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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Activation and Measurement of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Using IL-1β in Human Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells
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Taoren Honghua Jian Regulate NLRP3 Inflammasome of Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind,

Min Du1, Xiaoteng Feng1, Na Zhang1

  • 1Dependent of Cardiology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Vascular Health and Risk Management
|April 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Taoren Honghua Jian (THJ) significantly improved angina symptoms and quality of life in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. This traditional Chinese medicine treatment also reduced inflammation markers by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activity.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Inflammation, particularly involving the NLRP3 inflammasome, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
  • Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome is a recognized pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) associated with CAD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Taoren Honghua Jian (THJ) in CAD patients with Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome.
  • To investigate the effect of THJ on NLRP3 inflammasome expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
  • To assess THJ's impact on inflammatory cytokine levels in CAD patients.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 120 CAD patients.
  • Participants received either THJ granules or a placebo for four weeks.
  • Clinical outcomes (TCMSS, SAQ), lipid profiles, NLRP3 inflammasome components (mRNA in PBMCs), and plasma inflammatory cytokines were measured.

Main Results:

  • THJ significantly reduced Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Scores (TCMSS) compared to placebo (P < 0.01).
  • The THJ group demonstrated significant improvements in Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) scores across five domains (P < 0.01).
  • THJ suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome component mRNA expression in PBMCs and lowered plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-18 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • THJ is clinically effective in alleviating angina symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for CAD patients.
  • THJ demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
  • THJ shows potential as an effective adjuvant therapy for managing inflammation-driven coronary atherosclerosis.
Abstract

Keywords:
NLRP3Qi stagnation and blood stasisTaoren Honghua Jiancoronary artery diseaserandomized controlled trial

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