1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway for Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment Treatment: A Review
Wanyue XU ; Yanjie LI ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bohua WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):337-345
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common and severe complication in stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life and social function. Despite increasing research on PSCI in recent years, effective therapeutic methods remain limited. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has emerged as a critical research focus in neuroscience due to its essential role in neuroprotection, neurorepair, and cognitive recovery. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is considered one of the key mechanisms in the onset and progression of PSCI. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component, multi-target, and synergistic properties, has shown unique advantages in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing a potential novel approach for PSCI treatment. TCM regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through various mechanisms and exerts effects such as inhibiting cell apoptosis, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neuroplasticity, and enhancing neurorepair, thereby improving post-stroke cognitive function. This review summarized the latest research progress on the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by TCM in intervening PSCI. It analyzed the mechanisms of action of various TCM components and compound formulas within this pathway, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for innovative strategies for PSCI treatment in the future and offer new research insights and practical guidance for the application of TCM in cerebrovascular diseases.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway for Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment Treatment: A Review
Wanyue XU ; Yanjie LI ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bohua WAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):337-345
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common and severe complication in stroke patients, significantly affecting their quality of life and social function. Despite increasing research on PSCI in recent years, effective therapeutic methods remain limited. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has emerged as a critical research focus in neuroscience due to its essential role in neuroprotection, neurorepair, and cognitive recovery. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is considered one of the key mechanisms in the onset and progression of PSCI. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component, multi-target, and synergistic properties, has shown unique advantages in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, providing a potential novel approach for PSCI treatment. TCM regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through various mechanisms and exerts effects such as inhibiting cell apoptosis, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neuroplasticity, and enhancing neurorepair, thereby improving post-stroke cognitive function. This review summarized the latest research progress on the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by TCM in intervening PSCI. It analyzed the mechanisms of action of various TCM components and compound formulas within this pathway, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for innovative strategies for PSCI treatment in the future and offer new research insights and practical guidance for the application of TCM in cerebrovascular diseases.
3.Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effect of Epimedium sagittatum: A Review
Lixin PEI ; Lin CHEN ; Nuo LI ; Mengyao ZHAO ; Haoyuan YANG ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Baoyu JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):282-290
Epimedium sagittatum is a perennial herb of Berberidaceae. Its leaves have a long history of medicinal use in China. This plant is widely used as a Chinese traditional medicine,with the main functions of tonifying kidney Yang,strengthening bones and muscles,and dispelling wind and dampness. It can be used for treating kidney Yang deficiency,impotence,spermatorrhea,flaccidity of bones and muscles,rheumatic arthralgia,numbness,and spasms. The chemical constituents of this plant include flavonoids,polysaccharides,lignans,and alkaloids. Flavonoids are the main active ingredients. These compounds show a wide range of biological activities,including cartilage repair,anti-aging,anti-fatigue,cough-relieving,blood glucose-lowering,and anti-tumor effects. Modern pharmacological research has shown that E. sagittatum has definite pharmacological effects on the reproductive system,respiratory system,nervous system,cardiovascular system,skeletal system,etc. It has remarkable effects of helping pregnancy,resisting osteoporosis,controlling diabetes,improving immunity,and inhibiting tumor. Under the background of advocating one health and Chinese medicine,E. sagittatum is widely used in health care products,serving as the main raw material of various products. It has great market potential and is a Chinese medicinal herb with great clinical application and research value. This paper reviews the main chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of E. sagittatum based on domestic and foreign reports, providing a theoretical basis for further study on E. sagittatum and its safe clinical application.
4.Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effect of Epimedium sagittatum: A Review
Lixin PEI ; Lin CHEN ; Nuo LI ; Mengyao ZHAO ; Haoyuan YANG ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Baoyu JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):282-290
Epimedium sagittatum is a perennial herb of Berberidaceae. Its leaves have a long history of medicinal use in China. This plant is widely used as a Chinese traditional medicine,with the main functions of tonifying kidney Yang,strengthening bones and muscles,and dispelling wind and dampness. It can be used for treating kidney Yang deficiency,impotence,spermatorrhea,flaccidity of bones and muscles,rheumatic arthralgia,numbness,and spasms. The chemical constituents of this plant include flavonoids,polysaccharides,lignans,and alkaloids. Flavonoids are the main active ingredients. These compounds show a wide range of biological activities,including cartilage repair,anti-aging,anti-fatigue,cough-relieving,blood glucose-lowering,and anti-tumor effects. Modern pharmacological research has shown that E. sagittatum has definite pharmacological effects on the reproductive system,respiratory system,nervous system,cardiovascular system,skeletal system,etc. It has remarkable effects of helping pregnancy,resisting osteoporosis,controlling diabetes,improving immunity,and inhibiting tumor. Under the background of advocating one health and Chinese medicine,E. sagittatum is widely used in health care products,serving as the main raw material of various products. It has great market potential and is a Chinese medicinal herb with great clinical application and research value. This paper reviews the main chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of E. sagittatum based on domestic and foreign reports, providing a theoretical basis for further study on E. sagittatum and its safe clinical application.
