1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevents and Treats Ulcerative Colitis via TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Xi CUI ; Wenke DU ; Xing SHEN ; Cuicui LIU ; Rui ZHAI ; Hanghang LI ; Shuxun SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):284-294
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the colon and rectum. With a rising incidence, UC has aroused an increasingly serious public health concern. The etiology and pathogenesis of UC are complex, involving genetic susceptibility, intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors such as diet, smoking, and infection. Current UC therapies face limitations including persistent drug resistance, multiple side effects, and compromised immune function, necessitating the exploration of novel intervention strategies. In recent years, with the continuous advancement of research into UC mechanisms, the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway has been revealved as one of the classical pathways involved in inflammation. Being crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, this pathway regulates inflammatory and immune responses by controlling gene transcription, thereby playing a significant role in the occurrence and progression of UC. However, systematic summarization within this field remains lacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses unique advantages through its multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism approaches, being capable of curbing the pathological progression of UC by targeting key molecules in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This paper systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which TLR4/NF-κB-related pathways regulate UC, primarily encompassing inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, immune balance, and gut microbiota. It reviews single herbs (e.g., Rosa roxburghii root and Saposhnikoviae Radix), active components (e.g., resveratrol, Tripterygium glycosides, and gypenosides), herbal extracts (e.g., Zingiberis Rhizoma extract and Taraxaci Herba extract), and compound formulas for clearing heat and removing dampness, invigorating the spleen and warming the kidneys, clearing heat and detoxifying, harmonizing the liver and spleen, and treating cold and heat in complexity (e.g., Huaihua Powder, Shenling Baizhu Powder, and Jiedu Huayu Formula). The aim is to fully leverage the advantages of TCM in UC treatment and provide novel insights for clinical and pharmacological research on UC.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevents and Treats Ulcerative Colitis via TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Xi CUI ; Wenke DU ; Xing SHEN ; Cuicui LIU ; Rui ZHAI ; Hanghang LI ; Shuxun SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):284-294
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting the colon and rectum. With a rising incidence, UC has aroused an increasingly serious public health concern. The etiology and pathogenesis of UC are complex, involving genetic susceptibility, intestinal barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors such as diet, smoking, and infection. Current UC therapies face limitations including persistent drug resistance, multiple side effects, and compromised immune function, necessitating the exploration of novel intervention strategies. In recent years, with the continuous advancement of research into UC mechanisms, the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway has been revealved as one of the classical pathways involved in inflammation. Being crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, this pathway regulates inflammatory and immune responses by controlling gene transcription, thereby playing a significant role in the occurrence and progression of UC. However, systematic summarization within this field remains lacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) possesses unique advantages through its multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism approaches, being capable of curbing the pathological progression of UC by targeting key molecules in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. This paper systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which TLR4/NF-κB-related pathways regulate UC, primarily encompassing inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, immune balance, and gut microbiota. It reviews single herbs (e.g., Rosa roxburghii root and Saposhnikoviae Radix), active components (e.g., resveratrol, Tripterygium glycosides, and gypenosides), herbal extracts (e.g., Zingiberis Rhizoma extract and Taraxaci Herba extract), and compound formulas for clearing heat and removing dampness, invigorating the spleen and warming the kidneys, clearing heat and detoxifying, harmonizing the liver and spleen, and treating cold and heat in complexity (e.g., Huaihua Powder, Shenling Baizhu Powder, and Jiedu Huayu Formula). The aim is to fully leverage the advantages of TCM in UC treatment and provide novel insights for clinical and pharmacological research on UC.
3.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.
4.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.
5.Clinical Values of Combined Detection of SerumCystatin C, β2-Microglobulin, and Urine Transferrin in Diagnosing Early Primary Glomerulonephritis
Xueqi ZHANG ; Xueying BAO ; Cuicui WU ; Binxian LI ; Mingcheng LI
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2025;45(3):329-333
Despite primary glomerulonephritis (PGN) being a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, specific and sensitive biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of this condition are lacking. We evaluated the value of the combined detection of serum cystatin C (CYSC), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and urine transferrin (TRF) for diagnosing early-stage PGN. From May 2021 to May 2023, we enrolled 105 patients in our hospital as the observation group and 50 healthy volunteers as the control group. Their serum expression levels of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF were evaluated. We plotted separate ROC curves and calculated the area under the curve (AUC) values of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF to assess their diagnostic performance in PGN. The levels of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the observation group than in the healthy control group. CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF were expressed at significantly higher levels in G2, G3a, and G3b of PGN than in G1. The combined use of CYSC, β2-MG, and TRF as biomarkers could significantly improve the early diagnosis and monitoring of PGN and may lead to better patient outcomes by facilitating earlier intervention and treatment strategies.
6.Correlation between cerebral blood flow measured by 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling and gait disorder in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Xiyu PENG ; Haiyan LIU ; Cuicui ZHANG ; Zuowei DUAN ; Shuya LI
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(2):101-107
Objective:To investigate the correlation between cerebral blood flow (CBF) in different brain regions and gait disorder (GD) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).Methods:Patients with CSVD visited the Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from November 2023 to October 2024 were included prospectively. They were divided into GD group (<0.8 m/s) and non-GD group (≥0.8 m/s) based on their step speed. CBF was measured using 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D-pCASL) perfusion imaging. Gait parameters were quantitatively evaluated using a wearable gait analyzer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent factors associated with GD in patients with CSVD. Partial correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between gait parameters and CBF in different brain regions. Results:A total of 52 patients with CSVD were enrolled, including 26 males and 26 females, aged 67.00±6.84 years. Thirty-eight cases (73.1%) had mild overall burden of CSVD, and 14 cases (26.9%) had a moderate to severe overall burden of CSVD. There were 17 patients (32.7%) in the GD group and 35 (67.3%) in the non-GD group. Compared with the non-GD group, the body mass index was significantly higher, the CBF of the left occipital lobe and bilateral cerebellum decreased significantly, the step speed, step length, stride length, step frequency, swing phase, peak arm angular velocity, arm swing amplitude, maximum calf anterior/posterior swing angle, peak calf angular velocity, foot swing speed, and peak sagittal plane angular velocity in the torso decreased significantly, while the number of steps, stance phase, step length asymmetry, stride length, and step length variability increased significantly in the GD group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left cerebellar CBF was an independent protective factor for GD in patients with CSVD (odds ratio 0.902, 95% confidence interval 0.827-0.982; P=0.019). For every 1 ml/(100 g.min) decreased in left cerebellar CBF, the patients with CSVD had an increased risk of developing GD by approximately 9.8%. Partial correlation analysis showed that left occipital lobe CBF was significantly positively correlated with step speed ( r=0.305, P=0.032), maximum calf back swing angle ( r=0.314, P=0.026), and peak calf angular velocity ( r=0.356, P=0.011). The left cerebellar CBF was significantly positively correlated with step speed ( r=0.295, P=0.037) and significantly negatively correlated with step length variability ( r=-0.335, P=0.017); the right cerebellar CBF was significantly positively correlated with step speed ( r=0.309, P=0.029) and significantly negatively correlated with step length variability ( r=-0.344, P=0.014). Conclusion:GD in patients with CSVD is associated with decreased CBF in the left occipital lobe and bilateral cerebellum, and decreased CBF in the left cerebellum significantly increased the risk of GD in patients with CSVD.
7.Efficacy of Modified Use of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction Plus Xijiao Dihuang Decoction in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris and Its Effect on the Th1/Th2 Balance
Cuicui SHEN ; Wenhe WANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Bing ZHANG ; Shuo LI ; Xuewei LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):116-123
Objective To investigate the efficacy of modified use of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction plus Xijiao Dihuang Decoction in the treatment of patients with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome and to observe its effect on Th1/Th2 balance in the patients.Methods The investigation was carried out in a total of 130 patients with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome,who were admitted to the dermatology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine between January 2022 and June 2023.The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method,with 65 patients in each group.The control group was treated with conventional western medicine,while the observation group was treated with modification of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction plus Xijiao Dihuang Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.Both groups were treated for four consecutive weeks and were followed up for one year.The changes in the scores of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(PASI)and Dermatology Life Quality Index(DLQI),levels of peripheral blood Th1/Th2 balance indicators,and levels of peripheral Th1/Th2-related factors such as γ-interferon(INF-γ),interleukin 2(IL-2),and interleukin 4(IL-4)in the two groups of patients before and after treatment were observed.Moreover,the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions during treatment were evaluated,and the recurrent cases within one year in the two groups were counted.Results(1)After four weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 90.77%(59/65),and that of the control group was 76.92%(50/65).The intergroup comparison showed that the clinical efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the scores of PASI and DLQI in the two groups of patients were decreased when compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of PASI and DLQI scores in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the serum levels of Th1/Th2-related factors such as INF-γ and IL-2 in the two groups of patients were decreased when compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and IL-4 level was increased when compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of serum INF-γ and IL-2 levels and the increase of serum IL-4 level in the observation group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the peripheral blood levels of Th1/Th2 balance indicators of Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 in the two groups of patients were decreased when compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease of peripheral blood Th1,Th2 and Th1/Th2 levels in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(5)The recurrence rate of the observation group was 20.69%(12/58)and that of the control group was 38.33%(23/60),and the recurrence time in the observation group was(8.49±1.43)months and that of the control group was(5.36±0.95)months.The intergroup comparison showed that the one-year recurrence rate of the observation group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group(P<0.05),and the recurrence time was significantly prolonged compared with that of the control group(P<0.05).(6)The medicine-induced adverse reaction rate in the observation group was 10.77%(7/65)and that in the control group was 12.31%(8/65),and the intergroup comparison showed that the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Modified use of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction plus Xijiao Dihuang Decoction is effective on enhancing the clinical efficacy of patients with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome,and on improving the balance of Th1/Th2 and the severity of the disease,delaying the recurrence of psoriasis vulgaris,and reducing the recurrence rate,with high safety.
