1.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of  Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Current status of eating behaviors and its predictive role in overweight and obese of adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):53-57
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To explore the current status and influencing factors of eating behaviors in adolescents, so as to provide a theoretical foundation for health promotion education among adolescents.
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			Based on the database from Survey of Chinese Family Health Index (2021), by a random number table method, 1 065 teenagers were selected from the provincial capitals of 22 provinces and 5 autonomous regions in China, as well as 4 municipalities directly under the central government. A general characteristic questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF), 10-item Short Version of the Big Five Personality(BFP-10), Content-based Media Exposure Scale (CM-E) and Sakata Eating Behavior Scale Short Form(EBS-SF) were used to collect information. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was employed to identify and analyze related factors of eating behaviors among adolescents. Receiver operating characteristic was used to validate the predictive ability of the EBS-SF score for overweight and obesity among adolescents.
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			The average scores of BFI-10,C-ME, FHS-SF, PHQ-9 and EBS-SF were (33.08±4.64)(19.20±4.55)(38.48±6.65)(6.09±5.63)(16.75±4.36), respectively. Multivariate linear regression showed that family type (other types), agreeableness, conscientiousness, family health and depression were the main related factors of EBS-SF scores among adolescents( B =2.61,-0.42,0.20,-0.11,0.23, P <0.05).The analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the EBS-SF scores had a good ability in predicting obesity among male adolescents ( AUC= 0.73,  P <0.01).
		                        		
		                        			Conclusions
		                        			Family type, big five personality, family health,depression are the related factors of eating behaviors among adolescents. EBS-SF scores are predictive of obesity in adolescents, which would provide a new perspective for promoting healthy eating habits among adolescents.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Progress in the application of poloxamer in new preparation technology
Xue QI ; Yi CHENG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Aiping ZHENG ; Dongzhou KANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):630-635
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Poloxamer, as a non-ionic surfactant, exhibits a unique triblock [polyethylene oxide-poly (propylene oxide)-polyethylene oxide] structure, which endows it with broad application potential in various fields, including solid dispersion technology, nanotechnology, gel technology, biologics, gene engineering and 3D printing. As a carrier, it enhances the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In the field of nanotechnology, it serves as a stabilizer etc., enriching preparation methods. In gel technology, its self-assembly behavior and thermosensitive properties facilitate controlled drug release. In biologics, it improves targeting efficiency and reduces side effects. In gene engineering, it enhances delivery efficiency and expression levels. In 3D printing, it provides novel strategies for precise drug release control and the production of high-quality biological products. As a versatile material, poloxamer holds promising prospects in the pharmaceutical field.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Effect of Wulao Qisun Prescription on Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of AS Fibroblasts by Regulating Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Juanjuan YANG ; Ping CHEN ; Haidong WANG ; Zhendong WANG ; Haolin LI ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuping YANG ; Weigang CHENG ; Jin SU ; Jingjing SONG ; Dongsheng LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):67-73
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of the Wulao Qisun prescription on pathological new bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). MethodsSynovial fibroblasts were isolated from the hip joints of AS patients and observed under a microscope to assess cell morphology. The cells were identified using immunofluorescence staining. The isolated AS fibroblasts were divided into blank group, low drug-containing serum group, medium drug-containing serum group, high drug-containing serum group, and positive drug group. After drug intervention, cell proliferation was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to observe fibroblast growth and determine the optimal intervention time. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was measured using the alkaline phosphatase assay. Protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, β-catenin, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, each drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription and the positive drug group inhibited the proliferation of AS fibroblasts and reduced ALP expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription downregulated β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05). The medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group significantly downregulated Wnt5a and β-catenin mRNA expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the positive drug group showing the most pronounced effect (P<0.01). The high drug-containing serum group and the positive drug group significantly upregulated DKK-1 mRNA expression (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the low drug-containing serum group of Wulao Qisun prescription inhibited the expression of OPN and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the medium and high drug-containing serum groups and the positive drug group inhibited the expression of OCN, OPN, and Runx2 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Wulao Qisun prescription can inhibit the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts, thereby delaying the formation of pathological new bone in AS. The possible mechanism involves the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression, further inhibiting the transcription of downstream target genes. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Active Components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Compound in Treatment of Nervous System Diseases: A Review
Weining SONG ; Shuxiang ZHANG ; Fang LU ; Zhize WANG ; Ruyang CHENG ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):303-313
