1.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
2.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
3.Effects of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang on FXR,NF-κB and Serum Inflammatory Factors in IBS-D Rats
Qiuxiang WANG ; Liuying LI ; Yang YANG ; Juan WANG ; Ruike WU ; Peimin FENG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1709-1720
Objective To explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang's intervention on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D),the effects of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang on farnesol receptor(FXR),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory factors in IBS-D model rats were observed.Methods Healthy SD rats were randomly divided into blank group(Control group),model group(Model group),low-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang(TXYF-L group,4.977 g/kg),middle-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang(TXYF-M group,9.954 g/kg),and high-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang(TXYF-H group,19.908 g/kg),Pivium bromide group(PWXA group,0.018 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the IBS-D rat models of liver depression and spleen deficiency were established by chronic restraint stress and senna intragastric administration.After the model was successfully established,the intervention was continued for 14 days according to the corresponding group treatment method.The general situation,diarrhea rate,fecal moisture content,water injection when abdominal wall retraction reflex reaches 3 scores,sugar water preference rate and serum D-xylose level were observed.The morphological and structural changes of rat colon were observed by HE staining.The expression of FXR gene in colon tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,the expression of FXR protein and NF-κB protein in colon tissue was detected by protein Western blot,and the levels of serum IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA.Results After the treatment of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang,the weight of each dosage group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang increased,the fecal water content decreased,the sugar water preference rate increased,the water injection volume increased when the rats reached the third grade of abdominal retraction reflex score,the serum D-xylose content increased and the food intake increased.HE staining showed that villous or finger-like structures appeared in the mucosal epithelium of model group,and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the upper mucosa.After treatment,the mucosal epithelium in TXYF-M group was smooth,villous or finger-like structures disappeared,and the infiltration degree of inflammatory cells decreased.Compared with the model group,the expression of FXR mRNA and FXR protein in the colon tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang increased significantly,while the concentration of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in serum and the expression of NF-κB protein in the colon tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang decreased.Conclusion The mechanism of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang in treating low-grade inflammation of IBS-D intestinal mucosa may be related to activating the expression of FXR in colon,inhibiting the expression of NF-κB in colon tissue,and then reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in serum.
4.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.
5.TCM Treatment of Lung Cancer Based on AMPK Signaling Pathway: A Review
Chengzhi WANG ; Yifan LIU ; Zhenyao YANG ; Wenjun LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):291-298
As a common malignant tumor of the respiratory system, the incidence and mortality of lung cancer are still rising year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, the prognosis is poor, and it seriously affects human physical and mental health. Although existing Western medical treatments can inhibit tumor growth to a certain extent and relieve patients' painful symptoms, problems such as postoperative recurrence and metastasis, numerous adverse reactions, and the tendency to develop drug resistance make the overall therapeutic effect unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is urgent to seek more efficient and safer treatments. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway can regulate the growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and autophagy of lung cancer cells, and is extensively involved in the occurrence and development of lung cancer, thus being regarded as an important target for anti-lung cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exerts anti-lung cancer effects through multiple pathways, mechanisms, and targets, with advantages such as preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis, alleviating the adverse reactions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and improving quality of life. TCM has therefore become a key approach in current anti-lung cancer treatment. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and terpenes, as well as Chinese medicine compound prescriptions such as Guiqi Yiyuan extract, Qingzao Jiufei decoction, and Yiqi Fuzheng formula, have significant regulatory effects on AMPK and its interacting signaling pathways. These effects include inducing autophagy and apoptosis of lung cancer cells, modulating macrophage polarization, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reversing drug resistance, and blocking the cell cycle, thereby exerting anti-lung cancer activity. This article reviews and summarizes recent studies on the anti-lung cancer effects of TCM, and discusses the mechanisms by which TCM regulates the AMPK signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer, with the aim of providing ideas and references for the development of new clinical anti-lung cancer drugs.
