1.Research Advances of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease:Overview and Prospects
Liang DAI ; Guang JI ; Xianbo WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Hanchen XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):386-391
The pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is fundamentally rooted in spleen deficiency and is closely associated with phlegm turbidity, damp-heat and blood stasis. Clinically, liver constraint with spleen deficiency and internal retention of damp turbidity represent the predominant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns. Researches have indicated intrinsic connections between the syndrome patterns and biological indicators such as gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. Regarding treatment, classical famous formulas, modern empirical formulas, and newly developed TCM drugs show positive effects in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, and alleviating metabolic inflammation, exhibiting multi-target mechanisms of action; acupuncture and other external therapies also provide adjunctive value. Nevertheless, current researches still have limitations such as the lack of high-quality clinical evidence and insufficient systematic elucidation of the uncerlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on conducting high-quality TCM clinical trials with hard endpoint outcomes such as hepatic histology outcomes, and utilizing modern technologies like multi-omics to elucidate TCM's mechanisms of action, thereby advancing the position of TCM as a first-line therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
2.Hepatitis B cirrhosis comorbid with Staphylococcus lugdunensis bloodstream infection: A case report
Shuyun HUANG ; Bukun ZHU ; Wei ZHANG ; Liqiong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):409-413
As a coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Staphylococcus lugdunensis has stronger virulence and pathogenicity than other Staphylococcus bacteria and is comparable to Staphylococcus aureus. In recent years, there has been a gradual increase in the number of related case reports, A patient with hepatitis B cirrhosis and Staphylococcus lugdunensis bloodstream infection was admitted to our department and was followed up for more than 2 years, and the patient was analyzed in terms of clinical features, pathogenicity, invasion, and the application of related antibiotics.
3.Mechanism of action of estrogen deficiency in autoimmune hepatitis via the intestinal barrier
Mingzhu SONG ; Ling LI ; Jinxia ZHU ; Shu ZHANG ; Guangwei LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):438-444
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated chronic liver inflammatory disease with unknown pathogenesis, and intestinal barrier dysfunction is considered an important factor. Meanwhile, there are sex and age differences in the incidence rate of AIH, suggesting that hormone may be involved in regulation. On this basis, this article focuses on the association between estrogen, intestinal barrier, and immune homeostasis, systematically reviews the evidence that estrogen deficiency disrupts intestinal barrier homeostasis, and further summarizes the potential mechanism of estrogen in regulating the development and progression of AIH via intestinal barrier.
4.Disease burden of influenza like illness among student populations in Shenzhen
PENG Weijun, ZHANG Wei, LUO Jingwei,CHEN Hongbiao, ZHOU Xiaofeng, LIN Sixiao, LIU Honglian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):589-592
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of influenza like illness (ILI) among student populations, so as to provide data support for policy formulation and optimal allocation of health resources.
Methods:
From January 2024 to February 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior high school students in 9 districts of Shenzhen, including Longhua, Futian, Bao an, Longgang, Luohu, Nanshan, Guangming, Pingshan and Yantian. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaire based on whether their children had fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and other common symptoms in 2024. A total of 3 537 parents were investigated, and 444 ILI cases were included as study subjects. The epidemiological burden, including incidence rate of influenza, visitation rate, years lived with disability (YLDs) and economic burden (including direct economic burden, indirect economic burden and intangible burden) were analyzed.
Results:
The incidence rate of influenza among students in Shenzhen in 2024 was 12.55%. The ILI incidence rates in kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior high school were 14.01%, 11.69% and 5.23%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2= 45.20, P <0.01). The ILI consultation rate among students was 85.36%, and the consultation rates in kindergarten (87.36%) and primary school students (84.62%) were higher than those in junior and senior high school students ( 56.52 %) ( χ 2=16.47, P <0.01). A total of 78.88% of cases did not receive etiological detection.The median total economic burden per ILI case was 2 354.62 yuan, including direct medical costs of 300.00 yuan, direct non medical costs of 212.50 yuan, indirect costs of 1 000.00 yuan, and intangible burden of 500.00 yuan.
Conclusions
Schools are high risk environment for influenza, and younger students are a high risk group for ILI. The disease burden caused by student ILI remains substantial.
