1.Clinical Evidence Profile of Eleven Expensive Chinese Patent Medicines: A Scoping Analysis
Yajing LI ; Miaomiao LI ; Le ZHANG ; Wenya WANG ; Hui ZHAO ; Xing LIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):227-238
ObjectiveThis study employed the scoping review method to systematically retrieve and analyze the basic information and clinical research evidence of expensive Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), aiming to provide a basis for future related research and clinical applications. MethodsEight Chinese and English databases were systematically searched for the clinical research evidence on expensive CPMs. ResultsEleven expensive CPMs (Angong Niuhuang Wan, Jufang Zhibao Wan, Suhexiang Wan, Pien Tze Huang, Niuhuang Qingxin Wan, Qinggong Shoutao Wan, Compound Realgar Natural Indigo Tablets, Xihuang Wan, Dingkun Wan, Babao Wan, and Guilingji Capsules) were selected. A total of 365 related studies were included in this review, comprising 331 clinical studies (of which 291 were randomized controlled trials), 30 systematic reviews and Meta-analyses, 3 expert consensus, and 1 rapid health technology assessment. Among the 11 CPMs, 2(Angong Niuhuang Wan and Jufang Zhibao Wan) had a daily price over 500 yuan. The famous and precious Chinese medicinal materials involved included Moschus (frequency of 7), Bovisc Alculus (7), and Borneol (5). The dosage forms included pills, capsules, oral liquid, tablets, and lozenges. The diseases treated by these CPMs mainly included malignant tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, gynecological diseases, and hepatobiliary system diseases. The sample sizes of the clinical studies were mainly concentrated within the range of 51-100 cases, and the main control form was CPM + basic Western medicine treatment vs. basic Western medicine treatment. The 331 clinical studies reported a total of 44 adverse events occurred, of which 36 were determined to be adverse reactions. ConclusionThe scarcity of raw materials leads to the high prices of expensive CPMs. The difficulty of conducting clinical research and the critical and severe cases treated lead to a lack of clinical research evidence with large sample sizes. The uneven distribution of existing studies, incomplete information on medicine package, and non-standard clinical research designs remain to be addressed in the future.
2.Analysis of Dynamic Change Patterns of Color and Composition During Fermentation of Myristicae Semen Koji
Zhenxing WANG ; Mengmeng FAN ; Le NIU ; Suqin CAO ; Hongwei LI ; Zhenling ZHANG ; Hanwei LI ; Jianguang ZHU ; Kai LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):222-229
ObjectiveTo explore the changes in volatile components, total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity value of Myristicae Semen Koji(MSK) during the fermentation process, and conduct correlation analysis. MethodsBased on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), the changes of volatile components in MSK at different fermentation times were identified. The phenol sulfuric acid method, dinitrosalicylic acid method(DNS), and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt method(CMC-Na) were used to investigate the total polysaccharide content, amylase activity, and cellulase activity during the fermentation process. Visual analysis technology was used to explore the changes in chromaticity values, revealing the fermentation process of MSK and the dynamic changes of various measurement indicators, partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) was used to explore the differential compounds of MSK at different fermentation degrees, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile components of MSK and total polysaccharides, enzyme activity, and chromaticity values. ResultsA total of 60 volatile compounds were identified from MSK, the relative contents of components such as (+)-α-pinene, β-phellandrene, β-pinene, (+)-limonene, and p-cymene obviously increased, while the relative contents of components such as safrole, methyl isoeugenol, methyleugenol, myristicin, and elemicin significantly decreased. During the fermentation process, the total polysaccharide content showed an upward trend, while the activities of amylase and cellulase showed an initial increase followed by a decrease, and reached their maximum value at 40 h. the overall brightness(L*) and total color difference(ΔE*) gradually increased, while the changes in red-green value(a*) and yellow-blue value(b*) were not obvious. PLS-DA results showed that MSK could be clearly distinguished at different fermentation times, and 13 differential biomarkers were screened out. Pearson correlation analysis results showed that the contents of α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, methyleugenol, β-cubebene and myristic acid had an obvious correlation with chromaticity values. ConclusionAfter fermentation, the volatile components, total polysaccharides, amylase activity, and cellulase activity of MSK undergo significant changes, and there is a clear correlation between them and chromaticity values, which reveals the dynamic changes in the fermentation process and related indicators of MSK, laying a foundation for the quality control.
