1.Intervention Effects of Formulas Containing Ephedrae Herba and Armeniacae Semen Amarum on Asthma in Mice and Their Regulatory Effects on Thermosensitive TRP Channels
Mengwen LI ; Yuhao FAN ; Xinsheng FAN ; Yaojing YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):32-40
ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in the regulatory effects of formulas containing Ephedrae Herba and Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Mahuangtang, Sanaotang, and Maxing Shigantang) on thermosensitive transient receptor potential ion channels (thermo TRPs) in the mouse model of asthmatic airway inflammation. MethodsSixty female C57BL/6 mice were allocated into blank, model, dexamethasone (0.75 mg·kg-1), Mahuangtang (3.8 g·kg-1), Sanaotang (2.8 g·kg-1), and Maxing Shigantang (6.6 g·kg-1) groups (n=10). The mouse model of asthma was established with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated with normal saline (blank group) or corresponding drugs (10 mL·kg-1), once a day, 19-28 days after modeling. The levels of eosinophils (EOS) in peripheral blood and white blood cell (WBC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), changes in enhanced pause (Penh), and pathological damage of lung tissue were observed in each group. Western blot and real-time PCR were employed to quantify the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of high-temperature thermosensitive channels (TRPV1 and TRPV3) and low-temperature thermosensitive channels (TRPA1 and TRPM8) in the lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a typical asthma phenotype, including elevations in the level of EOS in peripheral blood, level of WBC in BALF, and value of Penh (P<0.05,P<0.01), and severe lung tissue damage. Compared with the model group, the three formulas alleviated the asthma phenotype to varying degrees (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed up-regulated protein levels of TRPV1 and TRPA1 in the lung tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Maxing Shigantang and Sanaotang groups showed down-regulated protein levels of TRPV1 and TRPA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, Maxing Shigantang and Sanaotang groups showed more significant down-regulation in protein levels of TRPV1 and TRPA1, respectively (P<0.01), while no obvious regulatory effect was observed in the Mahuangtang group. Compared with those in the blank group, the protein levels of TRPV3 and TRPM8 were up-regulated in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Maxing Shigantang and Sanaotang down-regulated the protein levels of TRPV3 and TRPM8 (P<0.01). Moreover, Maxing Shigantang and Sanaotang exerted stronger down-regulating effects on TRPV3 (P<0.05) and TRPM8 (P<0.01), respectively. Compared with the blank group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPA1, and TRPM8 in the lung tissue (P<0.01), and such up-regulations were significantly decreased by Maxing Shigantang and Sanaotang (P<0.01). Moreover, Maxing Shigantang outperformed Sanaotang in regulating high-temperature thermosensitive channels TRPV1 and TRPV3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The regulation effect of the, Maxing Shigantang on high-temperature thermosensory channel proteins of TRPV1 and TRPV3 was better than that of the Sanaotang P<0.05P<0.01while the Sanaotang outperformedhad a significant regulatory effect on Maxing Shigantang in regulating the low-temperature thermosensory thermosensitive channel proteins of TRPA1 and TRPM8which was better than that of the Maxing Shigantang (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe experimental results showed that Mahuangtang, Sanaotang, and Maxing Shigantang all had protective effects on asthma airway inflammation.while Mahuangtang did not show the regulatory effect on TRPV1 and or TRPA1. Maxing Shigantang preferred to regulate high-temperature thermosensory thermosensitive channels of TRPV1 and TRPV3 channels, and Sanaotang preferred to regulate low-temperature thermosensory thermosensitive channels of TRPA1 and TRPM8.
2."Weibing" in traditional Chinese medicine-biological basis and mathematical representation of disease-susceptible state.
Wanyang SUN ; Rong WANG ; Shuhua OUYANG ; Wanli LIANG ; Junwei DUAN ; Wenyong GONG ; Lianting HU ; Xiujuan CHEN ; Yifang LI ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Xinsheng YAO ; Hao GAO ; Rongrong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2363-2371
"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.
3.Unveiling the metabolic fate of drugs through metabolic reaction-based molecular networking.
