1.Effect and Mechanism of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Lignans on Behavior of Schizophrenic Mice
Jiaqi LI ; Xi CHEN ; Siwei WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yiting LIU ; Ziyan GUO ; Zilong LUN ; Chengyi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):65-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans on schizophrenia induced by dizocilpine maleate (MK-801) in mice and to clarify its mechanism. MethodsMale mice of 4-6 weeks old were randomized into blank, model, positive drug, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (40, 80, 160 mg·kg-1, respectively) Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans groups. The blank group was administrated with distilled water, and the other groups were injected with 0.5 mg·kg-1 MK-801 to induce schizophrenia symptoms. Meanwhile, risperidone was injected at 0.2 mg·kg-1 in the positive drug group, and mice in the intervention groups were injected with corresponding drugs for 14 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of mice were observed by autonomous activity test, open field test, forced swimming test, and water maze test. The levels of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the prefrontal lobe of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the changes of the hippocampal tissue were observed by Nissl staining. The protein levels of silencing information regulatory factor 1 (SIRT1) and forkhead box protein O3a (FoxO3a) in the hippocampus of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans reduced the total number of autonomous activities, total distance in the open field test, immobile time in the forced swimming test, and levels of TNF-α and NF-κB in peripheral blood (P<0.05), while increasing the number of platform crossings in the water maze test and DA and 5-HT levels in the brain tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, risperidone and low, medium, and high doses of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans improve the neural cell morphology in the CA1 region, with full cells in neatly dense arrangement and exhibiting clear membrane boundary. Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans inhibited the expression of SIRT 1 and FoxO3a in the hippocampus (P<0.05). ConclusionTo sum up, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus lignans may improve the behavior of schizophrenic mice by activating the SIRT1/FoxO3a signaling pathway to exert neuroprotective effects.
2.Research progress on the regulation of JNK signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for intervention in central nervous system diseases
Hongwei WANG ; Mingliang QIAO ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Pei ZHU ; Zilong WEI ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):257-262
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of central nervous system (CNS) diseases by regulating core biological processes such as apoptosis, inflammatory responses, synaptic plasticity, and autophagy. This article sorts out and analyzes relevant literature published domestically and internationally in recent years, summarizing the mechanisms of action of the JNK signaling pathway in common CNS diseases and the research progress in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions in CNS diseases through the regulation of the JNK signaling pathway. Studies have shown that active components of TCM, such as berberine, paeoniflorin, and astragaloside Ⅳ, as well as compound formulations like Heixiaoyao san, Ditan tang, and Buyang huanwu tang, can exert neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and epilepsy, by inhibiting the aberrant activation of the JNK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis, while improving synaptic function and cognitive behavioral deficits, regulating autophagy, and maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity.
3.Research progress of Qifu yin in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome
Zilong WEI ; Chenyi ZHAO ; Mingliang QIAO ; Hongwei WANG ; Pei ZHU ; Yi MENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1376-1380
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Marrow-sea insufficiency serves as the fundamental basis for the onset of AD. Early syndrome differentiation-based intervention helps to delay disease progression, and improve patients’ cognitive function. Qifu yin is a representative specialized prescription for AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome. Studies demonstrate that Qifu yin exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways, including inhibiting the abnormal deposition of amyloid β -protein and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, alleviating neuroinflammation, regulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, modulating the cholinergic system, and improving synaptic plasticity. Qifu yin combined with Western medicine such as donepezil, memantine, and butylphthalide, or combined with external therapies such as acupuncture, can effectively improve cognitive function and activities of daily living in AD patients with favorable safety. Future research should focus on the core pathogenesis and key targets of AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome, provide in-depth elucidation of the scientific connotation of Qifu yin’s “tonifying the kidney to produce marrow”, and further conduct high-quality clinical studies to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of AD with marrow-sea insufficiency syndrome.
