1.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Precription in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Autophagy
Xin KANG ; Chaodi SUN ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN ; Mingmin DU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):166-173
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription in regulating autophagy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by bioinformatics and animal experiments. MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and those overlapped with autophagy genes were obtained as the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs). DEARGs were imported into Metascape and STRING, respectively, for gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (GO/KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Finally, 15 key DEARGs were obtained. The core DEARGs were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the immunoinfiltration of UC patients and the correlations between core DEARGs and immune cells. C57BL/6J mice were assigned into a normal group and a modeling group. The mouse model of UC was established by free drinking of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium. The modeled mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription and mesalazine groups according to the random number table method and administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. The colonic mucosal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein and mRNA levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), cathepsin B (CTSB), C-C motif chemokine-2 (CCL2), CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), and hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultsThe dataset GSE87466 was screened from GEO and interlaced with autophagy genes. After PPI analysis, LASSO regression, and ROC analysis, the core DEARGs (Caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4) were obtained. The results of immunoinfiltration analysis showed that the counts of NK cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients had significant differences, and core DEARGs had significant correlations with these immune cells. This result, combined with the prediction results of network pharmacology, suggested that the HIF-1α signaling pathway may play a key role in the regulation of UC by Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription. The animal experiments showed that Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription significantly alleviated colonic mucosal inflammation in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, CXCR4, and HIF-1α, which were down-regulated after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription or mesalazine. ConclusionCaspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4 are autophagy genes that are closely related to the onset of UC. Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription can down-regulate the expression of core autophagy genes to alleviate the inflammation in the colonic mucosa of mice.
2.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Formula in Treating Ulcerative Colitis Through Pyroptosis Regulation Based on Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments
Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Shijie REN ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Xin KANG ; Wenli WEI ; Jingyuan LIU ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):105-113
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the potential mechanism of the Xiezhuo Jiedu formula in regulating pyroptosis for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using bioinformatics and in vivo animal experiments. MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) in colon tissues of UC patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from the GEO and GeneCards databases. The intersection of these datasets yielded pyroptosis-related DEGs (Pyro-DEGs). Pyro-DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis using the Metascape database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) prediction model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were conducted to identify core Pyro-DEGs with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Immune infiltration analysis of the UC datasets was performed using the deconvolution method (CIBERSORT), along with correlation analysis with core Pyro-DEGs. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of Xiezhuo Jiedu formula (26.64, 13.32, 6.66 g·kg-1), and a mesalazine group (0.27 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. UC was established by intrarectal administration of 3,5-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) dissolved in ethanol. The control and model groups were given distilled water by gavage, while the treatment groups were administered the corresponding drugs for 7 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the colon histopathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, IL-18, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were applied to detect the expression of Caspase-1, gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to measure mRNA expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. Western blot was performed to assess protein expression levels of Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8. ResultsGEO datasets GSE87466 and GSE87473 yielded 64 Pyro-DEGs. KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were enriched in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Four core Pyro-DEGs (Caspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8) were identified. Immune infiltration analysis showed that expression of these genes was positively correlated with mast cells, neutrophils, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells. Animal experimental results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group had significantly increased levels of IL-1β and IL-18, significantly decreased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β. The model group showed enhanced Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 staining, and significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-1, GJA1, and S100A8 (P<0.01). In contrast, the expression of PPARG was reduced in the model group (P<0.01). After treatment, all dosage groups showed varying degrees of improvement (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the high-dose group showing the most significant improvement (P<0.01). ConclusionCaspase-1, GJA1, PPARG, and S100A8 are core Pyro-DEGs closely associated with the pathogenesis of UC. These genes may collaborate with immune cells such as mast cells, neutrophils, and M0 macrophages to mediate disease development. The Xiezhuo Jiedu formula may regulate the expression of core Pyro-DEGs through the NOD-like receptor, TNF, and HIF-1 core signaling pathways, thereby modulating immune homeostasis in UC rats and effectively alleviating UC.
