1.Exploring the Collateral Damage Mechanism and Sequential Treatment Strategy of Children IgA Vasculitis from the Perspective of "Wind Agitating Blood Turbidity"
Zhenhua YUAN ; Shuang XU ; Yingying JIANG ; Rongxin ZHU ; Yatong ZHANG ; Mingyang CAI ; Jingjing WU ; Hang SU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1953-1956
As one of the common systemic vasculitides in children, IgA vasculitis is closely associated with the interaction of "Wind pathogen" and "turbid stasis" in its pathogenesis. Based on the blood turbidity theory, this paper proposes "wind agitating blood turbidity and collateral damage" as the core pathogenesis. Regarding treatment, the sequential therapeutic principle of "stanch bleeding, activating blood circulation, and nourishing blood" is adopted, and combined with the dynamic application of wind-dispelling medicinals to "expel, search, and guard against wind", turbidity-removing method is applied throughout all stages. In the acute stage,it is recommended to clear heat and purify turbidity, stanch bleeding and secure the collaterals. In the prolonged stage, the method of dissipating stasis and clearing up turbidity should be used, as well as activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals. In the recovery stage, it is advised to nourish blood to flourish the collaterals, reinforce healthy qi and resolve turbidity. This therapeutic system integrates the elimination of pathogens and the reinforcement of healthy qi to clear and resolve blood turbidity, ultimately achieving holistic collateral repair through securing, unblocking, and nourishing the collaterals, which provides new insights into the treatment of this disease in traditional Chinese medicine.
2.Chicken-Derived Medicinals for Pediatric Enuresis:An Analysis Based on Ancient Classical Literature
Min TONG ; Xianqing REN ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yatong ZHANG ; Diya MA ; Zichao DING ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyang CAI ; Shuzi ZHANG ; Jialei CAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1966-1972
ObjectiveTo systematically investigate the medication rules of chicken-derived medicinals for treating children enuresis in ancient Chinese medical classicals. MethodsThe China Medical Classics V5.0 database was searched to identify formulas and passages containing chicken-derived medicinals for pediatric enuresis. A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2021 to extract information including formulas, therapeutic categories, natures, flavors, channel entry, processing methods, dosage forms, and administration methods. Frequency analysis was performed, while association rule analysis and cluster analysis were conducted using R software. Gephi 0.10.1 software was used for complex network analysis. ResultsA total of 171 records were included, comprising 36 single-herb formulas and 135 compound formulas, sourced from 64 classical medical monographs. The identified chicken-derived medicinals included jichang (Intestinum Galli), jineijin (Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli), jigan (Gallina Hepar), jishibai (Faeces Galli Albi), jisu (Ingluvies Galli), jiheling (Pluma Alae Galli), and jiweimao (Chicken tail feathers). The top three frequently used single herbs were jichang (17 times), jineijin (8 times), and jiheling (5 times). Among compound prescriptions, the three most frequently recorded formulas were Jineijin Powder (鸡内金散, 43 times), Jichang Powder (鸡肠散, 25 times), and Guigan Pills (桂肝丸, 24 times), with jineijin, jichang, and jigan being the predominant chicken-derived medicinals. When converting the daily dosage of chicken-derived medicines into modern dosage units, the dose ranged from 0.53 g to 33.57 g for jineijin, with 4.48 g being the most frequently used dose, and from 0.25 g to 30.00 g for jichang, with 17.90 g being the most frequently used dose. Chicken-derived medicinals were mostly used after processing, commonly employing burning (68 times), roasting/ stir-baking (37 times), and calcining (24 times) to preserve properties. Powders (117 times), pills (45 times), and decoctions (9 times) were the principal dosage forms, and administration with wine (70 times) was the most common method. The most frequently used herbal pair was jineijin and roucongrong (Herba Cistanches), while the core prescription combinations were Tusizi Powder (菟丝子散), Yangshi Jichang Powder (杨氏鸡肠散), and Rongxiang Pill (茸香丸). ConclusionChicken-derived medicinals , such as jichang and jineijin, are commonly processed by burning or roasting before use in the treatment of enuresis. They are often combined with longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), muli (Concha Ostreae), sangpiaoxiao (Oötheca Mantidis), roucongrong and rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) to warm and tonify the kidney qi, arrest enuresis and emission with astringents. Pills and powders are the predominant dosage forms and are commonly administered before meals with wine or salted water.
