1.Reactive and Enzyme-activated Probe Strategies for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury
Ru-Long CHEN ; Ting-Fei XIE ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Ting CHEN ; Jie LI ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Ji-Hong CHEN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1622-1637
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent and life-threatening clinical syndrome characterised by a rapid decline in renal function and diverse pathological etiologies. The condition has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated mortality rates and an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. At present, clinicians depend heavily on conventional functional markers, such as serum creatinine and urine output, for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. It is evident that these conventional indicators characteristically manifest a considerable temporal delay and only undergo modification subsequent to considerable tissue damage. This severely restricts the timeframe for early detection and timely therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, standard markers fail to provide specific biological information regarding the underlying cellular injury mechanisms. The utilisation of advanced probe technologies in molecular imaging offers a robust alternative to overcome these inherent diagnostic limitations.This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent progress in the design and application of two primary categories of molecular imaging tools for acute kidney disease, specifically reactive probes and enzyme-activated probes. Reactive probes are engineered to specifically interact with redox-active chemical species, including hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and sulfur dioxide. Because oxidative stress constitutes a primary early event in acute renal tubular damage, these probes enable researchers and clinicians to visualize early cellular injury and radical accumulation well before global renal functional decline becomes evident. We discuss the application of these reactive probes across multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic techniques. Photoacoustic imaging combines high spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration and has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide diagnostic alerts up to 12 h before any detectable rise in serum creatinine levels. Additionally, specific reactive probes have shown promising translational potential when tested by high-throughput screening in clinical human urine samples. Enzyme-activated probes target the specific catalytic activity of disease-relevant enzymes. These include well-documented renal tubular structural biomarkers such as NAG, GGT, and ALP, along with apoptosis-related caspases and specific nitroreductases. By responding only to enzymatic cleavage, these tools provide highly specific and pathology-directed imaging readouts. Recent structural design strategies in this field have advanced significantly beyond single-enzyme detection. Researchers are now focusing on sophisticated dual-target recognition to minimize background noise, multimodal integration to cross-validate imaging signals, and theranostic applications where probes simultaneously deliver diagnostic feedback and therapeutic agents to injured tissues. Nanotechnology serves as a fundamental enabler for realizing these advanced probe functions. By precisely optimizing nanoparticle parameters such as hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and targeting ligands, researchers can achieve amplified signal output, highly precise kidney delivery, and protection against premature degradation in the systemic circulation. For example, modifying surface charges can significantly enhance the active uptake of nanoprobes by damaged renal tubular epithelial cells.While preclinical probe development has progressed rapidly, moving these technologies into routine clinical practice remains a major challenge. We analyze the translational feasibility and current obstacles from biological, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Although biological targets such as KIM-1, FAP, and ALP have been validated in extensive patient cohorts, practical barriers severely limit their immediate clinical application. These obstacles involve complex changes in in vivo pharmacokinetics. During an acute injury episode, the extreme drop in the glomerular filtration rate alters probe clearance and can cause unwanted systemic accumulation or confusing background imaging signals. Other major hurdles include a lack of comprehensive long-term toxicity data and the absence of standardized manufacturing protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Future successful translation will require rigorous multi-center clinical studies to confirm the true diagnostic value of these probes over traditional markers. Researchers must also establish strict standardization of imaging procedures and comprehensive safety evaluations. Ultimately, this review provides a thorough reference framework for designing clinically translatable molecular probes and building a precision diagnostic imaging system for acute kidney injury.
2.Effects of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on striatal neuronal apoptosis in ADHD rats via Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 pathway.
Jing WANG ; Kang-Lin ZHU ; Xin-Qiang NI ; Wen-Hua CAI ; Yu-Ting YANG ; Jia-Qi ZHANG ; Chong ZHOU ; Mei-Jun SHI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):750-757
This study investigated the effects of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on striatal neuronal apoptosis in rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) based on the B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)/caspase-3 signaling pathway. Twenty-four 3-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) were randomly divided into a model group, a methylphenidate group(2 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata group(2.4 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). Age-matched male Wistar Kyoto(WKY) rats were used as the normal control group, with 8 rats in each group. The rats were administered by gavage for 28 days. Body weight and food intake were recorded for each group. The open field test and elevated plus maze test were used to assess hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Nissl staining was used to detect changes in striatal neurons and Nissl bodies. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) fluorescence staining was used to detect striatal cell apoptosis. Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 proteins in the striatum. The results showed that compared with the model group, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata significantly reduced the total movement distance, average movement speed, and central area residence time in the open field test, and significantly reduced the ratio of open arm entries, open arm stay time, and head dipping in the elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, it increased the number of Nissl bodies in striatal neurons, significantly downregulated the apoptosis index, significantly increased Bcl-2 protein expression and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and reduced Bax and caspase-3 protein expression. In conclusion, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata can reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors in ADHD rats. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 signaling pathway in the striatum, enhancing the anti-apoptotic capacity of striatal neurons.
