1.Efficacy of Tanreqing Gel in Treating Acne and Its Effect on TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Shuo YANG ; Dongying LI ; Yanan SUN ; Yi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):102-111
ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism of Tanreqing gel (TRQG) in the treatment of acne by regulating the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/myeloid differentiation 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Tanreqing injection (TRQ) against Cutibacterium acnes was determined through the microdilution broth method, and drug resistance induction experiments were conducted. A mouse model of acne was established through inoculation of C. acnes on the back. The effects of TRQG on skin structure, pustule formation, collagen repair, and inflammatory response were evaluated by dermoscopy, histopathology, two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy (TPEF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through transcriptome sequencing and then subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In the RAW264.7 cell model, the optimal dosage of TRQG was determined through cell viability assays. Subsequently, the expression of key proteins in the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and downstream inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. ResultsThe MIC of TRQ against C. acnes was 4 125 mg·L-1. Although TRQ had weaker antibacterial activity than erythromycin (ERY) and fusidic acid (FA), it was less likely to induce bacterial resistance. In vivo experiments showed that TRQG improved the skin structure, promoted collagen repair (P<0.01), inhibited pustule formation (P<0.01), alleviated follicular keratinization and sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and reduced inflammatory responses in the mouse model of acne compared with erythromycin gel (ERYG). Transcriptome analysis suggested that the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was a key enriched pathway. Further experimental validation indicated that TRQG inhibited the expression of TLR2, MyD88, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphorylated (p)-transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), p-inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α (IκBα), and p-NF-κB in this pathway (P<0.01). Meanwhile, Real-time PCR results confirmed that TRQG reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). ConclusionTRQG exerts its therapeutic effect on acne by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the release of downstream inflammatory factors. Furthermore, it is less likely to induce bacterial resistance, indicating a promising application prospect.
2.Efficacy of Tanreqing Gel in Treating Acne and Its Effect on TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Shuo YANG ; Dongying LI ; Yanan SUN ; Yi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):102-111
ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism of Tanreqing gel (TRQG) in the treatment of acne by regulating the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/myeloid differentiation 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsThe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Tanreqing injection (TRQ) against Cutibacterium acnes was determined through the microdilution broth method, and drug resistance induction experiments were conducted. A mouse model of acne was established through inoculation of C. acnes on the back. The effects of TRQG on skin structure, pustule formation, collagen repair, and inflammatory response were evaluated by dermoscopy, histopathology, two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy (TPEF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through transcriptome sequencing and then subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In the RAW264.7 cell model, the optimal dosage of TRQG was determined through cell viability assays. Subsequently, the expression of key proteins in the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and downstream inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6] was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. ResultsThe MIC of TRQ against C. acnes was 4 125 mg·L-1. Although TRQ had weaker antibacterial activity than erythromycin (ERY) and fusidic acid (FA), it was less likely to induce bacterial resistance. In vivo experiments showed that TRQG improved the skin structure, promoted collagen repair (P<0.01), inhibited pustule formation (P<0.01), alleviated follicular keratinization and sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and reduced inflammatory responses in the mouse model of acne compared with erythromycin gel (ERYG). Transcriptome analysis suggested that the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was a key enriched pathway. Further experimental validation indicated that TRQG inhibited the expression of TLR2, MyD88, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphorylated (p)-transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), p-inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α (IκBα), and p-NF-κB in this pathway (P<0.01). Meanwhile, Real-time PCR results confirmed that TRQG reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01). ConclusionTRQG exerts its therapeutic effect on acne by inhibiting the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the release of downstream inflammatory factors. Furthermore, it is less likely to induce bacterial resistance, indicating a promising application prospect.