3.Exploring the Pathogenic Characteristics and Treatment of Childhood Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome Based on "Directing the Turbid Downward with Wind Medicinals"
Lei HUA ; Qiongqiong XING ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yuying SUN ; Jingjing WU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2082-2085
Based on the view that wind pathogen runs through the entire course of the occurrence and development of nephrotic syndrome, it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS) in children involves imbalance of the lung, spleen, and kidney, invasion of wind pathogen, and stagnation of turbidity and stasis, and that directing the turbid downward with wind medicinals is the key therapeutic strategy. In clinical practice, according to the distinct pathogenic characteristics of three patterns, including defensive qi insecurity of the lung, yang deficiency with loss of regulation, and binding of turbidity and stasis, three corresponding methods are applied, which are diffusing the lung to consolidate defensive qi, elevating yang to supplement the spleen and kidney, and activating blood to unblock turbidity and stasis. For the pattern of defensive qi insecurity of the lung, wind medicinals are used to penetrate and disperse external pathogens, such as fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) and mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) for diffusing the lung, dispersing wind, and consolidating defensive qi. For yang deficiency with loss of regulation pattern, wind medicinals are employed to elevate yang and assist transformation, such as shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and gegen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) for raising clear yang, warming and activating the spleen and kidney. For binding of turbidity and stasis pattern, wind medicinals with scurrying and collateral‑unblocking properties are used, such as jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), luoshiteng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and chuanshanlong (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae) for dispelling wind, activating blood, resolving stasis, and directing turbidity downward. In all these methods, the core principle is to use wind medicinals to regulate qi movement, open and unblock the sweat pores, and separately eliminate turbid pathogens, thereby providing a theoretical and practical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of RNS in children.
4.Exploring the Pathogenic Characteristics and Treatment of Childhood Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome Based on "Directing the Turbid Downward with Wind Medicinals"
Lei HUA ; Qiongqiong XING ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Yuying SUN ; Jingjing WU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2082-2085
Based on the view that wind pathogen runs through the entire course of the occurrence and development of nephrotic syndrome, it is proposed that the core pathogenesis of refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS) in children involves imbalance of the lung, spleen, and kidney, invasion of wind pathogen, and stagnation of turbidity and stasis, and that directing the turbid downward with wind medicinals is the key therapeutic strategy. In clinical practice, according to the distinct pathogenic characteristics of three patterns, including defensive qi insecurity of the lung, yang deficiency with loss of regulation, and binding of turbidity and stasis, three corresponding methods are applied, which are diffusing the lung to consolidate defensive qi, elevating yang to supplement the spleen and kidney, and activating blood to unblock turbidity and stasis. For the pattern of defensive qi insecurity of the lung, wind medicinals are used to penetrate and disperse external pathogens, such as fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) and mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) for diffusing the lung, dispersing wind, and consolidating defensive qi. For yang deficiency with loss of regulation pattern, wind medicinals are employed to elevate yang and assist transformation, such as shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) and gegen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) for raising clear yang, warming and activating the spleen and kidney. For binding of turbidity and stasis pattern, wind medicinals with scurrying and collateral‑unblocking properties are used, such as jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), luoshiteng (Caulis Trachelospermi), and chuanshanlong (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae) for dispelling wind, activating blood, resolving stasis, and directing turbidity downward. In all these methods, the core principle is to use wind medicinals to regulate qi movement, open and unblock the sweat pores, and separately eliminate turbid pathogens, thereby providing a theoretical and practical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of RNS in children.
