TNF and pemphigus foliaceus: Since the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway was reported involved in the inflammation and fibrosis in PF [31], the effect of QFHXD treatment on this signaling pathway was also evaluated in our study, including detection of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as the PI3K/Akt/NF-kB pathway-related molecules.