3.Correlation analysis of incidence trends of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and meteorological factors in Weifang city, Shandong province, 2015-2024
Ziliang FAN ; Xiyuan HUO ; Yaqi SHEN ; Cuimei GU ; Zhu YANG ; Senmei YUAN ; Miaomiao SHAN ; Jian ZHOU ; Ye ZHANG ; Dongying LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):154-161
Objective:To investigate the potential causes of the rising epidemic of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Weifang, Shandong province.Methods:The temporal trend of SFTS epidemic was segmented using Joinpoint regression analysis. Changes in epidemiological characteristics across different periods were compared, and correlation analysis was conducted to identify meteorological factors influencing the epidemic trend.Results:Joinpoint regression revealed two distinct periods for SFTS epidemic in Weifang: 2015-2021 and 2022-2024. No significant trend was observed during 2015-2021 ( P=0.634), while a sharp annual increase of 46.69% occurred from 2022 to 2024 ( P=0.006). Spatial autocorrelation analysis demonstrated a global Moran’s I of 0.42 ( Z=8.55, P<0.001) for 2015-2021, with 15 high-high clustering areas identified. For 2022-2024, the global Moran’s I decreased to 0.37 ( Z=7.31, P<0.001), with 13 high-high clusters, including newly emerging hotspots in Anqiu and Zhucheng in the southeastern region. High-risk populations remained individuals aged ≥50 in mountainous and hilly areas, with a marked rise in incidence in these groups. The male-to-female ratio of cases was higher in plain areas than in mountainous/hilly regions. Autumn (September-November) temperatures from the preceding year showed a positive correlation with annual case numbers ( P=0.004, r=0.82). The linear regression expression is y=40.61x-580.78 (y is the annual incidence, and x is the average daily temperature of last autumn). Conclusions:The SFTS epidemic in Weifang is showing a rising trend. There is a linear correlation between the temperature of the previous autumn and the scale of SFTS epidemic in the following year. This correlation allows for predicting the subsequent year′s epidemic, thereby enabling early warning of SFTS.
4.Correlation analysis of incidence trends of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and meteorological factors in Weifang city, Shandong province, 2015-2024
Ziliang FAN ; Xiyuan HUO ; Yaqi SHEN ; Cuimei GU ; Zhu YANG ; Senmei YUAN ; Miaomiao SHAN ; Jian ZHOU ; Ye ZHANG ; Dongying LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):154-161
Objective:To investigate the potential causes of the rising epidemic of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in Weifang, Shandong province.Methods:The temporal trend of SFTS epidemic was segmented using Joinpoint regression analysis. Changes in epidemiological characteristics across different periods were compared, and correlation analysis was conducted to identify meteorological factors influencing the epidemic trend.Results:Joinpoint regression revealed two distinct periods for SFTS epidemic in Weifang: 2015-2021 and 2022-2024. No significant trend was observed during 2015-2021 ( P=0.634), while a sharp annual increase of 46.69% occurred from 2022 to 2024 ( P=0.006). Spatial autocorrelation analysis demonstrated a global Moran’s I of 0.42 ( Z=8.55, P<0.001) for 2015-2021, with 15 high-high clustering areas identified. For 2022-2024, the global Moran’s I decreased to 0.37 ( Z=7.31, P<0.001), with 13 high-high clusters, including newly emerging hotspots in Anqiu and Zhucheng in the southeastern region. High-risk populations remained individuals aged ≥50 in mountainous and hilly areas, with a marked rise in incidence in these groups. The male-to-female ratio of cases was higher in plain areas than in mountainous/hilly regions. Autumn (September-November) temperatures from the preceding year showed a positive correlation with annual case numbers ( P=0.004, r=0.82). The linear regression expression is y=40.61x-580.78 (y is the annual incidence, and x is the average daily temperature of last autumn). Conclusions:The SFTS epidemic in Weifang is showing a rising trend. There is a linear correlation between the temperature of the previous autumn and the scale of SFTS epidemic in the following year. This correlation allows for predicting the subsequent year′s epidemic, thereby enabling early warning of SFTS.
