28 March 2025, Volume 35 Issue 3
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 265-268. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.001Cirrhosis is a common chronic progressive liver disease with complex pathogenesis and high mortality, which is the leading cause of liver-related death in the world and China. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine is the main strategy to block the process of cirrhosis in China. In recent years, TCM has made great progress in preventing and reversing liver cirrhosis and demonstrated its unique advantages in promoting liver cirrhosis decompensation and recompensation. Relevant research results have also been recognized internationally, but there are still many challenges.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 269-273. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.002Objective: To explore factors of the occurrence of hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis B virus-related compensated cirrhosis, and to evaluate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine on the prevention of hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to include 528 patients with hepatitis B virus-related compensated cirrhosis who were followed up for 10 years. Clinical data such as general information, personal history, treatment history, biochemical examination, and imaging examination were collected. The occurrence of hepatocarcinogenesis was estimated as the endpoint event. Patients were divided into TCM cohort and non-TCM cohort according to whether they had received TCM treatment during the follow-up period. The life table method and Kaplan-Meier method were used to calculate the hepatocarcinogenesis-free survival time and the 1-,3-,5-,7-, and 10-year hepatocarcinogenesis-free survival rates. The Log-Rank test was used for univariate analysis. COX regression was used to screen the independent factors and to determine the influence of TCM on hepatocarcinogenesis. Results: A total of 528 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were screened, including 157 in the non-TCM cohort and 371 in the TCM cohort. After 1∶2 propensity score, they were divided into the new non-TCM cohort of 157 cases and the new TCM cohort of 314 cases. The incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis in the TCM cohort was lower than in the non-TCM cohort (26.1% vs 47.8%, P<0.001). The 1-,3-,5-,7-, and 10-year hepatocarcinogenesis-free survival rates were higher than those in the non-TCM cohort, and the hepatocarcinogenesis-free survival time was longer (103.4 months vs 84.7 months). The differences were all statistically significant (P<0.001). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that age, TCM treatment, antiviral treatment, smoking history, family history of liver disease, PLT level, AFP level, HBV DNA response, and intrahepatic nodules were independent factors for the occurrence of hepatocarcinogenesis. Among them, accepting TCM treatment and antiviral treatment were protective factors, while the rest were all risk factors. Conclusion: The occurrence of hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with hepatitis B virus-related compensated cirrhosis was related to multiple factors. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment could reduce the incidence of hepatocarcinogenesis, prolong the hepatocarcinogenesis-free survival time, and improve the hepatocarcinogenesis-free survival rate, which had better long-term clinical efficacy.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 274-276. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.003Liver cirrhosis is a chronic and progressive liver disease caused by various etiologies, posing a significant burden on healthcare in China. This article explores the clinical experience of Professor Gao Yueqiu in treating liver cirrhosis. During the compensated stage, the treatment emphasizes disease differentiation, focusing on kidney tonification, spleen strengthening, blood activation, and anti-fibrosis strategies. For cases with cirrhotic nodules, the therapeutic approach is guided by the "Jueyin Organ Nodules" theory, emphasizing the combination of strengthening the body′s defenses and utilizing agents to dispel pathogenic factors and resolve nodules. In the decompensated stage, characterized by complex complications and impaired water metabolism, the treatment advocates for regulating the triple burner to restore balance. Professor Gao′s clinical experience employs tailored formulations, including the Rou Gan Recipe, Xiao Ji Recipe and Xiao Zhang Recipe, emphasizing a dual approach of reinforcing the body′s vitality while eliminating pathogens, yielding satisfactory outcomes. A representative case study is included to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 277-282. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.004Objective: To explore the distribution and characteristics of common basic syndromes in metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and provide diagnostic and therapeutic basis for standardized syndrome differentiation and evaluation of syndrome efficacy. Methods: Retrieving literature related to MAFLD syndrome from inception in Chinese databases until August 31, 2023. Using SPSS 20.0 software, establish a database and conduct statistical descriptive analysis. Using SPSS Modeler 18.0 software and Apriori algorithm, conduct association rule analysis on evidence elements. Using Latern 5.0 software and LTM-EAST algorithm, construct a symptom hidden structure model and perform a comprehensive clustering analysis. Results: (1) A total of 203 MAFLD syndrome related literature were included, involving 16 basic syndromes, 16 syndrome elements, and 85 symptoms. (2) The basic syndromes with a frequency of ≥ 10% and a cumulative composition ratio of ≥75% include: phlegm dampness syndrome, spleen qi deficiency syndrome, liver depression and qi stagnation