1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
2.TCM Treatment of Sarcopenia Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Yan CHEN ; Ting DAI ; Changsheng GUO ; Zhihai FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):316-326
Sarcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disease characterized by the gradual decline of muscle mass,strength,and function,and its occurrence and development are related to multiple factors,involving several signaling pathways. Among them,the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway,as a key pathway regulating cellular growth,survival,and metabolism,plays an important role in the formation and development of sarcopenia. Its abnormal activation or deactivation may lead to an imbalance in muscle protein metabolism,resulting in muscle atrophy and reduction. Modern medicine is still in the exploratory stage of treatment for sarcopenia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),with its multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics,has shown increasing advantages in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. In recent years,various monomers, extracts,and compound formulas of TCM have been proven to effectively prevent and treat sarcopenia by promoting muscle cell protein synthesis,reducing protein degradation,inhibiting cell apoptosis and inflammatory response,and improving mitochondrial function. This paper reviewed the improvement effects of TCM on sarcopenia based on the PI3K/Akt pathway and explored its specific action mechanisms, aiming to provide new insights for the treatment of sarcopenia with TCM.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Ren YANG ; Mengge LI ; Zhibo DANG ; Biaobiao GUO ; Shilong LIU ; Zhongqin DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):327-335
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant subtype of primary liver cancer, ranks among the top in both incidence and mortality rates of malignant tumors in China. In its early stages, the disease may present with subtle or nonspecific symptoms, often leading to poor clinical prognosis and low patient survival rates, which makes it a significant public health concern. The pathogenesis is associated with multiple factors, including hepatitis virus infection, alcohol consumption, obesity, drug-induced liver injury, and immune disorders, which may interact synergistically to promote disease development. Currently, mainstream therapeutic approaches for HCC in modern medicine encompass surgical resection, liver transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, but they all have certain limitations, such as large side effects and poor prognosis, imposing substantial psychological distress and financial strain on affected individuals. With a rich historical background in hepatic malignancy management, traditional Chinese medicine offers therapeutic benefits characterized by multi-targeted mechanisms, multi-level regulation, minimal adverse effects, and reduced likelihood of disease recurrence. It can not only enhance the curative effect, but also reduce the side effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Thus, it has attracted widespread attention. Extensive research has demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine exhibits significant antitumor properties, along with notable anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress-reducing capabilities, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which can affect multiple stages of hepatocarcinogenesis, such as cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. The mechanism of NF-κB signaling pathway in traditional Chinese medicine for HCC treatment has emerged as one of the pivotal research directions in current oncology studies. Based on the existing research foundation, a systematic literature review method was adopted to retrieve and analyze relevant Chinese and English literature in recent years. Integrating the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the NF-κB signaling pathway and its pivotal role in HCC pathogenesis and progression helped further explore the latest research advances in traditional Chinese medicine interventions targeting this pathway for HCC treatment. This approach may provide novel theoretical foundations and translational strategies for the prevention and management of HCC using traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii and Its Active Ingredients in Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Peidong ZHAO ; Yanyan GUO ; Xiangge REN ; Jiawei ZHANG ; Wensheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):352-362
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading global cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on symptomatic management but exhibit limited efficacy in halting disease progression to ESRD, and some drugs carry non-negligible toxic side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history in treating DKD, with single TCM and TCM compounds demonstrating unique advantages in multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-effect therapeutic interventions. Tripterygium wilfordii (TW), known for its effects in promoting blood circulation, dredging collaterals, dispelling wind, removing dampness, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain, contains bioactive components such as Tripterygium glycosides (TWG), triptolide (TPL), tripdiolide (TPD), and celastrol (CEL). The active ingredients possess various functions, including regulating immune-inflammatory balance, ameliorating renal fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, combating oxidative stress, protecting podocytes, and improving glucose and lipid metabolism, all of which play a significant role in the treatment of DKD. This review summarized the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of T. wilfordii and its active ingredients on DKD, aiming to provide insights for clinical management and novel drug development of DKD.