4.Biomechanical characteristics of lower extremities during counter movement jump in male patients with functional ankle instability
Zilong WANG ; Xin MENG ; Zhiqi ZHANG ; Yu XIE ; Lingyue MENG ; Qiuxia ZHANG ; Lingyu KONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):478-485
BACKGROUND:As the end bearing joint of the human body,the ankle joint bears the top-down pressure of the body,which leads to the ankle joint is easy to be damaged in the movement,can induce functional ankle instability,which negatively affects daily life.The study of lower extremity biomechanics in patients with functional ankle instability during counter movement jump is of great significance for scientific training,prevention of ankle injury,and clinical rehabilitation after injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the kinetics and kinematics of lower limbs in the longitudinal jumping of functional ankle instability population. METHODS:From March to September 2023,15 male patients with functional ankle instability and 15 healthy people,aged 22-28 years old,were recruited in Soochow University.All subjects completed counter movement jump experiment.Vicon infrared high-speed motion capture system and Kistler three-dimensional force measuring table were used to simultaneously collect the lower limb kinematics and kinetics indexes of the two groups of subjects at the take-off stage of counter movement jump,the instant off the ground,the initial landing moment and the peak moment of vertical ground reaction force. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)At the instant off the ground,the affected side of the functional ankle instability group showed smaller knee internal rotation moment(P=0.020)and smaller ankle internal rotation moment(P=0.009)compared with the affected side of the healthy control group.(2)At the moment of landing,the affected side of the functional ankle instability group showed a smaller hip flexion angle than the affected side of the healthy control group(P=0.039).Compared with the healthy control group,functional ankle instability group showed smaller hip abduction angle(P=0.022),smaller knee varus angle(P=0.010),larger knee external rotation angle(P=0.021),smaller ankle varus angle(P=0.004),and smaller external ankle rotation angle(P=0.008).(3)At the peak of vertical ground reaction force,functional ankle instability group showed a smaller ankle varus angle than healthy control group(P=0.044).(4)The results showed that the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of the patients with functional ankle instability were abnormal compared with the healthy people during counter movement jump,which mainly showed the changes of the kinematics and kinetics indexes of the lower limb joints in the sagittal plane and the frontal plane at the moment of lift-off and landing.These changes reflect that people with functional ankle instability adopt rigid take-off and landing patterns when performing counter movement jump,tend to transfer the load of the affected ankle joint to other joints of the lower limb,and show compensatory phenomenon of the healthy lower limb.Therefore,detection and correction of abnormal biomechanical features should be a part of rehabilitation training for those with functional ankle instability.
5.Correlation between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(8):1125-1129
Objective:
To explore the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students, providing empirical evidence for improving their sleep quality.
Methods:
From December 2024 to January 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3 974 college students from four universities in Anhui Province. The Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students (BASCS) was used to assess beverage dependence, and the Self rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS) was used to evaluate sleep quality. A multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationship between the two.
Results:
The positive rate of beverage dependence symptoms among college students was 7.6%, with positive rates of 9.6%, 13.8%, and 7.4% for the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions, respectively. The detection rate of sleep disorders was 23.6%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as grade, gender, and body mass index, compared with the no beverage dependence group, students with positive beverage dependence symptoms had a higher risk of sleep disorders( OR =3.71, 95% CI =2.87-4.80, P <0.01). The OR (95% CI ) for sleep disorders among students with positive symptoms in the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions were 2.80(2.22-3.53), 2.38(1.95-2.91), and 2.45(1.89-3.18)(all P <0.01). Further analysis using a restricted cubic spline model revealed that the overall beverage dependence score and its three dimensional scores were approximately linearly related to the risk of sleep disorders among college students (all nonlinear P >0.05).
Conclusions
Beverage dependence is associated with sleep quality among college students. Schools should take multiple approaches, such as health education on beverage awareness, to improve students sleep quality.
