1.Exploring Therapeutic Effect of Yuejuwan on Depressed Mice Based on Lipidomics
Zhentao ZHANG ; Dan SU ; Huizhen LI ; Yonggui SONG ; Huanhua XU ; Meixizi LAI ; Zhifu AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):85-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice based on lipidomics, and to explore the potential pathways for improving lipid metabolism to prevent depression. MethodsSeven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Yuejuwan group(3.6 g·kg-1) and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1), and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) was used to establish the depression model. After 3 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution according to the dose, and mice in the blank and model groups were given an equal volume of deionised water by gavage, one time/d for 2 weeks. After administration, the antidepressant effect of Yuejuwan was evaluated by neurobehavioral indices such as sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure contents of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in mouse serum. Lipidomic analysis of mouse serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was performed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS), and the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase(S6K), phosphorylation(p)-mTOR, p-S6K in gastric tissues of mice was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly increased(P<0.01), and serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yuejuwan group showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly reduced(P<0.01), and the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomic analysis revealed that Yuejuwan had a significant effect on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice, and The differential lipid metabolites were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein biosynthesis, among which the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was the most significant. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the Yuejuwan group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionThe intervention of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism is one of the potential pathways for its antidepressant effect, which may be related to the regulation of mTOR/S6K signaling pathway upstream of lipid metabolism in the gastric tissues.
2.Textual Research of Key Information of Classic Formula Xieqingwan Based on Ancient and Modern Literature
Yujie CHANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Xinghang LYU ; Wenxi WEI ; Xiaofang WANG ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Sai REN ; Mengqi WANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):226-234
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically collect and organize ancient and modern clauses and studies containing Xieqingwan, excavate and analyze the key information of Xieqingwan, and provide a reference for facilitating the development of the classic formula Xieqingwan. MethodsThe composition, dosage, decocting methods, usage, and other key information of Xieqingwan in ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected and analyzed by means of literature research and metrological methods. The modern clinical application of Xieqingwan was summarized. ResultsA total of 42 pieces of effective data involving 32 ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected. Xieqingwan was first recorded in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue. The drug origin of this formula is basically clear in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine books. The modern drug usage and decocting method were as follows: Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Gardenia seeds, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, and Saposhnikoviae Radix were grounded to fine powder, decocted with honey, and finally formed into pills with the size of a chicken head (1.5 g). It was suggested that half a pill or one pill were taken for one dose with warm Lophatheri decoction and sugar. The indications and clinical application had developed from the recordings in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue and evolved from pediatrics to ophthalmic otolaryngology, neurology, dermatology, digestion, and respiratory diseases. The main pathogenesis of these diseases is heat in the liver meridian and is treated. The effect of Xieqingwan is "clearing away heat and toxicity, removing fire and relaxing the bowels, and dispersing swelling and relieving pain". It is recommended to use the corresponding preparation methods in the 2020 Edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Modern clinical studies are centered around the clinical application of Xieqingwan, which is often modified and used in treating Tourette syndrome, herpes, febrile convulsion, sleepwalking, and insomnia. ConclusionThis paper conducts a thorough textual research of the key information of Xieqingwan, induces its historic evolution, and confirms its key information, so as to provide a reference for the future development of Xieqingwan.
3.Effect of Faeces Bombycis Extract on Cajal Interstitial Cells in Diabetic Gastroparesis Rats Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Huizhen ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Kai ZHAO ; Yudi QIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):66-73