syndrome, and blood stasis syndrome. (3) Analyzing the association rules of syndrome elements, 32 strong association rules were obtained, and four basic syndromes were inferred, including spleen qi deficiency syndrome, liver depression and qi stagnation syndrome, phlegm dampness syndrome, and blood stasis syndrome Perform hidden structure analysis on symptoms with a frequency of ≥5%, resulting in 13 hidden variables and 26 hidden classes. Five comprehensive clustering models were obtained through comprehensive clustering, and five basic syndromes were inferred, including spleen qi deficiency syndrome, liver depression, and qi stagnation syndrome, phlegm dampness syndrome, blood stasis syndrome, and dampness (phlegm) heat syndrome. Based on the above methods, four common basic syndromes were ultimately identified. Conclusion: The common basic syndromes of MAFLD include spleen qi deficiency syndrome, liver depression and qi stagnation syndrome, phlegm dampness syndrome, and blood stasis syndrome, which belong to a combination of deficiency and excess.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 283-289. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.005Objective: Objective Based on the literature data, this paper explores the classification and characteristics of common syndromes of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), to provide a reference for clinical syndrome differentiation and pattern standardization research. Methods: Literature related to ALD syndromes in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals were searched from January 2013 to January 2024. The literature that meets the requirements was screened out and a database was constructed, and the statistical description, association rule network, and hidden structure model were used to analyze the data frequency and correlation to determine the common syndromes and symptom characteristics of ALD. Results: There were 149 papers that met the requirements, the syndromes that constituted ≥5% were liver, spleen, stomach, and gallbladder; pathological syndromes include dampness, qi stagnation, qi deficiency, heat, phlegm, and blood stasis; the basic syndromes include spleen qi deficiency pattern, damp-heat accumulation pattern, liver stagnation pattern, phlegm-dampness pattern, qi stagnation pattern, and blood stasis pattern; symptoms include flank pain, abdominal distention, eat less, fatigue and fatigue. Pattern element association rule analysis and hidden structure cluster analysis deduced five syndromes:spleen qi deficiency pattern, liver depression and spleen deficiency pattern, damp-heat accumulation pattern, blood stasis pattern, and kidney yin deficiency pattern. Conclusion: ALD is mainly located in the liver and spleen. The main symptoms of ALD are flank pain, abdominal distention, lack of appetite, fatigue, and fatigue; the main pathological syndromes are dampness, heat, qi stagnation, and qi deficiency; and the basic syndromes are damp-heat accumulation pattern, liver depression and spleen deficiency pattern, and spleen qi deficiency pattern.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 290-294. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.006Objective: The study aimed to investigate the impact of Qinggan Huatan Huoxue formula on cirrhosis development in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients over a five-year period. Methods: A total of 427 NASH patients were collected between January 2015 and January 2018. All patients underwent a five-year follow-up during which independent risk factors for liver cirrhosis were analyzed using logistic regression. The study observed the effect of Qinggan Huatan Huoxue formula in preventing NASH patients from progressing to liver cirrhosis. Results: the use of Qinggan Huatan Huoxue formula was identified as an independent risk factor for NASH patients progressing to cirrhosis within five years. The incidence of liver cirrhosis was 5.7% in the TCM recipe group compared to 13.3% in the control group with a 1∶one propensity score (P<0.001). The time from follow-up to cirrhosis was 4.0±0.2 years in the TCM group and 3.5±0.3 years in the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Qinggan Huatan Huoxue formula demonstrated efficacy in reducing the risk of liver cirrhosis in NASH patients over a five-year period and effectively delayed the onset of cirrhosis.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 295-299. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.007Objective: To explore the expression levels and clinical significance of BCL2 and SOX11 in HCC. Methods: A total of 72 HCC patients admitted to the Department of Spleen, Stomach, Liver and Gallbladder at The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of CM from October 2020 to October 2021 were selected as the research subjects.ELISA kit was used to detect the expression levels of BCL2 and SOX11 in the patient serum. The SPSS 25.0 was used to statistically analyze the correlation between BCL2/SOX11 and the clinical indicators of patients, as well as the role of BCL2 and SOX11 expression in evaluating the prognosis of HCC. Results: There is a negative correlation between serum BCL2 and Child Pugh grading, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). There is a negative correlation between serum SOX11 and ALT, ALP, GGT, and the difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). The progression-free survival rate and overall survival rate of HCC patients in the BCL2 high expression group were higher than those in the low expression group, with statistical significance (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the SOX11 high and low expression group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The BCL2 and SOX11 are both highly expressed in the serum of HCC patients and can serve as effective indicators for predicting liver function in HCC patients. In addition, BCL2 can serve as a molecular marker for evaluating the prognosis of HCC patients.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 300-304. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.008Objective: To explore the detection rate of fatty liver of different severity and its correlation with traditional Chinese medicine physique in a community in Beijing. Methods: Based on the data of elderly people who underwent physical examination in 2023 in Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District, Beijing, the correlation between TCM constitution and fatty liver of different severity was analyzed by logistic regression. Results: A total of 1590 patients were included, and the total detection rate of fatty liver was 44.8%. There were significant differences in sex, age, BMI, waist circumference, smoking history, drinking history, diabetes, hypertension, abdominal obesity, SBP, AST, ALT, TBiL, HDL-C, TG, CR, FPG, and phlegm-dampness constitution in different severity of fatty liver (P<0.05). The risk of mild fatty liver (OR=1.689), moderate fatty liver (OR=1.499), and severe fatty liver (OR=2.198) was higher in people with phlegm-dampness constitution. Stratified analysis showed that the effect was more pronounced for gender, age, smoking history, drinking history, and exercise. BMI (OR=1.19), waist circumference (OR=1.053), and TG (OR=2.897) were independent risk factors for the formation of moist heated fatty liver. Conclusion: The phlegm-dampness constitution is associated with a higher risk of fatty liver, and the risk is higher in different severity of fatty liver. Adjusting the traditional Chinese medicine constitution can provide more ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of fatty liver.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 305-309. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.009Objective: To explore the efficacy of Shenmai Sanjie capsule combined with microwave ablation in the treatment of senile small liver cancer and analyze its effects on tumor markers, functional status, and survival rate. Methods: A total of 98 elderly patients with small liver cancer treated in Kunming Third People's Hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected and divided into control group and study group with 49 cases each by random number table method. The control group was treated with microwave ablation, and the study group was treated with Shenmai Sanjie capsule combined with microwave ablation. The short-term efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, serum tumor markers [abnormal prothrombin Ⅱ (PIVKA-Ⅱ), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), phosphatidylinositol proteoglycan 3 (CPC3)], inflammatory factors [C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10)], Functional status, hepatic pain and survival rate were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (83.67% vs. 61.22%, P<0.05). The TCM syndrome score of the study group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The levels of PIVKA-Ⅱ, AFP and CPC3 after treatment were (285.76±55.18) U/L, (539.64±75.23) μg/L and (2.90±0.86) μg/L, respectively. Lower than that of control group (359.81±67.24) U/L, (608.41±87.54) μg/L, (3.85±1.04) μg/L (P<0.05); The levels of CAR, TNF-α and IL-10 in serum after treatment were (0.18±0.05), (0.71±0.19) ng/ml and (55.91±16.20) pg/ml, respectively. It was lower than that of control group (0.25±0.07), (0.83±0.21) ng/ml, (70.84±18.41) pg/ml (P<0.05). After treatment, the KPS score of the study group was higher than that of the control group [(81.46±4.29) points vs. (75.31±4.70) points], and the VAS score was lower than that of the control group [(2.41±0.73) points vs. (2.95±0.81) points, (P<0.05)]. The 12-month survival rate of the study group was higher than that of the control group (100.00% vs. 86.67%, P<0.05). Conclusion: Shenmai Sanjie capsule combined with microwave ablation is effective in the treatment of senile small liver cancer, which can improve clinical symptoms, control tumor progression, inhibit inflammatory response, improve functional status, reduce the degree of liver pain and increase the survival rate.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 310-313. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.010Objective: To investigate and analyze the relationship between the changes of serum signal transduction and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) and sex-determining region Y-box 4 (SOX4) proteins and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: A total of 118 CHB patients admitted to First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from October 2022 to October 2023 were selected as the case group, another 118 healthy people in the same period were selected as the control group, the general data of the two groups were compared. The degree of liver fibrosis in the case group was observed and divided into S1-S4 stages. Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3 and SOX4 proteins in serum. Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between serum STAT3 and SOX4 levels, the correlation between serum STAT3 and SOX4 protein expression levels and the degree of liver fibrosis. The ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of serum STAT3 and SOX4 protein levels for liver fibrosis in patients with CHB. Results: The serum STAT3(1.4±0.3) and SOX4(1.2±0.2) levels in CHB patients were obviously higher than those in the control group(1.0±0.1), (0.9±0.1) (P<0.05). Among 118 patients with CHB, 19 cases were in S1 of liver fibrosis, 30 cases were in S2, 32 cases were in S3, and 37 cases were in S4. There were 19 non significant patients and 99 significant patients. The expression levels of STAT3 (1.4±0.3) and SOX4 (1.3±0.3) in significance were significantly higher than those in non-significance (1.01±0.3), (1.0±0.1) (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum STAT3 and SOX4 levels were positively correlated (r=0.3, P<0.05), and there was a positive correlation between the expression levels of both and the degree of liver fibrosis (r=0.4, 0.5, P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of STAT3 in the diagnosis of S2S3S4, SS3S4, and S4 in patients with CHB was 0.877, 0.823, and 0.937 respectively, and the cut-off value was 1.070, 1.239, and 1.411 respectively. The AUC of SOX4 in the diagnosis of S2S3S4, SS3S4, and S4 in patients with liver fibrosis was 0.819, 0.950, and 0.989 respectively, and the cut-off value was 1.103, 1.210, and 1.267 respectively. Conclusion: The expression levels of STAT3 and SOX4 proteins in the serum of patients with CHB increase with the aggravation of liver fibrosis. The expression levels of STAT3 and SOX4 proteins have certain diagnostic value for the degree of liver fibrosis.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 314-317. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.011Objective: Analyze the risk factors for liver damage in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Methods: Selecting clinical data of 107 children with MPP complicated with liver damage admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to August 2023. Then, we selected 110 children without MPP complicated with liver damage admitted during the same period as the control group, conducting univariate and multivariate analysis of clinical related data of the two groups of children, and drawing ROC curves to analyze the predictive efficacy of risk factors for MPP complicated with liver damage. Results: In terms of hospitalization time, fever duration, fever peak(≥39.0℃), hormone application time, LYM%, RDW, Hb, CRP, ALP, TP, Alb, LDH, CK-MB α-There were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in HBDH, occurrence of lung consolidation, and involvement of lung lobes by ≥2 lesions. Conclusion: The causes of liver damage in children with MPP are complex, including heat duration, heat peak(≥39.0℃), LYM%, RDW, LDH, and involvement of more than two lobes of the lungs. Clinical needs to develop scientific prevention and treatment plans in advance based on the patient's clinical symptoms, laboratory, and imaging indicators to improve prognosis.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 318-322. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.012Objective: To explore the influence of Quzhuo Jiangzhi decoction on therapeutic efficacy, blood lipids, insulin resistance, and serum leptin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: A total of 102 patients who were treated in our hospital were included from June 2022 to December 2023. According to the random number table method, they were classified into study group (51 cases) and control group (51 cases). The total score of TCM syndromes, blood lipids [cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein B], glucose metabolism indicators [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2h postprandial blood glucose (2 h-PG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)], serum leptin and related indicators[glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, albumin, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP)] and adverse reactions were compared between groups before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, the total score of TCM syndromes with (10.08±2.07) points in study group was lower than(12.25±2.31) points in control group (P<0.05). The levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and apolipoprotein B with (4.25±0.31) mmol/L, (1.17±0.22) mmol/L and (0.95±0.11) g/L in study group after treatment were lower than those in control group, the level of HDL-C with (2.76±0.19) mmol/L in study group were higher than that in control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the FPG, 2 h-PG, FINS and HOMA-IR with (4.58±0.62) mmol/L, (7.06±1.15) mmol/L, (6.21±1.16) mIU/mL and (1.26±0.03) in study group were lower than (4.89±0.77) mmol/L, (7.51±1.03) mmol/L, (6.95±1.35) mIU/mL and (1.51±0.05) in control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum leptin, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and albumin in study group with (10.25±2.56) ng/L, (61.36±13.45) U/L and (3.52±0.62) g/dL were lower than (14.67±2.49) ng/L, (68.69±13.77) U/L and (3.88±0.55) g/dL in control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the CAP with (247.51±39.27) dB/m in study group was lower than (273.19±41.16) dB/m in control group (P<0.05). There were no obvious differences in the incidence rates of adverse reactions between study group and control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Quzhuo Jiangzhi decoction can improve the therapeutic efficacy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and can reduce blood lipids and serum leptin, lower liver fat content and improve insulin resistance.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 323-328. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.013Objective: To study the efficacy of YGXJ on mice with early cirrhosis and its mechanism of action in regulating the balance of Ly6Chi/Ly6Clo macrophages. Methods: The C57BL/6 mice were divided into blank group, model group, and traditional Chinese medicine intervention group (YGXJ low, medium, and high dose group), and the early cirrhosis model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride for nine weeks. The treatment group was given three doses of traditional Chinese medicine YGXJ low, medium, and high by gavage for four weeks. HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological staining of liver tissue in each group of mice, to detect the ALT and AST levels of mouse liver function, Western-blot assay to detect the expression level of liver type I collagen, immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of liver F4/80 and LY6C, and qRT-PCR to detect the levels of TNF-α, IL1-β, MMP9 and MMP12 mRNA levels in the liver. Results: After four weeks of YGXJ intervention, compared with the model group, the hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in the YGXJ dose groups were significantly reduced. The degree of cirrhosis was reversed, and the hepatic function levels of ALT and AST in each dose group had a downward trend, and the therapeutic effect was most obvious in the medium-dose group of YGXJ. The expression of hepatic Collagen Ⅰ in the medium-dose group of YGXJ had a downward trend compared with that of the model control group. The hepatic Collagen Ⅰ expression of YJXJ medium dose intervention group had a decreasing trend compared with the model control group. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of F4/80 and LY6C was significantly reduced in the YGXJ medium-dose group compared with that in the model group, and the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL1-β were decreased, and the mRNA levels of MMP9 and MMP12 were increased. Conclusion: The YGXJ improved the degree of cirrhosis and liver injury in mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Ly6Chi/Ly6Clo macrophage balance.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 329-334. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.014Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Sco on the liver inflammatory microenvironment of rats with liver failure by observing the changes of relevant indexes of Yinchen's active ingredient 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (Scoparone/Sco) before and after intervention in a rat model of liver failure. Methods: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: blank group, model group, and Sco group, with twenty 20 rats in each group. The Sco group is treated with 5ml/kg DMSO solution and 60mg/kg Scoparone, and the rats in the blank group and model group are treated with the same amount of normal saline, both of which are continuously intervened for seven days. The model group and the Sco group were modeled with D-aminogalactose combined with lipopolysaccharide, and intraperitoneal injection was used once. The abdominal aortic blood and liver tissues of rats in each group were collected for the detection of liver function ALT, AST, TBil, inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17 and IL-21, and the expressions of p38 MAPK, IL-17 and AP-1 proteins and genes were detected by Western blotting and fluorescence quantitative qPCR. Results: Compared with the blank group, ALT, AST, TBil, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-21 were significantly increased in the model group (P＜0.05), and compared with the model group, ALT, AST, TBil, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-21 in the Sco group were significantly decreased (P＜0.05). Compared with the blank group, the expressions of p38 MAPK, IL-17, and AP-1 protein and mRNA in the model group were significantly increased (P＜0.05), and compared with the model group, the expressions of p38 MAPK, IL-17 and AP-1 protein and mRNA in the Sco group were significantly decreased (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Sco may regulate the p38 MAPK/IL-17 signaling pathway, down-regulate the expression of p38 MAPK, IL-17, and AP-1, and then inhibit the inflammatory response of liver failure.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 335-339. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.03.015Objective: Exploring the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) on hepatic tissue lesions and oxidative stress damage in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Six SD rats were maintained under normal conditions as the control group. A T2DM combined with NAFLD model was established by feeding SD rats a high-fat diet and administering streptozotocin. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into the model group and the GLP-1RA group, with six rats in each group. The control and model groups received intraperitoneal injections of saline, while the GLP-1RA group received intraperitoneal injections of GLP-1RA for treatment. After four weeks, general conditions of the rats were observed, and their body weight, liver wet weight, liver index, and biochemical markers were measured[blood glucose (GLU), glycated serum protein (GSP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] levels were detected. HE and Oil Red O staining were respectively applied to measure the pathological morphology and steatosis of liver tissue. Reagent kits were applied to detect the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] in rat liver tissue. Results: Compared with the control group, the model group showed obvious pathological damage and steatosis in the liver tissue of rats, the body weight, liver wet weight, liver index, GLU, GSP, TC, TG and ALT levels, NFALD activity score, and liver tissue MDA level obviously increased (P＜0.05), the SOD level in liver tissue obviously decreased (P＜0.05). Compared with the model group, the GLP-1RA group showed a reduction in liver tissue pathological damage and steatosis in rats, the body weight, liver wet weight, liver index, GLU, GSP, TC, TG and ALT levels, NFALD activity score, and liver tissue MDA level decreased (P＜0.05), the SOD level in liver tissue increased (P＜0.05). Conclusion: GLP-1RA can improve glucose and lipid metabolism, antagonize oxidative stress, reduce intracellular lipid deposition in liver cells, alleviate liver tissue lesions and oxidative stress damage in T2DM combined with NAFLD rats, protect liver function, and delay the progression of NAFLD.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 340-344. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.03.016Objective: Exploring the mechanism of action of the Jianpi Huazhuo formula in the treatment of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods: Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal control group (n=6) and a model group (n=24). The model group was fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks and then randomly divided into the MAFLD model group, traditional Chinese medicine treatment group, ferroptosis inhibitor group, and solvent control group, with six mice in each group. Along with a high-fat diet, mice in the ferroptosis inhibitor group were administered an intraperitoneal injection of ferroptosis inhibitors, while mice in the solvent control group received an intraperitoneal injection of physiological saline. Starting at week eight, mice in the traditional Chinese medicine treatment group were given oral administration of Jianpi Huazhuo Decoction. After 12 weeks of continuous intervention, body weight and liver weight were measured, and liver function and blood lipid levels in peripheral blood were evaluated. Peripheral blood levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Liver tissue pathological changes were observed, and the expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in liver tissue was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Protein levels of ACSL4 and GPX4 in liver tissue were determined by Western blot (WB). Results: Compared with the normal group, the liver weight, liver function and lipid level in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05), the boundary of liver lobules in the MAFLD model group was not clear, pathological changes occurred in the liver tissue structure, a large number of spherical fat droplets appeared, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α in the liver tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05). The contents of ACSL4 and MDA were significantly increased in relation to iron death (P<0.05), while the contents of GPX4 and GSH were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, liver weight and blood lipid levels of mice in Chinese medicine trertment group was decreased (P<0.05), liver tissue pathology was recovered, liver tissue inflammation was alleviated, iron death related ACSL4 and MDA contents were decreased (P<0.05), GPX4 and GSH contents were increased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Jianpi Huazhuo decoction can improve iron death and inflammation injury in liver tissue of MAFLD model mice, and play a role in the treatment of MAFLD.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 345-349. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.017Objective: To explore the predictive value of CT imaging omics combined with serum G protein-coupled receptor associated sorting protein 1 (GASP-1) and spindle and kinetochore-associated proteins 3 (SKA3) for pathological grading of liver cancer. Methods: From June 2022 to December 2023, 152 patients with primary liver cancer who were admitted to our hospital were included in the liver cancer group. They were separated into a well differentiated group (42 cases) and a poorly differentiated group (110 cases) based on their histopathological grading. Another 152 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations in our hospital were included as the control group. The levels of GASP-1 and SKA3 in serum were compared. ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of CT imaging omics combined with serum GASP-1 and SKA3 levels for pathological grading of liver cancer. Results: Compared with the control group, the levels of serum GASP-1 and SKA3 in the liver cancer group were greatly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the well differentiated group, the levels of serum GASP-1 and SKA3 in the poorly differentiated group were greatly higher (P<0.05). Compared with the well differentiated group, the Rad scores of the four stages in the poorly differentiated group were greatly higher (P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of CT imaging omics, serum GASP-1, and SKA3 levels for predicting pathological grading of liver cancer was 0.822, 0.887, 0.903, 0.863, 0.905, and 0.916, respectively. The AUC predicted by the combination of the six was 0.972, and the combined prediction of the six was better than individual prediction (Z combination-GASP-1=4.063, Z combination-SKA3=3.174, Z combination-plain scan stage=2.562, Z combination-arterial stage=3.414, Z combination-portal stage=2.585, Z combination-delayed stage=2.296, P=0.000, 0.002, 0.010, 0.001, 0.001, 0.006, P=0.000, 0.022). Conclusion: The levels of serum GASP-1 and SKA3 are upregulated in liver cancer patients, and CT imaging omics combined with serum GASP-1 and SKA3 levels have higher efficacy in predicting pathological grading of liver cancer.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 350-355. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.018Ancient Chinese medical thinking was summarized by professor Lv Ying who has been long term engaged in clinical work and master-disciple education of Chinese medicine. Based on Qi monism,yuanyang deficiency giving rise to internal cold and dampness which the key pathogenesis of steatotic liver disease was concluded. Sanyinhanshi decoction was selected to treat seat tic liver disease,and achieved significant results. In this paper,regulations of the occurrence and development of steatotic liver disease were described in ancient Chinese medical thinking,the major and secondary pathogenesis of steatotic liver disease were explained,and the common traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions were introduced. According to the conclusion of the medical case,ancient Chinese medical thinking may be preliminarily comprehended,and the new ideas and methods of treatment for steatotic liver disease influenced by modern conditions could be further explored.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 356-358. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.019Ascites in cirrhosis is the most common complication in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis, with high morbidity and mortality, which seriously affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Based on the theory of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition", this paper proposes that hyper-victimization of liver, spleen, and kidney, failure of bearing and controlling, and accumulation of qi, blood, and water are the root causes of cirrhosis ascites, and that the interconnection of the five viscera and the transmission of their victories are the key factors of the disease progression. In the treatment, there are two major treatment principles, namely, leveling the hyperactivity of the organs; carrying and controlling the organs, and supporting the victory of the organs. Firstly, restoring the place not subjected to evil, regulating qi and activating the blood, nourishing the blood and softening the liver in order to level the hyperactivity of the liver; inducing water and drying up the earth, strengthening the spleen and the stomach in order to level the hyperactivity of the spleen; warming and tonifying the kidney yang, benefiting the kidneys and filling up the essence in order to level the hyperactivity of the kidneys. Taking into consideration of the established and the yet to be disease, restoring the function of the internal organs and organs as early as possible. Through these measures, the systematic control is made normal, thus realizing the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis of liver with ascites.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 359-363. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.020The incidence of metabolism-related fatty liver disease in China is gradually increasing, and it is currently believed that dampness, phlegm and stagnation are the main pathological factors, but in the early stage of the disease, there is often a diffusion of dampness, which has not yet formed a state of dampness stagnation, the author combined with the theory of micro-drinking and proposed to recognize the early lesions of MAFLD from the "micro-drinking". Early lesions of MAFLD, the drink evil is still isolated micro, often ambush but nothair. Microdrinking is easy to damage yang qi, for a long time in the body, aggravate the liver. Xuanfu and the opening and closing of the channels, the Sanjiao waterway is not smooth, the water metabolism is blocked, the paste and fat transmission obstacles, metabolism malfunction, the Qing and turbid correlation, the Qing qi does not rise, turbid gas does not descend, the paste and fat redundancy, the paste and fat, turned into a “paste and cloudy”, the paste and cloudy with the camp and the guards to circulate, the condensation of the stagnation of stagnation in the veins, the stagnation of the blood and stagnation of stasis, damage to MAFLD early lesions. It damages the liver channels and aggravates the progression of MAFLD. Warming yang and resolving the fluid, resolving the turbidity and eliminating the fat were adopted as the method of treatment, which had certain efficacy in clinical treatment.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 364-366. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.021This article summarizes Professor Li Xiuhui's clinical experience in treating liver cancer. Professor Li proposed that liver cancer is characterized by the pathogenic pattern of "internal accumulation of five types of stagnation leading to disease," with the belief that liver cancer is a chronic and long-standing illness. The external invasion of five pathogens (food, epidemic, alcohol, drugs, and qi) is the primary cause of onset. External toxins promote the development of internal toxins, depleting the liver, spleen, and kidneys, leading to the failure of the body's resistance against pathogens. This results in liver stagnation, with the five types of stagnation: "food, qi, cold, phlegm, and blood stasis". In treatment, Professor Li inherits the concept of "harmonizing blood" from Professor Qian Ying′s approach to liver disease, and skillfully applies the "concurrent regulation of both the body and function" method in liver cancer treatment. This approach harmonizes the organs' qi and blood, balances yin and yang, stabilizes liver stagnation, and even eliminates accumulation.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 367-369. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.03.022Primary liver cancer is one of the common malignant tumors in China, which has the characteristics of high incidence, high mortality rate and short survival time. On the basis of the experience of the predecessors, Professor Long Fuli summed up the theory of liver-lung qi circulation through long-term clinical practice, and proposed a new treatment method for the treatment of primary liver cancer from the regulation of qi, and adopted the regulation of liver-lung qi and the simultaneous regulation of liver and spleen to achieve the purpose of qi, blood dispersion, detoxification, and turbidity, and after years of clinical practice and application promotion. It has achieved significant clinical efficacy, providing new treatment ideas and new treatment methods for the prevention and treatment of primary liver cancer.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 370-372. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.023To discuss the clinical experience of Professor Sun Xuehua in treating chronic liver diseases by Tong method. Chronic liver disease is one of the clinical refractory diseases. Based on the physiopathological characteristics of the liver and the etiology and pathogenesis of liver diseases, Professor Sun Xuehua believes that unclogging the hepatic pipeline system and improving intrahepatic circulation is the key to the treatment of chronic liver diseases. The Tong method should be used throughout the treatment of liver diseases to achieve the purpose of unblocking the liver ducts, removing pathological products and restoring liver functions, which is embodied in the treatments of soothing liver and regulating qi, activating blood to resolve stasis, regulating fluid passage, and purging fu-organs to eliminate evils, and the clinical application of which is effective. An example of a valid case is given at the end of the article.