1.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.
2.Establishment of PK-PD Binding Model for Multi-Components of Crossbow Medicine Microemulsion Based on a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis
Chan ZHAO ; Huan XIE ; Jian XU ; Yao LIU ; Fangfang YANG ; Yinglong CHEN ; Yongping ZHANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(6):804-812
OBJECTIVE To establish a combined pharmacokinetic(PK)-pharmacodynamic(PD)model for knee osteoarthritis(KOA)of crossbow drug microemulsion multi-components(benzoylmesaconine,benzoylhypacoitine,mesaconitine,periplocin,neo-chlorogenic acid,vanillic acid,chlorogenic acid),and elucidate the dynamic changes in the KOA rats and the interrelation with the e-lapsed efficacy of the drug.METHODS A KOA rat model was induced by 4%papain;the PK process of crossbow medicine microe-mulsion components in rat synovial fluid was analyzed by UPLC to establish a PK model;the contents of MMP-3,MMP-13,TNF-α and IL-1β in KOA rats at different time points after administration were determined by ELISA analysis to establish a PD model;Phoe-nix WinNonlin software was used to fit the PK and PD data to obtain a PK-PD model.RESULTS PK results showed that the multi-components of the microemulsion were slowly absorbed in the joint cavity and gradually reached the peak value within 3-5 h.The Cmax of benzoylmesaconine,benzoylhypacoitine mesaconitine,periplocoside,neochlorogenic acid,vanillic acid and chlorogenic acid were 1.23,1.48,1.62,4.67,0.93,1.25 and 2.35 μg·mL-1,respectively;the area under the drug-time curve(AUC0-11)was 2.58,4.04,3.54,12.15,2.51,2.41 and 4.11 h·μg·mL-1,respectively.PD results showed that at different time points after adminis-tration,the contents of MMP-3,IL-1β,TNF-α,and MMP-13 decreased to varying degrees,among which MMP-3 decreased insig-nificantly,with significant differences only at 6 h;the contents of the remaining IL-1β,TNF-α,and MMP-13 decreased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01),and showed the phenomenon of lagged efficacy;the PK-PD binding model showed that the drug concentration of the multi-component drug in the crossbow medicine microemulsion could be well fitted with its drug efficacy data.CONCLUSION The established PK-PD binding model can predict the drug efficacy changes after administration,and provides a corresponding refer-ence for the crossbow medicine microemulsion treatment of KOA.
3.Isolation and identification of one strain of Pseudomonas fulva and phylogenetic analysis
Jing LUO ; Kejiao MA ; Fan YANG ; Ting XIE ; Huan WANG ; Tingting HE ; Zhe YIN ; Boan LI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2086-2090
OBJECTIVE To analyze a strain of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas fulva by whole genome sequencing,investigate the genomic characteristics and analyze the significance in phyletic evolution.METHODS A strain of P.fulva,NY4814,was isolated from the Chinese PLA General Hospital in 2014.The genome sequence data of the strain were obtained after the purification,preservation and whole genome sequencing.The specie of the strain was identified by comparing with average nucleotide identity(ANI);the minimum inhibitory concentra-tions(MIC)of the strains were determined by VITEK2 system.All of the data regarding to the genomic se-quences of P.fulva were downloaded from RefSeq database of National Center of Biotechnology Information(NCBI)to construct the phylogenetic tree.RESULTS The P.fulva NY4814 was resistant to carbapenems and quinolones.The chromosome carried a newly discovered Tn7675 unit transposon,which mediated resistance to aminoglycosides and chloramphenicol.Simultaneously,the plasmid pNY4814-IMP drove the wide dissemination of the blaIMP resistance gene across Pseudomonas species via a highly conserved conjugative and transfer mechanism,and the Tn6485i unit transposon carried by the chromosome mediated the resistance to β-lactams.CONCLUSIONS As one of the potential carriers for the transmission of carbapenems resistance genes and other types of drug re-sistance genes,the P.fulva leads to the infection as a seldom opportunistic pathogen.The genetic structure of NY4814 and its association with genetic evolution of the species are observed in the study,which intensify the un-derstanding of the species and provide theoretical bases for prevention and monitoring of bacterial infections.
