Depression- and anxiety- like behaviors were evaluated using the sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), and elevated plus maze (EPM). Microglial activation and inflammatory mediators were assessed by immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blot. Levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), quinolinic acid (QA), and oxidative stress markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical kits. In addition, QA-treated BV-2 microglial cells were employed to validate the cellular mechanisms. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis was performed to characterize the chemical profile of ZZCD.

ZZCD significantly improved depression- and anxiety- like behaviors in CUMS rats, suppressed M1-type activation and promoted M2 polarization of microglia, corrected the imbalance of KYNA/QA, and alleviated oxidative stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) while enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Moreover, ZZCD inhibited the NF-κB pathway and activated ERK/CREB signaling in both hippocampal tissues and BV-2 cells, accompanied by upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptic plasticity-related proteins, including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin.

ZZCD exerts antidepressant effects through multi-target mechanisms, including regulation of microglial activation, kynurenine pathway balance, oxidative stress reduction, and ERK/CREB pathway activation, which may contribute to the restoration of synaptic plasticity. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the potential of ZZCD as a traditional Chinese medicine-based intervention for depression.

To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified Baihu Guizhi Decoction combined with methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 120 RA patients admitted to the outpatient and inpatient departments of Rheumatology and Immunology at Xinyang Central Hospital from January 2022 to April 2024 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 60 cases in each group. The control group received standard-dose MTX, while the observation group received modified Baihu Guizhi Decoction in addition to the MTX regimen. The treatment duration was 12 weeks. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, joint swelling degree, morning stiffness duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) titer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment to evaluate efficacy and safety.

After treatment, TCM syndrome scores, VAS scores, morning stiffness duration, and joint swelling degree improved in both groups, and ESR, RF, CRP, and MIF levels decreased (P < 0.05). The observation group showed significantly greater improvements compared to the control group (P <0.05). The proportion of patients achieving ACR50/70 improvement criteria was higher (P < 0.05), and the incidence of adverse reactions was lower (P < 0.05) in the observation group.

Modified Baihu Guizhi Decoction combined with MTX demonstrates significant efficacy in treating RA with Wind-Damp-Heat obstruction syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of CRP and MIF expression.

To investigate the impact of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprehensive therapy, grounded in the theoretical framework of lung, spleen, and kidney treatment, on the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and airway remodeling in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A total of 180 patients with stable COPD who attended the hospital between March 2023 and December 2024 were selected as study participants. A total of 180 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were treated at our hospital between January 2022 and September 2023 were recruited as research participants. These patients were allocated into four groups: the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group (n = 60), which received basic Western medicine treatment combined with a TCM formula for replenishing qi, dredging collaterals, strengthening the spleen, and tonifying the kidney; the Acupoint group (n = 60), which received basic Western medicine treatment combined with acupoint application therapy; the Combined group (n = 60), which received basic Western medicine treatment combined with both the TCM formula and acupoint application therapy. Data collection included pulmonary function indices [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)], COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea questionnaire (mMRC) scores, serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels. Additionally, the study evaluated the ratio of airway wall thickness to external diameter (T/D), the percentage of airway wall thickness relative to total airway diameter (WA%), airway smooth muscle area (ASM%), emphysema index (LAA%), and the incidence of adverse reactions.

The total efficacy rate in the combined treatment group was 100.00% (60/60), which was significantly higher than that in the TCM group (86.67%, 52/60) and the acupoint therapy group (88.33%, 53/60) (86.67%) and the acupoint therapy group (88.33%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the total clinical effective rate between the Chinese Medicine group and the Acupoint Therapy group (P > 0.05). After 9 months of treatment, there were no significant differences in serum IFN-γ, IL-4 levels or the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio between the Chinese medicine group and the acupoint therapy group (P >0.05). At the 9-month mark, serum IFN-γ levels and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in the Combined Therapy group were significantly higher than those in both the Chinese Medicine group and the Acupoint Therapy group (P < 0.05). At the 9-month mark, serum IL-4 levels in the Combined Therapy group were significantly lower than those in both the Chinese Medicine group and the Acupoint Therapy group (P < 0.05). At 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment, the T/D, WA, ASM, and LAA values in the combined treatment group were significantly lower than those in the Chinese medicine group and the acupoint therapy group (P <0.05). At 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment, there were no significant differences in T/D, WA, ASM, or LAA values between the Chinese medicine group and the acupoint therapy group (P >0.05). No significant difference in clinical efficacy was observed between the TCM group and the acupoint therapy group (P >0.05). Post-treatment analysis revealed no significant differences in serum IFN-γ and IL-4 levels, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, as well as T/D, WA, ASM, and LAA values between the TCM group and the acupoint therapy group (P > 0.05). In contrast, the combined treatment group exhibited significantly higher post-treatment serum IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratios compared to both the TCM and acupoint therapy groups (P <0.05). Additionally, the combined treatment group demonstrated significantly lower post-treatment serum IL-4 levels and T/D, WA, ASM, and LAA values compared to the TCM and acupoint therapy groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the three groups was 15.00%, 16.67%, and 5.00%, respectively, with no statistically significant differences observed among the groups (P > 0.05).

Traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive therapy, grounded in the theoretical framework of lung, spleen, and kidney treatment, can regulate the Th1/Th2 immune balance via multiple targets and inhibit airway remodeling. This approach effectively enhances lung function and alleviates clinical symptoms in patients with stable COPD. It demonstrates significant advantages in terms of efficacy stability and safety, thereby exhibiting high application value.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of Shiwei Shengxue Decoction in improving the nutritional status of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cachexia (Qi and Blood Deficiency Syndrome).

A prospective cohort study design was adopted. Patients with advanced NSCLC who met the diagnostic criteria for Qi and Blood Deficiency Syndrome and cancer cachexia, admitted to Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, and Shunyi Hospital, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from March 2023 to March 2024, were enrolled. Based on whether they received Shiwei Shengxue Decoction (treatment for≥4 weeks), patients were naturally assigned to an exposed group and a non-exposed group. Both groups received conventional nutritional treatment.

After propensity score matching (PSM), 45 pairs of patients were included. The total effective rate for improving nutritional status in the exposed group was 77.8% (35/42), which was significantly higher than that in the non-exposed group (48.9%, 22/45), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0. 05). The exposed group showed superior improvements in increasing food intake, maintaining body weight, enhancing grip strength, and raising serum hemoglobin (Hgb) levels compared to the non-exposed group (P <0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in KPS scores or serum albumin (ALB) levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). No adverse events were reported during the study period.

Shiwei Shengxue Decoction can effectively improve the nutritional status of patients with advanced NSCLC cachexia (Qi and Blood Deficiency Syndrome) with a favorable safety profile.

To explore the clinical efficacy of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction on patients with phlegm turbidity obstruction type of otolithiasis in recovery phase.

A total of 135 patients with otolithiasis of phlegm turbidity obstruction type were selected and classified into control group (otolith manipulative reduction treatment, 68 cases) and treatment group (otolith manipulative reduction treatment plus Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction, 67 cases) by random number table method. The number of cumulative occurrences, duration, treatment effective rate, TCM syndromes scores, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and treatment safety were compared between groups of patients.

The number of cumulative occurrences and duration in the control group were (3.18 ± 0.59) times and (30.51 ± 5.16) d and those in the treatment group were (2.59 ± 0.61) times and (25.69 ± 5.39) d, and the two indexes in the control group were higher than those in the treatment group (t=5.712, 5.308, < 0.001) . The effective rate of treatment in the treatment group with 95. 52% (64/67) was higher than 82.35% (56/68) in the control group (P <0. 05). After treatment, the scores of various TCM syndromes were lower in the treatment group than those in the control group (P <0.05). The scores of items of DHI in the treatment group after treatment were lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). After treatment, the treatment group had lower HAMA scores than the control group (P <0.05). No statistical difference was exhibited in the safety between both groups (P >0.05).

Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction for phlegm turbidity obstruction type of otolithiasis in recovery phase can effectively reduce the number and time of recurrence, enhance the effective rate of treatment, improve the symptoms, relieve the vertigo degree, and alleviate the anxiety of patients, and it will not increase the risk of treatment.

To analyze the effects of electroacupuncture at different frequencies on the tracheal intubation stress response and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing spinal surgery under general anesthesia.

A total of 168 patients who underwent spinal surgery under general anesthesia at the Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai from September 2024 to February 2025 were selected. These patients were randomly divided into the control group (Group C), the low-frequency electroacupuncture group (Group L), and the high-frequency electroacupuncture group (Group H) using a random number table, with 56 patients in each group. The changes in hemodynamic parameters and serum stress hormone levels before and after tracheal intubation were compared among the three groups, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) at 6 hours and 24 hours after surgery was recorded.

Compared with group C, the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in group L significantly decreased at T2 to T4 (P <0.05) ; compared with group L, the HR and MAP in group H significantly decreased at T2 to T4 (P < 0.05). Compared with group C, the serum levels of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and cortisol (Cor) in group L significantly decreased at T4 and T5 (P <0.05) ; compared with group L, the serum levels of E, NE, and Cor in group H significantly decreased at T4 and T5 (P < 0. 05). The incidence of PONV in group L and group H at 6 hours and 24 hours was significantly lower than that in group C (P <0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between group L and group H (P >0.05).

