed their contracts,38.5%stayed in grassroots positions.Of those who left,60%moved to county-level or higher public hospitals,7.9%pursued further studies,and 27.7%were unemployed.Conclusion:Targeted graduates are well-trained and advance rapidly in their careers,but their lower income significantly impacts their willingness to remain at the grassroots level.After completing their service period,about one-third of the targeted graduates choose to stay in grassroots positions.


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