5.Mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction based on network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and in vitro experimental validation
Yantao YANG ; Chao YU ; Zhihang ZHANG ; Yujiong PAN ; Xiaofeng HE ; Min XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):296-305
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and validate its core targets and mechanisms through in vitro experiments. Methods The active components and corresponding molecular targets of Jianfu mixture were searched by searching TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases, and the disease targets of ED were searched by using GeneCards database. Find the intersection of drug ingredient target and disease target. The interaction between intersected targets was described and analyzed by String database, and the analysis results were visualized by Cytoscape software to determine the core target and the corresponding active components. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed for intersection targets; the core target within the intersection were found through MCODE plug-in on Cytoscape software and molecular docking was performed with the corresponding active ingredients. An endothelial dysfunction model was established by transfecting HUVECs with si-eNOS. Intervene with different concentrations of the Jianfu mixture for the model cells for 24 h. QPCR was used to detect mRNA expression of core targets (MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, MAPK8); Western blot was used to analyze protein expression (eNOS, JUN, p-JUN, MAPK, p-MAPK) and phosphorylation levels. Results 144 effective active components and 168 active components target-disease targe intersection of Jianfu mixture were obtained. GO analysis revealed 200 5 biological processes, 151 molecular functions, and 63 cellular components. KEGG analysis yielded 181 pathways. 5 core targets including MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1 and MAPK8 were screened out. The active components such as β-sitosterol, kaempferol, astapterocarpan had good binding affinity with the core target. In vitro experiments confirmed successful construction of the endothelial dysfunction model (eNOS expression significantly decreased after si-eNOS transfection). Jianfu mixture dose-dependently inhibited mRNA expression of MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, and MAPK8. Additionally, it reduced phosphorylation levels of JUN and MAPK, indicating inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways to improve endothelial function. Conclusion Jianfu mixture treats ED by suppressing abnormal activation of multi-target signaling pathways (MAPK/JUN/ESR1), reducing endothelial apoptosis, and promoting NO synthesis. This mechanism aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, tonifying Qi, and strengthening cardiovascular function.” The study provided molecular-level evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of Jianfu mixture in ED management.
6.Mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction based on network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking and in vitro experimental validation
Yantao YANG ; Chao YU ; Zhihang ZHANG ; Yujiong PAN ; Xiaofeng HE ; Min XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(6):296-305
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Jianfu mixture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) by network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and validate its core targets and mechanisms through in vitro experiments. Methods The active components and corresponding molecular targets of Jianfu mixture were searched by searching TCMSP and Batman-TCM databases, and the disease targets of ED were searched by using GeneCards database. Find the intersection of drug ingredient target and disease target. The interaction between intersected targets was described and analyzed by String database, and the analysis results were visualized by Cytoscape software to determine the core target and the corresponding active components. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed for intersection targets; the core target within the intersection were found through MCODE plug-in on Cytoscape software and molecular docking was performed with the corresponding active ingredients. An endothelial dysfunction model was established by transfecting HUVECs with si-eNOS. Intervene with different concentrations of the Jianfu mixture for the model cells for 24 h. QPCR was used to detect mRNA expression of core targets (MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, MAPK8); Western blot was used to analyze protein expression (eNOS, JUN, p-JUN, MAPK, p-MAPK) and phosphorylation levels. Results 144 effective active components and 168 active components target-disease targe intersection of Jianfu mixture were obtained. GO analysis revealed 200 5 biological processes, 151 molecular functions, and 63 cellular components. KEGG analysis yielded 181 pathways. 5 core targets including MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1 and MAPK8 were screened out. The active components such as β-sitosterol, kaempferol, astapterocarpan had good binding affinity with the core target. In vitro experiments confirmed successful construction of the endothelial dysfunction model (eNOS expression significantly decreased after si-eNOS transfection). Jianfu mixture dose-dependently inhibited mRNA expression of MAPK1, MAPK3, JUN, ESR1, and MAPK8. Additionally, it reduced phosphorylation levels of JUN and MAPK, indicating inhibition of the JNK/c-Jun and ERK/MAPK signaling pathways to improve endothelial function. Conclusion Jianfu mixture treats ED by suppressing abnormal activation of multi-target signaling pathways (MAPK/JUN/ESR1), reducing endothelial apoptosis, and promoting NO synthesis. This mechanism aligns with the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, tonifying Qi, and strengthening cardiovascular function.” The study provided molecular-level evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of Jianfu mixture in ED management.
7.Improvement effect and mechanism of ginsenoside F1 on allergic rhinitis rats based on the MAPK/STAT3 pathway
Jiahui LAN ; Tao ZHANG ; Wei DONG ; Chang LIU ; An HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1845-1850
OBJECTIVE To explore the improvement effect and potential mechanism of ginsenoside F1 (GF1) on allergic rhinitis (AR) rats based on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were divided into a control group ( n =15) and a modeling group ( n =55). The AR rat model was established by basic sensitization with ovalbumin followed by local challenge. The successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to the AR group, low-dose GF1 group [2.5 mg/(kg·d) ] , high-dose GF1 group [5 mg/(kg·d) ] , loratadine group (positive control, 1.5 mg/(kg·d) ] , and high-dose GF1+MAPK activator group [5 mg/(kg·d) GF1+0.2 nmol C16-PAF ] , with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 rats from the control group were randomly selected as the blank control group. Rats in each group received corresponding drug solutions or normal saline via intranasal instillation and/or oral gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days. After the final administration, AR symptoms were observed and rhinitis symptom scores were assessed. Histopathological changes of the nasal mucosa were examined. The number of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-17, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) ] and immunoglobulin E (IgE), as well as the density of goblet cells, the number of mast cells, and the expression of MAPK/STAT3 pathway-related proteins in nasal mucosal tissues were measured. RESULTS Compared with the blank control group, the AR group exhibited marked pathological damage to the nasal mucosal epithelium, characterized by interstitial edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. The rhinitis symptom score, the number of macrophages, lymphocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and mast cells, the density of goblet cells, the levels of IL-4, IL-17 and IgE, as well as the protein phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and STAT3 were significantly increased or elevated, while the level of IFN-γ was significantly decreased in the AR group ( P <0.05). Compared with the AR group, all administration groups showed recovery of nasal mucosal epithelial pathological damage and significant improvements in all quantitative indicators, with the high-dose GF1 group and loratadine group showing more pronounced improvements than the low-dose GF1 group ( P <0.05). C16-PAF significantly reversed the ameliorative effects of GF1 on all quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS GF1 can alleviate rhinitis symptoms in AR rats and inhibit inflammatory responses, which may be related to the inhibition of the MAPK/STAT3 pathway activation.
