1.Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers and Compounds on Regulating JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Review
Xiaonan YAN ; Jigao LI ; Ruixiang YANG ; Ruilin LIU ; Quan ZHOU ; Zhen LI ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):289-298
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease with synovitis as the main manifestation, which often causes joint swelling and pain or even deformity. It is considered to be an incurable lifelong disease. Although the current Western medicine treatment can alleviate the progression of the disease, it has the clinical limitations of liver injury, cardiovascular complications, and other adverse reactions, along with easy recurrence. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and has the advantages of individualized treatment and fewer adverse reactions. It can effectively relieve the symptoms of joint swelling and pain in RA patients and slow down the progression of bone destruction, which has attracted wide concern in the medical community. Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is an important intracellular pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune regulation, and other biological behaviors, and plays an important role in the pathophysiological process of RA. In recent years, many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and compounds can inhibit inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), regulate immune response, and thus exert an effect in the treatment of RA. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic induction and overview. Therefore, by searching the relevant literature in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and PubMed databases from 2009 to 2024, this study described the mechanism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of RA and summarized the research progress of TCM monomers and compounds in regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in RA intervention. The study aims to provide new ideas and strategies for the clinical treatment of RA with TCM and the research and development of new drugs.
2.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
3.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
4.Improvement effects and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ on neuroinflammation
Mimi WANG ; Yonggang FENG ; Yun HAN ; Kaixin SHAN ; Fuyu LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaoyan FANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):30-35
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ (AS- Ⅳ ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. METHODS BV2 cells were divided into control group, LPS group, AS-Ⅳ groups at concentrations of 20 and 40 μmol/L, and dexamethasone group (2 μmol/L). Except for control group, neuroinflammation model was established with LPS (1 μg/mL) in other groups after medication. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO)] in cell supernatant were measured in each group. Mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, positive control group (Aspirin enteric-coated tablet, 20 mg/kg), AS-Ⅳ low- and high-dose groups (10, 20 mg/kg), with 6 mice in each group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug/normal saline via gavage/intraperitoneal injection, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. Except for normal group, other groups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (250 μg/kg) 1 hour after daily administration of the drug/normal saline to establish neuroinflammation model. Serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured 2 h after the last medication; histopathological morphology of cerebral tissue in mice were observed; the co-localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD206/Iba1 in the cerebral cortex region of mice was observed; the expressions of proteins related to the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in brain tissue of mice were also determined, including NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK). RESULTS In the cell experiments, compared with control group, the levels of IL-6, TNF- α and NO in the cell supernatant of the LPS group were increased significantly (P<0.05); compared with LPS group, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α and NO were decreased significantly in the administration groups (P<0.05). In the animal experiments, compared with the normal group, the serum levels of IL-6 and TNF- α, the number of iNOS/Iba1 co-localization positive cells in the cerebral cortex, and the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK, NF- κB p65 and ERK proteins in brain tissue were all significantly increased/elevated in model group (P<0.05); the number of CD206/ Iba1 co-localization positive cells in the cerebral cortex region significantly decreased (P<0.05). The neurons in the cerebral cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus displayed a disordered arrangement. Compared with model group, above quantitative indexes of mice were all reversed significantly in administration groups (P<0.05); the neuronal cells in the cerebral cortex and the CA3 region of the hippocampus exhibited a relatively orderly arrangement. CONCLUSIONS AS-Ⅳ may inhibit the activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway, promote the M2-type polarization of microglia, and thereby suppress neuroinflammatory responses.