Animals
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Male
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Caspase 3/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics*
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics*
;
Rehmannia/chemistry*
;
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity/physiopathology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Neurons/cytology*
;
Rats, Inbred SHR
;
Rats, Inbred WKY
;
Humans
;
Corpus Striatum/cytology*
;
Plant Extracts
3.Mechanism of Colquhounia Root Tablets against diabetic kidney disease via RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Ming-Zhu XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Shuang-Rong GAO ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Jia-Yun SHEN ; Chu ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Jiang-Rui WANG ; Bei-Lei CAI ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1830-1840
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
;
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics*
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Rats
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Humans
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Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Tablets/administration & dosage*
4.Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae chassis cells with different squalene content on triterpenoid synthesis.
Feng ZHANG ; Kang-Xin HOU ; Yue ZHANG ; Hong-Ping HOU ; Yue ZHANG ; Chao-Yue LIU ; Xue-Mi HAO ; Jia LIU ; Cai-Xia WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2130-2136
Many triterpenoid compounds have been successfully heterologously synthesized in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To increase the yield of triterpenoids, various metabolic engineering strategies have been developed. One commonly applied strategy is to enhance the supply of precursors, which has been widely used by researchers. Squalene, as a precursor to triterpenoid biosynthesis, plays a crucial role in the synthesis of these compounds. This study primarily investigates the effect of different squalene levels in chassis strains on the synthesis of triterpenoids(oleanolic acid and ursolic acid), and the underlying mechanisms are further explored using real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR) analysis. The results demonstrate that the chassis strain CB-9-5, which produces high levels of squalene, inhibits the synthesis of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. In contrast, chassis strains with moderate to low squalene production, such as Y8-1 and CNPK, are more conducive to the synthesis of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. The qPCR analysis reveals that the expression levels of ERG1, βAS, and CrCYP716A154 in the oleanolic acid-producing strain CB-OA are significantly lower than those in the control strains C-OA and Y-OA, suggesting that high squalene production in the chassis strains suppresses the transcription of certain genes, leading to a reduced yield of triterpenoids. Our findings indicate that when constructing S. cerevisiae strains for triterpenoid production, chassis strains with high squalene content may suppress the expression of certain genes, ultimately lowering their production, whereas chassis strains with moderate squalene levels are more favorable for triterpenoid biosynthesis.
Squalene/analysis*
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Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics*
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Triterpenes/metabolism*
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Metabolic Engineering
;
Oleanolic Acid/biosynthesis*
;
Ursolic Acid
5.Application of motor behavior evaluation method of zebrafish model in traditional Chinese medicine research.
Xin LI ; Qin-Qin LIANG ; Bing-Yue ZHANG ; Zhong-Shang XIA ; Gang BAI ; Zheng-Cai DU ; Er-Wei HAO ; Jia-Gang DENG ; Xiao-Tao HOU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2631-2639
The zebrafish model has attracted much attention due to its strong reproductive ability, short research cycle, and ease of maintenance. It has always been an important vertebrate model system, often used to carry out human disease research. Its motor behavior features have the advantages of being simpler, more intuitive, and quantifiable. In recent years, it has received widespread attention in the study of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for the treatment of sleep disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, fatigue, epilepsy, and other diseases. This paper reviews the characteristics of zebrafish motor behavior and its applications in the pharmacodynamic verification and mechanism research of TCM extracts, active ingredients, and TCM compounds, as well as in active ingredient screening and safety evaluation. The paper also analyzes its advantages and disadvantages, with the aim of improving the breadth and depth of zebrafish and its motor behavior applications in the field of TCM research.
Zebrafish/physiology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods*
;
Animals
;
Sleep Wake Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Epilepsy/physiopathology*
;
Neurodegenerative Diseases/physiopathology*
;
Fatigue/physiopathology*
;
Behavior, Animal/physiology*
;
Motor Activity/physiology*
6.Current situation of medicinal animal breeding and research progress in sustainable utilization of resources.