3.Exploration of Decision-Making Methods Based on Syndrome Differentiation by “Data-Knowledge” Dual-Driven Models: A Case Study of Gastric Precancerous State
Weichao XU ; Yanru DU ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Yingying LOU ; Wenwen JIA ; Xin KANG ; Shuo GUO ; Kun ZHANG ; Chunzhi SU ; Junbiao TIAN ; Xiaona WEI ; Qian YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):154-158
Data analysis models may assist the transmission of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experience and clinical diagnosis and treatment, and the possibility of constructing a “data-knowledge” dual-drive model was explored by taking gastric precancerous state as an example. Data-driven is to make clinical decisions around data analysis, and its syndrome-differentiation decision-making research relies on hidden structural models and partially observable Markov decision-making processes to identify the etiology of diseases, syndrome elements, evolution of pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation protocols; knowledge-driven is to make use of data and information to promote decision-making and action processes, and its syndrome-differentiation decision-making research relies on convolutional neural networks to improve the accuracy of local disease identification and syndrome differentiation. The “data-knowledge” dual-driven model can make up for the shortcomings of single-drive numerical simulation accuracy, and achieve a balance between local disease identification and macroscopic syndrome differentiation. On the basis of previous research, we explored the construction method of diagnostic assisted decision-making platform for gastric precancerous state, and believed that the diagnostic and decision-making ability of doctors can be extended through the assistance of machines and algorithms. Meanwhile, the related research methods were integrated and the core features of gastric precancerous state based on TCM syndrome differentiation and endoscopic pathology diagnosis and prediction were obtained, and the elements of endoscopic pathology recognition based on TCM syndrome differentiation were explored, so as to provide ideas for the in-depth research and innovative application of cutting-edge data analysis technology in the field of intelligent TCM syndrome differentiation.
4.Mechanism of Modified Guizhi Fulingwan in Regulating Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway Through PTEN/PI3K/Akt Pathway to Prevent Colorectal Adenoma in Mice
Sujie JIA ; Longhui LIU ; Yifan ZHANG ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Jianping LIU ; Xin KANG ; Chaodi SUN ; Jingyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):10-20
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of modified Guizhi Fulingwan in preventing colorectal adenoma (CRA) in mice by regulating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway through the regulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. MethodSixty SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: Normal group, model group, low, medium, and high dose groups of modified Guizhi Fulingwan (13, 26, 52 g·kg-1·d-1), and positive control aspirin group (0.015 g·kg-1·d-1). A mouse model of CRA was chemically induced using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). During the modeling process, mice received modified Guizhi Fulingwan or aspirin. Body weight of mice was measured weekly during the treatment. After 9 weeks, the number of adenomas formed was observed. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathologic changes in adenoma tissues. The expression of Cyclin D1 and proliferative nuclear antigen (Ki67) was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to assess the apoptosis in adenoma tissues. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to observe the mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN, PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome C (Cyt C), Caspase-9, and caspase-3. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed no significant change in body weight from week 1 to week 2, but a significant decrease from week 3 to week 9 (P<0.05,P<0.01). The colorectal length was significantly shortened, and the colorectal weight increased with visible varying sized tumor-like protrusions on the mucosal surface (P<0.01). Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were elevated (P<0.01). Histopathology showed disordered epithelial gland structure, elongated nuclei with pathological mitosis, and numerous lymphocytic infiltrations in the lamina propria. The positive expression rates of Cyclin D1 and Ki67 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the apoptosis rate of adenoma cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Expression levels of PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2 mRNA and proteins, as well as p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins, were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas PTEN, Bax, Cyt C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all drug treatment groups showed an increase in body weight (P<0.01), decreased intestinal weight, increased colorectal length, reduced number of adenomas significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), and significantly lowered serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Histopathology indicated improved glandular structure and reduced neutrophil infiltration in the mucosal lamina propria. The positive expression rates of Cyclin D1 and Ki67 significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the apoptosis rate of adenoma cells significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Expression levels of PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2 mRNA and proteins, and p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while PTEN, Bax, Cyt C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 mRNA and protein levels significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The high-dose modified Guizhi Fulingwan group exhibited the most significant intervention effects. ConclusionModified Guizhi Fulingwan may prevent CRA in mice by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inducing the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
5.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Recipe in Preventing Colorectal Adenoma in Mice Through miRNA-34a-5p/PI3K/Akt Signalling Pathway
Sujie JIA ; Chaodi SUN ; Yifan ZHANG ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Jianping LIU ; Xin KANG ; Shijie REN ; Jingyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):156-165
ObjectiveKey microRNAs (miRNAs) of colorectal adenoma (CRA) were identified and analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened to construct regulatory relationships. The mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe in preventing CRA was speculated and verified by animal experiments. MethodThe miRNAs dataset GSE50194 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database of intestinal mucosal tissue of CRA patients, and the differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by GEO2R and Excel. TargetScan, miRTarbase, and miRDB databases were used to predict the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs, and an intersection was obtained. Key DEGs were screened through the STRING database and Cytoscape software, and the TRRUST database was used to predict downstream binding transcription factors (TFs). The mRNA intersection was enriched by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) in the Metascape database. DIANA TOOLS were applied to perform KEGG enrichment analysis of key miRNAs, and the key signaling pathways were selected for animal experiments. In animal experiments, the CRA mice model was established by using sodium glycan sulfate (DSS) drinking combined with intraperitoneal injection of azomethane oxide (AOM), and Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe and aspirin were given by intragastric administration at the same time. The experiment lasted for nine weeks. The pathological changes in intestinal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-34a-5p in adenoma tissue. Protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphoryl-PI3K (p-PI3K), phosphoryl-Akt (p-Akt), and B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 were detected by Western blot. The expression of Cyclin D1 (CCND1) was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In situ terminal transferase labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptosis of adenoma tissue cells. ResultThe GEO database screened the GSE50194 dataset, and miR-34a-5p was selected as the research object from CRA and normal tissue. A total of 93 DEGs were selected. Among them, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were closely related to biological processes such as transcriptional regulatory complex, RNA polymerase Ⅱ transcriptional regulatory complex, enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling pathway, and DNA-binding transcriptional activator activity, cancer pathway, PI3K/Akt pathway, etc. miR-34a-5p is mainly enriched in PI3K/Akt, cell cycle, and colorectal cancer pathways. Five key DEGs were screened out through the Matescape database, among which Bcl-2 and CCND1 were the key DEGs of miR-34a-5p. Further screening of the TFs of key DEGs revealed that E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and tumor protein P53 (TP53) were the main TFs of Bcl-2 and CCND1. Animal experiments showed that Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe could effectively up-regulate mRNA level of miR-34a-5p, down-regulate the expression of PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2, p-PI3K, and p-Akt proteins in the intestinal tissue of CRA mice, down-regulate the positive expression rate of CCND1, and increase the apoptosis rate of intestinal epithelial cells. ConclusionIt is speculated that Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe may inhibit the abnormal proliferation and promote the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in CRA mice by regulating the miR-34a-5p/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thus playing a role in the prevention of CRA.