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 373-375. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.03.024Decoction of Yiguan Jian is a classic prescription for nourishing liver yin, and a representative prescription for treating pain in the upper back caused by yin deficiency and qi stagnation. Under the guidance of the basic treatment principles of "treatment based on syndrome differentiation" and "treatment of different diseases with the same treatment", the Decoction of Yiguan Jian was used to treat a patient with liver injury and thrombocytopenia caused by hyperthyroidism, which not only can reduce the adverse reactions caused by drugs, but also can significantly improve the clinical efficacy.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 376-378. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.025Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma represents a rare and aggressive variant of hepatocellular carcinoma, constituting roughly 1.8% to 3.9% of all cases. Characterized by its high malignancy, rapid progression, and exceedingly grim prognosis, SHC poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This case report delves into the patient's clinical presentation, imaging findings, and post-treatment follow-up, offering valuable insights into this enigmatic disease. Additionally, the report meticulously explores differential diagnoses with other hepatic pathologies, including liver abscesses, primary liver cancers, and intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinomas. By presenting this comprehensive case analysis, we aim to enhance radiologists' proficiency in interpreting diagnostic images and empower clinicians to make more informed and precise treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 379-384. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.026Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease caused by metabolic stress, which is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption or other obvious hepatotoxic factors. The etiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD are complex, with a variety of symptoms, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has been confirmed by a large number of studies to be involved in the development of NAFLD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has significant advantages in the treatment of NAFLD, and many scholars have done a lot of research on the prevention and treatment of NAFLD by TCM based on ERS, and confirmed that TCM can slow down the progression of NAFLD by regulating ERS. This paper systematically describes the role of ERS in the development of NAFLD and summarizes the existing studies on the mechanism of NAFLD prevention and treatment based on ERS in TCM, so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical research and drug development in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 385-388. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.027Liver fibrosis is the central link in the transformation of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it is crucial to effectively stop or reverse the progression of liver fibrosis. Early liver fibrosis can be slowed down or even reversed with treatment. Mesenchymal stromal cells have great potential in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Diwu Yanggan capsule has been proved to prevent liver fibrosis in previous clinical and experimental studies, and this paper explores the possible role of Diwu Yanggan capsule in preventing liver fibrosis and its mechanism based on mesenchymal stem cells.
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Research progress of Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease and chronic kidney diseaseChinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 389-392. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.028In 2020, the term metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed to replace the old term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This definition change has led to a reassessment of its association with the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). To date, a large number of studies have observed a close relationship between MAFLD and CKD, and this article summarizes the potential pathophysiological mechanisms between MAFLD and CKD, as well as potential drug treatments that may be beneficial for both diseases.
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Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine on Liver Diseases. 2025, 35(3): 393-396. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1005-0264.2025.003.029Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), currently the most prevalent chronic liver condition, has seen a rising incidence globally, emerging as a significant public health challenge. Health management, as an effective intervention, has garnered extensive attention in MAFLD prevention and treatment. This article systematically reviews recent applications and outcomes of various health management strategies for MAFLD. It identifies lifestyle interventions, digital/information-based management, multidisciplinary collaboration, risk stratification-precision prevention, and traditional Chinese medicine health management models as core approaches in current MAFLD care. These strategies effectively enhance patient compliance, improve management efficacy, and optimize key indicators including liver function, hepatic fat attenuation, and body mass index.Future research should focus on refining intervention protocols, integrating digital management tools, and strengthening patient engagement to provide robust support for MAFLD prevention and control.