EA can effectively reduce the stress response of intubation in general anesthesia patients undergoing spine surgery and reduce the incidence of postoperative PONV. Among them, 100 Hz EA has a better effect in stabilizing hemodynamics and inhibiting the release of stress hormones, while 2 Hz low frequency EA has a comparable antiPONV effect with 100 Hz EA.

To explore the intervention effect of Danggui Shaoyao Powder on the Nrf2/SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathway and oxidative stress injury in the kidneys of juvenile rats with nephrotic syndrome (PNS).

4-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: CON group, MOD group, KDS group, DSS group, COM group and ANT group. Except for the CON group, in each group, the nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of doxorubicin at regular intervals through the tail vein. After modeling, each group was intervened with the corresponding drug. The combined group was given the Danggui Shaoyao Powder combined with candesartan regimen. The drug intervention lasted for 4 weeks. At the 4th week, the 24-hour urine protein quantification (24 hUTP) of the rats was detected by the Coomassie brilliant blue method, the serum albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CREA) of the rats were detected by the biochemical method, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the renal tissue of the rats were detected by ELISA, and the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and iron ions (Fe^{2 +}) were detected by immunofluorescence. The related factors of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathway in the kidneys of the rats were detected by Western blot method.

After 4 weeks of intervention, compared with the CON group, the 24 h UTP level was increased and the ALB level was decreased in the MOD group; the levels of ROS, MDA, 8-OHdG and Fe²+of oxidative stress indicators were elevated, while SOD and GSH levels declined, and the expressions of Nrf2, SLC7A11 and Gpx4 were significantly downregulated, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Compared with the MOD group, all above indexes were markedly improved in KDS, DSS and COM groups (P <0.05). The improvement in the COM group was superior to that in DSS and KDS groups (P <0.05). After intervention with the blocker ML385, the protective efficacy of Danggui Shaoyao Powder was obviously abolished in the ANT group, and there was significant difference compared with the DSS group (P <0.05). No obvious changes of BUN and CREA were observed among all groups (P > 0.05).

Danggui Shaoyao Powder can regulate the Nrf2/SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathway in the kidneys of juvenile rats with nephrotic syndrome, alleviate oxidative stress damage, and exert a protective effect on their kidneys.

To explore and analyze the application effect of Banxia Xiexin Decoction on patients with locally advanced gastric cancer during postoperative SOX regimen chemotherapy, and to analyze its influence on immunity and nutritional status of patients.

A total of 118 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who visited department of gastrointestinal surgery of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2021 to May 2024 were included. They were randomly divided into the conventional group and the combined group using a random number table (simple random grouping method), with 59 cases in each group. The patients in the conventional group received SOX regimen chemotherapy after surgery, whereas the patients in the combined group were added with Banxia Xiexin Decoction. The changes of tumor factors, immune factors, gastrointestinal function and nutritional indicators were observed in the two groups after treatment.

After treatment, the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and other tumor factors in the combined group were lower than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase and fecal calprotectin in the combined group were lower while the level of motilin was higher compared to the conventional group (P <0.05). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and interleukin-6 in the combined group were lower compared with those in the conventional group while the proportion of CD8 + T was higher (P <0.05). The levels of albumin, prealbumin and transferrin and body mass in the combined group were higher than those in the conventional group (P <0.05). In terms of treatment safety, the incidence rates of adverse chemotherapy reactions were lower in the combined group compared to the conventional group (P <0.05).

Banxia Xiexin Decoction can reduce the levels of tumor factors, promote the improvements of gastrointestinal function, immunity and nutritional status, and play a role in reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer receiving SOX regimen chemotherapy after surgery.

To explore the clinical efficacy of Tiaogan Xifeng (Liver-Regulating and Wind-Extinguishing) Acupuncture Therapy combined with conventional western medicine to treat children with tourette's syndrome (spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome).

88 children with tourette's syndrome (spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome) who were treated in Kaifeng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to January 2025 were selected for the study, and they were randomly divided into two groups, and the each group had 44 cases. The western medicine group received conventional western medicine therapy treatment, while the combination group received Tiaogan Xifeng Acupuncture Therapy on the basis of western medicine group. The traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, severity of symptoms [Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS)], and neurotransmitter levels [Norepinephrine (NE), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA)] of children before and after treatment were compared in two groups, and the clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions in two groups of children were compared.

After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, YGTSS score and the levels of NE and DA in two groups decreased (P < 0. 05), and those in the combination group were lower (P < 0.05). After treatment, the level of GABA in two groups increased (P <0.05), and that in combination group was higher (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the combination group was higher than that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among in two groups (P > 0.05).

The Tiaogan Xifeng Acupuncture Therapy combined with conventional western medicine to treat children with tourette's syndrome (spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome) has good clinical efficacy, and the patient's condition and neurotransmitter levels have significantly improved, and the risk of adverse reactions in children is low.