8.Non-targeted Lipid Metabolomics of Tongue Coating in Patients with Ischemic Stroke
Cuicui LI ; Donghao CAI ; Jingwen XU ; Hui LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(5):1060-1065
Objective To explore the differences of lipid metabolites in tongue coating between ischemic stroke patients and healthy people,thus to screen out the potential biomarkers for tongue coating of ischemic stroke patients.Methods Twenty patients confirmed as ischemic stroke were selected as the observation group,and another 20 controls receiving healthy medical checkup at the same period were selected as the control group.All of them were aged between 40 and 80 years.Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS)technology,and by combined with the statistical methods of principal component analysis(PCA)and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA),non-targeted lipid metabolomics study was performed on tongue coating samples of the observation group and the control group.According to the criteria that the VIP value in the orthogonal signal correction-based orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA)model was greater than 1 and the P value of the Wilcoxon rank test was less than 0.05,lipid metabolites with significant differences were screened and determined.Results Differential lipid metabolites exist in ischemic stroke patients(observation group)and healthy people(control group),and a total of 14 lipid metabolites were identified,and they were free fatty acids,ceramide,sphingomyelin,cardiolipin,lecithin,etc.Of the 14 lipid metabolites,4 were down-regulated and 10 were up-regulated,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion There exist differential lipid metabolites in tongue coating of patients with ischemic stroke and the healthy controls,and these different lipid metabolites are expected to become potential biomarkers for ischemic stroke.
9.Clinical characteristics and prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with Short-rib thoracic dysplasia syndrome due to variants of DYNC2H1 gene.
Chongyang ZHAO ; Guoping REN ; Jingjing BI ; Cuicui JING ; Xueting ZHOU ; Cimei LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(11):1369-1374
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the prenatal features and genetic etiology of a fetus with Short-rib cage dysplasia (SRTD) due to variants of DYNC2H1 gene.
METHODS:
A pregnant women presented at Xinxiang Central Hospital in June 2020 for abnormal prenatal ultrasound findings was selected as the study subject. With informed consent obtained, amniotic fluid sample was extracted from the woman, and clinical data of the fetus were collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xinxiang Central Hospital [Ethics No.: 2025-214-01(K)].
RESULTS:
At 25+6 weeks gestation, genetic testing revealed that the fetus has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the DYNC2H1 gene, namely c.10585C>T (p.Arg3529Ter) and c.8954T>G (p.Val2985Gly), which were derived from its father and mother, respectively. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.10585C>T (p.Arg3529Ter) and c.8954T>G (p.Val2985Gly) variants were classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_supporting+PM3+PP5) and likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2_supporting+PM3+PP3), respectively. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that both variants may affect the 3D structure of the DYNC2H1 protein.
CONCLUSION
The compound heterozygous variants of c.10585C>T (p.Arg3529Ter) and c.8954T>G (p.Val2985Gly) of the DYNC2H1 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of SRTD in the fetus. Above findings had facilitated prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for the couple.
Humans
;
Female
;
Pregnancy
;
Cytoplasmic Dyneins/chemistry*
;
Prenatal Diagnosis
;
Adult
;
Short Rib-Polydactyly Syndrome/diagnostic imaging*
;
Mutation
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Fetus/abnormalities*
;
Ultrasonography, Prenatal
10.A path analysis study on the relationship between the nursing organizational climate and work alienation among psychiatric nurses
Lan WANG ; Cuicui LIU ; Zhijiao ZHAO ; Li PANG ; Wenfu LI ; Qun MA ; Zhongli SHI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(19):2397-2403
Objective To explore the effect of organizational climate on work alienation in psychiatric nurses,and the mediating role of psychological capital and positive coping styles between organizational climate and work alienation,in order to provide a reference for reducing work alienation among psychiatric nurses.Methods Convenience sampling method was used to select nurses working in 6 tertiary A psychiatric hospitals in Shandong Province from January to July 2024,and the general questionnaire,Nurses' Work Alienation Questionnaire,Organizational Climate Scale for Nursing,Psychological Capital Questionnaire,and Simple Coping Style Scale were used to conduct the survey and the mediation effect test.Results A total of 606 questionnaires were recovered,of which 572 were valid,and the validity rate of the questionnaires was 94.39%.Psychiatric nurses scored(89.58±13.69)for nursing organizational climate,(32.48±11.31)for work alienation,(97.28±19.12)for psychological capital,and(23.93±7.22)for positive coping styles.There was a direct effect of nursing organizational climate on work alienation(β=-0.681,95%CI=-0.824~-0.539).Psychological capital and positive coping styles acted as separate mediators and chain mediators in the effect of nursing organizational climate on work alienation(β=-0.116,-0.048,-0.019,95%CI=-0.182~-0.034,-0.086~-0.006,-0.042~-0.002).Conclusion There are multiple mediating effects of psychiatric nurses' psychological capital,positive coping styles between nursing organizational climate and work alienation.Nursing managers can enhance psychiatric nurses' psychological capital by creating a positive and healthy organizational climate,encouraging them to adopt positive coping styles to solve problems,and reducing work alienation.

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