5.Short-term efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for persistent ocular hypertension in acute angle-closure glaucoma
Qiaoyun LI ; Yong JIA ; Baike ZHANG ; Xiaojing GUO ; Cong LU ; Xinli WEI ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):706-710
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(TSCP)in the management of persistent ocular hypertension after an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension after an acute AACG attack at the No.988 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between September 2023 and September 2024. All patients underwent low-dose TSCP using a semiconductor diode laser. Subsequent cataract surgery combined with goniosynechialysis was performed once intraocular pressure(IOP)was stabilized. Changes in anterior chamber depth(ACD), best-corrected visual acuity(VA), and IOP were compared before and after TSCP, as well as before and after phacoemulsification. Post-TSCP complications were also documented.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients(21 eyes)were enrolled, including 8 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 67.95±7.25 y. Compared with pre-cyclophotocoagulation values, ACD increased significantly at 3 d post-TSCP(1.49±0.18 vs 1.22±0.21 mm; P<0.001). BCVA and IOP decreased significantly at 1 d post-TSCP, pre-phacoemulsification, 1 wk post-phacoemulsification, and 1 mo post-phacoemulsification compared with pre-TSCP IOP(all P<0.01). Regarding postoperative complications, 2 eyes experienced pain on the day of the procedure, 5 eyes developed mild corneal endothelial folds, 2 eyes exhibited moderate anterior chamber inflammatory reaction, and 12 eyes showed shallow ciliary body detachment. No serious complications occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Low-dose TSCP appears to be an effective bridging therapy for patients with persistent ocular hypertension following an AACG attack. It facilitates rapid IOP reduction, alleviates symptoms, and helps preserve visual function with a favorable safety profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with subsequent intraocular surgery.
6.Chinese Medicine Regulates Nrf2 Signaling Pathway for Treating Hepatic Fibrosis: A Review
Shuxuan QIU ; Lin GUO ; Ruiying WANG ; Xudong MA ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):276-283
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is an abnormal repair process that occurs after chronic liver injury. It is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver, resulting in fibrous tissue hyperplasia, which may further develop into cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Currently, there is a lack of specific anti-HF drugs in clinical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has advantages in the treatment of HF, including multi-component and multi-target interventions with high safety, and can significantly delay the progression of HF. It has therefore become a current research hotspot. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as a key transcription factor involved in antioxidant stress, can effectively intervene in the progression of HF by activating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes and detoxification genes. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which active components of Chinese medicine (such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and saponins) and TCM compound prescriptions (such as Haobie Yangyin Ruanjian prescription and Biejia Xiaozheng pills) exert anti-fibrotic effects through activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, including enhancing antioxidant capacity, inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing hepatocyte apoptosis, improving mitochondrial function, and inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. In addition, this article points out the current shortcomings in research based on the Nrf2 signaling pathway and proposes corresponding suggestions to promote related studies. It also provides an important theoretical basis for the development of novel anti-HF Chinese medicine targeting Nrf2.
7.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Classic Formula Puji Xiaoduyin
Lianchao ZHU ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Zhidan GUO ; Rongze MA ; Zhengshao ZHANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Xiubo DU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):238-247
Puji Xiaoduyin, a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic, was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula (the Second Batch)-Han Medicine, published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name, historical origin, drug dosage, herb origin, processing methods, decocting methods, function, and clinical applications. Additionally, this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were: Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma (20.65 g each), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g, Scrophulariae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (8.26 g each), Forsythiae Fructus, Arctii Fructus, Isatidis Radix, and Lasiosphaera Calvatia (4.13 g each), Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma (2.891 g each), Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix (8.26 g each). These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose, including 20.65 g of the powder, was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag, the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula, Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat, removing stagnation and dissipating mass, the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic, pestilence, red and swelling head, face, and neck, dry mouth and tongue, as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory, dermal, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases, with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps (66 times), followed by tonsillitis (28 times). In conclusion, the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.
8.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Classic Formula Puji Xiaoduyin
Lianchao ZHU ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Zhidan GUO ; Rongze MA ; Zhengshao ZHANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Xiubo DU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):238-247
Puji Xiaoduyin, a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic, was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula (the Second Batch)-Han Medicine, published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name, historical origin, drug dosage, herb origin, processing methods, decocting methods, function, and clinical applications. Additionally, this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were: Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma (20.65 g each), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g, Scrophulariae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (8.26 g each), Forsythiae Fructus, Arctii Fructus, Isatidis Radix, and Lasiosphaera Calvatia (4.13 g each), Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma (2.891 g each), Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix (8.26 g each). These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose, including 20.65 g of the powder, was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag, the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula, Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat, removing stagnation and dissipating mass, the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic, pestilence, red and swelling head, face, and neck, dry mouth and tongue, as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory, dermal, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases, with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps (66 times), followed by tonsillitis (28 times). In conclusion, the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.