6.Treating premature ejaculation combined with anxiety and depression based on the "four-dimensional integration" of the "holism of body and spirit" theory
Yi WEI ; Zhiming HONG ; Junfeng QIU ; Zilong CHEN ; Hao KUANG ; Yangling ZENG ; Quan WANG ; Wenbin ZHOU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):418-423
Premature ejaculation refers to a sexual dysfunction in which men experience a short intravaginal ejaculation latency and a lack of control over ejaculation during sexual activity. The onset of this condition is often accompanied by anxiety and depression, which can seriously affect the quality of the patient′s sexual life and the relationship between partners. Based on the "integration of body and spirit" theory in traditional Chinese medicine, our team believes that this condition is a comorbidity of physical and spiritual factors. We propose that the core pathogenesis of this disease lies in the "loss of form and essence, impairment of spirit, and depression of the mind, "while the primary treatment principle involves "nourishing form and regulating spirit." As a result, a new diagnosis and treatment approach of "four-dimensional integration" is summarized in this study. The disease is treated through the four dimensions of shape, body, spirit, and emotion. Traditional Chinese medicine is used to adjust the shape in cases where the physical form is damaged. For individuals with depression of heart and liver qi, the treatment focuses on soothing the heart and smoothing liver qi, and the modified Wangyou Powder and Xuanzhi Decoction is used. In cases where the heart and kidney function are compromised, the treatment involves nourishing both the heart and kidney while restoring interaction between the heart and the kidney, and modified Jihuo Yansi Elixir is used. To reduce the sensitivity of the glans penis, the patient′s body is washed with a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and a delicate fumigation formula is decocted for external washing. For those who are not in tune with their god, psychological counseling can be used to regulate their spirit and advocate "self-partner" and psychotherapy. If there are issues with intimacy, partners should focus on cooperating during foreplay, sexual intercourse, and post-coital interactions. Overall, the treatment aims to harmonize the body and spirit, addressing both physical and psychological factors through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach. This method provides new perspectives and ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
7.The spatio-temporal trend of female breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 and trend prediction
Fan JIANG ; Zhentao FU ; Qinfu WANG ; Jie CHU ; Bingyin ZHANG ; Zilong LU ; Xiaolei GUO ; Aiqiang XU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):646-654
Objective:We aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal trend of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 and predict the development trend from 2024 to 2030.Methods:Data on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 were obtained from the Shandong Cancer Registry. The incidence, age-specific incidence, mortality, and age-specific mortality in different years, as well as in urban and rural areas, were calculated, and the rates were standardized based on the age composition of the Chinese standard population in 2000. The average annual percent change (AAPC) rate was calculated using Joinpoint 4.8.0.1 software. The global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis were performed using GeoDa 1.12 software. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the trend of breast cancer incidence and mortality from 2024 to 2030.Results:From 2012 to 2023, the breast cancer age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) showed an increasing trend. The ASIR increased from 30.48/100 000 in 2012 to 39.94/100 000 in 2023 (AAPC=2.59%, P<0.001). The ASIR of urban and rural females also showed an upward trend. Additionally, the ASIR in rural areas (AAPC=3.33%, P<0.001) increased more than that in urban areas (AAPC=1.83%, P=0.002). The incidence peak of breast cancer mainly concentrated in population aged 45-64 years, and with the increase of years, the incidence peak gradually moved forward. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) showed a downward trend. The ASMR decreased from 6.89/100 000 in 2012 to 4.93/100 000 in 2023 (AAPC=-3.12%, P<0.001). The ASMR of urban and rural females also showed a downward trend (urban: AAPC=-3.56%, P=0.007; rural: AAPC=-2.72%, P<0.001). The spatial analysis showed that from 2015 to 2023, the clustering areas of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong had changed significantly. In 2015, the "High-high clusters" of ASIR mainly included Wendeng District in Weihai City, Dongying District, Kenli District, Lijin County, Guangrao County in Dongying City, Tianqiao District, Shizhong District in Jinan City; In 2023, the "High-high clusters" mainly included Jiaxiang County, Liangshan County, Jinxiang County, Wenshang County, Rencheng District in Jining City, Hedong District in Linyi City, Guangrao County in Dongying City. In 2015, the "High-high clusters" of ASMR only included Wenshang County in Jining City. In 2023, the "High-high clusters" mainly included Laizhou County in Yantai City, Junan County and Yishui County in Linyi City, Gaotang County in Liaocheng City, Dongping County and Ningyang County in Taian City. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model predicted that the ASIR trend of breast cancer in Shandong tended to be smooth (AAPC=0.33%, P=0.001). However, the ASMR remained decreasing (AAPC=-4.68%, P<0.001). Conclusions:The breast cancer incidence in Shandong showed an increasing trend, and it is expected to be smooth by 2030. However, the mortality showed a continuous downward trend. The incidence peak was mainly in the population aged 45-64 years, with obvious regional differences. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken for high-risk groups and areas in Shandong Province.