5.Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Pediatric IgA Vasculitis Based on the Correlation Between Blood Turbidity Theory and Oxidative Stress
Zhenhua YUAN ; Yingying JIANG ; Mingyang CAI ; Rongxin ZHU ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):567-570
This paper explores the differentiation and treatment strategies for pediatric IgA vasculitis based on the correlation between blood trubidity theory and oxidative stress. It is proposed that pediatric IgA vasculitis follows an evolution of pathogenesis characterized by "deficiency of healthy qi leading to turbidity generation, accumulation of turbid toxin, and toxin damage to the collateral vessels", which corresponds to the pathological process of oxidative stress, namely decreased antioxidant capacity with accumulation of reactive oxygen species, metabolite deposition, and endothelial cell injury. A staged treatment strategy is proposed. In the acute stage, wind-toxin invading the colla-terals and reckless movement of heat in the blood are the main manifestations, for which the treatment should focus on dispelling wind and venting pathogens, resolving toxins and unblocking the collaterals, with a modified Yinqiao Powder (银翘散) and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to regulate oxidative stress burst. In the prolonged stage, intermingling of turbidity and stasis with collateral obstruction is emphasized; treatment should focus on resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, harmonizing the blood and stabilizing the collaterals, and a modified Simiao Powder (四妙散) and Taohong Siwu Decoction (桃红四物汤) can be used to improve microcirculatory dysfunction. In the remission stage, when healthy qi remains insufficient and residual pathogens persist, treatment should focus on strengthening the root and clearing the source, reinforcing healthy qi and nourishing the collaterals, for which modified Zhibai Dihuang Pill (知柏地黄丸) and Yupingfeng Powder (玉屏风散) is suggested to rebuild the antioxidant defense system.
6.Treatment of Refractory Nephrotic Syndrome in Children from the Perspective of "Cold Qi Generates Turbidity"
Zhenhua YUAN ; Pan WANG ; Jingjing WU ; Mingyang CAI ; Shuang XU ; Yingying JIANG ; Yatong ZHANG ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Yuhang NIU ; Xilin CHEN ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2236-2239
Based on the theory of "cold qi generates turbidity" described in the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), together with the physiological characteristics of children, who are considered to have an inherent insufficiency of the lung, spleen, and kidney, and the clinical features of recurrent refractory nephrotic syndrome (RNS), this article proposes that the pathogenesis of RNS in children is characterized by yang deficiency with internal cold, turbidity arising from cold, latent turbidity transforming into toxin, activation by newly contracted pathogens, and turbid toxins damaging the collaterals. The core pathogenesis is identified as yang deficiency, turbidity coagulation, and collateral damage. Accordingly, the general treatment principle is warming yang and eliminating turbidity, with coordination of three methods including warming yang to strengthen the body's foundation, promoting yang to relieve constraint, and raising yang while replenishing qi. Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤) is employed as the basic prescription with modification according to syndrome differentiation, to achieve an effect eliminating turbidity and arresting leakage, restoring kidney function by unblocking the collaterals, and consolidating recovery to prevent relapse.