Cheng-Cai ZHANG ; Jia WANG ; Yu-Jie ZHOU ; Xiao-Yu DAI ; Xiu-Fu WAN ; Chuan-Zhi KANG ; De-Hua WU ; Jia-Hui SUN ; Sheng WANG ; Lan-Ping GUO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4397-4406
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is the pillar for the development of motherland medicine, and animal medicine has a long history of application in China, characterized by wide resources, strong activity, definite efficacy, and great benefits. It has significant potential and important status in the consumption market of raw materials of TCM. In the context of global climate change, farming system alterations, and low renewability, the depletion of wild medicinal animal resources has accelerated. Accordingly, the conservation and sustainable utilization of wild resources of animal medicinal materials has become a problem that garners increasing attention and urgently needs to be solved. This paper summarizes the current situation of domestic and foreign medicinal animal breeding and research progress in industrial application in recent years and points out the issues related to standardized breeding, germplasm selection and breeding, and quality evaluation standards for medicinal animals. Furthermore, this paper discusses standardized breeding, quality standards, resource protection and utilization, and the search for alternative resources for rare and endangered medicinal animals. It proposes that researchers should systematically carry out in-depth basic research on animal medicine, improve the breeding scale and level of medicinal animals, employ modern technology to enhance the quality standards of medicinal materials, and strengthen the research and development of alternative resources. This approach aims to effectively address the relationship between protection and utilization and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of medicinal animal resources and the animal-based Chinese medicinal material industry.
Animals
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Breeding
;
China
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Conservation of Natural Resources
7.Clinical advances in Ilizarov technique for foot and ankle trauma.
Peng CAI ; Xiang FANG ; Jia LI ; Yaxing LI ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):950-957
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the clinical application value and progress of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma.
METHODS:
The related literature of Ilizarov technique in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma was extensively reviewed, and the fundamental principles of Ilizarov technique and its clinical application in the treatment of complex foot and ankle trauma such as Pilon fractures, lateral malleolus defects, calcaneal fractures, and talus fractures were reviewed, and its efficacy and complications were analyzed.
RESULTS:
The Ilizarov technique demonstrates significant advantages in treating open fractures, bone defects, and cases with poor soft tissue conditions, achieving high rates of bone defect repair, effective infection control, and improved functional scores. However, complications such as pin tract infections remain notable.
CONCLUSION
The Ilizarov technique is an effective approach for managing complex foot and ankle trauma, particularly in high-risk cases. Its dynamic fixation mechanism combines mechanical stability with biological repair. Future advancements should focus on integrating three-dimensional printing and smart sensor technologies to enhance precision.
Humans
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Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation*
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Ankle Injuries/surgery*
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Foot Injuries/surgery*
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Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
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Fractures, Bone/surgery*
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Printing, Three-Dimensional
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Ankle Fractures/surgery*
8.Family socioeconomic status and children's reading fluency: the chain mediating role of family reading environment and children's living and learning styles.
Wen-Xin HU ; Lei ZHANG ; Cai WANG ; Zi-Yue WANG ; Jia-Min XU ; Jing-Yu WANG ; Jia ZHOU ; Wen-Min WANG ; Meng-Meng YAO ; Xia CHI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(4):451-457
OBJECTIVES:
To study the impact of family socioeconomic status on children's reading fluency and the chain mediation effect of family reading environment and children's living and learning styles in this relationship.
METHODS:
A total of 473 children from grades 2 to 6 in two primary schools in Nanjing were selected through stratified random sampling. The children's reading fluency was assessed, and a questionnaire was used to collect information on family socioeconomic status, family reading environment, and children's living and learning styles. The mediation model was established using the Process macro in SPSS, and the Bootstrap method was employed to test the significance of the mediation effects.
RESULTS:
Family socioeconomic status, family reading environment, and children's living and learning styles were significantly positively correlated with reading fluency (P<0.001). The family reading environment and children's living and learning styles mediated the relationship between family socioeconomic status and children's reading fluency. Specifically, the independent mediation effect of family reading environment accounted for 11.02% of the total effect, while the independent mediation effect of children's living and learning styles accounted for 10.79%. The chain mediation effect of family reading environment and children's living and learning styles accounted for 7.41% of the total effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Family socioeconomic status can affect children's reading fluency through three pathways: family reading environment, children's living and learning styles, and the chain mediation effect of family reading environment and children's living and learning styles.
Humans
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Child
;
Male
;
Female
;
Reading
;
Learning
;
Social Class
;
Family
9.Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Analysis of Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with NRAS and KRAS Gene Mutations.
Zhang-Yu YU ; Bo CAI ; Yi WANG ; Yang-Yang LEI ; Bing-Xia LI ; Yu-Fang LI ; Yan-Ping SHI ; Jia-Xin CHEN ; Shu-Hong LIU ; Chang-Lin YU ; Mei GUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(3):682-690
OBJECTIVE:
To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with NRAS and KRAS gene mutations, and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis.