8.The regulatory effect of Xiaoyaosan on the polarization of hippocampal microglia in depressive model mice
Zilong LUO ; Luoyi KUANG ; Tiezhu YANG ; Gaoyuan LIU ; Qing JIA ; Minzhi WANG ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):388-396
Objective:To study the relationship between the polarization state of hippocampal microglia and depression-like behavior in mice and the regulatory effect of Xiaoyaosan.Methods:Sixty female BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, Xiaoyaosan group and fluoxetine group according to the random number method with 15 in each group. Except for control group, the mice in the other 3 groups received chronic restraint stress for 21 days to establish the depressive model. The mice in the Xiaoyaosan group and fluoxetine group were gavaged with Xiaoyaosan(28.06 g/kg) and fluoxetine(3.03 mg/kg) respectively, while the mice in control and model groups received the same volume of 0.9% NaCl solution. Mouse behaviors were evaluated by sucrose preference test and elevated plus maze test.ELISA was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), dopamine(DA) in serum and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), interleukin-10(IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1) expression.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of iNOS, Arg-1, CD86 and CD206. The mRNA expression of iNOS and Arg-1 in hippocampus was detected by qRT-PCR. The pathological changes of hippocampus were observed by HE staining.SPSS 27.0 software was used to analyze the data. One-way ANOVA was used for comparison among multiple groups, and LSD test was used for pairwise comparison.Results:(1) There were significant differences in sucrose preference among the 4 groups ( F=46.62, P<0.05).The sucrose preference of model group was lower than that of the control group ( P<0.05), while the sucrose preference of Xiaoyaosan group was higher than that of the model group ( P<0.05).There were significant differences in the number of open arm entries and residence time in the elevated plus maze test among the 4 groups ( F=24.63, 26.94, both P<0.05). The number of open arm entries and residence time in model group ((1.80±1.48)times, (6.19±1.67)s) were lower than those of the control group ((9.80±1.64)times, (56.81±2.75)s)) (both P<0.05). The number of open arm entries and residence time in Xiaoyaosan group ((6.80±0.84)times, (29.59±7.72)s) were significantly higher than model group(both P<0.05).(2) There were significant differences in serum 5-HT and DA levels among the 4 groups ( F=33.27, 76.03, both P<0.05). The serum 5-HT and DA levels in the model group were lower than those of the control group (both P<0.05).The serum 5-HT and DA levels in the Xiaoyaosan group were higher than those of model group (both P<0.05).(3)There were significant differences in the contents of TGF-β1, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-6 in the hippocampus of 4 groups ( F=31.93, 64.01, 25.74, 28.14, all P<0.05). The contents of TGF-β1 and IL-10 in the model group were lower than those of the control group, while the contents of TNF-α and IL-6 were higher (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the contents of TGF-β1 and IL-10 in Xiaoyaosan group ( TGF-β1: (30.40±1.56)pg/mL vs (23.77±2.24) pg/mL; IL-10: ((233.94±11.38)pg/mL) vs (130.46±15.34) pg/mL) were higher, and the contents of TNF-α ((73.35±1.51)ng/mL vs (85.89±4.52)pg/mL) and IL-6 (66.15±2.96)pg/mL vs (76.01±1.59)pg/mL) )were lower (all P<0.05).(4)The results of qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot all showed that there were significant differences in mRNA and protein levels of iNOS ( F=41.92, 20.78, 9.27, all P<0.05) and Arg-1 ( F=27.24, 24.23, 6.49, all P<0.05) in the hippocampus among the 4 groups of mice. The mRNA and protein levels of iNOS of the model group were higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein levels of Arg-1 were lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05).The mRNA and protein levels of iNOS in the Xiaoyaosan group were lower than those in the model group (both P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein levels of Arg-1 were higher than model group(both P<0.05).(5) The expressions of CD206 and CD86 in hippocampus of the 4 groups were significantly different ( F=86.14, 24.02, both P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a higher expression of CD86 in the hippocampus and a lower expression of CD206 (both P<0.05).Compared with the model group, the CD86 of Xiaoyaosan group was lower, while CD206 was higher (both P<0.05). (6) The HE staining results showed that the cells in the hippocampal CA1 region of the model group mice exhibited disordered arrangement, fewer cells, larger intercellular space, unclear boundary and other changes.The morphology of the cells in the Xiaoyaosan group was improved compared to the model group. Conclusion:Xiaoyaosan can inhibit M1 activation of microglia and neuronal damage in the hippocampus of mice caused by chronic restraint stress, exerting neuroprotective effects and improving depressive behavior in mice.
