1.Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Pediatric IgA Vasculitis Based on the Correlation Between Blood Turbidity Theory and Oxidative Stress
Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Mingyang CAI ; Rongxin ZHU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):567-570
This paper explores the differentiation and treatment strategies for pediatric IgA vasculitis based on the correlation between blood trubidity theory and oxidative stress. It is proposed that pediatric IgA vasculitis follows an evolution of pathogenesis characterized by "deficiency of healthy qi leading to turbidity generation, accumulation of turbid toxin, and toxin damage to the collateral vessels", which corresponds to the pathological process of oxidative stress, namely decreased antioxidant capacity with accumulation of reactive oxygen species, metabolite deposition, and endothelial cell injury. A staged treatment strategy is proposed. In the acute stage, wind-toxin invading the colla-terals and reckless movement of heat in the blood are the main manifestations, for which the treatment should focus on dispelling wind and venting pathogens, resolving toxins and unblocking the collaterals, with a modified Yinqiao Powder (银翘散) and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to regulate oxidative stress burst. In the prolonged stage, intermingling of turbidity and stasis with collateral obstruction is emphasized; treatment should focus on resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, harmonizing the blood and stabilizing the collaterals, and a modified Simiao Powder (四妙散) and Taohong Siwu Decoction (桃红四物汤) can be used to improve microcirculatory dysfunction. In the remission stage, when healthy qi remains insufficient and residual pathogens persist, treatment should focus on strengthening the root and clearing the source, reinforcing healthy qi and nourishing the collaterals, for which modified Zhibai Dihuang Pill (知柏地黄丸) and Yupingfeng Powder (玉屏风散) is suggested to rebuild the antioxidant defense system.
2.Based on Metabolomics,the Mechanism of Qufengxiaoschonlein Decoction in the Treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura was lnvestigated
Hua LIU ; Xianqing REN ; Weixia LI ; Qiongqiong XING ; Leying XI ; Yifan LI ; Manxiang YANG ; Ying DING
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):612-625
Objective To study the regulatory effect of Qufeng Xiaodian Formula on serum differential metabolites of allergic purpura,and provide scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic purpura in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(referred to as the blank group),a model group,a compound glycyrrhizin group,a low-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,a medium dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,and a high-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group according to a random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.The model group was constructed by combining dried ginger,pepper,and long pepper with ovalbumin to create an allergic purpura rat model.After successful modeling,each treatment group was intervened with corresponding drugs for 4 weeks.After 4 weeks,serum was collected and non targeted metabolomics screening of serum differential metabolites was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS).Subsequently,data extraction and multivariate statistical analysis will be conducted to identify potential metabolic pathways.Results Compared with the control group,there were 91 possible differential metabolites in the serum of the model group rats,corresponding to 20 metabolic pathways;Compared with the model group,there were a total of 43 possible differential metabolites in the serum of rats in the wind dispelling and disease eliminating group,corresponding to 15 metabolic pathways.Among them,there are a total of 12 metabolic pathways.Inflammatory metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide can damage vascular endothelium.Ten biomarkers,including arachidonic acid and ceramide,were significantly abnormal in the serum of the model group rats compared to the normal group.The Qufeng Xiaodian formula can significantly reverse these metabolites and significantly enrich them in arachidonic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism pathways.Conclusion Qufeng Xiaodian Formula has a certain regulatory effect on metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide that affect vascular endothelial injury.