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Nervous system diseases, also known as neuropathies, encompass a wide range of conditions, primarily including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders, as well as depression, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, vascular dementia, and other neurological diseases. These diseases pose serious threats to the health and lives of patients, bringing heavy burdens to society and families. The pathogenesis of nervous system diseases is highly complex, involving mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, brain-derived neurotrophic factor deficiency, reduced cholinergic activity, axonal injury, and demyelination. In recent years, the incidence and mortality of nervous system diseases have been rising annually. Currently, western medicine primarily focuses on symptomatic treatment, often accompanied by many adverse reactions, including lethargy, excessive sedation, dizziness, headaches, tachycardia, liver function damage, metabolic disorders, and incomplete recovery after surgery. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has effects such as promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, cooling the blood, clearing the heart, nourishing the blood, and calming the nerves. It can play a role in the treatment and protection against nervous system diseases through multiple targets, pathways, and mechanisms. Studies have found that the water-soluble phenolic acids and fat-soluble diterpenoid quinones in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the main active ingredients for the treatment of nervous system diseases. This paper summarized the effects of the active components and compounds of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on nervous system diseases over the past ten years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and research ideas for the development and application of active components and compounds of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in nervous system diseases. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Clinical Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Cold Dampness Obstruction Syndrome
Yanyu CHEN ; Yanqi LI ; Longxiao LIU ; Liubo ZHANG ; Tianyi LAN ; Nan ZHANG ; Cheng XIAO ; Yuan XU ; Qingwen TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):140-146
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo study the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome. MethodsThe RA patients treated in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rheumatology of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2022 to June 2024 were selected. The demographic information, clinical data, laboratory test results, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom information were collected for syndrome differentiation, on the basis of which the characteristics and influencing factors of cold dampness obstruction syndrome were analyzed. ResultsA total of 258 RA patients were selected in this study, including 88 (34.1%) patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome, 53 (20.5%) patients with dampness and heat obstruction syndrome, 31 (12.0%) patients with wind dampness obstruction syndrome, 29 (11.2%) patients with liver-kidney deficiency syndrome, 19 (7.4%) patients with Qi-blood deficiency syndrome, 14 (5.4%) patients with phlegm-stasis obstruction syndrome, 15 (5.8%) patients with stasis obstructing collateral syndrome and 9 (3.5%) patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome. The patients were assigned into two groups of cold dampness obstruction syndrome and other syndromes. The group of cold dampness obstruction syndrome had lower joint fever, 28-tender joint count (TJC28), and 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28)-C-reactive protein (CRP) and higher central sensitization, cold feeling of joints, fear of wind and cold, cold limbs, and abdominal distention than the group of other syndromes (P<0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that central sensitization (OR 5.749, 95%CI 2.116-15.616, P<0.001) and DAS28-CRP (OR 0.600, 95% CI 0.418-0.862, P=0.006) were the independent factors influencing cold dampness obstruction syndrome in RA. ConclusionCold dampness obstruction syndrome is a common syndrome in RA patients. It is associated with central sensitization, cold feeling of joints, abdominal distension and may be a clinical syndrome associated with central sensitization. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Syndrome and Pathogenesis Treated by Mahuang Shengmatang
Xinyu WAN ; Yin CHENG ; Wenbo GAO ; Zhiguo ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):253-258
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The prescription Mahuang Shengmatang in the Treatise on Cold Damage (《伤寒论》) has sparked considerable debate among medical practitioners throughout history, with varying opinions on its indications, pathogenesis described in the text, principle of compatibility, and clinical applications. Both ancient and modern interpreters of Mahuang Shengmatang often focus on herbal compatibility as a primary approach to deduce the pathogenesis and treatment methods. Building upon this foundation, this paper utilizes herbal dosage as a clue to discern the primary and secondary herbs in the prescription. It further analyzes the principle of compatibility based on herbal indications, summarizing the indications and therapeutic principles of this prescription. Ultimately, it reveals the underlying pathogenesis reflected in the text. The internal closure of heat and toxin leads to the stagnation of Qi, preventing Yang Qi from reaching the extremities and causing cold hands and feet. When the pathogenic Qi finds no outlet, it floods both the upper and lower regions of the body, attacking the throat and causing cough with expectoration of pus and blood, and descending to the large intestine to consume Yin fluids, resulting in persistent diarrhea. Based on this pathogenesis, the paper expands the scope of symptoms and signs associated with the prescription, providing a more detailed portrayal of the applicable patient population and enhancing the basis for clinical prescription references. Additionally, the paper presents considerations on several controversial topics, suggesting that the "lower pulse" described in the text refers to the lower limb arterial pulsation, and the symptoms and signs resemble those of septic shock in modern medicine. Therefore, Mahuang Shengmatang should be categorized as a prescription for treating warm diseases and it is not developed by ZHANG Zhongjing. By employing a detailed discussion on the syndrome, pathogenesis, and clinical application in the texts of Mahuang Shengmatang from the dosage, principle of compatibility, and herbal indications, this paper not only enriches the theoretical foundation of Mahuang Shengmatang but also provides a comprehensive perspective and fresh ideas for understanding its clinical application. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.A case analysis of multiple immune-related adverse event induced by toripalimab