6.Regulation of Gastrointestinal Tumor Stem Cells by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Chenglei ZHENG ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Wenjun LI ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):280-287
Gastrointestinal tumors (GTs), including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and esophageal cancer, are increasing in incidence worldwide and have become one of the major diseases threatening human health. Tumor stem cells (TSCs), an undifferentiated subpopulation within tumor tissues, possess biological characteristics such as self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, high tumorigenicity, and resistance to radiochemotherapy. They play an important role in the occurrence, progression, recurrence, and metastasis of GTs and have increasingly become a research hotspot in GT treatment. Although modern medicine has made remarkable progress, there remain many problems in therapeutic approaches targeting TSCs. In this context, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its favorable safety profile and multi-target mechanisms, has shown potential advantages and value in regulating TSCs. It can reduce TSC drug resistance, enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents, inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and has shown unique advantages in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival of GT patients. Studies have found that active components of Chinese medicine, such as terpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinones, and Chinese medicine compound formulas, including Zuojin pills, Sijunzi decoction, Biejiajian pills, and Xuanfu Daizhe decoction, can inhibit TSCs-related signaling pathways such as the Notch signaling pathway, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathway. They also reduce the expression of TSC surface markers, including sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), prominin-1 (CD133), cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), and thyroid transmembrane protein 1 (CD90), thereby hindering TSC differentiation, accelerating their metabolic processes, improving the tumor microenvironment, and consequently inhibiting GT growth. This study collects and analyzes recent research on the regulation of TSCs by TCM in the treatment of GT, aiming to provide a new theoretical basis for tumor therapy with TCM, expand its application in the comprehensive treatment of GT, and offer new therapeutic ideas and methods for clinical practice.
7.Research Progress on Antitumor Effect of AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway Regulated by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xiafei ZHENG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):268-276
With the increasing incidence and mortality of malignant tumors year by year, the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors has become a hot field of research. Although the existing anti-tumor treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunity and targeting have achieved some results, there are also obvious shortcomings, which are not conducive to the improvement of patients' quality of life and long-term treatment. Therefore, seeking a new efficient and safe treatment has become a hot topic of concern for many oncologists. adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway can participate in intracellular energy metabolism and affect the pathogenesis and outcome of tumors through multiple mechanisms. It is widely mentioned in the occurrence and development of many tumors. The activity level of this pathway is closely related to the abnormal proliferation and invasion of tumor cells, and is considered as an important pathway for anti-tumor therapy research. The anti-tumor treatment of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has significant advantages such as syndrome differentiation and treatment and sample consideration. The study found that flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins and other active components of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the traditional Chinese medicine compound Xiangbei San, Yiqi Fuzheng Jiedu decoction, Yiqi Fuzheng prescription, etc can activate the AMPK/ mTOR signaling pathway by regulating the expression of AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and upstream and downstream proteins, thereby inducing tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and epithelial mesenchymal transformation, regulating aerobic glycolysis and energy metabolism, and reversing drug resistance to exert anti-tumor effects. In this paper, by summarizing the research achievements of TCM anti-tumor in recent years, the specific mechanism of action of TCM regulating AMPK/ mTOR signaling pathway against tumor was discussed, aiming to provide ideas and references for the research and development of anti-tumor new drugs.
8.Effect of Xibining Formula (膝痹宁) on Knee Cartilage Tissue Damage and the cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway in Knee Osteoarthritis Model Mice
Houyu FU ; Xiaochen LI ; Zijian GONG ; Lishi JIE ; Jiangyu LIU ; Yingqi CHEN ; Peimin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1257-1264
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of action of Xibining Formula (膝痹宁) for cartilage damage in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) through the cyclic guanosine-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsFifty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 per group), sham operation group, KOA model group, low-dose Xibining Formula group, high-dose Xibining Formula group, and high-dose Xibining Formula + agonist group. The KOA models were constructed using the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) method in all groups but the sham surgery group. Two weeks after surgery, the low- and high-dose Xibining Formula groups were administered Xibining Formula at doses of 3.58 g/(kg·d) and 14.32 g/(kg·d) respectively via gavage. The high-dose Xibining Formula + agonist group received 14.32 g/(kg·d) of Xibining Formula via gavage followed by an intraperitoneal injection of Vadimezan (DMXAA) at 25 mg/kg. The sham surgery group and the KOA model group mice were given an equivalent volume of normal saline at 5 ml/(kg·d) via gavage, once daily for four consecutive weeks. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA; pathological changes in cartilage tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining. Pathological changes were scored according to the Mankin scoring system; the levels of cartilage tissue matrix regulation-related indicators such as matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS), type-Ⅱ collagen (CⅡ) and aggregated proteoglycan (Aggrecan), and also cGAS-STING pathway-related protein and mRNA expression levels were detected by Western blot and qPCR methods. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the KOA model group showed severe cartilage edge destruction, significantly increased Mankin scores, significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of COLⅡ and Aggrecan, and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, MMP3, MMP13, and ADAMTS5 (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, serum level of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α in all the intervented groups decreased (P<0.01), while compared with high-dose Xibining Formula group, level of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in low-dose Xibining Formula group and high-dose Xibining Formula + agonist group increased (P<0.01). Compared with the KOA model group, all the intervention groups exhibited alleviated cartilage pathological changes, signi-ficantly reduced Mankin scores, significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of COLⅡ and Aggrecan, and significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, MMP3, MMP13, and ADAMTS5 (P<0.01). Compared with high-dose Xibining Formula group, high-dose Xibining Formula + agonist group showed cartilage edge destruction, significantly increased Mankin scores, significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of COLⅡ and Aggrecan, and increased protein and mRNA expression levels of cGAS, STING, MMP3, MMP13, and ADAMTS5 (P<0.01). ConclusionXibining Formula may improve KOA cartilage damage by inhibiting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, decreasing matrix degradation-related proteins, and elevating matrix composition-related proteins.