Haodong ZHU ; Xupeng TONG ; Qi WANG ; Aijing LI ; Zubao WU ; Qiqi WANG ; Pei LIN ; Xinsheng YAO ; Liufang HU ; Liangliang HE ; Zhihong YAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3210-3225
Effective annotation of in vivo drug metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a metabolic reaction-based molecular networking (MRMN) strategy is introduced, which enables the "one-pot" discovery of prototype drugs and their metabolites. MRMN constructs networks by matching metabolic reactions and evaluating MS2 spectral similarity, incorporating innovations and improvements in feature degradation of MS2 spectra, exclusion of endogenous interference, and recognition of redundant nodes. A minimum 75% correlation between structural similarity and MS2 similarity of neighboring metabolites was ensured, mitigating false negatives due to spectral feature degradation. At least 79% of nodes, 49% of edges, and 97% of subnetworks were reduced by an exclusion strategy of endogenous ions compared to the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform. Furthermore, an approach of redundant ions identification was refined, achieving a 10%-40% recognition rate across different samples. The effectiveness of MRMN was validated through a single compound, plant extract, and mixtures of multiple plant extracts. Notably, MRMN is freely accessible online at https://yaolab.network, broadening its applications.
4.Research overview and progress of single-cell sequencing analysis of BCR CDR3 receptor repertoire
Lanwei ZHU ; Jun LI ; Long MA ; Xinsheng YAO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):743-750
B cell receptor(BCR)is the main molecular basis for B cell specific recognition and binding of antigen,and its complementarity determining region(CDR3)presents high diversity and specificity.Using single-cell immune repertoire sequencing technology can accurately analyze the composition and characteristics of each B cell BCR CDR3 sequence,and can better understand the process and mechanism of B cell differentiation,development,and response.Single-cell immune repertoire sequencing technology provides new ideas and theoretical basis for the pathogenesis,monitoring,diagnosis and treatment of B-cell immune-related diseases.This paper mainly compares and analyzes the commonly used detection methods and detection platforms of B-cell BCR CDR3 receptor library,and focuses on the application,research status and progress of single-cell sequencing technology in B-cell BCR CDR3 recep-tor library.
5.Isolation,identification and pathogenicity analysis of two avain infectious bronchi-tis virus strain
Hanwen ZHANG ; Yaru GAO ; Yang WANG ; Yapeng SONG ; Wenming GAO ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyang CAO ; Jingrui LIU ; Xinsheng LI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2133-2141,2155
This study aims to investigate the isolate and identify of infectious bronchitis virus(IBV)in chickens,and study its genetic variation and pathogenicity.In 2023,two strains named CK/CH/HN/SQ202301 and CK/CH/HN/SQ202302 were obtained from suspected infectious bronchitis(IB)infected materials collected in a region of Henan Province,China.Further analysis showed that the two isolates belong to the G Ⅰ-13 and GⅥ genotypes,respectively.The cleavage sites of S protein were all RRSRR.The prediction of glycosylation sites showed that the two isolates had 18 and 12 N-glycosylation sites respectively,but no O-glycosylation site.Recombinant analysis shows that C2023-1 was a recombinant strain.Pathogenicity was assessed by infecting 1-day-old SPF chicks with the two isolates,and the results showed that C2023-1 strain infection could cause clini-cal symptoms such as depression and head shaking,as well as death in chicks,with a mortality rate of 37.5%.There were no clinical symptoms or deaths after infection with C2023-2 strain.Viral load test results showed that both isolates continued to detoxify until the 10th day,and had strong rep-lication capacity in the kidney,trachea and bursa of Fabricius.The results indicate significant differences in the genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of the two isolates due to their different genotypes.This study not only provides new epidemiological data on IB,which contributes to a bet-ter understanding of IBV's epidemiological features and control challenges,but also adds valuable bioinformatics resources for IBV by analyzing its variation mechanisms and biological information.
