1.lncRNA DLEU2 regulates IKKα-mediated 131I resistance in thyroid carcinoma TPC-1 cells via the EZH2/H3K27me3 axis
ZOU Huangren ; LIU Yanlin ; ZHANG Lu ; BAI Yuke ; GAO Rui ; QIN Tiantian ; FANG Ruotong ; DENG Ziyong
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):363-372
[摘 要] 目的:探讨lncRNA DLEU2通过EZH2/H3K27me3途径调控IKKα介导甲状腺癌(TC)放射性碘抵抗的作用机制。方法:利用TCGA数据库分析TC中DLEU2的表达及其与EZH2的相关性。构建放射性碘抵抗的TPC-1细胞(RR-TPC-1细胞)模型及裸鼠移植瘤模型,通过敲低或过表达DLEU2(si-DLEU2/OE-DLEU2)、抑制EZH2(UNC1999)、过表达IKKα(OE-IKKα)进行干预,采用qPCR、WB、RIP、ChIP、CCK-8、流式细胞术、TUNEL染色及体内成瘤实验检测基因与蛋白表达、表观修饰、细胞增殖、凋亡及肿瘤生长。结果:TCGA分析显示,DLEU2在TC组织中显著上调(P < 0.001),与患者不良预后相关(P = 0.008 4),且与EZH2表达呈正相关(r = 0.390, P < 0.001);RIP证实EZH2与DLEU2存在相互作用/结合(P < 0.05)。体外实验表明,敲低DLEU2可显著下调RR-TPC-1细胞中EZH2、IKKα表达及H3K27me3修饰水平,抑制NF-κB通路活化(P < 0.05或P < 0.01),抑制细胞增殖、促进凋亡(均P < 0.05)。联合敲低DLEU2与抑制EZH2进一步增强上述效应,而过表达IKKα则可部分逆转上述效应(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。体内实验进一步证实,敲低DLEU2联合抑制EZH2可显著抑制移植瘤生长,增加肿瘤细胞凋亡(均P < 0.01);IKKα过表达则部分逆转上述抗肿瘤效应(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论:lncRNA DLEU2通过招募EZH2催化H3K27me3修饰,间接激活IKKα/NF-κB信号并形成正反馈环路,介导TPC-1细胞131I抵抗。
2.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
3.Effects of alirocumab combined with atorvastatin on clinical efficacy and safety in patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI
Cuijun HAO ; Rui WANG ; Yiping MA ; Xueping ZHANG ; Yanan LIU ; Shaoqiang QIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1216-1220
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of alirocumab combined with atorvastatin on clinical efficacy and safety of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS A total of 207 patients with ACS who underwent PCI in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into alirocumab group, ezetimibe group and control group, with 69 cases in each group. All patients received routine thrombosis prevention and antihypertensive treatment after PCI. On this basis, patients in the control group were treated with atorvastatin (20 mg/time, once a day); patients in the ezetimibe group were treated with ezetimibe (10 mg/time, once a day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/time, once a day); patients in the alirocumab group were treated with alirocumab (75 mg/time, once every 2 weeks) + atorvastatin (20 mg/time, once a day). All patients in the three groups were treated for 8 weeks and followed up for another 6 months after treatment. The levels of cardiac function and lipid metabolism indices before and after treatment, as well as the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and other adverse drug reaction (ADR) during the follow-up period were compared among the three groups. RESULTS After treatment for 8 weeks, the levels of cardiac function and lipid metabolism indices in the three groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group and ezetimibe group, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the alirocumab group was significantly increased, and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was significantly shortened (P<0.05). Compared with control group, LVEDD of ezetimibe group was significantly shortened (P<0.05), the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the alirocumab group and ezetimibe group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no significant difference in the total incidence of MACE and the total incidence of other ADR such as headache and abdominal pain among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Alirocumab combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve cardiac function and regulate lipid metabolism indices in patients with ACS after PCI without increasing the risk of MACE or other ADR.
4.Research progress on NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and related diseases.
Chen JIA ; Hong-Ji LIN ; Fang CUI ; Rui LU ; Yi-Ting ZHANG ; Zhi-Qin PENG ; Min SHI
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(1):194-208
Nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4) acts as a selective cargo receptor that binds to ferritin, a cytoplasmic iron storage complex. By mediating ferritinophagy, NCOA4 regulates iron metabolism and releases free iron in the body, thus playing a crucial role in a variety of biological processes, including growth, development, and metabolism. Recent studies have shown that NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy is closely associated with the occurrence and development of iron metabolism-related diseases, such as liver fibrosis, renal cell carcinoma, and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, a number of clinical drugs have been identified to modulate NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, significantly affecting disease progression and treatment efficacy. This paper aims to review the current research progress on the role of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy in related diseases, in order to provide new ideas for targeted clinical therapy.