6.Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Recipe Regulating Ferroptosis in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis Based on Bioinformatics and Animal Experiments
Chaodi SUN ; Jianping LIU ; Mingmin DU ; Xin KANG ; Jiancong CUI ; Yuan ZHAO ; Sujie JIA ; Xiaomeng LANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):166-173
ObjectiveThe bioinformatics method was used to screen ferroptosis differential genes (FRGs) closely related to ulcerative colitis (UC), and animal experiments were conducted to verify whether the mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe in treating UC is related to the regulation of ferroptosis. MethodThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of colonic mucosa tissue of UC patients were obtained from the GEO database, and the intersection of the genes with ferroptosis genes was used to obtain FRGs. The core FRGs were obtained by cluster analysis, minimum absolute contraction and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis. In animal experiments, the UC mouse model was prepared by making the mouse freely drink 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe and mesalazine were given by gavage for seven days, and the inflammatory infiltration of colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of E3 ubiquitin ligase (FBXW7), zinc finger protein (ZFP36), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in colon tissue. The protein expression levels of FBXW7, ZFP36, SLC7A11, and TLR4 in colon tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultDataset GSE87466 was screened from the GEO database, and its intersections with the ferroptosis gene were analyzed to obtain 21 FRGs. After cluster analysis, LASSO regression, and ROC analysis, core FRGs (FBXW7, ZFP36, SLC7A11, and TLR4) were obtained. Immunoinfiltration analysis showed significant differences in the expression of initial B cells, M1 macrophages, plasma cells, and M2 macrophages in the colonic mucosa tissue of UC mice, and there was a significant correlation between core FRGs and these immune cells. Further animal experiments showed that the colonic mucosa tissue of mice in the model group was disorganized and infiltrated by a large number of inflammatory cells. The inflammation of the colonic mucosa tissue of mice in each group was relieved to varying degrees after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe and mesalazine, while the colonic mucosa tissue of mice in the high-dose group of Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe showed almost no inflammatory changes. Compared with the normal group, the protein and mRNA expressions of FBXW7, ZFP36, SLC7A11, and TLR4 in the model group were significantly increased, and the expression of core FRGs in colonic mucosa tissue of mice in all groups was significantly down-regulated after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe and mesalazine. ConclusionFBXW7, ZFP36, SLC7A11, and TLR4 are ferroptosis genes closely related to the pathogenesis of UC, and Xiezhuo Jiedu recipe can significantly alleviate colonic mucosa inflammation in mice by down-regulating core ferroptosis genes.
7.Improvement of Colonic Mucosa Inflammatory Response in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis by Xiezhuo Jiedu Recipe Through miRNA-155-5p/JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Chaodi SUN ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Jie REN ; Xin KANG ; Jiancong CUI ; Sujie JIA ; Yujing MA ; Yue LIU ; Qiang CHUAI ; Wenjing ZHAI ; Jianping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(11):174-182
ObjectiveThe differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) between the active stage and the remission stage of ulcerative colitis (UC) was analyzed by bioinformatics method, and the regulatory relationship was constructed by screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The mechanism of Xizhuo Jiedu recipe in the treatment of UC was speculated and verified by animal experiments. MethodThe miRNAs data set of colonic mucosa tissue of UC patients was obtained from the gene expression database (GEO), and the most differentially expressed miRNAs were screened by GEO2R, Excel, and other tools as research objects. TargetScan, miRTarbase, miRDB, STRING, TRRUST, and Matescape databases were used to screen key DEGs, predict downstream transcription factors (TFs), gene ontology (GO), and conduct Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The key signaling pathways were selected for animal experiments. In animal experiments, the UC mouse model was prepared by making the mouse freely drink 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Xiezhu Jiedu recipe and mesalazine were given by gavage for seven days, and the inflammatory infiltration of colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of miR-155-5p in colon tissue. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of cytokine signal transduction inhibitor (SOCS1), phosphorylated transcriptional signal transductor and activator 3 (p-STAT3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and retinoic acid-associated orphan receptor-γt (ROR-γt). The expression levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultThe GSE48957 dataset was screened from the GEO database, and miR-155-5p was selected as the research object from the samples in the active and remission stages. 131 DEGs were screened. The GO/KEGG enrichment analysis was closely related to biological processes such as positive regulation of miRNA transcription and protein phosphorylation, as well as signaling pathways such as stem cell signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and helper T cell 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. The Matescape database was used to screen out 10 key DEGs, among which SOCS1 was one of the key DEGs of miR-155-5p. Further screening of the TFS of key DEGs revealed that STAT3 was one of the main TFs of SOCS1. The results of animal experiments showed that Xiezhu Jiedu Recipe could effectively down-regulate the mRNA expression of miR-155-5p and protein expression of p-STAT3, p-JAK2, and ROR-γt in colon tissue of UC mice and the expression of IL-17 and IL-6 in serum of UC mice, up-regulate the protein expression of SOCS1 and the expression of TGF-β and IL-10, increase the level of anti-inflammatory factors, and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration. ConclusionIt is speculated that Xizhuo Jiedu recipe may interfere with SOCS1 by regulating the expression of miR-155-5p in UC mice, inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3, inhibit the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-17 and IL-6), and increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β and IL-10). As a result, the inflammation of colon mucosa in UC mice was alleviated.
