1.Causal relationship between immune cells and knee osteoarthritis:a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis
Guangtao WU ; Gang QIN ; Kaiyi HE ; Yidong FAN ; Weicai LI ; Baogang ZHU ; Ying CAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1081-1090
BACKGROUND:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a common chronic inflammatory disease that causes damage to joint cartilage and surrounding tissues.Immune cells play an important role in the immune-inflammatory response in knee osteoarthritis,but the specific mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the potential causal relationship between 731 immune cell phenotypes and the risk of knee osteoarthritis using Mendelian randomization. METHODS:Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)for 731 immune cell phenotypes(from GCST0001391 to GCST0002121)obtained from the GWAS catalog and GWAS data for knee osteoarthritis from the IEUGWAS database(ebi-a-GCST007090)were used.Inverse variance-weighted method,MR-Egger regression,weighted median method,weighted mode method,and simple mode method were employed to investigate the causal relationship between immune cells and knee osteoarthritis.Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the reliability of the Mendelian randomization results.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis was also performed using the same methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The forward MR analysis indicated significant causal relationships(FDR<0.20)between knee osteoarthritis and four immune cell phenotypes,namely CD27 on CD24+CD27+in B cells(OR=1.026,P=0.000 26,Pfdr=0.18),CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR-in myeloid cells(OR=1.014,P=0.000 50,Pfdr=0.18),and CD45RA+CD28-CD8br%CD8br in Treg cells(OR=1.001,P=0.000 78,Pfdr=0.18),and PDL-1 on monocytes in mononuclear cells(OR=0.952,P=0.000 98,Pfdr=0.18).These immune cell phenotypes showed direct positive or negative causal associations with the risk of knee osteoarthritis.Reverse Mendelian randomization analysis revealed no significant causal relationships(FDR<0.20)between knee osteoarthritis as exposure and any of the 731 immune cell phenotypes.The results of sensitivity analysis show that the P-values of the Cochran's Q test and the MR-Egger regression method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization were both greater than 0.05,indicating that there is no significant heterogeneity and pleiotropy in the causal effect analysis between immune cell phenotypes and knee osteoarthritis.To conclude,there may be four potential causal relationships between immune cell phenotypes,such as CD27 on CD24+CD27+cells,CD33 on CD33dim HLA DR-cells,CD45RA+CD28-CD8br%CD8br cells,and PDL-1 on monocytes,and knee osteoarthritis.These findings provide valuable clues for studying the biological mechanisms of knee osteoarthritis and exploring early prevention and treatment strategies.They also offer new directions for the development of intervention drugs.
2.Changes in ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons of vascular dementia model rats treated with Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill
Nannan ZHAO ; Yanjie LI ; Hewei QIN ; Bochao ZHU ; Huimin DING ; Zhenhua XU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1401-1407
BACKGROUND:Research has demonstrated a close association between ferroptosis and vascular dementia.Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill has a certain effect on improving the cognitive function of vascular dementia patients,but its mechanism is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the interventional effects and molecular mechanisms of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill for vascular dementia based on the regulation of ferroptosis by the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)signaling pathway. METHODS:Among eighty-four SD male rats,12 rats were used as the sham-operated group,and the rest of them were prepared as a model of vascular dementia by the modified 2-VO method,and then randomly divided into the model group,the Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills high-,moderate-,and low-dosage(27.6,13.8,and 6.9 g/kg)groups,the combined group(Tongmai Kaiqiao Pill high-dosage+ML385,20 mg/kg),and the donepezil hydrochloride group(0.45 mg/kg).The drug was given once a day by intragastric administration.The combined group was also intraperitoneally injected Nrf2 inhibitor ML385,once a day,for 4 weeks.Morris water maze was used to detect the learning memory ability of rats.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the hippocampus of rats in each group.Colorimetric assay was used to detect the content of reduced glutathione,ferrous ion(Fe2+),and malondialdehyde in the serum of rats.Prussian blue staining was used to detect the iron deposition in the hippocampal tissue of rats.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of mitochondria in rat hippocampal tissues.Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of Nrf2,HO-1,GPX4,XCT,and ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH1)in rat hippocampal tissues. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In comparison to the sham operation,rats in the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged latency period(P<0.05)and a reduced number of platform crossings(P<0.05).Additionally,the hippocampal tissues of these rats displayed loosely organized structure,deeply stained cell nuclei,and solidified or lysed chromatin.Ferri ions aggregated in CA1 region.There were atrophied mitochondria with dissolved cristae and thickened mitochondrial membranes.Fe2+,malondialdehyde,and reduced glutathione levels in rat serum were found to be elevated(P<0.05).A significant reduction in the expression of GPX4,HO-1,XCT,Nrf2,and FTH1 proteins was detected in the hippocampus(P<0.05).(2)Compared to the model group,the average escape latency of the rats was significantly reduced following intervention with Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills and donepezil hydrochloride(P<0.05),with an increased number of platform crossings(P<0.05).Hippocampal neurons showed significant recovery.Notably,iron aggregation in the CA1 region was significantly reduced,and mitochondrial structure and function were improved.There were significant reductions in Fe2+and malondialdehyde levels,while the levels of GPX4,HO-1,XCT,Nrf2,and FTH1 in rat hippocampal tissues,and reduced glutathione in serum were significantly increased(P<0.05).(3)The high-dose Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills exhibited a treatment effect comparable to that of donepezil hydrochloride(P>0.05),with a significant prolongation of water maze escape latency(P<0.05),a reduced number of platform crossings(P<0.05),and insignificant neuronal pathological changes in the CA1 area.However,the combined group showed increased iron deposition,elevated malondialdehyde and Fe2+levels in blood serum(P<0.05),reduced glutathione content(P<0.05),hippocampal tissue mitochondrial atrophy,and reduced expression of Nrf2,XCT,HO-1,GPX4,and FTH1 proteins(P<0.05).Within a certain range,higher doses of Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills demonstrated a more pronounced effect,comparable to the efficacy of high-dose donepezil hydrochloride.(4)It is concluded that Tongmai Kaiqiao Pills have been shown to mitigate histopathological changes in the rat hippocampus and enhance cognitive function in rats with vascular dementia.The mechanism of action is likely associated with the suppression of ferroptosis through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
3.Construction of management index system for rational drug use of key monitoring drugs
Mingxiong ZHANG ; Wanying QIN ; Jian HUANG ; Dan WANG ; Li LI ; Yinghui BU ; Ming YAN ; Kejia LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):784-788
OBJECTIVE To establish management index system for rational drug use of key monitoring drugs, and provide reference for the management of key monitoring drugs in the hospitals. METHODS First, the management index system for rational drug use of key monitoring drugs was drafted by collecting the evidence from related medical literature. Next, using a modified Delphi method, twenty experienced experts from the fields of pharmacy, medical practice, healthcare insurance, and finance were selected to participate in two rounds of questionnaire consultations. Based on the expert enthusiasm coefficient, authority coefficient, degree of opinion concentration, and degree of coordination, the final indicators were determined to establish a management index system for rational drug use of key monitored drugs in medical institutions. RESULTS The expert enthusiasm coefficients reached 100% in both rounds of consultation. In first-level, second-level and third-level indicators, the authority coefficients of experts were 0.89, 0.86 and 0.87, and coordination coefficients of the experts in importance score were 0.300 (P< 0.05), 0.125 (P<0.05) and 0.139 (P<0.05), respectively. The average score for the importance of all indicators reached over 3.5, in which the full score ratio ranged from 35% to 100%. Except that the variation coefficient of a third-level indicator “number of specifications purchased for key monitored drugs” was 0.26, the variation coefficients of rest indicators were less than or equal to 0.25. Based on the results of expert consultation, final version of the management index system established in this study, including two first-level indicators (drug procurement and use, and rational drug use), five second-level indicators (such as the accessibility, cost-effectiveness) and twenty third-level indicators (such as the number of specifications purchased for key monitored drugs, the increase in the cost of key monitored drugs). CONCLUSIONS The management index system established in this study possesses high reliability and strong operability, and may provide a reference for the management of key monitoring drugs in the hospitals.
