1.Mechanisms of Qiaobai cold compress solution in improving acne vulgaris based on transcriptomics and experiment
Zhenjiang XIE ; Weina ZHU ; Liangliang CAO ; Fuqiong ZHOU ; Shupan ZHANG ; Bingwen ZHOU ; Yinsheng CHEN ; Wen LI ; Ying ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):425-430
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Qiaobai cold compress solution (QBCS) improves acne vulgaris (AV) based on transcriptomics and animal experiments. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a blank control group ( n =6) and a modeling group ( n =30). AV models were established in the modeling group by topical application of oleic acid to the inner surface of both ears, combined with subcutaneous injection of Cutibacterium acnes suspension into the auricle. Successfully modeled rats were further divided into the model group, positive control group (Tretinoin cream, 0.045 g/kg), and QBCS low-, medium-, high-dose groups [3.55, 7.11, 14.22 g/kg (calculated by the amount of crude drug) ] , with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each d rug group were treated with the corresponding drugs once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the final administration, changes in the appearance of the ears and histopathological changes in the ear tissues were observed, and serum levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, were measured. Auricular tissues from the blank control group, model group and QBCS medium-dose group were collected for transcriptome sequencing. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis, followed by validation using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rats in all QBCS groups showed alleviated auricular acne symptoms, with reduced epidermal thickening, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of TNF-α (except for the QBCS low-dose group), IL-6 (except for the QBCS low-dose group) and IL-1β were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). A total of 590 DEGs were identified (blank control group vs. model group), and 596 DEGs were identified (model group vs. QBCS medium-dose group). Above DEGs (blank control group vs. model group) were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor (TLR) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, etc. Validation experiments showed that, compared with model group, low-, medium- and high-dose of QBCS reduced, to varying degrees, the mRNA expression of TNF-α, TLR2, interferon-γ and CXC chemokine ligand 8 in the auricular tissues of AV rats, increased the mRNA expression of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma and tumor protein 53, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 protein as well as the expressions of TLR2 and myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88(MyD88) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QBCS can alleviate auricular inflammation and skin lesions in AV rats. This effect may be related to inhibition of the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the expression of downstream inflammatory factors such as TNF-α.
2.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
3.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
4.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
5.Determination of gallic acid in sicaokeyin gel by HPLC method
Lianyan YANG ; Weirong XIAO ; Shiyu WEN ; Xinxin XIE ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Bin CHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(9):468-471
Objective Sanguisorba officinalis is the principal medicinal ingredient of Sicaokeyin gel. Gallic acid is commonly used as a key indicator component for evaluating the quality of Sanguisorba officinalis and its preparations. To establish a HPLC method for the determinant of gallic acid in Sicaokeyin gel. Methods With gallic acid as reference substance,HPLC analysis was performed on a Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column (4.6 mm ×25 mm,5 μm) with methanol-0.05%phosphoric acid (5∶95) under isocratic elution. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min and the detection wavelength was 272 nm. The column temperature was 30℃, the injection volume was 10 μl. Results Gallic acid showed good linear relationship in the range of 1.004-50.18 μg/ml (r=0.999 9). The average recovery was 102.9% (n=9). Conclusion The method was easy to operate; the result was accurate and reliable, which could be used for the quality control of sanguisorba officinalis in Sicaokeyin gel.