3.Mechanism of Liangxue Tuizi Formula in the treatment of Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura rats via reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome
Jinwan SONG ; Xianqing REN ; Qiongqiong XING ; Yifan LI ; Manxiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(4):21-30
Objective To study the effect of Liangxue Tuizi Formula(LXTZF)on reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura(HSP)rats,and to explore its possible mechanism in the treatment of HSP.Methods Twenty-four rats were divided randomly into four groups:control,model,LXTZF,and compound glycyrrhizin(CG)groups.Except for the control group,a model of HSP was established in the other groups by heat drugs combined with egg albumin.After successful modeling,rats in the LXTZF group were given LXTZF solution 7.47 g/kg,rats in the CG group were given CG solution 13.5 mg/kg by gavage,and rats in the control and model groups were given normal saline solution by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.Samples were collected 8 hours after the last gavage.Skin histopathology changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Serum interleukin(IL)-18 and IL-1βlevels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Changes in ROS levels in the skin were detected by immunofluorescence.Apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein(ASC),NLRP3,cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1(Caspase-1)mRNA and protein expression levels in rat skin were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and immunohistochemistry and Western blot,respectively.Results The skin pathology in the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the control group.Serum IL-18 and IL-1β levels were significantly increased(P<0.05),skin ROS levels were significantly increased(P<0.05),and skin ASC,NLRP3,Caspase-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).Inflammatory cell infiltration in the skin tissues of rats was alleviated in the LXTZF and CG groups compared with the model group,while serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β were significantly decreased(P<0.05).ROS levels in the skin were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein levels of ASC,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 in the skin were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions The mechanism of LXTZF in HSP may be related to the inhibition of ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
4.Mechanism of Liangxue Tuizi Formula in the treatment of Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura rats via reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome
Jinwan SONG ; Xianqing REN ; Qiongqiong XING ; Yifan LI ; Manxiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(4):21-30
Objective To study the effect of Liangxue Tuizi Formula(LXTZF)on reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura(HSP)rats,and to explore its possible mechanism in the treatment of HSP.Methods Twenty-four rats were divided randomly into four groups:control,model,LXTZF,and compound glycyrrhizin(CG)groups.Except for the control group,a model of HSP was established in the other groups by heat drugs combined with egg albumin.After successful modeling,rats in the LXTZF group were given LXTZF solution 7.47 g/kg,rats in the CG group were given CG solution 13.5 mg/kg by gavage,and rats in the control and model groups were given normal saline solution by gavage once a day for 4 weeks.Samples were collected 8 hours after the last gavage.Skin histopathology changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Serum interleukin(IL)-18 and IL-1βlevels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Changes in ROS levels in the skin were detected by immunofluorescence.Apoptosis-associated speckle-like protein(ASC),NLRP3,cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1(Caspase-1)mRNA and protein expression levels in rat skin were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and immunohistochemistry and Western blot,respectively.Results The skin pathology in the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the control group.Serum IL-18 and IL-1β levels were significantly increased(P<0.05),skin ROS levels were significantly increased(P<0.05),and skin ASC,NLRP3,Caspase-1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.05).Inflammatory cell infiltration in the skin tissues of rats was alleviated in the LXTZF and CG groups compared with the model group,while serum levels of IL-18 and IL-1β were significantly decreased(P<0.05).ROS levels in the skin were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein levels of ASC,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 in the skin were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions The mechanism of LXTZF in HSP may be related to the inhibition of ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