9.A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study on the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis with Cold-Dampness Arthralgia Obstruc-tion by Shangke Lengtong Patch
Li ZHANG ; Liang DING ; Zhengquan HUANG ; Wei MEI ; Runlin XING ; Songjiang YIN ; Peng WU ; Xi-aochen LI ; Zhenyuan MA ; Nongshan ZHANG ; Jun MAO ; Peimin WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):393-398
OBJECTIVE To explore the effectiveness and possible mechanism of Shangke Lengtong Patch in treating knee osteo-arthritis with cold-dampness arthralgia obstruction.METHODS A total of 70 patients who met the inclusion criteria of knee osteoar-thritis with cold-dampness arthralgia obstruction in the Orthopedics Department of Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from November to December 2024 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group,with 35 cases in each group.During the treatment,1 case dropped out of the experimental group,3 cases dropped out of the control group,and 1 case was discontinued.The experimental group was treated with Shangke Lengtong Patch,and the control group was treated with Compound Nanxing Zhitong Ointment.The WOMAC scores and TCM syndrome scores of the two groups before and after treatment were compared to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy.The changes in the expression levels of CGRP,substance P,HMGB1,IL-1β,CX-CL12,and CXCR4 in the serum of the two groups were detected by ELISA.RESULTS After 3,7,and 14 d of treatment,the WOMAC scores and TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the score of aggrava-ted cold in the experimental group was better than that in the control group at 7 d of treatment(P<0.05);after 14 d of treatment,the expression levels of CGRP,substance P,HMGB1,IL-1β,CXCL12,and CXCR4 in the serum of the two groups were significantly re-duced(P<0.05),and there was no statistical difference between the two groups.CONCLUSION Shangke Lengtong Patch can sig-nificantly relieve the pain symptoms of knee osteoarthritis patients with cold-dampness arthralgia obstruction and improve the joint func-tion of patients.It may improve synovial inflammation by inhibiting the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway,thereby exerting a thera-peutic effect.
10.Research progress on mechanism of monomeric saponins in Chinese herbal medicine in anti-tumor immunity
Mingyang HE ; Chengzhi WANG ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(2):495-502
The incidence and mortality rates of malignant tumors continue to rise,which posing a serious threat to the physical and mental health of the global population,and becoming a significant scientific problem in urgent need of resolution.Tumor immuno-therapy,as a novel anti-tumor treatment,optimizes the treatment modalities for tumors.Currently,combination of immunotherapy with chemotherapy and targeted therapy has shown promising results in anti-tumor treatment.Traditional Chinese medicine is widely used in comprehensive anti-tumor treatments,demonstrating significant effectiveness and distinct advantages.Among them,monomeric saponins in Chinese herbal medicine exhibit remarkable anti-tumor effects with the notable advantages of high efficiency and low tox-icity.This has made them a focal point of research for many oncologists.Studies have revealed that a large number of monomeric sapo-nins from Chinese herbal medicine can directly or indirectly affect the functions of immune cells by regulating the innate immune sys-tem,adaptive immune system,and related immune cell factors.This enhances the immune cytotoxicity against tumor cells,thereby better exerting the anti-tumor immune effects.This paper summarizes the research findings on the anti-tumor effects of monomeric sapo-nins in recent years.It elaborates on the specific mechanisms by which monomeric saponins from Chinese herbal medicine regulate im-mune cells to exert anti-tumor effects.The aim of this paper is to provide new research perspectives for tumor immunotherapy,further harness the crucial role of traditional Chinese medicine in anti-tumor treatment,and propel the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

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