4.Construction and reflections on massive open online courses: a case study of "clinical epidemiology" course at Southern Medical University
Qingmei HUANG ; Huan CHEN ; Qi FU ; Ziting CHEN ; Jiaxuan XIANG ; Di WANG ; Xiaoyu XU ; Jiahao XIE ; Bin WU ; Zhihao LI ; Chen MAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(3):331-337
This paper reviews the current situation of massive open online course (MOOC) construction both domestically and internationally, highlighting the similarities, differences, and limitations of MOOC construction across nations. Based on the full-cycle MOOC construction of the "clinical epidemiology" course at Southern Medical University, including course design, resource integration, online deployment, and teaching evaluation, this study explored the significance, implementation path, and challenges of MOOC construction. This paper also reflects on the activation of teaching content, teacher-student interaction, and teaching mode, aiming to provide a reference for the construction and continuous enhancement of MOOC in China.
5.Construction of p97 mutant of Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae based on the homologous recombination system
Yanna WEI ; Jiying WANG ; Huan XIE ; Zhiqiang LI ; Z.A.Ishag HASSAN ; Xing XIE ; Bin XU ; Qiyan XIONG ; Zhixin FENG ; Guoqing SHAO ; Yanfei YU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):473-481
The aim of this study is to establish an gene editing method of Mesomycoplasma hyo-pneumoniae(Mhp)based on the homologous recombination principle.The restriction enzyme di-gestion and ligation method combined with gene synthesis were used to construct a shuttle plasmid to achieve replication in both Mhp and Escherichia coli(E.coli).The pGEM?-T vector was used as the skeleton.The oriC sequence of Mhp which can achieve the replication of the plasmid in Mhp was inserted into the vector.Sequences of the Spiroplasma promoter and puromycin resistance gene were then inserted into the above constructed plasmid to screen recombinant clones.The up-stream and downstream homologous arms of p97 were constructed to initiate homologous recombination.The recA gene of E.coli is inserted to improve the efficiency of homologous recom-bination.The obtained shuttle plasmid was then delivered into Mhp by electro-transformation or chemical transformation.A shuttle plasmid,pGEM?-Mhp-oriC-p 97,which can replicate in both Mhp and E.coli was constructed.With the transformation of this plasmid,the carried puromycin gene and recA gene can be expressed,the p97 gene can be edited.Finally,the genetically unstable p97 gene mutant was initially obtained.In this study,a tool for Mhp gene editing based on the principle of homologous recombination was established,which laid a foundation for the develop-ment of tools for studying the pathogenesis of Mhp.
6.Research progress of deep learning in prognosis and efficacy prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Huan JIANG ; Kai XIE ; Xin-wei CHEN ; Juan PENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):97-104
The advantages of deep learning(DL)over the traditional imaging evaluation methods were introduced for tumor prognosis prediction and efficacy assessment.The research progress of DL applied in prognosis and efficacy prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was reviewed in terms of survival prediction,local recurrence and distant metastasis,cervical lymph node metastasis,therapeutic efficacy and molecular markers of tumors.The defficiencies of DL for prognosis and efficacy prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were explored,and the future research directions were envisioned.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):97-104]
7.Isolation and identification of one strain of Pseudomonas fulva and phylogenetic analysis
Jing LUO ; Kejiao MA ; Fan YANG ; Ting XIE ; Huan WANG ; Tingting HE ; Zhe YIN ; Boan LI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2086-2090
OBJECTIVE To analyze a strain of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas fulva by whole genome sequencing,investigate the genomic characteristics and analyze the significance in phyletic evolution.METHODS A strain of P.fulva,NY4814,was isolated from the Chinese PLA General Hospital in 2014.The genome sequence data of the strain were obtained after the purification,preservation and whole genome sequencing.The specie of the strain was identified by comparing with average nucleotide identity(ANI);the minimum inhibitory concentra-tions(MIC)of the strains were determined by VITEK2 system.All of the data regarding to the genomic se-quences of P.fulva were downloaded from RefSeq database of National Center of Biotechnology Information(NCBI)to construct the phylogenetic tree.RESULTS The P.fulva NY4814 was resistant to carbapenems and quinolones.The chromosome carried a newly discovered Tn7675 unit transposon,which mediated resistance to aminoglycosides and chloramphenicol.Simultaneously,the plasmid pNY4814-IMP drove the wide dissemination of the blaIMP resistance gene across Pseudomonas species via a highly conserved conjugative and transfer mechanism,and the Tn6485i unit transposon carried by the chromosome mediated the resistance to β-lactams.CONCLUSIONS As one of the potential carriers for the transmission of carbapenems resistance genes and other types of drug re-sistance genes,the P.fulva leads to the infection as a seldom opportunistic pathogen.The genetic structure of NY4814 and its association with genetic evolution of the species are observed in the study,which intensify the un-derstanding of the species and provide theoretical bases for prevention and monitoring of bacterial infections.