5.Pathogenesis of"wind-toxin damaging collaterals"and stage-differentiation treatment in pediatric IgA vasculitis
Shuzi ZHANG ; Hang SU ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Zichao DING ; Min TONG ; Hua LIU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1556-1561
IgA vasculitis is a common childhood vasculitis disorder.Its primary clinical manifestation is cutaneous purpura,which is often accompanied by gastrointestinal and joint symptoms.Renal involvement can present as hematuria or proteinuria.This condition is recurrent and protracted,significantly affecting the health of children.The pathogenic factors in pediatric IgA vasculitis are diverse."Wind-toxin damaging collaterals"is presented as the core pathogenesis based on clinical practice and theoretical exploration.This concept essentially entails the latent attack of wind-toxin,collateral damage leading to blood extravasation,and healthy qi deficiency and lingering toxins,with the disease primarily located in the collateral vessels.The disease course is divided into three stages:acute,lingering,and recovery.Clinical practice should adhere to the pathogenesis principles and apply stage-based pattern differentiation and treatment.The acute stage involves wind-toxin attacking collaterals with dampness-heat accumulation.Treatment focuses on dispersing wind,clearing heat,and eliminating dampness to expel wind-toxin from the muscular exterior.The self-prescribed Qufeng Xiaodian Formula is a frequently selected modified formula.The lingering stage features latent wind-toxin in the collaterals and congealed accumulations in the kidney collaterals.Treatment aims to resolve wind-toxin,disperse stasis,and eliminate accumulation to remove densely accumulated wind-toxin.A modified Taohong Siwu Decoction is selected.The recovery stage involves deficient healthy qi with persistent wind assault and lingering toxins.Emphasis should be placed on cultivating the fundamental,strengthening the root,and nourishing yin,as well as supporting the healthy qi to dispel wind and expel toxins,while conditioning the body to prevent recurrence.A modified Guomin Decoction is selected.Clinical application emphasizes the combination of characteristic medicines,such as wind medicines to expel pathogens,insect medicines to identify collaterals,and vine medicines to unblock the meridians,to enhance the effects of identifying wind,resolving toxins,unblocking collaterals,and dispersing congealed accumulations.This study aims to systematically elaborate on the stage-based treatment strategy from the perspective of"wind-toxin damaging collaterals,"providing a theoretical basis and clinical practice reference for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IgA vasculitis.
6.Three-stage treatment of pediatric lupus nephritis based on the"pathogens latent in the triple burner membrane"theory
Lingjia REN ; Xia ZHANG ; Jixiang XU ; Chundong SONG ; Xianqing REN ; Ying DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1115-1120
Pediatric lupus nephritis(LN),the most severe visceral complication of systemic lupus erythematosus,is characterized by hematuria,proteinuria,and progressive renal dysfunction.It typically presents with an insidious onset,rapid progression,a prolonged disease course,and an unfavorable long-term prognosis.Currently,no consensus exists on the etiology,pathogenesis,or diagnostic-treatment framework for pediatric LN.Based on clinical experience,the proposed core pathogenesis involves"latent pathogens in the triple energizer membrane system with deficiency-induced toxin activation."This mechanism entails the intermingling of heat and blood stasis,forming pathogenic factors that lodge within the triple energizer membrane system.In states of healthy qi deficiency,internal and external factors interact,allowing pathogenic toxins to damage the viscera via the triple energizer membrane network,ultimately targeting the kidneys.The disease progression is classified into three distinct phases.In the latent pathogen phase,internal or external pathogens accumulate in the triple energizer membrane system.Treatment emphasizes pathogen elimination,heat clearance,and healthy qi preservation.In the active renal involvement phase,latent pathogens rapidly disseminate systemically via the membrane network,destabilizing renal essence and causing micro-substance leakage.Treatment focuses on toxin resolution,stasis dispersion,membrane regulation,and renal stabilization.During the triple energizer residual phase,incomplete restoration of healthy qi permits the persistence of dormant pathogens,predisposing to reactivation.Therapeutic focus during this phase includes qi consolidation to restore primordial essence,residual pathogen clearance,and mitigating disease recurrence to delay chronic renal deterioration.This phase-specific differentiation-treatment strategy aims to address disease complexity while optimizing therapeutic outcomes through targeted interventions.
