Work

Role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in the therapeutic effects of Fuzheng Lishi Huayu Decoction on persistent Chlamydia trachomatis infection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Aim Effective treatment options for recurrent or persistent Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are currently unavailable. In this study, we investigated the effects of Fuzheng Lishi Huayu Decoction (FZLSHYD) on persistent CT infection and explored its mechanism. Experimental procedure The main components of FZLSHYD were analyzed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). A mouse CT infection model was established, and the animals were treated with different doses of FZLSHYD. An azithromycin group was used as a positive control. We performed indirect immunofluorescence assay for CT content in the lower genital tract, PCR for the expression of the CT gene in the vagina, hematoxylin and eosin staining for visualizing histopathological changes in the uterus and fallopian tubes, flow cytometry for assessing the expression of CD8 + T cell function activation/suppression marker proteins OX40 and LAG3, transmission electron microscopy for cellular autophagy, and western blotting for detecting the levels of LC3II/I, ATG5, Beclin-1, p62, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, and p-mTOR. Moreover, the abovementioned indicators were also evaluated in mice administered MK2206, an AKT inhibitor. Results and Conclusion FZLSHYD attenuated uterine and fallopian tube tissue damage, inhibited CD8 + T cell autophagy, and activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, FZLSHYD-H partially mitigates the enhanced effect of CT infection caused by the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The beneficial effects of FZLSHYD may be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and attenuation of autophagy.

Source: Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2026.09.001