5.Research progress on antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Danna LIU ; Shuangshuang SONG ; Lu CHEN ; Yongqiang SUN ; Bo SUN ; Hanli ZHOU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tiandong KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):124-129
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a novel class of anti-tumor agents composed of a targeted monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker connecting the two. They combine the high specificity of antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high aggressiveness, elevated risks of recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis, largely due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the research progress of ADCs in the treatment of TNBC. It has been found that ADCs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (such as trastuzumab deruxtecan), trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (such as sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan), zinc transporter LIV-1 (such as ladiratuzumab vedotin), HER-3 (such as patritumab deruxtecan), epidermal growth factor receptor (such as AVID100), and glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (such as glembatumumab vedotin) have all demonstrated promising therapeutic effects against TNBC. Despite challenges including acquired resistance and treatment-related toxicities, ADCs are undoubtedly reshaping the therapeutic landscape for TNBC and are expected to occupy a more central position in TNBC treatment in the future.
6.Regulation of Relevant Signaling Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Intervention of Pancreatic Cancer: A Review
Quanyou ZHAO ; Conghui ZHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yiping FU ; Yuting LIU ; Xiaoran WANG ; Zhanzhan LI ; Mingsan MIAO ; Li BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):280-289
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant solid tumor of the digestive system with extremely poor treatment prognosis. Although its incidence rate is low, its mortality rate is extremely high. In recent years, the number of diagnosed cases worldwide has continued to rise, making pancreatic cancer the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Currently, clinical treatment primarily relies on operation and chemotherapy to suppress tumors. However, these approaches face challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, high postoperative recurrence rates, and severe adverse reactions. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment modalities remains a pressing challenge for the medical community. In recent years, research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions for pancreatic cancer has increased significantly. Multiple studies have shown that single-herb TCM, TCM formulas, and their derived single compounds can regulate the levels of tumor cell signaling pathways through multiple action targets. They inhibit the development and progression of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reducing cancer cell invasion and migration capabilities, regulating the cell cycle, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, TCM has the advantages of significantly enhancing the anticancer efficacy of chemotherapy drugs and causing fewer adverse reactions. However, the specific action mechanisms by which TCM intervenes in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. Further extensive research is still needed to validate the role of regulating classical signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), notch, and hedgehog in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this paper reviewed Chinese and international studies on TCM intervention in pancreatic cancer through relevant signaling pathways in recent years, summarized the potential action mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and provided references for related research in the future.
7.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.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Ischemic Stroke by Regulating BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Review
Qingge WANG ; Feixiang LIU ; Yunke ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):312-321
Ischemic stroke (IS) is an acute cerebrovascular disease caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in brain tissue necrosis and neurological dysfunction. It is characterized by impaired motor, language, sensory, cognitive, and other functions. The pathogenesis involves inflammatory responses, excitotoxicity of excitatory amino acids, and mitochondrial dysfunction. IS with a high incidence, high mortality, high disability, and a high recurrence rate is the leading cause of death in China. At present, Western medical therapies mainly focus on vascular recanalization, including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. However, due to the possibility of cerebral hemorrhage and edema, narrow time windows, and contraindications associated with intravascular therapy, only a few patients can benefit from these therapies, which greatly limit their clinical application. IS belongs to the categories such as stroke, hem iplegia, and major syncope in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is mainly caused caused by wind, fire, phlegm, and stasis, which lead to imbalance of Yin and Yang, disorder of Qi and blood, and invasion of clear orifices. The common treatment methods include calming the liver and dispelling wind, resolving phlegm and unblocking meridians, and activating blood and resolving stasis. TCM acting on multiple pathways and targets with low toxicity and side effects has definite effects in improving the prognosis and reducing the recurrence rate, being worthy of promotion and research. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a key role in promoting neurogenesis and increasing synaptic plasticity. During the progression of IS, BDNF binds to tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) to initiate intracellular signaling cascades, thus exerting neuroprotective effects. Studies have shown that TCM can regulate the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, treating IS by regulating synaptic plasticity and promoting neural repair. This paper summarizes and generalizes the mechanisms of active components, single herbs, and compound prescriptions of TCM in regulating the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in the treatment of IS through the review of domestic and foreign literature in recent years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and treatment reference for the treatment of IS with TCM.