7.Analysis of Clinical Diagnosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Medication Rule of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Single Center
Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG ; Ying DING ; Long WANG ; Shanshan XU ; Yijin WANG ; Yue WANG ; Feiyu YAO ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):176-184
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical treatment plan and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication rule of children with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. MethodsThe gender and age of children firstly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in the pediatric nephrology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from November 2019 to December 2022 were collected, and the use of immunosuppressive agents and related frequencies were counted. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, an independent TCM prescription database for children with nephrotic syndrome was established. Excel was used to analyze the relevant information of the literature. The frequency counting, association rule analysis, and cluster analysis were carried out on TCM in the prescription, and the high-frequent drugs were analyzed. Results(1) General information: A total of 711 children were included, consisting of 522 males (73.42%) and 189 females (26.58%). The ratio of male to female was about 2.76∶1. The disease mainly occurred in infants and preschool age, and the average age of onset was (4.74 ± 3.48) years old. (2) Clinical treatment plan and use of immunosuppressive agents: Of the 711 children with PNS, 237 were treated with hormone alone (32.33%), and 474 (66.67%) received immunosuppressive agents combined with hormones. In the initial treatment, hormone combined with Tacrolimus (TAC) was the preferred treatment (32.91%). For children with refractory PNS who exhibited poor clinical efficacy, Rituximab (RTX) was mostly used for treatment, with a ratio of up to 23.63%. (3) TCM syndrome and medication rule: In PNS syndrome differentiation, Qi and Yin deficiency was identified as the main syndrome. This involved a total of 477 cases, accounting for 67.09%. Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney was observed in 118 cases, accounting for 16.60%. A total of 711 children were included, of which 706 children were treated with TCM. This involved a total of 706 prescriptions, 226 TCM, and 9 793 frequencies. There were 30 herbs used more than 95 times. The top five TCM were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (81.16%), Radix Astragali (71.81%), Poria (68.84%), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (63.60%), and Fructus Corni (57.37%). The drug association rules and network diagram showed that the combination of ''Radix Astragali-Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Poria'' was the closest, and five types of combinations were obtained by cluster analysis. ConclusionIn the diagnosis and treatment of PNS in children, TAC combined with hormones shows good clinical efficacy and high safety. For children with refractory PNS, RTX combined with hormones can be used. TCM medication for PNS should follow the basic principles of strengthening the body and vital Qi and make good use of drugs such as Radix Astragali, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and cornus to regulate the Yin and Yang balance and achieve better clinical efficacy.
8.Observation of the therapeutic effect of rituximab combined with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation on treating steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in children and the regularity of traditional Chinese medicine use
Xia ZHANG ; Xuejun LI ; Tingting XU ; Guang LI ; Yifan LI ; Chundong SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI ; Xianqing REN ; Ying DING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):80-90
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy, safety, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medication patterns of rituximab (RTX) combined with TCM on treating children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS).
Methods:
One hundred and forty-three children with SDNS who visited the Pediatric Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to December 2022 were enrolled. A cohort study design was adopted, with " RTX treatment" as the exposure factor. Children who met this exposure factor were assigned to the RTX cohort (RTX, glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive agent, combined with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment), whereas those who did not were assigned to the basic treatment cohort (glucocorticoid, immunosuppressive agent, combined with traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation treatment ), and followed up for 6 months. The frequency of urinary protein recurrences, urinary protein remission duration, proportion and duration of steroid reduction and cessation, cumulative usage of steroids, proportion of recurrence, recurrence amount of steroid used, efficacy of TCM syndrome, and laboratory and safety indicators after treatment, and height and CD19+ B cell count before and after treatment were compared between the two cohorts. The medication patterns of TCM in the two cohorts were analyzed using frequency statistics, association rule analysis, and systematic clustering analysis.
Results:
Compared with the basic treatment cohort, the RTX cohort showed a decrease in the frequency of urinary protein recurrence, extended sustained remission of urinary protein, an increase in the proportion of steroid reduction and cessation, a shorter duration of steroid reduction and cessation, a decrease in cumulative steroid dosage, a lower recurrence rate, a decrease in CD19+ B cell count, and a decrease in 24-h urinary total protein quantification and the level of cholesterol (P<0.05). No significant difference in the recurrence amount of steroid used, height, TCM syndrome efficacy, albumin, aspartate transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, platelet count, and safety indicators between the two cohorts. Children with SDNS were mostly characterized by qi and yin deficiency syndrome, followed by spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome. A total of 175 TCMs were included, including 28 high-frequency drugs such as Huangqi, Fuling, Gancao, Baizhu, Dangshen, and Jiuyurou. The primary use of medication is to nourish the qi and spleen, nourish the kidney, and warm yang. The analysis of association rules yielded eight binary associations and ten three-phase associations, with Huangqi, Baizhu, Fuling, and Dangshen, being the most closely related. Cluster analysis identified four TCM combinations, primarily focusing on tonifying kidney and replenishing essence, benefiting qi and nourishing yin, and removing blood stasis.