6.Clinical efficacy and safety of Octocog alfa in Chinese patients with hemophilia A: One-year follow-up results from the Antihemophilic Factor Hemophilia A Outcome Database (AHEAD) study
Runhui WU ; Zhenyu LI ; Jing SUN ; Xin DU ; Xinsheng ZHANG ; Ying WANG ; Qun HU ; Rongfu ZHOU ; Joan GU ; Randy GUERRA ; Renchi YANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(8):705-712
Objective:To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of recombinant coagulation factor Ⅷ (Octocog alfa) in Chinese patients with hemophilia A (HA) enrolled in the International Antihemophilic Factor Hemophilia A Outcome Database (AHEAD) study (NCT02078427) .Methods:Enrollment of Chinese patients in the AHEAD study was completed by January 2021, and data were collected up to July 15, 2022. This study primarily assessed patients in terms of the Gilbert score, global gait score within the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), annualized bleeding rate (ABR), annualized joint bleeding rate, and adverse events.Results:A total of 168 male patients were included in this study, of which 113 received prophylactic treatment and 53 received on-demand treatment. The average age of the patients was 21.4±13.37 years. Compared with baseline, the global gait score within HJHS significantly decreased during the 1-year follow-up in patients with moderately severe HA in the prophylactic treatment group ( P=0.01) and on-demand treatment group ( P=0.008). The mean reduction in Gilbert score was greater in the prophylactic treatment group than in the on-demand treatment group (28.6% vs 8.2%). The average ABR decreased significantly during the 1-year follow-up (3.70 vs 7.78, P=0.01) in the prophylactic treatment group, particularly in patients with severe HA (2.14 vs 8.98, P=0.006) and pediatric patients (2.1 vs 4.73, P=0.03). The ABR score also decreased significantly in the moderate-dose prophylactic treatment group ( P=0.015). During the 1-year follow-up, 25 patients (14.9%) reported 39 adverse events, with only one patient developing treatment-related F Ⅷ inhibitor. Conclusion:Joint mobility improved in patients receiving either prophylactic or on-demand Octocog alfa. Bleeding episodes significantly reduced in patients receiving prophylactic treatment, particularly in pediatric patients and those with severe HA.
7.Artesunate inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis and autophagy of nephroblastoma cell line SK-NEP-1
Jianxin WEI ; Yanle FANG ; Yubo LU ; Yuguang GAO ; Xing LANG ; Jingtao LI ; Xinsheng MA
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(4):493-498
Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate(Art)on the proliferation,apoptosis,and autophagy of nephroblastoma cell line(SK-NEP-1).Methods SK-NEP-1 cells were intervened with different concentrations of Art(0,10,20,40 and 80 μmol/L),and MTT method was applied to calculate the cell proliferation inhibition rate to screen the optimal intervention concentration;SK-NEP-1 cells were separated into control group,Art group,3-MA group(Art+autophagy inhibitor,3-methyladenine),and Rapa group(Art+autophagy activator rapamycin).EdU and flow cytometry were applied to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis,respectively;MDC staining was applied to detect autophagy in cells;the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in cells was detected by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe;the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),anti apoptotic factor B cell lym-phomatoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax),microtubule junction protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ/3 Ⅰ(LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ),selective autophagy junction protein 1(p62),and benzyl chloride 1(Beclin-1)proteins in cells were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with 0 μmol/L Art,the proliferation inhibition rate of SK-NEP-1 cells was gradually increased after 10,20,40 and 80 μmol/L Art treatment(P<0.05),and the IC50 value was 46.881 μmol/L,so 40 μmol/L Art was selected for follow-up experiments.Compared with the control group,the apoptosis rate,relative autophagy fluorescence intensity,ROS level,Bax,LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ,Beclin-1,PINK1,and Parkin protein expression levels of SK-NEP-1 cells in the Art group were obviously increased,the EdU positive cell rate,PCNA,Bcl-2,and P62 protein expression levels were obviously reduced(P<0.05);The auto-phagy inhibitor 3-MA inhibited the promoting effect of Art on apoptosis and autophagy of nephroblastoma cells and inhibit proliferation(P<0.05).Conclusions Art inhibits the proliferation of nephroblastoma cell line SK-NEP-1,and promotes autophagy and apoptosis.
8.Ten new lignans with anti-inflammatory activities from the leaves of Illicium dunnianum.
Ting LI ; Xiaoqing HE ; Dabo PAN ; Xiaochun ZENG ; Siying ZENG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Xinsheng YAO ; Wei XIAO ; Haibo LI ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):990-996
The anti-inflammatory phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Illicium dunnianum (I. dunnianum) resulted in the isolation of five pairs of new lignans (1-5), and 7 known analogs (6-12). The separation of enantiomer mixtures 1-5 to 1a/1b-5a/5b was achieved using a chiral column with acetonitrile-water mixtures as eluents. The planar structures of 1-2 were previously undescribed, and the chiral separation and absolute configurations of 3-5 were reported for the first time. Their structures were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis [nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass (HR-ESI-MS), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV)] and quantum chemistry calculations (ECD). The new isolates were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells. Compounds 1a, 3a, 3b, and 5a demonstrated partial inhibition of NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays revealed that 1a down-regulated the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), COX-2, and iNOS and the protein expressions of COX-2 and iNOS. This research provides guidance and evidence for the further development and utilization of I. dunnianum.