3.Exploring Academic Characteristics of Contemporary Experts and Schools in Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology in Treating Endometriosis Diseases Based on SrTO
Zhiran LI ; Xiaojun BU ; Xiaodan WANG ; Le ZHANG ; Ruixue LIU ; Jingyu REN ; Xing LIAO ; Weiwei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):249-259
ObjectiveStarting from the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of endometriosis and adenomyosis, to integrate and sort out the academic characteristics of contemporary renowned experts and schools in the field of traditional Chinese medicine gynecology. MethodsAccording to the systematic review of text and opinion (SrTO) process developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) in Australia, this paper determined literature screening criteria by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, and China Biomedical Literature Database. Information was extracted after literature screening, and quality evaluation was conducted using the JBI Narrative, Text, and Opinion Systematic Review Strict Evaluation Checklist. The JBI Narrative, Opinion, Text Evaluation, and Review Tool Summary Table was used for information synthesis, and data analysis and display were conducted in the form of text and charts. ResultsThe 146 articles related to 39 renowned experts and 19 articles related to 10 schools of thought were included. Research has found that contemporary experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology consider blood stasis as the core pathogenesis in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of two diseases and related infertility. Their viewpoints varied from multiple aspects such as clinical symptom characteristics, meridian circulation location, pathological product evolution, disease duration, emotional psychology, lifestyle habits, preference for food and drink, innate endowment, and acquired injury. In terms of treatment, it was advocated to divide the stage, treat according to different types, adapt to the times, integrate nature and humans, and combine multiple methods to treat comprehensively when necessary. It was also recommended to skillfully use insects, make good use of classic formulas and small prescriptions, pay attention to protecting the spleen and stomach and regulating emotions, and make good use of self-formulated empirical formulas for internal or external use. Besides, individualized long-term management of patients was also advocated. ConclusionThis study applies the SrTO process to systematically summarize the academic ideas of contemporary renowned experts and schools in traditional Chinese medicine gynecology regarding the causes, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatments of endometriosis, providing a scientific and standardized reference for future theoretical exploration.
4.Early clinical efficacy of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction on ischemic cerebrovascular disease after interventional therapy
Qinghua WANG ; Gesheng WANG ; Ruiping LI ; Can ZHENG ; Wenjing LI ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Kaihang GUO ; Xiaobo DONG ; Wenxin WANG ; Rongjuan GUO ; Le WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):108-121
Objective:
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction in the intervention of early traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes after ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) intervention.
Methods:
From October 2020 to July 2023, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to include 60 patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome after ICVD interventional therapy. They were assigned to the Yiqi Tongluo Decoction treatment group (30 cases) and the TCM placebo routine treatment control group (30 cases) according to the randomized block design. Both groups received routine standardized treatment of Western medicine, including dual antiplatelet, lipid regulation, and control of risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The treatment group was treated with Yiqi Tongluo Decoction based on the control group. The course of treatment was 60 days and follow-up was carried out 2 and 6 months after the operation. The improvement of qi deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, phlegm syndrome score and TCM syndrome score, modified Rankin score (mRS), Barthel index (BI) score, Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) level, incidence of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stroke (IS) and incidence of adverse reactions, Head and neck CT angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination were collected. The clinical efficacy of the patients 2 months after the operation was taken as the main outcome index to preliminarily evaluate the early and long-term efficacy of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction after the ICVD intervention. The early and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of Western medicine standardized treatment combined with TCM Yiqi Tongluo Decoction on patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome after ICVD intervention were evaluated. The safety of Yiqi Tongluo Decoction in the treatment of patients after ICVD intervention with white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (FIB), plasminogen time (PT), recurrence of cerebral ischaemia and restenosis in patients at 2 and 6 months after treatment were evaluated.
Results:
Compared to the control group, the TCM syndrome scores for qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm syndrome in the treatment group reduced significantly, the clinical efficacy improved significantly, the mRS score and FABP4 were reduced, and the BI score was increased. Adverse events such as cerebral ischaemia were fewer in the treatment group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant; levels of CRP, WBC and PT were reduced, and levels of FIB were reduced at 6 months post-treatment, all P<0.01, and images were intuitively compared. The treatment group was superior to the control group.
Conclusion
Yiqi Tongluo Decoction combined with Western medicine standard treatment can improve the early clinical efficacy of ICVD patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome after interventional surgery, improve neurological impairment and daily living ability, reduce the state of qi deficiency syndrome, blood stasis syndrome and phlegm syndrome after interventional surgery, and improve the clinical efficacy of TCM. At the same time, it can reduce the level of FABP4, the target of atherosclerosis and restenosis after interventional surgery, reduce the level of inflammation after interventional surgery in patients with ICVD, regulate coagulation function, and reduce the incidence of long-term recurrence of cerebral ischemia after interventional surgery, with good safety.