Conclusion
RTX combined with TCM syndrome differentiation treatment can reduce the recurrence frequency of SDNS, prolong the remission period, reduce the glucocorticoid dosage, and have no marked effect on height growth. No apparent adverse reactions were observed. TCM should focus on nourishing qi and yin while removing blood stasis.
9.Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Sequential Syndrome Differentiation Protocol for Reducing Relapse Rate of Frequently Relapsing/Steroid-dependent Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Zhuiyue WANG ; Xianqing REN ; Wenqing PAN ; Tingting XU ; Xia ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):126-134
ObjectiveTo assess the relapse rate, clinical efficacy, and safety of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sequential syndrome differentiation protocol for frequently relapsing/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS) in children. MethodsA total of 151 children with FRNS/SDNS treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from December 2020 to June 2024 were randomized into an observation group (77 cases) and a control group (74 cases). Both groups received Western medicine (prednisone tablets and tacrolimus capsules). In addition, the observation group additionally underwent TCM sequential syndrome differentiation and the control group received 1/10 of the TCM dose. The 6-month intervention was followed by a 12-month follow-up, totaling 18 months of observation across seven time points (before treatment and after 1, 2, 4, 24, 52, 76 weeks of treatment). The evaluation was carried out based on the following indicators. ① The relapse rates were mainly recorded after 24, 52, 76 weeks of treatment. ② The efficacy was evaluated based on the clinical remission rates after 1, 2, 4 weeks of treatment, the time to proteinuria clearance, the levels of 24-hour urine total protein (24-h UTP), serum total protein (TP), serum albumin (ALB), cholesterol (CHO), and triglycerides (TG) and the TCM symptom scores before treatment and after 24 weeks of treatment. ③ The treatment safety was evaluated based on blood routine and levels of liver enzymes, renal function indicators and blood glucose (Glu) before treatment and after 24 weeks of treatment. Results① Relapse rate: After 24 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in relapse rate was found between the two groups. The observation group showed lower relapse rates than the control group after 52 weeks of treatment [24.2% (16/66) vs. 52.5% (31/59), χ2=10.634, P<0.01] and 76 weeks of treatment [42.4% (28/66) vs. 74.6% (44/59), χ2=13.186, P<0.01] than the control group. ② Efficacy indicators: The two groups showed no significant difference in remission rate after 1 week of treatment. The observation group demonstrated higher remission rates after 2 weeks of treatment [88.2% (67/76) vs. 74.0% (54/73), Z=-1.999, P<0.05] and 4 weeks of treatment [94.7% (72/76) vs. 82.2% (60/73), Z=-2.3589, P<0.05). In addition, the observation group had shorter time to proteinuria clearance (P<0.01). After treatment, both groups showed declined 24 h-UTP, CHO, TG, and TCM symptom scores and elevated TP and ALB levels (P<0.01), and the observation group had lower CHO, TG, and TCM symptom scores and higher TP and ALB than the control group (P<0.05). ③ Safety indicators: After treatment, both groups showed declined white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.05, P<0.01) and elevated Glu (P<0.01) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P<0.05). After 24 weeks of treatment, none of WBC, RBC, HB, PLT, ALT, AST, BUN, Cr or Glu had significant differences between groups. Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions showed no significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionThe TCM sequential syndrome differentiation protocol effectively reduces the relapse rate, improves the remission rate, shortens the time to proteinuria clearance, raised serum protein levels, lowers blood lipid levels, and alleviates symptoms, demonstrating good clinical safety in children with FRNS/SDNS.