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic mechanism of Faeces Bombycis on diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian rapamycin target protein (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodDGP rat model was prepared by random selection of 15 out of 105 rats as blank group. The rats successfully constructed were randomly divided into model group, high-,medium- and low- dose groups (3.2, 1.6, 0.8 g·kg-1) and moxapride group (1.5 mg·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group, and were given gavage for 4 weeks. The gastric emptying rate and random blood glucose were measured. The morphological changes of gastric antrum were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the expression of the c-Kit gene was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis of Cajal interstitial cells was observed by in situ end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, and p-mTOR were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group, the gastric emptying rate of the model group decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the glandular structure of the gastric antrum was destroyed. The expression of c-Kit decreased (P<0.01), and the apoptosis of Cajal interstitial cells (ICC) increased. Compared with the model group, the gastric emptying rate in the high, middle, and low-dose groups of Faeces Bombycis extract and mosapride group increased significantly (P<0.01). The glandular structure of the gastric antrum became closer, and the apoptosis of ICC decreased. The expression of c-Kit in the high dose group of Faeces Bombycis extract increased significantly. After Western blot testing, compared with the blank group, the protein expression of p-Akt/Akt, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-mTOR/mTOR in the model group increased. Compared with the model group, the protein expression of p-Akt/Akt in the high dose group of Faeces Bombycis extract decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K decreased in the middle and low dose groups of Faeces Bombycis extract and mosapride group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression of p-mTOR/mTOR decreased in the low dose group of Faeces Bombycis extract (P<0.05). In terms of random blood glucose, compared with the blank group, the random blood glucose in the model group increased significantly (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the random blood glucose in the high and middle dose groups of Faeces Bombycis extract decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with mosapride group, the protein expression of p-Akt/Akt decreased in the high dose group of Faeces Bombycis extract (P<0.05), and the protein expression of p-PI3K/PI3K increased in the high, middle, and low dose groups of Faeces Bombycis extract (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionFaeces Bombycis extract can increase gastric emptying rate, reduce ICC apoptosis, and lower random blood glucose in DGP rats. The high dose group of Faeces Bombycis extract has a significant effect on inhibiting ICC apoptosis, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
4.Related factors of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction during hospitalization in rehabilitation department
Fang LI ; Huizhen LIU ; Liping MEI ; Tong ZHANG ; Haojie ZHANG ; Bingjie LI ; Jun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(2):217-222
ObjectTo explore the risk factors related to the intensity of post-stroke depression in patients with cerebral infarction during hospitalization in the rehabilitation department. MethodsThe hospital consultation records of cerebral infarction patients in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from December, 2019 to February, 2023 were reviewed from the hospital information system, and those who were diagnosed as depression visited the department of psychology were selected. It was collected including general information of sexes, ages, education levels, matrimony; medical features of course, location, affected side, sensory disorders, aphasia, agrypnia, dysphagia, hand-shoulder syndrome, constipation; functioning of muscle strength and Brunnstrom stages; and scores of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Balance (FMA-B), modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Patients with HAMD scores ≤ 20 were as the low group, and those > 20 were as the high group. ResultA total of 2 403 hospitalized stroke patients were included, out of which 269 patients with cerebral infarction were diagnosed as depression and visited the department of psychology; while 103 cases were in the low group and 166 cases were in the high group. The incidence of constipation was less, and the incidence of dysphagia and shoulder-hand syndrome was higher in the high group (χ2 > 5.379, P < 0.05), with weaker strength of iliopsoas muscle and quadriceps muscle, earlier of Brunnstrom stage of lower extremities and hands, and worse scores of NIHSS, MMSE, FMA, FMA-B and MBI (|Z| > 2.020, t > 2.171, P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that constipation (OR = 0.435), quadriceps muscle strength (OR = 0.782) and dysphagia (OR = 2.602) related to the intensity of post-stroke depression in convalescent patients (P < 0.05). ConclusionPost-stroke dysphagia and poor quadriceps muscle strength may exacerbate post-stroke depression; however, constipation may not.
5.Interpretation of the Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine:weighting of evaluation indicators
Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Weili WANG ; Wenjie CAO ; Yijiu YANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Qianzi CHE ; Xingyu ZONG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yanping WANG ; Nannan SHI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(7):773-777
OBJECTIVE To provide a detailed report and interpretation of the method and results for determining the weights of the technical indicators from the “multi-dimensional and multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation index system (first edition)” stated in Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine. METHODS Normalization calculations were performed on the comprehensive weight values calculated by the analytic hierarchy process and expert weighting method to obtain the objective weights of the indicators. RESULTS The weight results of the six primary dimensions in the current comprehensive evaluation indicator system of Chinese patent medicine showed effectiveness dimension> safety dimension>standard dimension>application dimension>scientific dimension>economic dimension, with weight values of 0.281 0, 0.268 5, 0.195 8, 0.107 3, 0.096 1 and 0.051 3 respectively, consistent with the results of most researches currently. CONCLUSIONS The process of weight determination in this indicator system is scientifically reasonable, with clear methods and clear interpretations, and is worthy of further optimization and widespread application.
