1.Regulatory effect of ten-eleven translocation 2-mediated epigenetics and the interaction between gut microbiota and immunity on autoimmune hepatitis
Lifen WANG ; Ling LI ; Guangwei LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):697-703
Ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2), as a core enzyme in epigenetic regulation, dynamically regulates the differentiation and function of CD4+ T cells by mediating DNA demethylation. Recent studies have shown that TET2 deficiency can promote the progression of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) by disrupting the Th17/Treg balance and activating inflammatory signals along the gut-liver axis. This article systematically reviews the bridging role of TET2 between CD4+ T cells and gut microbiota, explores the molecular mechanisms by which it drives AIH through the gut microbiota-epigenetics-immunity network, and discusses the potential intervention strategies targeting the TET2-microbiota axis.
2.Molecular mechanisms of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis comorbid with fatty liver disease
Shuo DONG ; Ying WANG ; Xiwang WANG ; Jingjing JIN ; Kai WEI ; Xiao WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):739-744
Both hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis and fatty liver disease are associated with lipid metabolism disorders and are commonly comorbid with each other in clinical practice. The pathogenesis of such comorbidity involves the interaction between multiple factors such as hypertriglyceridemia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance, and these factors may form a vicious cycle and jointly promote disease progression. In clinical practice, hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis is characterized by severe disease conditions, a high incidence rate of complications, a high mortality rate, and a tendency for recurrence, and it can easily lead to multi-organ damage and even multiple organ failure without timely treatment, posing a serious threat to the life of patients. Starting from the various signaling pathways associated with hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis comorbid with fatty liver disease, this article discusses the potential molecular mechanisms of synergistic pathogenesis between hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis and fatty liver disease, so as to provide a reference for the early prevention and treatment of such comorbidity.
3.Research progress on the intervention of sarcopenia with traditional Chinese medicine based on the AMPK signaling pathway
Wenyu FAN ; Bairong HUANG ; Congmin HONG ; Yan CHEN ; Jiayin WANG ; Jing GAO ; Xiaodong FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1229-1235
arcopenia is a systemic skeletal muscle disorder characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and progressive decline in function, with multiple signaling pathways involved in its occurrence and development. Among them, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, as a key pathway regulating cellular energy homeostasis, plays an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism and functional maintenance by improving abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism, balancing skeletal muscle protein synthesis and degradation, improving mitochondrial function, promoting autophagy, and inhibiting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. This article reviews the research progress on how various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids; various traditional Chinese medicine extracts, such as those from Lycium barbarum , Asini Corii Colla, and Panax quinquefolium , and TCM compounds, such as Guiqi zhuangjin decoction, Jianpi qiangji granules, and Qigu capsules, intervene in sarcopenia by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway to promote muscle protein synthesis, inhibit protein degradation, improve mitochondrial function, and alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, their molecular mechanisms are explored. The aim is to deeply elucidate the basis of TCM in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and to provide theoretical support for the development of related innovative drugs.
4.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.
5.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.
6.Effects and mechanism of curcumin on neurological injury in neonatal rats with bacterial meningitis
Yueyun LI ; Yanrui WANG ; Yan FU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):17-23
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of curcumin on neurological injury in neonatal rats with bacterial meningitis based on the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1( STAT1)/ nucleotide-binding domain leucine- rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. METHODS Neonatal rats, with an equal number of males and females, were randomly divided into control group, model group, curcumin low-dose (Cur-L), medium-dose (Cur- M) and high-dose (Cur-H) groups, and Cur-H+STAT1 transcription enhancer [2-(1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)phenol] group (Cur-H+2- NP group), with 15 rats in each group. Except for the control group, rats in other groups were injected with a suspension of group B Streptococcus (1×104 cfu/mL, 10 μL) into the cerebellomedullary cistern to establish a bacterial meningitis model. After successful model establishment, rats in Cur-L, Cur-M and Cur-H groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg curcumin, respectively, and those in the Cur-H+2-NP group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg curcumin and 0.5 mg/kg 2- NP, once a day, for 3 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, modified Loeffler score was conducted, white blood cells (WBC) count in cerebrospinal fluid as well as the contents of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and IL-18], brain water content and blood-brain barrier permeability were detected; the histopathological changes of hippocampus and cortex tissues were observed. The percentage of apoptosis in hippocampal/cortical tissue cells, the positive expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), the co-localization of Iba-1 and NLRP3, as well as the expressions of proteins related to the STAT1/NLRP3 signaling pathway (phosphorylated STAT1, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, gasdermin D, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18) were examined. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the neurons in the hippocampal/cortical tissues of rats in the model group exhibited significant morphological abnormalities, accompanied by neuronal edema and necrosis, as well as infiltration of inflammatory cells. The modified Loeffler score and the number of Nissl bodies were significantly decreased/reduced in the model group, while the WBC count, levels of inflammatory factors, brain water content, blood-brain barrier permeability, HE staining score, number of degenerated neurons, percentage of apoptotic cells, positive expression of Iba-1, percentage of Iba-1 and NLRP3 co-localization- positive cells, and expressions of pathway-related proteins were all significantly rose/increased/upregulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the histopathological changes in the hippocampal/cortical tissues of rats in all curcumin dosage groups were alleviated to varying degrees, with significant improvements in all quantitative indicators (P<0.05); conversely, 2-NP significantly reversed the ameliorative effects of curcumin on these quantitative indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Curcumin can alleviate cerebral edema and blood-brain barrier damage, reduce neuroinflammation, inhibit cell apoptosis and pyroptosis, and thereby alleviate neuronal injury in neonatal rats with bacterial meningitis. The underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the STAT1/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
7.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.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.

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