5.Analyzing Differences in Volatile Components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Before and After Being Stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum Based on HS-GC-MS and Intelligent Sensory Technology
Li XIN ; Jiawen WEN ; Wenhui GONG ; Beibei ZHAO ; Shihao YAN ; Huashi CHEN ; Haiping LE ; Jinlian ZHANG ; Yanhua XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):157-162
ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color, odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(CRP) before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). According to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1.5, volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose, the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected, including α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, sabinene, ocimene isomer mixture, A-ocimene, and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the brightness value(L*), yellow-blue value(b*) and total chromatic value(E*ab) of CRP were decreased(P<0.01), and red-green value(a*) was increased(P<0.01), the response values of S4, S5, S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L* and E*ab, but positively correlated with a*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L* and E*ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L* and E*ab, and negatively correlated with a*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the appearance color, odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly, and α-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing, which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.
6.Analyzing Differences in Volatile Components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Before and After Being Stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum Based on HS-GC-MS and Intelligent Sensory Technology
Li XIN ; Jiawen WEN ; Wenhui GONG ; Beibei ZHAO ; Shihao YAN ; Huashi CHEN ; Haiping LE ; Jinlian ZHANG ; Yanhua XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):157-162
ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color, odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(CRP) before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). According to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1.5, volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose, the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected, including α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, sabinene, ocimene isomer mixture, A-ocimene, and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the brightness value(L*), yellow-blue value(b*) and total chromatic value(E*ab) of CRP were decreased(P<0.01), and red-green value(a*) was increased(P<0.01), the response values of S4, S5, S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L* and E*ab, but positively correlated with a*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L* and E*ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L* and E*ab, and negatively correlated with a*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the appearance color, odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly, and α-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing, which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.
7.Effects of chronic exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on contractility and morphology of the quadriceps muscle in healthy adults
Xuanqiang WANG ; Wenyang ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Weiqian KONG ; Wei LI ; Le WANG ; Zhongshan LI ; Shi BAI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1634-1642
BACKGROUND:Changes in skeletal muscle mass have been indicated in studies addressing the effects of low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on the structure and morphology of the skeletal muscle,but no relevant studies have been conducted on the morphologic changes that occur after chronic exposure to the low-frequency pulsed magnetic field. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of chronic exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields on the maximal voluntary contraction and morphologic indicators of the quadriceps muscle of the leg,thereby providing a reference of muscle morphologic changes for the use of this technique as a strategy for muscle function improvement. METHODS:Seventy healthy subjects were recruited and randomly divided into a test group that received magnetic field stimulation and a control group that underwent sham treatment,with 35 subjects in each group,and the total duration of the trial was 4 weeks.The test group underwent low-frequency pulsed magnetic stimulation for 15 minutes every 48 hours,while the control group underwent sham treatment,with the same intervention interval and duration as the test group.After 4 weeks of intervention,changes in the maximum voluntary contraction value of the quadriceps muscle in different groups were observed,and B-mode ultrasonography was utilized as a means of assessment to observe changes in muscle thickness,muscle cross-sectional area,and pinnation angle indexes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 4 weeks of chronic exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields,68 subjects completed the test.The maximum voluntary contraction value of the quadriceps muscle in the test group increased significantly(P=0.000),and the increment was significantly higher than that of the control group(P=0.008).Three indexes related to muscle morphology in the test group were significantly higher than the pre-test values(P=0.000),while in the control group,muscle thickness showed a significant reduction(P=0.020),there was no significant change in the pinnation angle,but a significant increase in the cross-sectional area(P=0.000).Intergroup comparisons revealed that the three indicators related to muscle morphology,including muscle thickness(P=0.012),pinnation angle(P=0.003),and cross-sectional area(P=0.049),were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group.The above data confirmed that the maximum voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle was significantly increased in healthy adults after 4 weeks of chronic exposure to the low-frequency pulsed magnetic field,and significant increases in the three muscle morphometric indices of muscle thickness,cross-sectional area,and pinnation angle were observed in the test group,providing a basis of muscle tissue morphology for the use of this technique as an exercise alternative and medical treatment strategy for muscle improvement.
