1.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
2.Anti-hepatic Fibrosis Mechanism of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction via Inhibiting Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Yanbo LI ; Chao LEI ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):103-111
ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug silybin (SF) group (55 mg·kg-1·d-1), YQSH-L group, YQSH-M group, and YQSH-H group (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively),n=6 in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the control group, the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, and the liver elasticity, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5 expression, neutrophil level, and MPO, NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover, the liver elasticity was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expression (P<0.01) and mRNA level of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The neutrophil level was decreased (P<0.01), the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5), reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and inhibition of NETs generation.
3.Anti-hepatic Fibrosis Mechanism of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction via Inhibiting Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Yanbo LI ; Chao LEI ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):103-111
ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug silybin (SF) group (55 mg·kg-1·d-1), YQSH-L group, YQSH-M group, and YQSH-H group (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively),n=6 in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the control group, the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, and the liver elasticity, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5 expression, neutrophil level, and MPO, NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover, the liver elasticity was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expression (P<0.01) and mRNA level of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The neutrophil level was decreased (P<0.01), the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5), reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and inhibition of NETs generation.
4.Immune-Metabolic Reprogramming in Hepatic Fibrosis and Its Micro-Level Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment:from the Perspective of "Liver Being the General and Spleen Being the Defender"
Jiqi OUYANG ; Yi WANG ; Yaocun SHEN ; Wenliang LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1277-1283
Guided by the classical theory of "the liver being the general and the spleen being the defender", this study explores the intrinsic relationship between the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis (HF) and immune-metabolic reprogramming. It is proposed that the pathogenesis of HF in traditional Chinese medicine demonstrates a high degree of biological correspondence to the modern medical concept of the immune-metabolic interaction network. Specifically, immune homeostasis imbalance is analogous to the failure of the spleen's defense and malnourishment of the liver collaterals; lipid metabolic disorder and inflammatory infiltration correspond to the wood constraint, earth congestion, and phlegm-dampness turbid accumulation; "heat-transformation brewing toxin" promotes glycolytic reprogramming and, together with "healthy qi deficiency and stasis binding" leads to microenvironment deterioration. Accordingly, a micro-level syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy is proposed, which emphasizes on enriching earth and nourishing wood, consolidating defense and moistening collaterals to restore immune homeostasis, soothing the liver and activating the spleen, dispelling dampness and eliminate turbidity to correct lipid metabolic disorder, clearing heat and removing toxins, reinforcing healthy qi and resolving stasis to intervene in glycolytic reprogramming and the inflammatory microenvironment, thereby ameliorating the progression of HF.
5.Exploring the Inflammation-to-Cancer Transformation of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Therapeutic Strategies Based on the Theory of "Wind and Fire Aggravating Each Other"
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1608-1612
Based on the theory of "wind and fire aggravating each other" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and combined with current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the inflammation-to-cancer transformation of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in modern medicine, this paper proposes that the persistent inflammatory response in CAG is considered analogous to excessive "fire", while dynamic changes in epithelial cell structure and characteristics during disease progression correspond to the concept of "wind" in TCM, which is characterized by mobility and frequent changes. Recurrent inflammatory stimulation may promote intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and even malignant transformation of gastric epithelial cells, whereas abnormal cells can further amplify local inflammatory responses, forming a vicious cycle driven by the mutual aggravation of wind and fire. On this basis, treatment should focus on clearing excessive pathogenic fire and calming internal pathogenic wind, with therapeutic strategies adjusted according to disease progression. In the early stage, clearing damp-heat in the qi level is emphasized to block the escalation of fire and the generation of wind. In the middle stage, the method of cooling the blood and dissolving stasis, regulating qi and resolving constraint is applied to alleviate the progression of stasis and wind activation. In the advanced stage, the therapeutic focus shifts toward dispelling wind and resolving toxins, while strengthening the body's resistance and consolidating the foundation to prevent the transformation caused by wind-toxin accumulation.
6.Exploring the Inflammation-to-Cancer Transformation of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Therapeutic Strategies Based on the Theory of "Wind and Fire Aggravating Each Other"
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1608-1612
Based on the theory of "wind and fire aggravating each other" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and combined with current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the inflammation-to-cancer transformation of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in modern medicine, this paper proposes that the persistent inflammatory response in CAG is considered analogous to excessive "fire", while dynamic changes in epithelial cell structure and characteristics during disease progression correspond to the concept of "wind" in TCM, which is characterized by mobility and frequent changes. Recurrent inflammatory stimulation may promote intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and even malignant transformation of gastric epithelial cells, whereas abnormal cells can further amplify local inflammatory responses, forming a vicious cycle driven by the mutual aggravation of wind and fire. On this basis, treatment should focus on clearing excessive pathogenic fire and calming internal pathogenic wind, with therapeutic strategies adjusted according to disease progression. In the early stage, clearing damp-heat in the qi level is emphasized to block the escalation of fire and the generation of wind. In the middle stage, the method of cooling the blood and dissolving stasis, regulating qi and resolving constraint is applied to alleviate the progression of stasis and wind activation. In the advanced stage, the therapeutic focus shifts toward dispelling wind and resolving toxins, while strengthening the body's resistance and consolidating the foundation to prevent the transformation caused by wind-toxin accumulation.
7.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
8.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
9.Research advances in the genetic mechanism of autoimmune hepatitis
Xinxian WANG ; Lanyu CHEN ; Wenliang LYU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1668-1672
Autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)is a chronic inflammatory liver disease caused by immune abnormalities.Genetic factors play an important role in AIH.The analysis of genes has shown that new genetic markers can help to deepen the understanding of the risk of AIH and develop treatment measures.This article reviews the research advances in human leukocyte antigen,single nucleotide polymorphism,and epigenetics,in order to provide a reference for clinical treatment and research on AIH.
10.Research Hotspot and Frontier Trend of TCM Prevention and Treatment of HP-Associated Gastritis:Visualization Analysis Based on Citespace Database of CNKI
Yi ZHAO ; Ningfeng MAO ; Juanli ZHANG ; Siyi ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2132-2141
Objective To use Citespace 6.2.R4software to analyze the literature research on the prevention and treatment of HP-associated gastritis by traditional Chinese medicine in recent 10 years,and to discuss the research hotspot and research trend in this field.Methods Literature on the treatment of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)associated gastritis with traditional Chinese medicine was retrieved from CNKI database,and then these literature datas were imported into Citespace knowledge graph software,which was used to visually analyze the number of publications,author distribution,research institutions and keywords in the literature.Results A total of 930 literatures were included.The number of published papers from 2015 to 2024 was basically stable,and the number of published papers from 2019-2020 was the largest;Author co-occurrence analysis shows that the authors with the most publications are Liu Qian,Yu Bin and Zhou Yifang.The co-occurrence analysis of institutions showed that the institutions with the highest number of publications were Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine,Hunan University of Chinese Medicine,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and Hubei University of Chinese Medicine.Keyword analysis shows that the current research in this field mainly focuses on clinical efficacy,clinical research,TCM syndrome types,famous doctors'experience,data mining and so on.Conclusion In recent years,Chinese medicine has shown a high popularity in the prevention and treatment of HP-related gastritis.In the future,cross-regional exchanges and cooperation between various teams and institutions should be strengthened,more real-world studies on TCM prevention and treatment of HP-associated gastritis should be carried out,high-level evidence-based evidence should be obtained,and the mechanism of action of the prescription should be clarified.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail