1.Molecular mechanism of Ael blood group caused by ABO B.01-O.01.02 gene recombination
Xiaoyun BU ; Jing HAI ; Jiancheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):534-539
Objective: To analyze the serological and molecular biological characteristics of one case with Ael subtype. Methods: ABO serological typing was performed using the tube method. ABO genotyping was conducted by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP). The genotype was identified by Oxford Nanopore third-generation sequencing (TGS). Pymol, Polyphen-2, PROVEAN, and DUET were used to predict the effects of mutations on protein structure and function. Results: Serological testing identified an Ael subtype. PCR-SSP genotyping showed an A/O2 profile. TGS obtained two full-length ABO haplotype sequences: the first was ABO
O.01.02, and the second was a recombinant haplotype of ABO
B.01-O.01.02, with the recombination breakpoint mapped between c. 357-39 and c. 526G>C. Mutations on this recombinant allele included c. 297A>G, c. 646T>A, c. 681G>A, c. 771C>T, and c. 829G>A, among which c. 646T>A (p. Phe216Ile) and c. 829G>A (p. Val277Met) were two functional amino acid substitution sites. Protein structure modeling revealed alterations in local conformation and hydrogen bond network, and functional prediction indicated decreased protein stability. Conclusion: A recombination between ABO alleles B.01 and O.01.02 was identified in the region spanning intron 6 to exon 7, resulting in a B.01-O.01.02 recombinant gene. This recombinant leads to key amino acid substitutions in the B glycosyltransferase, causing local structural changes and decreased stability of the enzyme protein, ultimately manifesting as the Ael blood group phenotype.
2.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
3.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Investigator Initiated Trial on Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Malignant Tumors Conducted by Western Medicine Institutions
Xuechen GENG ; Yanmei LIU ; Qianqian BU ; Qinchang ZHANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Yuquan TAO ; Liu LI ; Ling LI ; Haibo CHENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):878-882
Investigator initiated trial (IIT) represents a primary format for clinical research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As key implementation sites for TCM-based IIT targeting malignant tumors, western medicine institutions often face unique challenges in conducting such studies, which limit their feasibility and standardization. This paper reviews the registration status of TCM-based IIT for malignancies conducted in western medical institutions and analyzes key difficulties, including complex project initiation and management processes, limited TCM knowledge and skills among western medicine physicians, and relatively low patient acceptance of TCM. From a practical perspective, the study proposes several optimization strategies. These include improving the review and management mechanisms of TCM-related IIT within western medical institutions, establishing multidisciplinary clinical research teams that integrate TCM and western medicine, and enhancing investigators' training in TCM theory and clinical skills. Additionally, the study suggests standardizing IIT operational procedures, objectifying the collection of TCM diagnostic information, refining subject recruitment methods, and increasing TCM involvement in patient follow-up and management. These investigator-oriented, TCM-featured, and operable strategies aim to promote the high-quality development of TCM-based IIT in western medicine institutions and enhance the clinical application of TCM.
4.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
5.Clinical Application of Green Prescription of Traditional Chinese Medicine:Problems and Solution Strategies
Yike SONG ; Zhijun BU ; Wenxin MA ; Kai LIU ; Yuyi WANG ; Yuan SUN ; Yang SHEN ; Hongkui LIU ; Jianping LIU ; Zhaolan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1094-1098
Green prescription is a written prescription aimed at improving health by promoting physical activity and improving diet, with advantages such as high cost-effectiveness, strong feasibility, and minimal harm to patients. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) green prescription integrates the health philosophy of "following rule of yin and yang, and adjusting ways to cultivating health", the exercise philosophy of balancing yin-yang and the five elements, and the dietary philosophy of moderation and balance, which embody core TCM concepts such as treating disease before its onset and harmony between humans and nature. It has also developed traditional exercise practices like Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, Yi-Gin-Ching, and Qigong, as well as dietary adjustments like medicated diet and herbal wines. However, it is believed that the TCM green prescription currently suffers from insufficient evidence-based research, low patient awareness and acceptance, and weak basic research. Based on this, it is proposed that large-sample clinical trials should be conducted in the future to improve the quality of evidence-based medicine, basic research can be carried out with the help of artificial intelligence and other methods in research design, the hospital information system (HIS) can be used for control at the implementation level, and publicity and patient education can be strengthened through the new media, so as to promote the development and application of the TCM green prescriptions in the field of global health treatment.
6.Metabolomic alterations in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Yan-Yan WU ; Qi-Qi BU ; Xin WANG ; Tao LI ; Hong-Yan WU ; Le KANG ; Ying-Yuan WANG ; Da-Peng LIU ; Jing GUO ; Cai-Jun WANG ; Wen-Qing KANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(12):1475-1481
Objective To analyze the serum metabolomic changes of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)at postmenstrual age(PMA)36 weeks,screen potential biomarkers and associated metabolic pathways,and assess their relationship with short-term respiratory outcomes.Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted.Infants with gestational age 28-32 weeks admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January to December 2024 were included.Twenty infants with BPD and 20 gestational age-,birth weight-,and sex-matched non-BPD preterm infants were included.Serum collected at PMA 36 weeks was subjected to untargeted metabolomics analysis,and associations with short-term respiratory outcomes were analyzed.Results Thirteen potential biomarkers distinguishing BPD were identified(area under the curve>0.75,P<0.05).Eight biomarkers—including terephthalic acid,phosphatidylinositol,fumarate,and lysophosphatidic acid—were significantly upregulated(FC≥1.5),while five biomarkers,such as 7α-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoate ester and phosphatidylcholine,were significantly downregulated(FC≤1/1.5).Pathway analysis indicated five pathways associated with BPD,including glycerophospholipid metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism.Dysregulation of glycerophospholipid and bile acid metabolism may affect adverse short-term respiratory outcomes in infants with BPD.Conclusions The 13 significantly different metabolites may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis of BPD.Glycerophospholipid metabolism is associated with the occurrence of BPD and with adverse short-term respiratory outcomes.
7.The chain mediating role of rejection sensitivity and adaptability between maternal rejection and internet addiction in college students
Mianli ZHAO ; Yuecui KAN ; Tianyi BU ; Jiawei ZHOU ; Xiaomeng HU ; Kexin QIAO ; Xuan LIU ; Yanjie YANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):459-464
Objective:To explore the relationship between maternal rejection and internet addiction in college students, as well as the chain mediating role of rejection sensitivity and adaptability.Methods:From March to May 2024, a total of 1 119 college students were surveyed using the short-form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppforstran for Chinese(s-EMBU-C), internet addiction test(IAT), rejection sensitivity questionnaire(RSQ), and the China college student adjustment scale(CCSAS).SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used for independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson product moment correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis, and PROCESS 4.0 macro program was used for chain mediation analysis. Results:(1)Maternal rejection (11.19±2.97) was positively correlated with internet addiction (44.89±9.74)( r=0.60, P<0.01) and rejection sensitivity (102.93±55.63)( r=0.63, P<0.01), while negatively correlated with adaptability (200.19±14.18)( r=-0.56, P<0.01) among college students. Rejection sensitivity was positively correlated with internet addiction ( r=0.75, P<0.01) and negatively correlated with adaptability ( r=-0.76, P<0.01). Adaptability was negatively correlated with internet addiction ( r=-0.68, P<0.01). (2)Maternal rejection had a significant direct effect on internet addiction among college students (effect value=0.193, 95% CI=0.145-0.241), accounting for 32.06%(0.193/0.602) of the total effect. Rejection sensitivity mediated the relationship between maternal rejection and internet addiction (effect value=0.290, 95% CI=0.232-0.357), accounting for 48.17%(0.290/0.602) of the total effect. Adaptability also mediated this relationship (effect value=0.028, 95% CI=0.009-0.053), accounting for 4.65%(0.028/0.602) of the total effect. Additionally, there was a chain mediation effect of rejection sensitivity and adaptability on the relationship between maternal rejection and internet addiction (effect value=0.091, 95% CI=0.052-0.130), accounting for 15.12%(0.091/0.602) of the total effect. Conclusion:Maternal rejection can directly influence internet addiction in college students, and it can also indirectly influence internet addiction through the independent mediating effects of rejection sensitivity and adaptability, as well as through the chain mediating effects of both rejection sensitivity and adaptability.
8.Perceived stress and ego depletion of college students: the mediating role of emotional eating and the moderating role of peer relationship
Siyu WEI ; Yuecui KAN ; Tianyi BU ; Xiaomeng HU ; Kexin QIAO ; Xuan LIU ; Zirui LI ; Yanjie YANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(4):357-362
Objective:To explore the effects of perceived stress on ego depletion of college students, as well as the mediating role of emotional eating and the moderating role of peer relationship.Methods:A cross-sectional survey of 1 088 college students was conducted using the perceived stress scale, the Dutch eating behavior questionnaire, the self-control resource depletion scale, and the peer relationship measurement from December 2023 to April 2024.PROCESS Macro program in SPSS 25.0 software was used to test the mediating effect of emotional eating and the moderating effect of peer relationship.Results:(1)The score of perceived stress, emotional eating, peer relationship and ego depletion were 39.26±8.35, 39.19±12.15, 2.00(1.00), and 18.19±7.15, respectively.(2)Perceived stress was positively correlated with emotional eating, ego depletion, and peer relationship( r=0.36, 0.61, 0.25, all P<0.01). Emotional eating was positively correlated with ego depletion and peer relationship( r=0.40, 0.19, both P<0.01). And ego depletion was positively correlated with peer relationship( r=0.23, P<0.01).(3)Emotional eating played a partial mediating role in the effect of perceived stress on ego depletion( β=0.077, 95% CI=0.053-0.104), and the mediating effect accounted for 12.38%(0.077/0.622) of the total effect.(4)Peer relationship played a moderating role between perceived stress and emotional eating. Under low peer relationship, perceived stress had a significant positive predictive effect on emotional eating( βsimple=0.46, P<0.01), and under high peer relationship, the predictive effect of perceived stress on emotional eating was significantly weaker( βsimple=0.26, P<0.01). Conclusions:Perceived stress not only directly affects ego depletion, but also indirectly affects ego depletion through emotional eating in college students.High levels of peer relationship can weaken the impact of perceived stress and high emotional eating on ego depletion.
9.Mechanism and drug prediction of intestinal flora intervention in rheumatoid arthritis based on bioinformatics
Erfan BU ; Chuanhai ZHANG ; Zhenyi YU ; Jiaqi WU ; Liang LIU ; Hudan PAN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):522-528
Objective:To explore the correlation between intestinal flora disturbance and the diagnosis,treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA),and to provide bioinformatics basis for further research on precise targeted intervention of RA.Methods:Genes related to intestinal flora disorders and RA genes were downloaded from disease database.Correlation between the two diseases was analyzed via bioinformatics approach.PPI network was conducted by STRING,Cytoscape and their plug-ins,and key genes were screened.Key genes were mapped into Coremine Medicinal to identify medicinal chemicals and medicinal herbs.Results:A total of 525 genes shared by intestinal flora disorders and RA were obtained through integrated screening of the disease database,and key genes with the highest degree of protein interaction were finally selected,namely IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-10,STAT3,STAT1 and RELA.These related tar-geted genes were mainly involved in biological processes such as negative feedback regulation and antigen stimulation,and mediate molecular functions such as lipopolysaccharide receptor binding and NF-κB receptor binding,which are mainly concentrated in the plasma membrane region.KEGG analysis showed that these related genes were mainly involved in classical signaling pathways such as IL-17 pathway and Toll-like receptor pathway.Through drug prediction,it was found that Astragalus,Scutellaria,Schisandra and Cop-tis in traditional Chinese medicine might be potential drug sources for RA treatment.Conclusion:Bioinformatics method can predict key genes and signaling pathways of intestinal flora intervention in pathogenesis and progression of RA,and predict the Chinese herbs that may target the regulation of flora for treatment of risk factors,which providing a theoretical basis for further exploration of targeted treatment of RA.
10.Effects of Buyang Huanwu Tang and its main components on pyroptosis in brain tissue of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion
Ruikun WANG ; Weijuan GAO ; Haoran ZHANG ; Yijie LIU ; Jiaxin BU ; Mei YUAN ; Yuxin QIN ; Yi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(18):3819-3825
BACKGROUND:Cellular pyroptosis is an important pathological mechanism of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Buyang Huanwu Tang is a classic formula for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke in traditional Chinese medicine,and cellular pyroptosis may be an effective target of Buyang Huanwu Tang in the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tang on pyroptosis in brain tissues of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion rats.METHODS:Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,Astragalus membranaceus group and Buyang Huanwu Tang group.Except for the sham operation group,all groups were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for ischemia for 2 hours and reperfusion for 72 hours.The rats in the Astragalus membranaceus group and Buyang Huanwu Tang group were continuously gavaged with the corresponding volume of drugs until ischemia and reperfusion for 72 hours after awakening from the modeling,once in the morning and once in the evening.Zea Longa score was used to observe the neurological deficits of rats.TTC staining was performed to observe cerebral infarct size in rats.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the brain tissue.Immunofluorescence was used to observe the co-expression of Tunel and Cleaved-Caspase-1 in the brain tissue and the expression of the junction protein ASC.Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to detect the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in rat brain tissues.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the sham operation group,the neurological deficit score of rats was significantly higher in the model group(P<0.01),and compared with the model group,the neurological deficit score of rats was significantly lower in the Buyang Huanwu Tang group and the Astragalus membranaceus group(P<0.01).(2)Compared with the model group,the volume ratio of cerebral infarction was lower in the Astragalus membranaceus group and Buyang Huanwu Tang group(P<0.01).(3)In the model group,the nuclei of neuronal cells in the brain tissue were deeply stained or lysed,and arrangement of the cells was disorganized.Compared with the model group,the pathologic damage of the brain was less severe in the Buyang Huanwu Tang group and the Astragalus membranaceus group.(4)Compared with the sham operation group,the number of Tunel and Cleaved-Caspase-1 double-positive cells and immunofluorescence intensity of ASC in the brain tissue was significantly increased in the model group,and the expression of Cleaved-Caspase-1,NLRP3,interleukin 18,and interleukin 1β was significantly elevated in the model group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number of Cleaved-Caspase-1 and Tunel double-positive cells,immunofluorescence intensity of ASC,and the expression of Cleaved-Caspase-1,NLRP3,interleukin 18,and interleukin 1β were all significantly decreased in the Buyang Huanwu Tang group and the Astragalus membranaceus group(P<0.01).The results indicate that Buyang Huanwu Tang and its monarch drug Astragalus membranaceus can effectively alleviate brain tissue injury in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of neuronal cell pyroptosis.

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