5.Comparative analysis on the perioperative characteristics and the maternal and fetal outcomes of transferring to cesarean div in parturients with different durations in the second stage of labor
Nan YANG ; Yanping LYU ; Dongying QU
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(5):366-372
Objective:To compare and analyze the perioperative characteristics and the differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes of parturients transferring to Caesarean section with different durations in the second stage of labor.Methods:A total of 109 parturients who underwent natural delivery and transitioned to Caesarean section during the second stage of labor at the General Hospital of Northern War Zone from January 2022 to June 2024 were selected. Among them, 51 parturients with a duration of the second stage of labor <2 h were selected as group A, and 58 parturients with a duration of the second stage of labor ≥2 h were selected as group B. The general data of preoperative maternal and neonatal conditions, surgical indications, maternal surgical status, perioperative complications, neonatal characteristics, and adverse outcomes were compared between the two groups .Normally distributed measurement data were described by xˉ±s, and independent sample t test was used on comparison between groups.Counting data were described by composition ratio or rate, and χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. P<0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. Results:The incidence of intrapartum fever in group A was 17.6% (9/51), and the type Ⅱ and Ⅲ fetal heart rate monitoring was 43.1% (22/51), which were significantly higher than those in group B [5.2%(3/58),13.8%(8/58)] ( χ2=4.31, 11.71, P=0.038, <0.001).The proportion of fetal distress in the surgical indications of group A was 37.3% (19/51), which was significantly higher than that of group B[8.6%(5/58)]( χ2=12.96, P<0.001). The proportion of fetal head descent arrest and relative cephalo-pelvic disproportion in group A were 13.7% (7/51) and 62.7% (32/51), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in group B[50.0%(29/58),94.8%(55/58)] ( χ2=16.14,17.34, P<0.001).The incidence of puerperal morbidity in group A was 35.3% (18/51), which was significantly higher than that in group B[13.8%(8/58)] ( χ2=6.91, P=0.009).The incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in group A was 15.7% (8/51), and the proportion of newborns transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit due to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia within 7 days after birth was 11.8% (6/51), which were significantly lower than those in group B[32.8%(19/58),29.3%(17/58)]( χ2=4.24,5.02, P=0.039,0.025). Conclusions:Transferring to Caesarean section within 2 hours of the second stage of labor for natural childbirth parturients increases the risk of puerperal morbidity. At the same time, attention should be paid to the presence or absence of prenatal fever and the monitoring of fetal heart rate should be strengthened in the early stage of the second labor. Transfer cesarean section after 2 hours of the second stage of labor requires enhance monitoring of neonatal bilirubin levels.
6.Comparative analysis on the perioperative characteristics and the maternal and fetal outcomes of transferring to cesarean div in parturients with different durations in the second stage of labor
Nan YANG ; Yanping LYU ; Dongying QU
Clinical Medicine of China 2025;41(5):366-372
Objective:To compare and analyze the perioperative characteristics and the differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes of parturients transferring to Caesarean section with different durations in the second stage of labor.Methods:A total of 109 parturients who underwent natural delivery and transitioned to Caesarean section during the second stage of labor at the General Hospital of Northern War Zone from January 2022 to June 2024 were selected. Among them, 51 parturients with a duration of the second stage of labor <2 h were selected as group A, and 58 parturients with a duration of the second stage of labor ≥2 h were selected as group B. The general data of preoperative maternal and neonatal conditions, surgical indications, maternal surgical status, perioperative complications, neonatal characteristics, and adverse outcomes were compared between the two groups .Normally distributed measurement data were described by xˉ±s, and independent sample t test was used on comparison between groups.Counting data were described by composition ratio or rate, and χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. P<0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference. Results:The incidence of intrapartum fever in group A was 17.6% (9/51), and the type Ⅱ and Ⅲ fetal heart rate monitoring was 43.1% (22/51), which were significantly higher than those in group B [5.2%(3/58),13.8%(8/58)] ( χ2=4.31, 11.71, P=0.038, <0.001).The proportion of fetal distress in the surgical indications of group A was 37.3% (19/51), which was significantly higher than that of group B[8.6%(5/58)]( χ2=12.96, P<0.001). The proportion of fetal head descent arrest and relative cephalo-pelvic disproportion in group A were 13.7% (7/51) and 62.7% (32/51), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in group B[50.0%(29/58),94.8%(55/58)] ( χ2=16.14,17.34, P<0.001).The incidence of puerperal morbidity in group A was 35.3% (18/51), which was significantly higher than that in group B[13.8%(8/58)] ( χ2=6.91, P=0.009).The incidence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in group A was 15.7% (8/51), and the proportion of newborns transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit due to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia within 7 days after birth was 11.8% (6/51), which were significantly lower than those in group B[32.8%(19/58),29.3%(17/58)]( χ2=4.24,5.02, P=0.039,0.025). Conclusions:Transferring to Caesarean section within 2 hours of the second stage of labor for natural childbirth parturients increases the risk of puerperal morbidity. At the same time, attention should be paid to the presence or absence of prenatal fever and the monitoring of fetal heart rate should be strengthened in the early stage of the second labor. Transfer cesarean section after 2 hours of the second stage of labor requires enhance monitoring of neonatal bilirubin levels.