7.Based on Metabolomics,the Mechanism of Qufengxiaoschonlein Decoction in the Treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura was lnvestigated
Hua LIU ; Xianqing REN ; Weixia LI ; Qiongqiong XING ; Leying XI ; Yifan LI ; Manxiang YANG ; Ying DING
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):612-625
Objective To study the regulatory effect of Qufeng Xiaodian Formula on serum differential metabolites of allergic purpura,and provide scientific basis for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic purpura in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into a blank control group(referred to as the blank group),a model group,a compound glycyrrhizin group,a low-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,a medium dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group,and a high-dose Qu Feng Xiao Dian Fang group according to a random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.The model group was constructed by combining dried ginger,pepper,and long pepper with ovalbumin to create an allergic purpura rat model.After successful modeling,each treatment group was intervened with corresponding drugs for 4 weeks.After 4 weeks,serum was collected and non targeted metabolomics screening of serum differential metabolites was performed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-QTOF/MS).Subsequently,data extraction and multivariate statistical analysis will be conducted to identify potential metabolic pathways.Results Compared with the control group,there were 91 possible differential metabolites in the serum of the model group rats,corresponding to 20 metabolic pathways;Compared with the model group,there were a total of 43 possible differential metabolites in the serum of rats in the wind dispelling and disease eliminating group,corresponding to 15 metabolic pathways.Among them,there are a total of 12 metabolic pathways.Inflammatory metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide can damage vascular endothelium.Ten biomarkers,including arachidonic acid and ceramide,were significantly abnormal in the serum of the model group rats compared to the normal group.The Qufeng Xiaodian formula can significantly reverse these metabolites and significantly enrich them in arachidonic acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism pathways.Conclusion Qufeng Xiaodian Formula has a certain regulatory effect on metabolites such as arachidonic acid and ceramide that affect vascular endothelial injury.
8.Prevention and treatment strategies for reproductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in children based on the"kidney essence-tian gui"
Jixiang XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Jiaxian LIU ; Ruiyun BAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xianqing REN ; Ying DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(7):954-959
Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside,the primary active constituent of the Chinese materia medica of Tripterygium wilfordii,has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulation properties and is widely used to treat kidney and rheumatic and immunological diseases.However,the potential adverse effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside on pediatric gonadal development have limited its clinical application in pediatrics.According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory,the reproductive toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii is closely associated with deficiency in kidney essence and tian gui disorder.Based on the"kidney essence-tian gui"theory,this study elucidates the transformation of"kidney essence to tian gui"through the qi transformation of"original noumenon to supreme ultimate,"which is synergistically regulated by the accumulation of kidney qi,consolidation of spleen qi,and conveyance and dispersion of liver qi.It is channeled through the interconnected pathways of the thoroughfare channel,conception channel,and governor channel.The physiological process of"kidney essence to tian gui"is damaged by the bitter,cold,and toxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii,leading to kidney asthenia,spleen deficiency,liver depression,and meridian stagnation,causing tian gui dysregulation.Therefore,this study offers traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric medication safety,including nourishing the kidney essence to replenish the tian gui source,enhancing the middle jiao to strengthen the tian gui guard,regulating liver qi to promote the operation of tian gui,and unblocking the thoroughfare channel,conception channel,and governor channel to ensure the unobstructed pathway of tian gui.
9.Observation of the therapeutic effect of rituximab combined with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation on treating steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in children and the regularity of traditional Chinese medicine use
Xia ZHANG ; Xuejun LI ; Tingting XU ; Guang LI ; Yifan LI ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN ; Ying DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):80-90
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy, safety, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication patterns of rituximab (RTX) combined with TCM on treating children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS).
Methods:
One hundred and forty-three children with SDNS who visited the Pediatric Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to December 2022 were enrolled. A cohort study design was adopted, with " RTX treatment" as the exposure factor. Children who met this exposure factor were assigned to the RTX cohort (RTX, glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive agent, combined with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment), whereas those who did not were assigned to the basic treatment cohort (glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive agent, combined with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment ), and followed up for 6 months. The frequency of urinary protein recurrences, urinary protein remission duration, proportion and duration of steroid reduction and cessation, cumulative usage of steroids, proportion of recurrence, recurrence amount of steroid used, efficacy of TCM syndrome, and laboratory and safety indicators after treatment, and height and CD19+ B cell count before and after treatment were compared between the two cohorts. The medication patterns of TCM in the two cohorts were analyzed using frequency statistics, association rule analysis, and systematic clustering analysis.