5.Tissue-resident peripheral helper T cells foster hepatocellular carcinoma immune evasion by promoting regulatory B-cell expansion.
Haoyuan YU ; Mengchen SHI ; Xuejiao LI ; Zhixing LIANG ; Kun LI ; Yongwei HU ; Siqi LI ; Mingshen ZHANG ; Yang YANG ; Yang LI ; Linsen YE
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(17):2148-2158
BACKGROUND:
Peripheral helper T (T PH ) cells are uniquely positioned within pathologically inflamed non-lymphoid tissues to stimulate B-cell responses and antibody production. However, the phenotype, function, and clinical relevance of T PH cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are currently unknown.
METHODS:
Blood, tumor, and peritumoral liver tissue samples from 39 HCC patients (Sep 2016-Aug 2017) and 101 HCC patients (Sep 2011-Dec 2012) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were used. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the expression, phenotype, and function of T PH cells. Log-rank tests were performed to evaluate disease-free survival and overall survival in samples from 39 patients and 101 patients with HCC. T PH cells, CD19 + B cells, and T follicular helper (T FH ) cells were cultured separately in vitro or isolated from C57/B6L mice in vivo for functional assays.
RESULTS:
T PH cells highly infiltrated tumor tissues, which was correlated with tumor size, early recurrence, and shorter survival time. The tumor-infiltrated T PH cells showed a unique ICOS hi CXCL13 + IL-21 - MAF + BCL-6 - phenotype and triggered naïve B-cell differentiation into regulatory B cells. Triggering programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) induced the production of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) by T PH cells, which then suppressed tumor-specific immunity and promoted disease progression.
CONCLUSION
Our study reveals a novel regulatory mechanism of T PH cell-regulatory B-cell-mediated immunosuppression and provides an important perspective for determining the balance between the differentiation of protumorigenic T PH cells and that of antitumorigenic T FH cells in the HCC microenvironment.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism*
;
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/metabolism*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Female
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Middle Aged
;
B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism*
;
Flow Cytometry
;
Interleukin-21
;
Aged
;
Chemokine CXCL13/metabolism*
6.Effect of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills on Mitochondrial Biogenesis of Hippocampal Neurons in Rats with Vascular Cognitive Impairment Based on AMPK/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway
Luyao MA ; Yanjie LI ; Haoyuan LIU ; Yanjie BAI ; Ruoxing XING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):125-134
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis in hippocampal tissue of rats with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and to investigate the potential mechanism of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills in improving cognitive impairment in rats with VCI. MethodsTwelve of 72 male SD rats were selected as the sham operation group, and the remaining rats were modelled using the modified 2VO method. The rats that were successfully modelled were divided into the model group, the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills (27.6 g·kg-1), the low-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills (13.8 g·kg-1), the combination group (27.6 g·kg-1 Tongmai Kaiqiao pills + 25 mg·kg-1 dorsomorphin), and the donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 g·kg-1) according to the random number table method. After four weeks of continuous intraperitoneal injection of the corresponding drugs, the Morris water maze test was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to detect pathological changes in the hippocampus of the rats. The content of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the brain hippocampus was detected by colorimetry, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected in rat mitochondria by MitoSOX Red assay. Mitochondrial DNA copy number was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR). Pathological changes in mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and AMPK, PGC-1α, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) protein expression in the hippocampus of the rats were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the sham operation group, rats in the model group had a reduced number of platform crossings (P<0.01), significantly prolonged evasion latency (P<0.01), disorganized neuronal arrangement in the hippocampal region, widened gaps, and blurred nucleus membrane and nucleolus boundaries. The emergence of necrotic cells was visible. The color of the nissl bodies was light, and the number was reduced with severe loss. Mitochondria were atrophied, and cristae were lost. Severe damage was observed. The content of ROS was increased, and the level of ATP was decreased. mtDNA copy number decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the protein expression of p-AMPK, PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, rats in the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills and donepezil hydrochloride group showed a shorter time to find the platform (P<0.01), increased number of platform crossings (P<0.01), restored mitochondrial morphology and structure of the hippocampal neurons, alleviated neuronal death, increased number of nissl bodies, weaken degree of injury, lower content of ROS, and significantly increased levels of ATP and number of copies of mtDNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, there was increased protein expression of p-AMPK, PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the evasion latency was shortened in the low-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills (P<0.01), and the number of platform crossings was increased, but the difference was not statistically significant. The mitochondria were swollen and deformed, and the cristae became shorter and partially disappeared. The degree of damage did not improve significantly, and the number of nissl bodies was increased but not statistically significant. The ROS content decreased (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in ATP level and mtDNA copy number. The protein expression of PGC-1α was increased (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the protein expression of p-AMPK, Nrf1, and TFAM, and the results were not statistically significant. Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group, there was no significant change in the results of each assay in the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills, and the difference was not statistically significant. Compared with the high-dose group of Tongmai Kaiqiao pills, rats in the combination group had a significantly lower number of platform crossings (P<0.01), a significantly longer evasion latency (P<0.01), a reduced number of neuronal cells, disorganized tissue structure, swollen and blurred cell outlines, a significant reduction in the number of nissl bodies. Moreover, there was an increase in the content of ROS, a decrease in the level of ATP and the number of mtDNA copies (P<0.01), and a decrease in the expression of p-AMPK, PGC-1α, Nrf1, and TFAM (P<0.05). ConclusionTongmai Kaiqiao pills is able to improve cognitive function in rats by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, and attenuating pathological damage to neurons in the hippocampal region, thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential.
7.Analysis of the infection status of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in Beijing in 2024
Yulan SUN ; Xiangfeng DOU ; Weijia ZHANG ; Yanwei CHEN ; Fu LI ; Haoyuan JIN ; Zhenyong REN ; Dan LI ; Daitao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):136-141
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Beijing in 2024, to investigate the infection status of reservoir hosts, vector organisms, and baseline human populations, and provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.Methods:Epidemiological surveys were conducted on all confirmed cases. Serum samples from healthy populations and reservoir hosts were collected for SFTSV antibody detection. Questing ticks were monitored using the flagging method. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was employed to detect SFTSV in cases, reservoir hosts, and ticks. Positive samples underwent whole-genome sequencing and genetic evolution analysis.Results:In 2024, Beijing reported 15 locally infected cases with 4 deaths. The age of onset ranged from 50 to 80 years (median: 66 years). Cases showed a certain degree of geographical clustering, with June being the peak month of onset. The affected population was predominantly farmers, with a male-to-female ratio of 3∶2. Animal contact history emerged as a significant risk factor alongside tick bites. Parthenogenetic tick populations were identified in Pinggu district, while SFTSV-carrying ticks were detected in endemic areas (Mentougou, Shijingshan, and Fengtai Districts). Viral presence was also confirmed in ticks or dogs from non-endemic areas. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed stable clustering of strains into two distinct genotypes (A and B). Antibody-positive individuals were identified in healthy populations from non-endemic areas.Conclusions:The incidence of SFTS in Beijing is increasing, with natural viral circulation already established in non-endemic regions. Enhanced surveillance and adjusted prevention strategies are urgently needed.
8.Evolution and application of methodology in primary membranous nephropathy-associated antigens and antibodies
Haoyuan CUI ; Chao LI ; Yubing WEN ; Hang LI ; Limeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(6):763-769
Since the discovery of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies, the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy has evolved from reliance on renal tissue biopsy to the use of serum assays in certain patients, owing to continuously developing and improving methodologies. The advancement of detection methods and the discovery of new antigens are driving primary membranous nephropathy to personalized diagnosis and treatment. This article summarizes the evolution of antigens and antibodies detection techniques related to primary membranous nephropathy, aiming to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and possible future directions of methodology.