6.Medium to low intensity exercise interferes with the expression of LncRNA HOTAIR in chondrocytes in high-fat-fed mice with knee joint damage
Huizhen ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Haitao LUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(11):1684-1689
BACKGROUND:Low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise can help protect knee cartilage.Long-chain non-coding RNAs are crucial for gene regulation.Among them,HOTAIR can activate numerous transcriptional co-repressors to repress the activation of certain genes. OBJECTIVE:To detect the expression levels of HOX transcript antisense RNA(HOTAIR)and other related factors in chondrocytes of high fat-fed mice and after low to moderate intensity exercise intervention,and to investigate their role in cartilage injury and sports rehabilitation. METHODS:Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control group(normal feeding),high fat feeding group and high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group,with 10 mice in each group.The mice in the high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group were subjected to an 8-week low to middle intensity treadmill exercise,and the mice in the other two groups were caged.During this period,body mass was weighed every week on Sunday.After the 8-week exercise,both lower extremities of mice were taken,and the knee joint was scanned using Micro CT to make a 3D femoral condyle image to obtain relevant parameters.Hematoxylin-eosin and safranin O-fast green staining of the knee joint were performed for Mankin and Osteoarthritis Research Society International(OARSI)scoring.RT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA levels of cartilage metabolic indicators and lipid metabolism indicators,including type II collagen,matrix metalloproteinase 13,interleukin 1,low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5,HOTAIR and its downstream factor lysine specific demethylase 1. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The body mass of high fat-fed mice were higher than that of the control group(P<0.01),and the body mass of the high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group was lower than that of the high fat feeding group(P<0.05).The connectivity density of high fat-fed mice was higher than that of the control group(P<0.01).Mankin and OARSI scores of the high fat feeding were higher than those of the control group(P<0.01)and high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group(P<0.05).The mRNA level of type II collagen was higher in the control group than the high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group(P<0.05)and high fat feeding group(P<0.01)as well as higher in the high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group than the high fat feeding group(P<0.01).The mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase 13,interleukin 1,low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5,HOTAIR and lysine specific demethylase 1 were higher in the high fat feed group than the control group and high fat feeding plus treadmill exercise group(P<0.01).To conclude,high fat feeding can increase the bone substance of the femoral condyle,lead to knee cartilage wear,and cause chondrocyte metabolism disorder.HOTAIR is highly expressed in this process.An 8-week low to middle intensity treadmill exercise can reduce body mass,alleviate knee cartilage wear,improve chondrocyte function and down-regulate HOTAIR expression in mice.
7.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guideline for Chinese Patent Medicine(Part 1): Development Status and Characteristics
Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Huizhen LI ; Haili ZHANG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yin JIANG ; Bin LIU ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):44-49
The irrational use of Chinese patent medicines (CPM) is becoming more and more prominent, which makes the demand for clinical practice guidelines of CPM gradually increase. In order to make domestic scholars understand the latest developments and existing problems of the CPM guidelines, and promote its development, this paper introduced the concept of CPM guidelines, summarized the characteristics of the two development modes, namely “taking CPM as the key” and “taking disease/syndrome as the key”, and analyzed the current methodological status of developing and reporting CPM guidelines. Based on the existed problems, three suggestions have been put forward to optimize the quality of CPM guidelines, which were clarifying the target users and scope of CPM guidelines, establishing an open and transparent mechanism of the personnel involvement and process steps, and formulating implementable and operable recommendations for the use of CPM.
8.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine: 2.Establishment of Guideline Working Group and Management of Conflict of Interests
Yaxin CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Ziteng HU ; Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Yijiu YANG ; Jing GUO ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):50-54
This paper summarized the key points and methods in terms of the establishment of the guideline working group and the management of conflict of interests, trying to provide reference for the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine (CPM). The establishment of the working group is the first important step for developing CPM guidelines. Considering the characteristics of the clinical practice guidelines for CPM, this study suggests that the three key elements of ‘multidisciplinarity’, ‘clinical relevance’ and ‘geographical representativeness’ should be put focus on when forming the working group. The guideline advisory committee, clinical expert group, evidence systematic evaluation group, secretary group and the external review group should be established. All group members should clarify the conflict of interest, and the process and management method of the conflict of interest should be clearly reported.
9.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine (Part 7): Introduction and Interpretation of the Guideline Reporting Checklist
Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Haili ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Qianzi CHE ; Ning LIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):178-184
The systematic and comprehensive introduction and interpretation of the Reporting Checklist of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicines V1.0 is conducive to the presentation of high-quality clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), thus improving their dissemination and use. The Reporting Checklist of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicines V1.0 specifies the requirements for clear, complete and transparent reporting of the whole process of developing CPMs guidelines, containing 4 domains, 17 topics and 43 items, and involving the basic information, recommendations and methods of guideline development. Especially, it details the items related to the rules and regulations of the use of CPMs in the recommendations, which is helpful for improving the completeness, scientificity and practicality of the reporting of CPMs guideline.
10.Exploration of Value Variable Selection and Measurement for Chinese Patent Medicine Based on Hedonic Price Theory
Yijiu YANG ; Haili ZHANG ; He ZHU ; Wei LI ; Zhao CHEN ; Bin LIU ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Tian SONG ; Wenjie CAO ; Weili WANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yanping WANG ; Sheng HAN ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(5):68-71,78
To reduce the subjectivity and uncertainty present in the current international methods of drug value pricing when converting value into monetary prices,based on the hedonic pricing theory,it considers the post-negotiation price between manufacturers and payers as a reasonable price reference in the value pricing of Chinese patent medicine.By constructing an indicator system for the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine,it selects and measures the value characteristic variables that affect the price of Chinese patent medicine.It serves as the theoretical foundation and research basis for establishing a Hedonic price model between characteristic price variables and negotiation prices,thereby promoting the enhancement of rationality and objectivity in value-guided pricing of Chinese patent medicine.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail