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Publications

Journal Article Review Epublish

PubMed: 40385489 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1523272

Traditional Chinese medicine for lupus nephritis: modulation of autoimmune pathogenesis.

Front Pharmacol 16:1523272

Authors: Zhiyan Huang, Xiaolong Li, Qingmiao Zhu, Mengyu Zhu, Yongsheng Fan, Ting Zhao

Affiliations

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
  • School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
  • The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
  • Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, Research Institute of Chinese Medical Clinical Foundation and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an immune complex glomerulonephritis commonly associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has emerged as a promising adjuvant therapy for LN, due to its low toxicity and diverse therapeutic effects for long-term management.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted up to 7 June 2024, using keywords related to lupus nephritis, traditional Chinese medicine, immune cells, and kidney resident cells. Study quality were assessed based on Good Automated Manufacturing Practice guidelines, with evaluations jointly conducted by two authors.

Results

This review includes 31 research papers and summarizes seven herbal formulas and 18 phytochemicals that modulate the autoimmune pathogenesis of LN. Their mechanisms involve regulating immune cells activation, differentiation, apoptosis, as well as influencing resident kidney cells to support renal protection and immune homeostasis. Since TCM exhibit bidirectional regulation, they activate regulatory immune cells while suppress pathogenic factors. Inconsistent or inconclusive findings are discussed.

Conclusion

This review summarizes current research on herbal formulas and phytochemicals in immune cells and kidney resident cells in LN, highlighting the potential and significance of TCM treatment. It also addresses the limitations of existing studies and suggests that future research should focus on exploring the immunosuppressive and kidney-protective effects of herbal formulas and phytochemicals, as well as enhancing the clinical translation and standardization of TCM.

MeSH

Plant Extracts, Cells, Lupus Nephritis, Kidney, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Immune System, Medicine, Chinese Traditional, Research, Therapeutics, Nephritis, Phytochemicals