7.Improvement of Depression-like Behavior of Depression Model Mice by Sinisan via Regulating GSK-3β/A20/C/EBPβ to Inhibit Activation of Microglia
Hongyun CHEN ; Dongying YANG ; Huiqing LIAO ; Yanyan ZENG ; Linke PAN ; Shasha BAI ; Di DENG ; Yafei SHI ; Rong ZHANG ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):16-23
ObjectiveTo investigate the antidepressant effect of Sinisan (SNS) by regulating glycogen aynthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3(A20)/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β(C/EBPβ) to inhibit the activation of microglia. MethodA total of 72 male C57/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group (5.0 mg·kg-1), low-dose Sinisan group (4.9 g·kg-1), medium-dose Sinisan group (9.8 g·kg-1), and high-dose Sinisan group (19.6 g·kg-1), with 12 mice in each group. After one week of adaptive feeding, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was performed to establish the depression model. In the fifth week, drug treatment was conducted for four weeks. In the ninth week, behavioral tests were performed, including sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OPT), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and forced swimming test (FST). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), GSK-3β, A20, and C/EBPβ in the cortex. The expression of M1-polarized ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) in microglia was detected by immunofluorescence. ResultAfter eight weeks of CUMS, compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group had a significantly reduced sucrose preference rate (P<0.01), and the activity in the central area of the OPT was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The activity in the open arm area of the EPM test was significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the immobility time of FST was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of inflammatory proteins IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS were increased (P<0.01), and the fluorescence co-localization index of Iba1 and CD68 was increased (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and C/EBPβ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). After four weeks of SNS intervention, compared with the model group, the mice in the SNS group had significantly increased sucrose preference rate (P<0.01), significantly increased activities in the central area and the open arm area in the OPT and the EPM test (P<0.05), and significantly reduced immobility time in the FST (P< 0.01). The protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence co-localization index of Iba1 and CD68 was decreased in the high-dose SNS group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of GSK-3β and C/EBPβ in the medium-dose and high-dose SNS groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and that of A20 was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe antidepressant effect of SNS is related to the regulation of GSK-3β/A20/C/EBPβ protein expression and the inhibition of M1-type activation of microglia.
8.Investigation the association between γδT cells with endometrial polyps
Zihan MENG ; Yulu YANG ; Huijuan ZOU ; Xueke ZHANG ; Wenjuan YANG ; Dongying SUN ; Xiaofeng XU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(6):971-976
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical value of γδT cells and related inflammatory factors in endometrial polyps(EP).Methods Subjects were patients with infertility due to EP(EP group,n=57)and infertility due to non-uterine factors(Control group,n=44).EP tissues and normal endometrial tissues were taken,respectively.The general characteristics of the two groups were evaluated by independent samples T-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test.The expressions of CD3 and TCRγδ in proliferative endometrium and endometrial polyps were observed by immunofluorescence,and the expressions of IL-17 and IFN-γ in tissue homogenate were detected by ELISA.Uni-variable linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between the number of γδT cells and the expression level of IL-17 and IFN-γ.Results Both the number of γδT cells and he levels of IL-17 and IFN-γsignificantly increased in endometrial polyp tissues,and the relationship between is linear(all P<0.05).Conclu-sion γδT cells are associated with EP among infertile women,which may lead to embryo implantation failure by affecting the expression of inflammatory factors and regulating the imbalance of cell subsets.