Humans
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Nuclear Receptor Coactivators/physiology*
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Ferritins/metabolism*
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Animals
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Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism*
;
Iron/metabolism*
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Autophagy/physiology*
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Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism*
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Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism*
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Kidney Neoplasms/physiopathology*
5.Grounded theory, scientific connotation, and clinical application of aromatic immunity in traditional Chinese medicine.
Si-Rui XIANG ; Qin JIAN ; Qi XU ; Jun-Zhi LIN ; Ding-Kun ZHANG ; Ming YANG ; Chuan ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1137-1145
Aromatic immunity in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is the medical knowledge accumulated in the process of people's struggling with diseases. It plays an important role in plague prevention, disease treatment, health preservation, and rehabilitation, and has profound TCM basic theoretical support and abundant modern scientific evidence. With the in-depth promotion of the Healthy China initiative and the succession of health needs in the post-COVID-19 era, how to practice the health concept of aromatic immunity in TCM and develop its health service resources with high quality has become an important proposition to be discussed urgently. This paper summarizes the cognitive process, puts forward the basic concept, discusses the scientific connotation and clinical application value, and looks forward to the future development trend of aromatic immunity in TCM, aiming to provide guidance for the development of great health products and promote the application of aromatic immunity in TCM in serving people's health.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Humans
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COVID-19/immunology*
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China
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
SARS-CoV-2
6.Regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides through Akt/mTOR pathway.
Yang GE ; Hang GAO ; Yun-Peng QIN ; Rui SHEN ; Hua-Zhang WU ; Ting YE ; Hang SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2432-2441
This research investigated the impact of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP) on hepatoblastoma HepG2 and Huh6 cell models, as well as KM mouse model with in situ transplanted tumors, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of GLP. Cell viability was assessed through the CCK-8 assay, whereas cell proliferation was evaluated by using the BeyoClick~(TM)EdU-488 test. Cell apoptosis was visualized via Hochest 33258 staining, and autophagy was detected through Mrfp-GFP-LC3 dual fluorescence staining. An in situ tumor transplantation model was created by using HepG2 cells in mice, and mice were treated with normal saline and GLP of 100, 200, and 300 mg·kg~(-1) for tumor count calculation and size assessment. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in tumor tissue and vital organs(liver, kidney, lung, spleen, and heart). Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expressions of tumor protein P53(P53), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, autophagy related protein-5(Atg-5), microtubule-associated protein-light chain-3Ⅰ(LC3Ⅰ)/LC3Ⅱ, autophagy adapter protein 62(P62), protein kinase B(Akt), p-Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and p-mTOR. The in vitro experiment revealed that compared with the control group, after GLP treatment, tumor cell viability decreased significantly; apoptosis rate increased in a dose-dependent manner, and autophagic flux was inhibited. The in vivo experiments showed that compared with the model group, mice treated with GLP exhibited significantly fewer and smaller tumors. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group or model group, levels of P53, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, Atg-5, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased after GLP treatment, and the levels of Bcl-2, P62, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly decreased. These outcomes suggest that GLP promotes apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by regulating the Akt/mTOR pathway.
Animals
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Humans
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Autophagy/drug effects*
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Reishi/chemistry*
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Mice
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Liver Neoplasms/genetics*
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Hepatoblastoma/genetics*
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Polysaccharides/pharmacology*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Male
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Hep G2 Cells
7.Effect and mechanism of Xintong Granules in ameliorating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating gut microbiota.
Yun-Jia WANG ; Ji-Dong ZHOU ; Qiu-Yu SU ; Jing-Chun YAO ; Rui-Qiang SU ; Guo-Fei QIN ; Gui-Min ZHANG ; Hong-Bao LIANG ; Shuai FENG ; Jia-Cheng ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4003-4014
This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Rats
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Male
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Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Humans
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Interleukin-6/genetics*
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Malondialdehyde/metabolism*
8.Research progress of cytotoxic CD4+ T cell in autoimmune diseases.