6.Application value of ultra-wide-field fundus imaging in the assessment of peripheral retinal lesions and tessellated fundus in myopia
Huilu LIU ; Diyao WEI ; Liuzhu GAN ; Jiabi DENG ; Shufeng XIE ; Wen PANG ; Chunhua LIU ; Zhongdong JIANG ; Jingjing WU
International Eye Science 2026;26(11):1898-1903
AIM: To investigate the differences in ocular parameters among patients with varying degrees of myopia, analyze the correlation between tessellated fundus(FT)severity and ocular biometric parameters as well as fundus lesions, and evaluate the clinical value of peripheral retinal lesions, FT, and ultra-wide-field imaging(UWFI)in the risk assessment of myopic fundus lesions.METHODS: Patients with ametropia who were admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, Liuzhou Red Cross Hospital from June 2022 to June 2025 were retrospectively collected.The participants were divided into four groups according to different spherical equivalent(SE): emmetropia and mild myopia group(-3.0 D
7.Repair effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in combination use with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on a rat model of spinal cord injury
Ya-qian WEN ; Chao-lun LIANG ; Kun-rui ZHENG ; Dian-weng XIE ; Hai-mei YANG ; Meng-di ZOU ; Da GUO ; Xing LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):66-72
AIM To investigate the repair effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA)combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)transplantation on spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the TUDCA group,the BMSCs transplantation group and the combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation group,with the SCI rat model established by Allen's method.The next day after modeling,the rats of TUDCA and combination therapy groups were given 200 mg/kg TUDCA by gavage.On the 3rd day after modeling,rats in BMSCs transplantation group and combination therapy group were injected with 1 mL tuned bone marrow BMSCs(the 3rd generation,1× 106/mL)via tail vein.Rats in the sham operation group and the model group were given gastric perfusion of normal saline and injection of 1 mL PBS through tail vein.On the 3rd,7th and 14th day after modeling,the rats had their motor function of hind limbs observed and BBB score determined.After the corresponding drug administration,the rats had their movement track of hind limbs recorded by footprint experiment;their the protein expressions of IL-6,IL-10,Arg-1,PI3K and Akt in spinal cord tissue detected by Western blot;their pathological changes of spinal cord tissue observed by HE staining and Nissl staining;and their expressions of MAP2,GAP43 and GFAP detected by immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with TUDCA,or BMSCs transplantation,or combination therapy shared improved hind limb function and spinal cord histomorphology(P<0.05);increased fluorescence intensity of MAP2 and GAP43,and protein expressions of IL-10,Arg-1,p-PI3K and p-Akt(P<0.05);decreased fluorescence intensity of GFAP and IL-6 protein expressions(P<0.05);among which the combination therapy group took the lead(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The combination therapy of TUDCA and BMSCs transplantation may restore the function of the rat model of SCI by reducing inflammatory reaction,alleviating secondary injury,and promoting axon and myelin regeneration via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
8.circSLC8A1 mediates the mechanism of ATF3 pathway on oxidative stress and iron activity in epilepsy
Wen CHAI ; Chen XIE ; Ji ZHANG ; Dongqin ZOU ; Susu FANG ; Qin KANG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(7):1-4,10
Objective To analyze the effects of activating transcription factor 3(ATF3)pathway mediated by circSLC8Al on oxidative stress and iron activity of epileptic cells.Methods An epileptic cell model was established using human neuronal-hippocampal cells through Mg2+-free method.The expression levels of circSLC8A1 and ATF3 in healthy control group and model group were detected.Plasmid transfection was used to establish circSLC8A1 knockout group,ATF3 knockout group,circSLC8A1 knockout+ATF3 overexpression group,and ATF3 knockout+circSLC8A1 overexpression group.After 6h transfection,cells were cultured in normal medium for 48h.The cell viability,iron activity,reactive oxygen species(ROS),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and glutathione(GSH)of the different intervention groups were detected and compared.Results The expression levels of circSLC8A1,ATF3,ROS,LDH and iron activity in model group were significantly higher than those in healthy control group,while cell activity and GSH expression were significantly lower than those in healthy control group(P<0.05).Knocking out circSLC8A1 can significantly reduce the expression of circSLC8A1 in epileptic model cells,while knocking out ATF3 can significantly reduce the expression of ATF3 in epileptic model cells(P<0.05).Knocking out circSLC8A1 or ATF3 will increase the cell viability,decrease the iron activity and relieve the oxidative stress in epileptic model cells.Knocking out circSLC8A1 and overexpressing ATF3 can reverse the above trend,but knocking out ATF3 and overexpressing circSLC8A1 will not lead to the above phenomenon.Conclusion circSLC8A1 can influence the cell activity,oxidative stress and iron activity process of epileptic model cells by mediating ATF3 pathway,which provides some reference for the mechanism of epilepsy and its targeted therapy.