9.Analysis on Components Absorbed into Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus Based on Sequential Metabolism
Shuang YU ; Yanli PAN ; Huining LIU ; Xueyan LI ; Xinyu WANG ; Dongying QI ; Fulu PAN ; Qianqian WANG ; Xiaoyu CHAI ; Guopeng WANG ; Tao MA ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):114-123
ObjectiveTo identify the prototypical components and metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(SCF) based on sequential metabolism combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. MethodBlood and cerebrospinal fluid samples of integrated metabolism, intestinal metabolism and hepatic metabolism were collected from male SD rats after gavage and in situ intestinal perfusion administration, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to analyze and compare the differences in the spectra of SCF extract, blank plasma, administered plasma, blank cerebrospinal fluid and administered cerebrospinal fluid with ACQUITY UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm), the mobile phase was acetonitrile(A)-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(B) for gradient elution(0-7 min, 95%B; 7-12 min, 95%-35%B; 12-17 min, 35%-15%B; 17-20 min, 15%-12%B; 20-22 min, 12%-5%B; 22-23 min, 5%B; 23-25 min, 5%-95%B; 25-28 min, 95%B). And heated electrospray ionization(HESI) was used with positive and negative ion modes, the scanning range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototypical constituents and their metabolites absorbed into blood and cerebrospinal fluid of SCF were identified according to the retention time, characteristic fragments, molecular formulae and the information of reference substances. ResultA total of 42 chemical components were identified in the extract of SCF, including lignans, flavonoids, amino acids, tannins, and others, of which lignans were the main ones. A total of 27 prototypical components and 14 metabolites were identified in plasma samples from different sites. A total of 15 prototypical components and 9 metabolites were identified in cerebrospinal fluid. The main metabolic reactions involved in the formation of metabolites were mainly demethylation, methylation, demethoxylation and hydroxylation. ConclusionThrough the systematic identification of the prototypical components and metabolites of SCF in rats, it provides data support for further better exploring the material basis of SCF in the treatment of central nervous system diseases.
10.Analysis of Inhibitory Effect of Berberine Compounds on Acetylcholinesterase and Blood-brain Barrier Permeability
Fulu PAN ; Yang LIU ; Huining LIU ; Shuang YU ; Xueyan LI ; Xinyu WANG ; Dongying QI ; Xiaoyu CHAI ; Qianqian WANG ; Zirong YI ; Yanli PAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):116-124
ObjectiveTo examine the inhibitory effects of berberine compounds, including columbamine, on acetylcholinesterase from the perspectives of drug-target binding affinity and kinetics and explore the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of these compounds in different multi-component backgrounds. MethodThe median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of acetylcholinesterase by berberine compounds including columbamine was measured using the Ellman-modified spectrophotometric method. The binding kinetic parameters (Koff) of these compounds with acetylcholinesterase were determined using the enzyme activity recovery method. A qualitative analysis of the ability of these components to penetrate the BBB and arrive at the brain tissue in diverse multi-component backgrounds (including medicinal herbs and compound formulas) was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). ResultBerberine compounds, including columbamine, exhibited strong inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Moreover, they displayed better drug-target binding kinetics characteristics (with smaller Koff values) than the positive control of donepezil hydrochloride (P<0.01), indicating a longer inhibition duration of acetylcholinesterase. Berberine components such as columbamine could penetrate the BBB to arrive at brain tissue in the form of a monomer, as well as in the multi-component backgrounds of Coptis and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex medicinal extracts and the compound formula Huanglian Jiedutang. ConclusionThese berberine compounds such as columbamine exhibit a strong inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase and can arrive at brain tissue in multi-component backgrounds. In the level of pharmacological substance, this supports the clinical efficacy of compound Huanglian Jiedutang in improving Alzheimer's disease, providing data support for elucidating the pharmacological basis of compound Huanglian Jiedutang.


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