8.Research progress of deep learning in prognosis and efficacy prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Huan JIANG ; Kai XIE ; Xin-wei CHEN ; Juan PENG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(6):97-104
The advantages of deep learning(DL)over the traditional imaging evaluation methods were introduced for tumor prognosis prediction and efficacy assessment.The research progress of DL applied in prognosis and efficacy prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was reviewed in terms of survival prediction,local recurrence and distant metastasis,cervical lymph node metastasis,therapeutic efficacy and molecular markers of tumors.The defficiencies of DL for prognosis and efficacy prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were explored,and the future research directions were envisioned.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):97-104]
9.Research Progress of 223-Ra in the Treatment of Bone Metastases from Desmoplasia-resistant Prostate Cancer
Chang LU ; Ran ZHANG ; Li ZHANG ; Jiaxin DING ; Yue SUN ; Zhuoling RAN ; Yuxuan ZHENG ; Lin YU ; Xu GAO ; Jing XIE ; Huan ZHOU ; Jian GONG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):446-451
Prostate cancer is one of the most common male urological malignancies,in which bone metastasis of desmo-plasia-resistant prostate cancer is an important stage in the progression of the disease,which seriously affects the quality of life and survival of patients.With the development of nuclide therapy technology in recent years,223-Ra,as a new type of alpha-targeted therapy,has shown good efficacy in the treatment of desmoplasia-resistant prostate cancer bone metastasis.The purpose of this pa-per is to review the characteristics,mechanism of action,treatment,and the main research results of its treatment of desmoplasia-resistant prostate cancer bone metastasis,and provide a comprehensive review of the clinical application of 223-Ra in the treatment of desmoplasia-resistant prostate cancer bone metastasis for the clinical application of 223-Ra in prostate cancer bone metastasis.
10.Identification of Taste Critical Quality Attribute and Formulation Optimization of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid Based on the Combination of Electronic Tongue and Real Human Senses
Xingyue HUAN ; Zhisheng WU ; Ying LU ; Haiyang LI ; Shuoshuo XU ; Han HE ; Qiatong XIE ; Nan LI ; Jun JIA ; Lu YAO ; Run ZHANG ; Jiafu CHEN ; Xingxing DAI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3213-3223
Objective To identify the taste critical quality attribute and design and optimize the flavor-correcting formulation of the traditional Chinese medicine oral preparation Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid,in order to improve its taste and enhance patient medication adherence.Methods The taste assignment method was employed to identify the taste critical quality attribute of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid.Based on human sensory evaluation and the standardized Euclidean distance in electronic tongue analysis,suitable types of corrigent were determined.Subsequently,under constraints such as maximum allowable dosage,solubility,and sweetness,the optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with electronic tongue and human sensory evaluation results.The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(Ethics Approval Number 2020BZYLL0609).Results The quantitative score for bitter taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid accounted for 30.36%,confirming bitterness as the taste critical quality attribute requiring attention.The optimal taste formulation for the sugar-free intermediate of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid was determined to be 120 mg·mL?1 erythritol,12 mg·mL?1 acesulfame potassium,and 2.4 mg·mL?1 stevioside.This formulation achieved an 11.75-point improvement in sensory evaluation scores compared to the original commercially available oral liquid.Conclusion This study successfully improved the taste of Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid and established a comprehensive strategy for flavor-correcting formulation optimization,including a method for identifying taste critical quality attribute.This strategy provides a referential paradigm for palatability enhancement of similar traditional Chinese medicine oral preparations,laying a crucial technical foundation for elevating the clinical value of Chinese herbal medicines and promoting the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).

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