8.Xiezhuo Jiedu formula alleviates ulcerative colitis and regulates macrophage polarization in rats
Xin KANG ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN ; Mingmin DU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Boqian HU ; Xiaomeng LANG
Immunological Journal 2024;40(1):65-71
This study was performed to explore the therapeutic effect of Xiezhuo Jiedu Formula on ulcerative colitis rats and its effects on β-catenin/FOSL2/ARID5A signaling pathway and macrophage polarization.Rats of ulcerative colitis was induced and divide into control group,model group,positive group(intervention with sulfasalazine),and low,medium and high-dose groups(intervention with Xiezhuo Jiedu Fang).After 14 days of intervention,the disease activity index(DAI)and colon mucosa damage index(CDMI)were calculated and used to evaluate the state of rats.HE staining was used to observe lesion tissue;ELISA was used to detect of serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6;flow cytometry was used to detect peripheral blood M1 and M2 macrophage content;RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of iNOS,CD206,and β-Catenin/FOSL2/ARID5A;immunohistochemistry was used to detect β-Catenin/FOSL2/ARID5A signaling pathway protein expression in colon tissue.Data showed that DAI score,CMDI score,and serum TNF-α and IL-6 in the low,medium,and high dose groups were significantly lower than the model group(P<0.05).HE staining showed that the colon tissue damage and inflammatory infiltration in the low,medium,and high dose groups were slighter than those in the model group(P<0.05).The rate of M1 type macrophages and iNOS mRNA in the low,medium,and high dose groups were significantly lower than those in the model group,while the rate of M2 type macrophages and CD206 mRNA were significantly higher than those in the model group(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expressions of β-catenin and FOSL2 in colon tissue of low,medium,and high dose groups were significantly higher than those of the model group,while the mRNA level and protein expression of ARID5A were significantly lower than that of the model group(P<0.05).Taken together,Xiezhuo Jiedu formula can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms,reduce inflammatory response,downregulate β-catenin/FOSL2/ARID5A expression,regulate macrophage polarization and promote disease recovery of ulcerative colitis in rats.
9.Study on the mechanism of Tianshui Dichang Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology and experimental verification
Peitong LI ; Xiaomeng LIU ; Yujing MA ; Ziwei DONG ; Sen YANG ; Qian YANG ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaomeng LANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;45(11):1399-1407
Objective:To explore the potential mechanism of Tianshui Dichang Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis through network pharmacology and experimental verification.Methods:The active components and targets of Tianshui Dichang Decoction were screened by TCMSP. The related targets of ulcerative colitis were screened by OMIM, GeneCard and TTD databases, and the effective component targets of Tianshui Dichang Decoction were intersected with the potential targets of ulcerative colitis. The PPI network was constructed by STRING database to screen the core targets, and the "Chinese materia medica-disease-active components-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out using Metascape database. 48 mice were divided into control group, model group, mesalazine group (0.3 g/kg) and Tianshui Dichang Decoction low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups (7.5,15 and 30 g/kg) according to random number table method, with 8 mice in each group. Except the control group, the ulcerative colitis model was established in other groups. After 7 days of intervention with corresponding drugs, the disease activity index (DAI) was scored, the pathological changes of colon were observed by HE staining, and the expressions of IL-6, STAT3mRNA and protein in colon tissue were detected by PCR and Western blot methods.Results:Totally 127 active components in Tianshui Dichang Decoction and 560 targets of ulcerative colitis were obtained. 89 intersecting targets of Tianshui Dichang Decoction and ulcerative colitis were obtained, and the core targets included IL6, TNF, IL1B, AKT1, TP53, VEGFA, JUN, PTGS2, CXCL8, CCL2, STAT3, MMP9 and so on. Oxidative stress response, lipopolysaccharide metabolism, bacterial response, signal transduction and other biological processes were mainly involved, mainly through the cancer pathway, IL17, TNF, MAPK and other signal pathways to play a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The results of experimental verification showed that the DAI score, the expressions of IL-6 and STAT3 protein in colon tissue of Tianshui Dichang Decoction medium- and high-dosage groups.decreased ( P<0.05). The levels of IL-6 and STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue decreased in the Tianshui Dichang Decoction low-, medium- and high-dosage groups.groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Tianshui Dichang Decoction has a certain therapeutic effect on UC through component-multitarget-signal pathway, and its mechanism is related to regulating IL-6/STAT3 signal pathway and inhibiting intestinal mucosal inflammation.