Results:
Compared with the basic treatment cohort, the RTX cohort showed a decrease in the frequency of urinary protein recurrence, extended sustained remission of urinary protein, an increase in the proportion of steroid reduction and cessation, a shorter duration of steroid reduction and cessation, a decrease in cumulative steroid dosage, a lower recurrence rate, a decrease in CD19+ B cell count, and a decrease in 24-h urinary total protein quantification and the level of cholesterol (P<0.05). No significant difference in the recurrence amount of steroid used, height, TCM syndrome efficacy, albumin, aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, platelet count, and safety indicators between the two cohorts. Children with SDNS were mostly characterized by qi and yin deficiency syndrome, followed by spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome. A total of 175 TCMs were included, including 28 high-frequency drugs such as Huangqi, Fuling, Gancao, Baizhu, Dangshen, and Jiuyurou. The primary use of medication is to nourish the qi and spleen, nourish the kidney, and warm yang. The analysis of association rules yielded eight binary associations and ten three-phase associations, with Huangqi, Baizhu, Fuling, and Dangshen, being the most closely related. Cluster analysis identified four TCM combinations, primarily focusing on tonifying kidney and replenishing essence, benefiting qi and nourishing yin, and removing blood stasis.
Conclusion
RTX combined with TCM syndrome differentiation treatment can reduce the recurrence frequency of SDNS, prolong the remission period, reduce the glucocorticoid dosage, and have no marked effect on height growth. No apparent adverse reactions were observed. TCM should focus on nourishing qi and yin while removing blood stasis.
10.Pathogenesis of"wind-toxin damaging collaterals"and stage-differentiation treatment in pediatric IgA vasculitis
Shuzi ZHANG ; Hang SU ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Zichao DING ; Min TONG ; Hua LIU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1556-1561
IgA vasculitis is a common childhood vasculitis disorder.Its primary clinical manifestation is cutaneous purpura,which is often accompanied by gastrointestinal and joint symptoms.Renal involvement can present as hematuria or proteinuria.This condition is recurrent and protracted,significantly affecting the health of children.The pathogenic factors in pediatric IgA vasculitis are diverse."Wind-toxin damaging collaterals"is presented as the core pathogenesis based on clinical practice and theoretical exploration.This concept essentially entails the latent attack of wind-toxin,collateral damage leading to blood extravasation,and healthy qi deficiency and lingering toxins,with the disease primarily located in the collateral vessels.The disease course is divided into three stages:acute,lingering,and recovery.Clinical practice should adhere to the pathogenesis principles and apply stage-based pattern differentiation and treatment.The acute stage involves wind-toxin attacking collaterals with dampness-heat accumulation.Treatment focuses on dispersing wind,clearing heat,and eliminating dampness to expel wind-toxin from the muscular exterior.The self-prescribed Qufeng Xiaodian Formula is a frequently selected modified formula.The lingering stage features latent wind-toxin in the collaterals and congealed accumulations in the kidney collaterals.Treatment aims to resolve wind-toxin,disperse stasis,and eliminate accumulation to remove densely accumulated wind-toxin.A modified Taohong Siwu Decoction is selected.The recovery stage involves deficient healthy qi with persistent wind assault and lingering toxins.Emphasis should be placed on cultivating the fundamental,strengthening the root,and nourishing yin,as well as supporting the healthy qi to dispel wind and expel toxins,while conditioning the body to prevent recurrence.A modified Guomin Decoction is selected.Clinical application emphasizes the combination of characteristic medicines,such as wind medicines to expel pathogens,insect medicines to identify collaterals,and vine medicines to unblock the meridians,to enhance the effects of identifying wind,resolving toxins,unblocking collaterals,and dispersing congealed accumulations.This study aims to systematically elaborate on the stage-based treatment strategy from the perspective of"wind-toxin damaging collaterals,"providing a theoretical basis and clinical practice reference for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IgA vasculitis.


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