Zhen FENG ; Yuzhen ZHANG ; Cheng XIE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):96-100
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and management measures of multiple immune- related adverse event (irAE) after toripalimab treatment, in order to provide reference for the clinical management of similar cases. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on a post-operative bladder cancer patient who developed various irAEs after toripalimab treatment. The patient’s medical history, laboratory tests, imaging studies, treatment course and outcomes were detailed. The Naranjo scale was used to assess the relationship between the irAEs and toripalimab. RESULTS The patient developed irAEs after receiving toripalimab, such as immune-related myocarditis, liver dysfunction, and myasthenia. According to the Naranjo scale evaluation, it was assessed that these adverse events were related to the administration of toripalimab. After high- dose corticosteroid pulse therapy and immunoglobulin immunomodulation, the patient’s symptoms were effectively relieved, with a improved trend in various physiological indicators and significant improvement in the degree of system/organ damage. CONCLUSIONS Toripalimab may lead to multiple irAEs, including immune-related myocarditis, liver injury, and myasthenia. Early recognition, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of irAE are crucial for improving patient’s prognosis.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Exploration of the Pathways for Inheritance and Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Its Own Thinking
Qianfeng CHEN ; Hui JIAN ; Shaomin CHENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Songren YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):114-118
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) thinking serves as a comprehensive cognitive approach of TCM in recognizing and solving problem. It encompasses specific techniques (methods)and particular structures (patterns) in application. Its essential characteristics include the holistic view of "harmony between humanity and nature", the dialectical perspective of "differences and similarities in disease treatment", and the practical outlook of "unity of knowledge and action". The methods of TCM thinking emphasizes the integration of multiple cognitive approaches, forming various modes of thinking such as TCM holistic thinking, TCM four-dimensional thinking, TCM Xiang (象) and numerical thinking, and TCM clinical thinking. Currently, TCM faces both opportunities and challenges. TCM thinking plays a crucial role in the inheritance and innovation pathways of TCM, such as "cultivating medicine through culture", "leading medicine through pharmaceutical practices", "boosting industries with pharmaceuticals", and "benefiting the people through industry". At the same time, integrating TCM and modern technology not only enriches the connotation of TCM thinking, but also advances the innovation of TCM theories, addressing challenges in complex disease treatment, health management, and preventive healthcare. This integration promotes the continued prosperity of the TCM and accelerates its internationalization. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Effect of Folic Acid-modified Crebanine Polyethylene Glycol-polylactic Acid Hydroxyacetic Acid Copolymer Nanoparticles Combined with Ultrasonic Irradiation on Subcutaneous Tumor Growth of Liver Cancer in Mice
Rui PAN ; Junze TANG ; Hailiang ZHANG ; Kun YU ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):217-225
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of folic acid-modified crebanine polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid hydroxyacetic acid copolymer(PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles(FA-Cre@PEG-PLGA NPs, hereinafter referred to as NPs) combined with ultrasonic irradiation on subcutaneous tumor of liver cancer in Kunming(KM) mice. MethodsEighty-four healthy male KM mice were utilized to establish a subcutaneous tumor model of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma with H22 cells, then mice were randomly divided into model group, placebo group, hydroxycamptothecin group(8 mg∙kg-1), low, medium and high dose crebanine raw material groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1, hereinafter referred to as the low, medium and high dose crebanine groups, respectively), low, medium and high dose NPs groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1), and low, medium and high dose NPs combined with ultrasonic irradiation groups(2, 2.5, 3 mg∙kg-1, hereinafter referred to as the low, medium and high dose combination groups, respectively). The corresponding doses of drugs were administered via tail vein injection, the model group received no treatment, while the placebo group was injected with an equivalent amount of normal saline. Dosing was conducted for a total of 10 times on alternate days. The body mass of the mice was monitored, and parameters such as body mass change rate, thymus index, spleen index, tumor volume, tumor weight, relative tumor growth rate(T/C), and tumor inhibition rate(TGI) were calculated. Pathological changes in liver and kidney tissues as well as the tumor were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Additionally, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN) and creatinine(CREA) in serum of mice were detected by biochemical method. Furthermore, the effect of ultrasound on the distribution of NPs in subcutaneous tumors of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma was observed by in vivo imaging technique. ResultsAmong different treatment methods, the combination of NPs and ultrasound irradiation had the best therapeutic effect. Compared with the model group, the body mass growth rates of mice in the medium and high combination groups decreased, while the thymus index and spleen index increased, but there was no statistically significant difference in serum AST, ALT, BUN and CREA levels, indicating that NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation had little effect on the normal physiological state of the body, oth groups had TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating a clear anti-tumor effect. Pathological analysis showed that compared with the NPs groups, the combination groups exhibited varying degrees of necrosis in tumor cells, accompanied by less damage to the liver and kidneys. In vivo imaging of small animals showed that compared with the high dose NPs group, the high dose combination group had stronger tumor targeting ability(P<0.01). ConclusionNPs combined with ultrasonic irradiation can not only effectively targeted the drug to the tumor site, inhibit the subcutaneous tumor growth of mouse liver cancer, but also decrease damage to liver and kidney tissues. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            

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