10.Analysis of prescription and medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 based on traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support platform
Jiao LIU ; Dehui LI ; Jianqiang MEI ; Lei WU ; Fenqiao CHEN ; Yuan LIU ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Guodong YUAN ; Yawei ZHAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2022;34(5):454-458
Objective:To analyze the rules of medication and principles of formulas for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using the traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support platform (V2.5).Methods:The clinical data, including gender, age, clinical symptoms, frequency of traditional Chinese medicine medication and prescription information, of patients with COVID-19 and asymptomatic infection who were admitted to Hebei COVID-19 designated hospital supported by medical team of First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine from January to March 2021 were collected. The information data were input into the traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support platform (V2.5). The data mining and analysis were realized by the integrated association rules and complex entropy clustering analysis methods of the software, including the analysis of the frequency of each drug use, drug meridian, taste, and prescription rules, and the new prescriptions were developed.Results:A total of 564 patients (564 prescriptions) were enrolled, involving 200 Chinese herbs, including 357 cases of common COVID-19 and 207 cases of asymptomatic infection. The proportion of women with common COVID-19 was high, and the high incidence age group was 51-70 years old. There was no significant difference in gender of asymptomatic infection, and the high incidence age group was 1-20 years old. The main clinical manifestations of most patients were head heavy and cough, followed by low fever and cough with sputum, the main tongue coating and pulse pattern were similar in both types of patients. The frequency of traditional Chinese medicine used in patients with common type of COVID-19 from high to low was liquorice root (326 times), indian bread (264 times), pinellia tuber (263 times), bitter apricot seed (236 times), baical skullcap root (229 times), gypsum (205 times), agastache rugosus (201 times), dried tangerine peel (194 times), ephedra (184 times), and Chinese thorowax root (163 times), while that used by asymptomatic infection were baical skullcap root (174 times), liquorice root (142 times), medicated leaven (137 times), agastache rugosus (127 times), pinellia tuber (114 times), Chinese thorowax root (100 times), officinal magnolia bark (91 times), atractylodes rhizome (89 times), peony root (84 times), and milkvetch root (83 times). The two types of patients were mainly treated with warm, cold and flat drugs, and the nature and taste were mainly pungent, bitter and sweet. The meridian tropism of drugs was mainly lung, spleen and stomach. High frequency drug formulation mainly included drugs for resolving turbidity and detoxification. At the same time, seven new prescriptions for common COVID-19 and four new prescriptions for asymptomatic infection were developed.Conclusions:The primary reason for the COVID-19 occurrence and development is turbidity-toxin and the qi of plague, and resolving turbidity and detoxication are the basic treating principle. On the basis, for patients with common COVID-19, symptomatic treatment such as relieving exterior syndrome, clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and antitussive drugs should be taken into account at the same time, while the treatment of asymptomatic infections should focus more on supporting the body and eliminating the harmful pathogens.

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