10.Effect of Liangxue Tuizi Formula (凉血退紫方) on RAF/MEK/ERK Pathway in Skin Tissue and Serum NETs Biomarkers in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Model Rats with Blood Heat Syndrome
Yingying JIANG ; Manxiang YANG ; Zhenhua YUAN ; Leying XI ; Mingyang CAI ; Diya MA ; Yifan LI ; Yuhang NIU ; Runze LIU ; Jiawen CAO ; Xilin CHEN ; Xianqing REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2475-2483
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of Liangxue Tuizi Formula (凉血退紫方, LXTZF) in treating Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) by examining its regulatory effect on neutrophil extracellular trap (NETs) dysregulation via the rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (RAF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy Wistar rats were randomly allocated into a blank control group (n=14) and a modeling group (n=56). Rats in the modelling group underwent an eight-week modelling period to establish HSP rat models with blood-heat syndrome via modified ovalbumin (OVA) induction method combined with oral administration of heat-property Chinese herbal medicine. Fifty successfully modeled rats were subsequently randomly divided into five groups (n=10 per group), model group, compound glycyrrhizin group, LXTZF group, RAF inhibitor group, and LXTZF + RAF agonist group. Additionally, 10 rats were selected from the original blank control group for the final experiment. From the 11th week of modelling, rats in the blank control group and the model group received 1 ml/(100 g·d) ultrapure water via oral administration, in addition to 0.5 ml/(kg·d) 0.9% sodium chloride solution via intraperitoneal injection. The LXTZF group and the compound glycyrrhizin group received 7.5 g/(kg·d) LXTZF granule suspension via gavage, 13.5 mg/(kg·d) compound glycyrrhizin suspension via gavage, respectively. The RAF inhibitor group received 1 mg/(kg·d) GW5074 suspension via intraperitoneal injection and ultrapure water via oral administration; the LXTZF + RAF agonist group received 7.5 g/(kg·d) LXTZF granule suspension via gavage and 1 mg/(kg·d) paclitaxel suspension via intraperitoneal injection. All administrations were performed once daily for 4 weeks. After intervention, skin tissue histopathology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunoglobulin A (IgA) deposition was assessed via immunofluorescence, serum levels of neutrophil elastase (NE), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) level was determined by a colorimetric assay; the mRNA expression levels of RAF, MEK, and ERK in skin tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); and the protein expression of RAF, MEK, ERK, as well as phosphorylated MEK (p-MEK) and phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), were analyzed by Western Blot. ResultsSkin tissue in the blank control group rats remained normal, whereas the model group exhibited neutrophil infiltration and haemorrhage with red blood cell rupture. In all drug intervention groups, neutrophil infiltration and haemorrhagic exudation reduced markedly, with LXTZF group demonstrating the most pronounced improvement. Compared with the blank control group, rats in the model group exhibited enhanced IgA fluorescence intensity in skin tissue, elevated serum levels of NE, MPO, TNF-α and VCAM-1, increased mRNA expression of RAF, MEK, ERK1 and ERK2, as well as heightened RAF protein levels and p-MEK/MEK and p-ERK/ERK ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the drug intervention groups exhibited reduced IgA fluorescence intensity in skin tissue, along with decreased serum levels of NE, MPO, TNF-α, and VCAM-1 (P<0.05). In LXTZF group and RAF inhibition groups, reduced mRNA expression of RAF, MEK, ERK1, and ERK2 was observed in rat skin tissue, alongside decreased RAF protein levels and reduced p-MEK/MEK and p-ERK/ERK ratios (P<0.05). Compared with LXTZF + RAF agonist group, the compound glycyrrhizin group, LXTZF group, and RAF inhibitior group exhibited reduced IgA fluorescence intensity in skin tissue, decreased serum NE, MPO, TNF-α, and VCAM-1 levels, and decreased MEK mRNA expression and p-MEK/MEK ratio (P<0.05). ConclusionThe potential mechanism by which LXTZF treats Henoch-Schönlein purpura with blood heat syndrome may involve blocking the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway in skin tissue, and suppressing excessive formation of NETs, thereby reducing IgA deposition in dermal microvessels and attenuating systemic inflammatory responses.


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