8.Treatment of Perimenopausal Syndrome Using the Method of Clearing the Heart and Pacifying Liver
Yifei CHEN ; Ji LI ; Jie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1290-1292
To summarise the clinical experience of treating perimenopausal syndrome with self-prescribed Gengnian Formula (更年方). It is believed that the key mechanism of perimenopausal syndrome is the imbalance of heart and liver, and it is common to see the syndrome of blazing of heart-liver fire, so the treatment should be based on calmness of qi and blood. It is advocated that using the method of clearing the heart and pacifying liver, prescribing Gengnian Formula as the basic formula, and modifying according to the symptoms, so as to regulate heart and liver and balance yin and yang.
9.International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025).
Sheng-Sheng ZHANG ; Lu-Qing ZHAO ; Xiao-Hua HOU ; Zhao-Xiang BIAN ; Jian-Hua ZHENG ; Hai-He TIAN ; Guan-Hu YANG ; Won-Sook HONG ; Yu-Ying HE ; Li LIU ; Hong SHEN ; Yan-Ping LI ; Sheng XIE ; Jin SHU ; Bin-Fang ZENG ; Jun-Xiang LI ; Zhen LIU ; Zheng-Hua XIAO ; Jing-Dong XIAO ; Pei-Yong ZHENG ; Shao-Gang HUANG ; Sheng-Liang CHEN ; Gui-Jun FEI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):502-518
Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Practice Guidelines as Topic
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
10.Chlorogenic acid mitigates glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via modulation of HER2/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
An-Na XIE ; Sun-Zheng-Yuan ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Jin-Long CAO ; Cheng-Long WANG ; Li-Bo WANG ; Hong-Jin WU ; Jie ZHANG ; Wei-Wei DAI
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):670-682
OBJECTIVE:
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a common complication of prolonged glucocorticoid therapy. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenol with antioxidant properties that is extracted from traditional Chinese medicines such as Eucommiae Cortex, has potential anti-osteoporotic activity. This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of CGA on GIOP in mice and murine long bone osteocyte Y4 (MLO-Y4) cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS:
The protective effects of CGA were initially evaluated in the GIOP mouse model induced by dexamethasone (Dex). The micro-computed tomography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, silver nitrate staining, and serum detection were used to assess the efficacy of CGA for improving bone formation in vivo. Then, network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the potential targets and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic efficacy of CGA against GIOP. After that, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate staining, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting were used to verify the mechanisms of CGA against GIOP in vitro.
RESULTS:
Animal experiments showed that CGA treatment effectively attenuated Dex-induced decreases in bone mass and strength and improved disrupted osteocyte morphology in mice. The protein-protein interaction analysis highlighted erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase (ERBB2), which is also known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), caspase-3, kinase insert domain receptor, matrix metallopeptidase 9, matrix metallopeptidase 2, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src, and epidermal growth factor receptor as core targets. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed several significantly enriched pathways (P < 0.05), including the ERBB, phosphoinositide 3 kinase-AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT), and mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) pathways. Cellular experiments verified that CGA enhanced bone formation and promoted autophagy while inhibiting apoptosis in MLO-Y4 cells exposed to Dex, which was associated with the upregulated expression of HER2 and activation of the HER2/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
CGA exerted anti-osteoporotic effects against GIOP, partially through targeting osteocytes and modulating the HER2/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Please cite this article as: Xie AN, Zhang SZY, Zhang Y, Cao JL, Wang CL, Wang LB, Wu HJ, Zhang J, Dai WW. Chlorogenic acid mitigates glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via modulation of HER2/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):670-682.
Animals
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Chlorogenic Acid/therapeutic use*
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Osteoporosis/metabolism*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
;
Mice
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Glucocorticoids/adverse effects*
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Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism*
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Dexamethasone/adverse effects*
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Osteocytes/drug effects*
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
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Male
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Cell Line
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Humans


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