9.Overview of the Design and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tongue Diagnosis Equipment
Yakun ZHANG ; Zilong CUI ; Shuo ZHAO ; Yasong FENG ; Shuo WANG ; Dan WANG ; Chaoyi FANG ; Shaoxian WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1742-1749
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)tongue diagnosis has obvious advantages,but its strong subjectivity,susceptibility to environmental influences,and lack of a unified standard greatly affect the objectivity and accuracy of diagnostic results,and it is difficult to integrate into the modern scientific system.Therefore,developing tongue diagnosis equipment to objectively and normatively extract tongue image information,and simulating human brain thinking to construct an objective diagnostic model of TCM tongue image-disease syndrome,and promoting the quantitative and intelligent research of TCM tongue diagnosis have become the trend of future development.This article reviews the research status and application prospects of TCM tongue diagnosis equipment,in order to provide methodological references and research ideas for the research and application of this field.
10.Triangular Wave tACS Improves Working Memory Performance by Enhancing Brain Activity in the Early Stage of Encoding.
Jianxu ZHANG ; Jian OUYANG ; Tiantian LIU ; Xinyue WANG ; Binbin GAO ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Manli LUO ; Anshun KANG ; Zilong YAN ; Li WANG ; Guangying PEI ; Shintaro FUNAHASHI ; Jinglong WU ; Jian ZHANG ; Tianyi YAN
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(7):1213-1228
Working memory is an executive memory process that includes encoding, maintenance, and retrieval. These processes can be modulated by transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) with sinusoidal waves. However, little is known about the impact of the rate of current change on working memory. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of two types of tACS with different rates of current change on working memory performance and brain activity. We applied a randomized, single-blind design and divided 81 young participants who received triangular wave tACS, sinusoidal wave tACS, or sham stimulation into three groups. Participants performed n-back tasks, and electroencephalograms were recorded before, during, and after active or sham stimulation. Compared to the baseline, working memory performance (accuracy and response time) improved after stimulation under all stimulation conditions. According to drift-diffusion model analysis, triangular wave tACS significantly increased the efficiency of non-target information processing. In addition, compared with sham conditions, triangular wave tACS reduced alpha power oscillations in the occipital lobe throughout the encoding period, while sinusoidal wave tACS increased theta power in the central frontal region only during the later encoding period. The brain network connectivity results showed that triangular wave tACS improved the clustering coefficient, local efficiency, and node degree intensity in the early encoding stage, and these parameters were positively correlated with the non-target drift rate and decision starting point. Our findings on how tACS modulates working memory indicate that triangular wave tACS significantly enhances brain network connectivity during the early encoding stage, demonstrating an improvement in the efficiency of working memory processing. In contrast, sinusoidal wave tACS increased the theta power during the later encoding stage, suggesting its potential critical role in late-stage information processing. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential mechanisms by which tACS modulates working memory.
Humans
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Memory, Short-Term/physiology*
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Male
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Female
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Young Adult
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods*
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Brain/physiology*
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Adult
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Electroencephalography
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Single-Blind Method


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