Lignans/isolation & purification*
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Plant Leaves/chemistry*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
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Mice
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Animals
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Molecular Structure
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Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
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Illicium/chemistry*
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Cyclooxygenase 2/immunology*
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Interleukin-6/immunology*
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Nitric Oxide/metabolism*
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Cell Line
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology*
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Lipopolysaccharides
9.Expression and immunogenicity study of IBV S1 fusion protein containing FAdV-4 Fiber 2 B cell epitopes
Yaru GAO ; Yang WANG ; Hanwen ZHANG ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyang CAO ; Jingrui LIU ; Bingjie LI ; Jingjing CHANG ; Yapeng SONG ; Wenming GAO ; Xinsheng LI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1616-1623
To verify whether the two B-cell epitopes Pep1 and Pep4 in the FAdV-4 WZ fiber can be used as candidate epitopes for multivalent epitope vaccines,epitopes Pep1 and Pep4 were tandemly linked with the chicken infectious bronchitis virus strain M41 S1 protein gene in different patterns,and a recombinant fusion plasmid was constructed and expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3).It was confirmed by Western blot and ELISA tests that all four expressed fusion proteins reacted specific-ally with anti-M41 whole virus serum and WZ strain anti-Fiber 2-knob protein serum.After purifi-cation and immunization of BALB/c mice,specific antibodies against the peptide epitopes were de-tected in mouse sera.The results showed that the Pep4 epitope induced a stronger immune re-sponse than the Pep1 epitope.When Pep1 was connected with the amino and carboxyl termini of the fusion protein,respectively,both resulted in the production of the same level of anti-Pep1 anti-bodies in the immunized animals,whereas when Pep4 was connected with the carboxyl terminus of the fusion protein,the immunized animals produced a higher level of anti-Pep4-specific antibodies.This research indicates that the B cell epitopes Pep1 and Pep4 of the reactive WZ strain Fiber 2,when conjugated with proteins to form fusion proteins,can enhance the immunogenicity of Pep1 and Pep4 without affecting the antigenicity of the carrier protein.This study provides technical support and serves as a reference for the design and development of a multivalent epitope vaccine for FAdV-4.
10.Expression and immunogenicity study of IBV S1 fusion protein containing FAdV-4 Fiber 2 B cell epitopes
Yaru GAO ; Yang WANG ; Hanwen ZHANG ; Lin LIU ; Xiaoyang CAO ; Jingrui LIU ; Bingjie LI ; Jingjing CHANG ; Yapeng SONG ; Wenming GAO ; Xinsheng LI
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1616-1623
To verify whether the two B-cell epitopes Pep1 and Pep4 in the FAdV-4 WZ fiber can be used as candidate epitopes for multivalent epitope vaccines,epitopes Pep1 and Pep4 were tandemly linked with the chicken infectious bronchitis virus strain M41 S1 protein gene in different patterns,and a recombinant fusion plasmid was constructed and expressed in E.coli BL21(DE3).It was confirmed by Western blot and ELISA tests that all four expressed fusion proteins reacted specific-ally with anti-M41 whole virus serum and WZ strain anti-Fiber 2-knob protein serum.After purifi-cation and immunization of BALB/c mice,specific antibodies against the peptide epitopes were de-tected in mouse sera.The results showed that the Pep4 epitope induced a stronger immune re-sponse than the Pep1 epitope.When Pep1 was connected with the amino and carboxyl termini of the fusion protein,respectively,both resulted in the production of the same level of anti-Pep1 anti-bodies in the immunized animals,whereas when Pep4 was connected with the carboxyl terminus of the fusion protein,the immunized animals produced a higher level of anti-Pep4-specific antibodies.This research indicates that the B cell epitopes Pep1 and Pep4 of the reactive WZ strain Fiber 2,when conjugated with proteins to form fusion proteins,can enhance the immunogenicity of Pep1 and Pep4 without affecting the antigenicity of the carrier protein.This study provides technical support and serves as a reference for the design and development of a multivalent epitope vaccine for FAdV-4.

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