METHODS:
The clinical data and next-generation sequencing results of 80 newly diagnosed AML patients treated at our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, co-mutated genes of NRAS and KRAS , and the impact of NRAS and KRAS mutations on prognosis in newly diagnosed AML patients were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 80 newly diagnosed AML patients, NRAS mutations were detected in 20 cases(25.0%), and KRAS mutations were detected in 9 cases(11.3%). NRAS mutations predominantly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, as well as codon 61 of exon 3, while KRAS mutations were most commonly occurred at codons 12 and 13 of exon 2, all of which were missense mutations. There were no statistically significant differences observed in terms of age, sex, white blood cell count(WBC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelet count(PLT), bone marrow blasts, first induction chemotherapy regimen, CR1/CRi1 rates, chromosome karyotype, 2022 ELN risk classification and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) among the NRAS mutation group, KRAS mutation group and NRAS/KRAS wild-type group (P >0.05). KRAS mutations were significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutations (r =0.344), whereas no genes significantly associated with NRAS mutations were found. Survival analysis showed that compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with NRAS mutation had a relatively higher 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and relapse-free survival (RFS) rate, though the differences were not statistically significant (P =0.097, P =0.249). Compared to the NRAS/KRAS wild-type group, patients with KRAS mutation had a lower 5-year OS rate and RFS rate, with no significant differences observed (P =0.275, P =0.442). There was no significant difference in the 5-year RFS rate between the KRAS mutation group and NRAS mutation group (P =0.157), but the 5-year OS rate of patients with KRAS mutation was significantly lower than that of patients with NRAS mutation (P =0.037).
CONCLUSION
In newly diagnosed AML patients, KRAS mutation was significantly correlated with PTPN11 mutation. Compared to patients with NRAS/KRAS wild-type, those with NRAS mutation showed a more favorable prognosis, while patients with KRAS mutation showed a poorer prognosis; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Notably, the prognosis of AML patients with KRAS mutation was significantly inferior compared to those with NRAS mutation.
Humans
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis*
;
Mutation
;
Prognosis
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics*
;
GTP Phosphohydrolases/genetics*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Membrane Proteins/genetics*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Aged
10.Clinical Application and Pharmacological Mechanism of Sishenwan in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Keqiu YAN ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Sifeng JIA ; Yuyu DUAN ; Zixing QIAN ; Yifan CAI ; Junyi SHEN ; Wenjie XIAO ; Xinkun BAO ; Guangjun SUN ; Aizhen LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):261-270
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease with typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools, demonstrates a high relapse rate and difficulty in curing. Sishenwan, first recorded in Internal Medicine Abstract (Nei Ke Zhai Yao), are a classic prescription for treating diarrhea caused by deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. The core therapeutic principle of Sishenwan is warming and tonifying the spleen and kidney, and astringing the intestine and stopping diarrhea. In recent years, Sishenwan have demonstrated distinct advantages in the clinical treatment of UC. The pathogenesis of UC involves multiple factors, including immune dysregulation and gut microbiota imbalance. Although Western medicine is effective in the short term, its side effects, high relapse rate, and resistance associated with long-term use pose substantial challenges. Sishenwan have shown excellent clinical outcomes in the treatment of UC due to deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. Modern clinical studies indicate that Sishenwan, used alone or in combination with Western medicine or other Chinese medicine compound prescriptions, significantly improve the clinical efficacy in treating UC due to deficiency of the spleen and kidney Yang. Sishenwan effectively alleviate core symptoms such as mucus, pus, and blood in stools, and persistent abdominal pain, reduce Mayo scores and the relapse rate, and improve patients' quality of life. Research on the material basis reveals that Sishenwan contain multiple active ingredients such as psoralen, isopsoralen, and evodiamine. Mechanism studies indicate that Sishenwan inhibit the inflammatory cascade reactions by regulating the signal network through multiple targets. Sishenwan regulate cellular immunity and restore intestinal immune homeostasis. At the microecological level, Sishenwan promote the intestinal barrier repair through the "microbiota-metabolism-immunity" axis. The current research still needs to be deepened in aspects such as the mining of specific biomarkers for syndromes and the exploration of the collaborative mechanism of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. In the future, a full-chain system covering syndrome differentiation, targeting, and monitoring needs to be constructed for promoting the paradigm transformation of Sishenwan into precision drugs. This review systematically explains the treatment mechanism of Sishenwan regarding the combination of disease and syndrome and its multi-target regulatory characteristics, providing a theoretical basis and transformation direction for the treatment of UC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

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