8.Effects of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Criteria Changes for Schizophrenia on Diagnoses of First-Episode Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
WooRi CHO ; Sung-Wan KIM ; Seung-Hee WON ; Bong-Ju LEE ; Naohisa TSUJINO ; Youji TAKUBO ; Taiju YAMAGUCHI ; Takahiro NEMOTO ; Ling LI ; Thi-Hung LE ; Fatima Zahra RAMI ; Young-Chul CHUNG
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(2):212-217
Objective:
Impact of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) changes on the criteria for schizophrenia (SZ) has been reported to be minimal in previous studies. However, this could be different in first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders (FE-SSDs). We investigated what proportion of patients with FE-SSDs was diagnosed based on the sole presence of bizarre delusions (BDs) or first rank auditory hallucinations (FRAHs). Their alternative diagnosis by the DSM-5 was established and diagnostic stability over 1-year was identified.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review study on the medical records, case report forms for the subjects with FE-SSDs (n=404) participated in the Korea Early Psychosis Study. The two Japanese sites reviewed retrospectively only medical records of the subjects with FE-SSDs (n=103). We used three different definitions of BDs (strict, narrow, and broad) and specified subtypes of Other Specified Schizophrenia spectrum and Other psychotic disorders (OSSOs). To ensure inter-rater reliability between the hospitals, regular zoom meetings were held.
Results:
Forty (7.89%) subjects out of 507 were found to be diagnosed as SSDs based on the sole presence of BDs or FRAHs. All these patients met the criteria of OSSOs and were classified as having pure delusion (n=22), delusion with attenuated auditory hallucinations (AHs) (n=5), pure AHs (n=3) and AHs with attenuated delusion (n=10). The patients with first and second subtypes (n=27) were found to have BDs. The BDs fulfilled mostly strict definitions or satisfied the next broadest definition. The diagnostic stability of FE-OSSOs and its subgroups (first and second subtypes) over 1-year was substantially high (70.27% and 84% respectively).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that more rigorous diagnostic assessment should be performed especially to differentiate OSSOs from SZ in patients with FE-SSDs and more refined classification of the subtypes for OSSOs considered in the next DSM revision.
9.Assocation of family environment and depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students in Shanxi province
YANG Yang, YANG Le, QU Hongfei, YAO Dianrui, LI Zhenhao, GUO Dan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):86-91
Objective:
To explore the assocation of the family environment and depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students, so as to provide suggestions for further maximizing the utility of family environment in the growth of primary and secondary school students, as well as prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From June to July 2024, through a multistage cluster random sampling method, 8 800 primary and middle school students aged 10 to 18 from 36 schools in 3 cities (Datong, Lvliang, Linfen) in Shanxi Province. A self designed questionnaire was used to conduct a family environment survey, including family socioeconomic conditions, family structure, family parenting behavior, family member health behavior, etc; and the depression symptoms of primary and secondary school students were investigated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The χ 2 test and binary Logistic regression to method were used to analyze the association of the family environment with depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, and to analyze gender and urban-rural heterogeneity in this association.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students was 46.7% ( n = 4 111 ). Among them, the detection rates of depressive symptoms for male and female students were 45.7% and 47.7% respectively, and the detection rates for rural and urban students were 48.0% and 44.9% respectively. The results of binary Logistic regression model showed that in the family environment, factors such as the father s education level (junior high school: OR =0.84), self assessed family socio economic status (average: OR =0.78, good: OR =0.80), parental support and understanding (yes: OR = 0.55 ), family atmosphere (harmonious: OR =0.66), living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.31, living with parents and grandparents: OR =1.19), and family rearing style (combining punishment and reward: OR =1.42, punishment only: OR =1.25) were related to depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students in Shanxi Province ( P <0.05). From the perspective of gender heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.67, others: OR =1.67) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in male students ( P <0.05). From the perspective of urban rural heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.38) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in rural primary and middle school students ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
The family environment has an important impact on depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students. Family functioning should be fully exerted to prevent depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students.
10.ESCRT Mechanism-mediated Repair of Plasma Membrane Damage Induced by Regulatory Cell Death
Tian-Yang FENG ; Le DENG ; Gou XU ; Li LI ; Miao-Miao GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1099-1112
The plasma membrane (PM) plays an essential role in maintaining cell homeostasis, therefore, timely and effective repair of damage caused by factors such as mechanical rupture, pore-forming toxins, or pore-forming proteins is crucial for cell survival. PM damage induces membrane rupture and stimulates an immune response. However, damage resulting from regulated cell death processes, including pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, cannot be repaired by simple sealing mechanisms and thus, requires specialized repair machinery. Recent research has identified a PM repair mechanism of regulated cell death-related injury, mediated by the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Here, we review recent progress in elucidating the ESCRT machinery-mediated repair mechanism of PM injury, with particular focus on processes related to regulated cell death. This overview, along with continued research in this field, may provide novel insights into therapeutic targets for diseases associated with dysregulation of regulated cell death pathways.


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