4.Trends in global burden due to visceral leishmaniasis from 1990 to 2021 and projections up to 2035
Guobing YANG ; Aiwei HE ; Yongjun LI ; Shan LÜ ; Muxin CHEN ; Liguang TIAN ; Qin LIU ; Lei DUAN ; Yan LU ; Jian YANG ; Shizhu LI ; Xiaonong ZHOU ; Jichun WANG ; Shunxian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):35-43
Objective To investigate the global burden of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from 1990 to 2021 and predict the trends in the burden of VL from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into global VL prevention and control. Methods The global age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of VL and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data resources. The trends in the global burden of VL were evaluated with average annual percent change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1990 to 2021, and gender-, age-, country-, geographical area- and socio-demographic index (SDI)-stratified burdens of VL were analyzed. The trends in the global burden of VL were projected with a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model from 2022 to 2035, and the associations of age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of VL with SDI levels were examined with a smoothing spline model. Results The global age-standardized incidence [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)], prevalence [AAPC = -0.06%, 95% CI: (-0.06%, -0.06%)], mortality [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)] and DALYs rates of VL [AAPC = -2.38%, 95% CI: (-2.44%, -2.33%)] all appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, and the highest age-standardized incidence [2.55/105, 95% UI: (1.49/105, 4.07/105)], prevalence [0.64/105, 95% UI: (0.37/105, 1.02/105)], mortality [0.51/105, 95% UI: (0, 1.80/105)] and DALYs rates of VL [33.81/105, 95% UI: (0.06/105, 124.09/105)] were seen in tropical Latin America in 2021. The global age-standardized incidence and prevalence of VL were both higher among men [0.57/105, 95% UI: (0.45/105, 0.72/105); 0.14/105, 95% UI: (0.11/105, 0.18/105)] than among women [0.27/105, 95% UI: (0.21/105, 0.33/105); 0.06/105, 95% UI: (0.05/105, 0.08/105)], and the highest mortality of VL was found among children under 5 years of age [0.24/105, 95% UI: (0.08/105, 0.66/105)]. The age-standardized incidence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), prevalence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), mortality (r = -0.511, P < 0.001) and DALYs rates of VL (r = -0.514, P < 0.001) correlated negatively with SDI levels from 1990 to 2021. In addition, the global burden of VL was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a decline from 2022 to 2035, and the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates were projected to be reduced to 0.11/105, 0.03/105, 0.02/105 and 1.44/105 in 2035, respectively. Conclusions Although the global burden of VL appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, the burden of VL showed a tendency towards a rise in Central Asia and western sub-Saharan African areas. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of VL were relatively higher among men, and the age-standardized mortality of VL was relatively higher among children under 5 years of age. The global burden of VL was projected to continue to decline from 2022 to 2035.
5.Surveillance for Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023
Jinhua ZHOU ; Shiyu HE ; Tong LIU ; Zhifei CHENG ; Xiaoning LI ; Yimin JIANG ; Xueying LIANG ; Zongqiu CHEN ; Pengzhe QIN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):76-80
Objective To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured using electric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 (χ2 = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61). Conclusions The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.
6.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.
7.Role of circCCDC138 in early malignant transformation of human lung epithelial cells induced by carbon black nanoparticles
Runfeng LI ; Lichun MA ; Shulin QIN ; Wen LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(4):475-481
Background With the large-scale production and application of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), occupational and general exposure is obviously increasing. Related studies have shown that exposure to CBNPs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Objective To establish a CBNPs-induced malignant transformation (C-BEAS-2B) model of human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and explore the role and mechanism of circCCDC138 in the malignant transformation process. Methods At 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg·mL−1 CBNPs concentrations, cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. BEAS-2B cells were exposed to 20 mg·mL−1 CBNPs for three months, and a malignant transformation model of BEAS-2B induced by CBNPs was constructed. The migration and invasion abilities of the cells were detected by cell scratch and Transwell assays. The expressions of circ-CCDC138 in BEAS-2B and C-BEAS-2B were detected by qRT-PCR, and its stability was verified by a digestive resistance test. A cell model with interference or overexpression of circCCDC138 was constructed, and the expression of circCCDC138 in the cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of p53 protein. Results The CBNPs used in the experiment were spherical particles with a chain-like structure. In the 20 μg·mL−1 CBNPs group, the reduction in the viability of BEAS-2B cells was relatively small (10%). Compared with the control cells, the 20 μg·mL−1 CBNPs group showed more obvious cell migration and invasion at 24 h and 48 h, indicating that the exposure to CBNPs induced early malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells (P<0.01). The circCCDC138 expression in C-BEAS-2B was upregulated in a time-dependent manner after exposure to CBNPs. Compared with the C-BEAS-2B cells, the C-BEAS-2B cells over-expressing circCCDC138 exhibited arrested S phase progression (36.9%) and apoptosis resistance (P<0.01), along with down regulation of p53 protein expression in the cells (P<0.01), while the C-BEAS-2B cells interfering with circCCDC138 showed the opposite results (P<0.01). Conclusion BEAS-2B cells exposed to CBNPs (20 μg·mL−1) have significantly enhanced migration and invasion abilities, showing early malignant transformation characteristics. In addition, circCCDC138 is highly expressed in C-BEAS-2B cells with RNase R digestive resistance and increases in a time-dependent manner with CBNPs exposure. More importantly, circCCDC138 may promote the induction of malignant transformation of cells by inhibiting p53 protein expression.