9.Network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of dual amoxicillin-based regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Ziwen SONG ; Xinmiao YUAN ; Liyuan LUO ; Yufang HE ; Lingshu YANG ; Yixu HUANG ; Jianpeng SHE ; Peihan WEI ; Sihan GUO ; Fei DUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1074-1079
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amoxicillin combined with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication. METHODS Randomized controlled trial (RCTs) on amoxicillin combined with PPI or P-CAB for Hp eradication were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP data. The search time frame was from database inception to September 5, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, a network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS A total of 12 RCTs involving 5 515 patients were included, encompassing 8 therapeutic regimens: PPI combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR1), PPI combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR2), P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 7 days (TR3), P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR4), P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 10 days (TR5), P-CAB combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 7 days (TR6), P-CAB combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 14 days (TR7), and P-CAB combined with low-dose amoxicillin for 10 days (TR8). The network meta-analysis results showed that, in terms of intention-to-treat Hp eradication rates, the eradication rates of TR5 and TR4 were significantly higher than those of TR3, TR8, TR6 and TR1 ( P <0.05). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values from highest to lowest were: TR4 (89.7%)>TR5 (82.3%)>TR7 (71.5%)> TR2 (48.6%)>TR1 (43.9%)>TR8 (28.7%)>TR3 (22.7%)>TR6 (12.6%). Regarding safety, the incidence of adverse reactions in TR3 and TR5 was significantly lower than that in TR1 ( P <0.05). The SUCRA values from highest to lowest were: TR1 (91.3%)>TR4 (79.8%)>TR5 (55.0%)>TR7 (50.9%)>TR8 (41.3%)>TR2 (36.4%)>TR3 (27.6%) >TR6 (17.7%). CONCLUSIONS Although the regimen of P-CAB combined with high-dose amoxicillin for 14 days demonstrates the best efficacy, the combination of P-CAB with high-dose amoxicillin for 10 days exhibits a better balanced profile in terms of both efficacy and safety.
10.Analysis of a child with Osteo-oto-hepato-enteric syndrome and a literature review.
Dandan WANG ; Qianqian LI ; Hongxiang GUO ; Yongning CHEN ; Qingfei HAO ; Yanlei XU ; Xiuyong CHENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(3):204-212
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the phenotype and genotype of a neonate with Osteo-oto-hepato-enteric syndrome (O2HE) and review the literature.
METHODS:
A female neonate diagnosed with O2HE syndrome on December 13, 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University was selected as the study subject, and her clinical characteristics were analyzed, and pathogenic variants were explored by whole exome sequencing (WES). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: 2025-KY-1038).
RESULTS:
The proband, a female infant, was delivered by Cesarean section at 36+1 weeks of gestation. Five days after birth, she had developed severe diarrhea, mild cholestasis, sensorineural hearing loss, and growth retardation. WES revealed that she has harbored novel compound heterozygous variants c.512delA (p.Lys171Serfs*64) and c.698C>A (p.Thr233Asn) of the UNC45A gene, which were inherited from her mother and father, respectively. A total of 8 English papers were retrieved, which involved 16 patients from 14 families. Combined with our case, the 17 patients included 13 (76.5%) females and 4 (23.5%) males. Four patients (23.5%) had consanguineous parents. One case was excluded from further genetic analysis due to co-morbidity with other genetic variants. The primary clinical features included diarrhea (87.5%), cholestasis (81.3%), sensorineural hearing loss (31.3%), bone fragility (37.5%), and developmental delay (50.0%). Bi-allelic compound heterozygous mutations were identified in 12 patients (75.0%), and homozygous variants in 4 (25.0%). These included missense, nonsense, frameshift and deletional variants. The c.710T>C (p.Leu237Pro) variant was identified for 5 times, 3 of which were in homozygote forms.
CONCLUSION
O2HE syndrome should be suspected in cases with diarrhea, cholestasis, and hearing abnormalities during early postnatal period. Genetic testing facilitate early identification, genetic diagnosis and treatment.
Humans
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Female
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Male
;
Mutation
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Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics*
;
Diarrhea, Infantile/genetics*
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Phenotype
;
Fetal Growth Retardation
;
Hair Diseases
;
Facies

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