9.Monitoring and model prediction of human brucellosis in Tangshan City, Hebei Province from 2016 to 2024
Xiangbo LIU ; Wen GAO ; Renjie E ; Ling ZHANG ; Guangyue XIE ; Jie PEI ; Hui WANG ; Zheng LIU ; Hongli LIU
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(4):232-238
Objective:To analyze the epidemic characteristics of human brucellosis in Tangshan City, Hebei Province from 2016 to 2024, and to establish a prediction model for forecasting incidence of human brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2025 to 2028, so that to provide evidence for prevention and control strategies.Methods:The incidence data of human brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2016 to 2024 were collected. Brucella strains isolated from blood cultures of patients with acute brucellosis were identified.The onset time and demographic distributions of brucellosis were analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Python software was used to establish a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model (SARIMA model) and predict the incidence of brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2025 to 2028. Results:From 2016 to 2024, a total of 2 446 cases of human brucellosis in Tangshan City were reported, with the highest incidence in 2016 (378 cases) and the lowest in 2022 (277 cases).Seasonal variation was observed, with 54.87%(1 342/2 446) occurring in spring and summer (March to July). The incidence rate of male was 5.28/100 000, which was significantly higher than that of female (1.94/100 000) ( χ2=554.96, P<0.001). The cases spanned all age groups, with the highest incidence among those aged 50 to 59 (30.25%(740/2 446)). Farmers engaged in cattle/sheep breeding accounting for 85.73% (2 097/2 446) of cases. A total of 236 blood samples were collected from patients with acute brucellosis, and 12 Brucella strains were isolated and identified as sheep type Ⅲ Brucella. The optimal model constructed was SARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, 1) 12, which was used to predict the incidence of human brucellosis in Tangshan City from 2025 to 2028. The results showed that the overall incidence was relatively stable, retaining the characteristic single annual peak. Conclusions:Human brucellosis in Tangshan City peaks in spring/summer and predominantly affects cattle/sheep farmers. The SARIMA (1, 0, 0) (1, 0, 1) 12 model effectively fits the epidemiological data of human brucellosis in Tangshan City well and enables reliable future trend predictions, supporting scientific and effective prevention and control work.
10.Analysis of toxic material basis of Dryopteris crassirhizoma by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Rong-hui ZHENG ; Cui-jie WEI ; Fei-fei XIE ; Xin-ya WAN ; Xiao-jie LIANG ; Zhi-wen DUAN ; Dong-mei SUN ; Xiang-dong CEHN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3305-3314
AIM To establish a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for analyzing the toxic material basis of 95%ethanol cold soaked ultrasonic extract(EC),95%ethanol heated reflux extract(EH)and water decoction extract(WD)from Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 25 ℃ thermostatic agilent ZORBAX RRHD StableBond C18 column(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-0.2%formic acid flowing at 0.30 mL/min,and heated electrospray ion source was adopted in positive and negative ion scanning.Compounds were identified by Compound Discover 3.3 software combined with the database and related literature,and the main differential components were screened by Heatmap cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis.RESULTS 72 compounds were identified(22 phloroglucinols,19 flavonoids,8 phenylpropanoids,6 terpenoids and 17 other components).The main toxic differential components were phloroglucinols such as flavaspidic acid AB,didemethylpseudoaspidin AA and filixic acid PBP,flavonoids such as(-)-epicatechin,(-)-epigallocatechin,cianidanol,and other compounds such as indole-3-carboxaldehyde.CONCLUSION This method can rapidly,effectively and comprehensively characterize the main chemical composition of D.crassirhizoma,and provide a reference for the study of its pharmacological mechanism.

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