9.Jiawei Chunze Decoction treats urinary retention after spinal cord injury in rats based on the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress apoptosis
Bochao ZHU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Nannan ZHAO ; Haoyuan LIU ; Zhenhua XU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):371-378
BACKGROUND:Preliminary clinical observations found that Jiawei Chunze Decoction is an effective formula for clinical treatment of urinary retention after spinal cord injury.Animal experiments have found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway is closely related to the degree of bladder dysfunction. OBJECTIVE:To further investigate the effects of Jiawei Chunze Decoction on bladder function and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats with urinary retention. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group,Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group and agonist group.In the sham operation group,the spinal cord was exposed but not transected.In the other groups,the modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to prepare the model of sacral medullary injury.At 24 hours after modeling,the sham operation group and model group were intragastrically given equal volume of normal saline,Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose and high-dose groups were given Jiawei Chunze Decoction granules containing 14.4 and 28.8 g/kg,respectively,via intragastric administration for 4 weeks,and the agonist group was treated with an intraperitoneal injection of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg.After 4 weeks of treatment,the maximum bladder capacity,leakage point pressure and bladder compliance of rats in each group were detected by urine flow dynamics.The minimum bladder contraction tension and frequency of rats in each group were detected by detrusor pull test.The pathological changes of the rat bladder in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The concentrations of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in serum were detected by ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in bladder tissues were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats in the model group were increased(P<0.05),and the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were decreased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,and Caspase-12 levels were also increased(P<0.05).The arrangement of bladder epithelial cells in the model group was disordered,and there was monocyte infiltration between cells,tissue edema,and detrusor tract atrophy.The mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt in bladder tissues were significantly decreased in the model group compared with the sham operation group,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the maximum bladder volume,bladder compliance and minimum systolic tension of rats were decreased in the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose,high-dose and agonist groups after 4 weeks of intervention(P<0.05),while the leakage point pressure and bladder contraction frequency were increased(P<0.05);serum GRP78,CHOP,Caspase-12 levels were decreased(P<0.05).The bladder epithelial cells in the three intervention groups were distributed evenly,arranged neatly,with less inflammatory cell infiltration and fuller detrusor muscle bundle.Compared with the model group,the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and Akt were increased in the three intervention groups,while those of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 were decreased(P<0.05).The Jiawei Chunze Decoction high-dose group was better than the Jiawei Chunze Decoction low-dose group and shared the similar results with the agonist group.To conclude,Jiawei Chunze Decoction can improve the bladder function of rats with urinary retention after spinal cord injury,and the mechanism may be related to reducing the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress in bladder tissue through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and then alleviating apoptosis.
10.Traditional Chinese medicine monomer in treatment of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury:effects of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway
Zhenhua XU ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Haoyuan LIU ; Bochao ZHU ; Yupu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):590-598
BACKGROUND:Targeted therapy based on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway to explore neuroinflammation is increasingly worth exploring,and the advantages of Chinese medicine such as many targets,wide range,rich mechanisms,and few side effects have great potential in the treatment of various diseases. OBJECTIVE:Based on the nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,this paper systematically expounded and summarized the research progress of kaempferol,safflower yellow,baicalin,and triptolide in the treatment of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury. METHODS:Search terms"spinal cord injury,inflammation,anti-inflammatory,traditional Chinese medicine monomer,monomeric compound,NF-κB signaling pathway,flavonoids,glycosides,phenols,esters,alkaloids"were searched in CNKI and PubMed databases.Totally 67 articles were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The role of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway in the nervous system is complex and diverse,which can regulate neutrophils,microglia,astrocytes,and macrophages,and mediate the occurrence and development of inflammation after injury.(2)The effects of traditional Chinese medicine monomers such as baicalin on the degradation of nuclear transcription factor kappa B inhibitory protein,the inhibition of phosphorylation process by safflowerin on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,and the inhibition of kaempferol on nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway p65 nuclear translocation can reduce the impact of inflammatory response on the body,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function.(3)The nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can promote inflammation and immune cell migration and activation in the early stage of injury,and can promote the repair of injury site and the occurrence of fibrosis in the middle and late stages of injury.Appropriate activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can promote the release of inflammatory factors,improve the antioxidant capacity of cells,and promote the activation of immune cells,but the over-activated nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway can easily lead to the occurrence and continuation of chronic inflammation and the inhibition of apoptosis.(4)Future research can further explore how to accurately regulate the activation level of nuclear transcription factor kappa B signaling pathway,how to achieve precise intervention for nervous system inflammation and injury,and can also focus on the preparation of traditional Chinese medicine monomers and the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine monomers on signaling pathways,in order to provide more effective treatment strategies for the rehabilitation and functional recovery of neurological diseases.

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