8.An excerpt of ESMO clinical practice guideline interim update on the management of biliary tract cancer in 2025
Delong QIN ; Yue TANG ; Zonglong LI ; Jialu CHEN ; Zhaohui TANG ; Zhiwei QUAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):625-627
In January 2025, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) released the ESMO clinical practice guideline interim update on the management of biliary tract cancer as a supplementary update to Biliary tract cancer: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up published in November 2022. This interim update mainly revises the latest evidence-based medical recommendations in the key fields of molecular diagnostics and clinical management since the release of the original guidelines, and it is not a comprehensive update of the entire document. This article summarizes and makes an excerpt of the new recommendations from this interim update.
9.Effect of pegylated interferon-α-2b therapy on cytotoxicity of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Lei QIN ; Guangpeng LI ; Peijun SHEN ; Lanfang ZHANG ; Xiaofei YANG ; Meijuan PENG ; Ye ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):628-636
ObjectiveTo investigate the change in the activity of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T cells after pegylated interferon-α-2b (PEG-IFN-α-2b) therapy in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection. MethodsA total of 53 HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection who attended The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University and Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Mdical University from April 2020 to June 2022 were enrolled and treated with PEG-IFN-α-2b (180 μg/week, subcutaneous injection) antiviral therapy. The study endpoint was HBsAg clearance (course of treatment<48 weeks) or 48 weeks (course of treatment≥48 weeks). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at baseline and study endpoint, and peripheral blood T cell counts were measured. Enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used to measure the frequency of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells secreting perforin, granzyme B, and interferon-γ. A total of 17 HLA-A*02-restricted patients were selected, and CD8+ T cells were purified to establish direct- and indirect-contact co-culture systems for HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and HepG2.2.15 cells. The level of lactate dehydrogenase in supernatant was measured to calculate the mortality rate of HepG2.2.15 cells, and the levels of HBV DNA, cytotoxic molecules, and cytokines in supernatant were also measured. Flow cytometry was used to measure the expression of apoptosis ligands, and the cytotoxicity of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells was evaluated. The independent samples t-test or the paired t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. ResultsThe HBsAg clearance rate at study endpoint was 30.19% (16/53). There were no significant differences in peripheral blood T cell counts (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells) between baseline and study endpoint (P>0.05). At study endpoint, there was a significant increase in the frequency of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells secreting perforin, granzyme B, and interferon-γ (U=177.50, t=11.90, U=186.50, all P<0.001), and the patients with HBsAg clearance had a significantly higher frequency of such HBV-specific CD8+ T cells than those without HBsAg clearance (U=120.50, t=2.73, U=121.50, all P<0.01). In the direct- and indirect-contact co-culture systems at study endpoint, HBV-specific CD8+ T cells induced a significant reduction in HBV DNA in the supernatant of HepG2.2.15 cells (all P<0.001) and significant increases in the secretion of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05); in the direct-contact co-culture system, HBV-specific CD8+ T cells induced significant increases in the mortality rate of HepG2.2.15 cells (13.62%±3.27% vs 11.39%±2.40%, t=2.27, P=0.030) and the secretion of perforin and granzyme B (t=72.50, U=52.50, both P<0.05). In the direct- and indirect-contact co-culture systems, compared with HBV-specific CD8+ T cells from the patients without HBsAg clearance, the HBV-specific CD8+ T cells from patients with HBsAg clearance had a significantly greater reduction in HBV DNA (P<0.05) and significant increases in the secretion of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.05). ConclusionPEG-IFN-α-2b therapy can help to achieve a relatively high HBsAg clearance rate in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection, and the activity of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells is significantly enhanced, which is closely associated with HBsAg clearance.
10.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.

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