9.Nutritional supply status of school meals for primary and secondary students in three cities of Henan Province
LI Shan, YANG Li, HE Qidong, CAO Linlin, CHEN Xiaolong, LIU Bingrui, FENG Yinhua, FU Pengyu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):50-52
Objective:
To assess the nutritional supply status of school meals for primary and secondary school students in Henan Province, so as to provide a basis for scientific guidance of school meals.
Methods:
During 2021-2023, 115 lunch and dinner samples were collected from 25 primary and secondary schools in Zhoukou, Anyang and Luoyang of Henan Province by a direct selection method, and 13 nutrients were determined for each sample. The nutrient supply was evaluated based on Nutrition Guidelines of School Meals and Reference Intake of Dietary Nutrients for Chinese Residents (2023 Edition). Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences of nutritional supply between urban and rural schools.
Results:
The median values for energy (709.77 kcal,1 kcal=4.18 kJ), fat energy supply ratio (0.27) and carbohydrate energy supply ratio (0.55) in the 66 lunches and dinners from primary school were within the recommended range. The supply of protein (28.39 g) and sodium (1 464.59 mg) was excessive. The median values of zinc (2.62 mg) and dietary fiber (5.19 g) were lower than the reference values. No statistically significant differences were observed in the supply of 13 nutrients between urban and rural primary schools( U = 427.00 -633.00, P > 0.05 ). Among 49 samples from secondary schools, the median value of energy supply (930.02 kcal), carbohydrate energy ratio ( 0.54 ) and fat energy supply ratio(0.25) were within the recommended range; and the median values of protein (38.82 g) and sodium (2 556.80 mg) were higher than the standard; and the median values of calcium (250.32 mg) and vitamin B1 (0.16 mg) were lower than the standard. Additionally, the differences in the level of vitamin B2 ( U =372.00) and zinc ( U =375.00) between the urban and rural secondary schools were statistically significant ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
Nutrient supply of primary and secondary school meals in three cities of Henan Province is inadequate and imbalanced, and the recipe need to be further optimized and improved.
10.Identification of tortoiseshell glue and antler glue in Qixiong zuogui granules and content determination of 12 chemical components
Mengxiao JIA ; Chunhui CHANG ; Yang LIU ; Yaqian WANG ; Yunke ZHANG ; Yongyan JIA
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):540-545
OBJECTIVE To identify tortoiseshell glue and antler glue in Qichong zuogui granules, and determine the contents of 12 chemical components. METHODS Identification and content determination were performed by using liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The identification was performed on Hypersil GOLD column with a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid solution (gradient elution); the electrospray ion source was used to scan in the positive ion multi-reaction detection mode. The mass charge ratio (m/z) 631.3→546.4, 631.3→921.4 was the detection ion pair for tortoiseshell glue, and the m/z 765.4→554.0, 765.4→733.0 was the detection ion pair for antler glue. The determination method for 12 chemical components was as follows: Accucore C18 column, methanol-0.1% formic acid as mobile phase (gradient elution); scanning range of positive and negative ions was m/z 100→1 000 with the electric spray ion source and single ion detection scanning mode. RESULTS Average retention times of the molecular ion peaks for characteristic peptide segments of tortoiseshell glue and antler glue were 6.28 and 6.77 min, respectively; the linear relationship of 12 chemical components was good within their respective concentration ranges, such as astragaloside Ⅳ, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, calycosin, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, betaine, amygdalin, rutin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, hyperoside, loganin, cyasterone (r>0.999); RSDs for precision, stability (24 h) and reproducibility tests were all less than 5%. The average sample recovery rates ranged from 98.04% to 101.08%. The average contents of 12 components were 1.83, 25.73, 13.76,56.71, 23.80, 49.82, 807.49, 15.01, 317.02, 60.21, 202.71 and 17.70 μg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this study, tortoiseshell glue and antler glue in Qixiong zuogui granules are identified, and the contents of 12 chemical components therein are determined. This provides a reference for the quality control of this granule.


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