Qin ZHANG ; Rui CHI ; Fang GONG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(2):161-165
Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells (CD4+ CTLs) represent a novel subset of T cells with cytotoxic effects. They recognize target cells in an antigen-specific manner, relying on class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) interactions. CD4+ CTLs exert cytotoxic effects on target cells by secreting cytotoxic molecules such as granzymes, perforin, and granulysin. Recent studies have revealed their significant roles in various autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the differentiation, phenotypic characteristics, and roles of CD4+ CTLs in different types of autoimmune disorders, aiming to provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
Humans
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Autoimmune Diseases/immunology*
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Animals
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology*
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Perforin/immunology*
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Granzymes/immunology*
9.Machine learning models established to distinguish OA and RA based on immune factors in the knee joint fluid.
Qin LIANG ; Lingzhi ZHAO ; Yan LU ; Rui ZHANG ; Qiaolin YANG ; Hui FU ; Haiping LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Guoduo LI
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(4):331-338
Objective Based on 25 indicators including immune factors, cell count classification, and smear results of the knee joint fluid, machine learning models were established to distinguish between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods 100 OA and 40 RA patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty were enrolled respectively. Each patient's knee joint fluid was collected preoperatively. Nucleated cells were counted and classified. The expression levels of immune factors, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), MMP9, MMP13, rheumatoid factor (RF), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and others were measured. Smears and microscopic classification of all the immune factors were performed. Independent influencing factors for OA or RA were identified using univariate binary logistic regression, Lasso regression, and multivariate binary logistic regression. Based on the independent influencing factors, three machine learning models were constructed which are logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machine. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate and compare the models. Results A total of 5 indicators in the knee joint fluid were screened out to distinguish OA and RA, which were IL-1β(odds ratio(OR)=10.512, 95× confidence interval (95×CI) was 1.048-105.42, P=0.045), IL-6 (OR=1.007, 95×CI was 1.001-1.014, P=0.022), MMP9 (OR=3.202, 95×CI was 1.235-8.305, P=0.017), MMP13 (OR=1.002, 95× CI was 1-1.004, P=0.049), and RF (OR=1.091, 95×CI was 1.01-1.179, P=0.026). According to the results of ROC, calibration curve and DCA, the accuracy (0.979), sensitivity (0.98) and area under the curve (AUC, 0.996, 95×CI was 0.991-1) of the random forest model were the highest. It has good validity and feasibility, and its distinguishing ability is better than the other two models. Conclusion The machine learning model based on immune factors in the knee joint fluid holds significant value in distinguishing OA and RA. It provides an important reference for the clinical early differential diagnosis, prevention and treatment of OA and RA.
Humans
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism*
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Machine Learning
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Aged
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Synovial Fluid/immunology*
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Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism*
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Knee Joint/metabolism*
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ROC Curve
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Diagnosis, Differential
10.Liang-Ge-San Decoction Ameliorates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via Suppressing p38MAPK-NF-κ B Signaling Pathway.
Quan LI ; Juan CHEN ; Meng-Meng WANG ; Li-Ping CAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhi-Zhou YANG ; Yi REN ; Jing FENG ; Xiao-Qin HAN ; Shi-Nan NIE ; Zhao-Rui SUN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):613-623
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the potential effects and mechanisms of Liang-Ge-San (LGS) for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) through network pharmacology analysis and to verify LGS activity through biological experiments.
METHODS:
The key ingredients of LGS and related targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. ARDS-related targets were selected from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape Database. Molecular docking analysis was used to confirm the binding affinity of the core compounds with key therapeutic targets. Finally, the effects of LGS on key signaling pathways and biological processes were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments.
RESULTS:
A total of LGS-related targets and 496 ARDS-related targets were obtained from the databases. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that LGS could treat ARDS based on the following information: LGS ingredients luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein may be potential candidate agents. Mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), recombinant V-Rel reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A (RELA), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) may be potential therapeutic targets. Reactive oxygen species metabolic process and the apoptotic signaling pathway were the main biological processes. The p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway might be the key signaling pathway activated by LGS against ARDS. Moreover, molecular docking demonstrated that luteolin, wogonin, and baicalein had a good binding affinity with MAPK14, RELA, and TNF α. In vitro experiments, LGS inhibited the expression and entry of p38 and p65 into the nucleation in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) cells induced by LPS, inhibited the inflammatory response and oxidative stress response, and inhibited HBE cell apoptosis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo experiments, LGS improved lung injury caused by ligation and puncture, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited the activation of p38MAPK and p65 (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
LGS could reduce reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κ B signaling pathway, thus reducing apoptosis and attenuating ARDS.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Respiratory Distress Syndrome/enzymology*
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p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
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NF-kappa B/metabolism*
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Animals
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Humans
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Male
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Network Pharmacology
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice

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