1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
3.Establishment and preliminary testing of a double antibody sandwich ELISA method for Brucella detection
Meng-xin YAO ; Ze-yu PENG ; Wen-hao REN ; Yi-mei XU ; Wei GUO ; Chuang-fu CHEN ; Zhong-chen MA ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):255-262
This study was aimed at establishing a sensitive and specific sandwich ELISA detection method for Brucella.We screened monoclonal capture antibodies and detection antibodies for Brucella detection,and optimized and determined the opti-mal antibody coating time and concentration,as well as the optimal blocking solution,blocking time,and yin-yang critical val-ue.The specificity of this method was verified by examination of other bacteria prone to cross-reacting with Brucella.The sen-sitivity of the method was verified by detection of a gradient dilution of inactivated Brucella.Moreover,the sandwich ELISA detection results were compared with test tube agglutination and qPCR results.The selected capture antibody was 4A12,and the selected detection antibody was 6C12.Experimental analysis indicated that the optimal coating concentration for the 4A12 capture antibody was 5 μg/mL,and the optimal dilution ratio for the 6C12 detection antibody was 1∶2000.The optimal coating conditions were overnight at 4℃,and blocking with 5%skim milk powder for 2 hours.The established double antibody sand-wich ELISA method reacted with only Brucella but not other bacteria,thus demonstrating the method's good specificity.Inac-tivated Brucella solution was still detectable after dilution to 1 × 105 CFU/mL,thus demonstrating the method's good sensitiv-ity.The intra-and inter batch coefficients of variation were both below 10%,thus indicating the method's good repeatability.Thus,this study successfully established a dual antibody sandwich ELISA method for Brucella detection,which has good spe-cificity and sensitivity,and might provide an effective approach for the precise diagnosis and effective prevention and control of brucellosis.
4.Research progress on mechanism of action of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors in prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Na GAO ; Yu WANG ; Zhen-hua LIU ; Wei-min YANG ; Chuang XIAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1813-1817
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a common di-gestive system disease with an increasing morbidity year by year.Its pathological mechanisms have not been fully clarified,and there are currently no ideal or effective curative methods.Phos-phodiesterase(PDE)can regulate intracellular cAMP/cGMP levels to mediate downstream signaling pathways,participating in various pathophysiological processes.In recent years,the po-tential efficacy of PDE inhibitors in the treatment of IBD has gradually attracted attention.This article reviews the pharmaco-logical effects and mechanisms of selective PDE subtype inhibi-tors in the prevention and treatment of IBD,providing references for further research of IBD therapeutic drugs.
5.Establishment and preliminary testing of a double antibody sandwich ELISA method for Brucella detection
Meng-xin YAO ; Ze-yu PENG ; Wen-hao REN ; Yi-mei XU ; Wei GUO ; Chuang-fu CHEN ; Zhong-chen MA ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):255-262
This study was aimed at establishing a sensitive and specific sandwich ELISA detection method for Brucella.We screened monoclonal capture antibodies and detection antibodies for Brucella detection,and optimized and determined the opti-mal antibody coating time and concentration,as well as the optimal blocking solution,blocking time,and yin-yang critical val-ue.The specificity of this method was verified by examination of other bacteria prone to cross-reacting with Brucella.The sen-sitivity of the method was verified by detection of a gradient dilution of inactivated Brucella.Moreover,the sandwich ELISA detection results were compared with test tube agglutination and qPCR results.The selected capture antibody was 4A12,and the selected detection antibody was 6C12.Experimental analysis indicated that the optimal coating concentration for the 4A12 capture antibody was 5 μg/mL,and the optimal dilution ratio for the 6C12 detection antibody was 1∶2000.The optimal coating conditions were overnight at 4℃,and blocking with 5%skim milk powder for 2 hours.The established double antibody sand-wich ELISA method reacted with only Brucella but not other bacteria,thus demonstrating the method's good specificity.Inac-tivated Brucella solution was still detectable after dilution to 1 × 105 CFU/mL,thus demonstrating the method's good sensitiv-ity.The intra-and inter batch coefficients of variation were both below 10%,thus indicating the method's good repeatability.Thus,this study successfully established a dual antibody sandwich ELISA method for Brucella detection,which has good spe-cificity and sensitivity,and might provide an effective approach for the precise diagnosis and effective prevention and control of brucellosis.
6.Research progress on mechanism of action of selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors in prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Na GAO ; Yu WANG ; Zhen-hua LIU ; Wei-min YANG ; Chuang XIAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1813-1817
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a common di-gestive system disease with an increasing morbidity year by year.Its pathological mechanisms have not been fully clarified,and there are currently no ideal or effective curative methods.Phos-phodiesterase(PDE)can regulate intracellular cAMP/cGMP levels to mediate downstream signaling pathways,participating in various pathophysiological processes.In recent years,the po-tential efficacy of PDE inhibitors in the treatment of IBD has gradually attracted attention.This article reviews the pharmaco-logical effects and mechanisms of selective PDE subtype inhibi-tors in the prevention and treatment of IBD,providing references for further research of IBD therapeutic drugs.
7.Determination of Isobutyl Chloroformate Residue in Agatroban by Derivatization-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Chong QIAN ; Bo-Kai MA ; Chuang NIU ; Shan-Shan LIU ; Wen-Wen HUANG ; Xin-Lei GOU ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Xue-Li CAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(1):113-120
A derivatizaton method combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was established for detection of isobutyl chloroformate(IBCF)residue in active pharmaceutical ingredient of agatroban.The extraction and derivatization reagents,derivatization time,qualitative and quantitative ions were selected and optimized,respectively.The possible mechanism of derivatization and characteristic fragment ions fragmentation were speculated.The agatroban samples were dissolved and extracted by methanol,and the residual IBCF was derived with methanol to generate methyl isobutyl carbonate(MIBCB).After 24 h static derivatization at room temperature,IBCF was completely transformed into MIBCB,which could be used to indirectly detect IBCF accurately.The results showed that the linearity of this method was good in the range of 25-500 ng/mL(R2=0.9999).The limit of detection(LOD,S/N=3)was 0.75 μg/g,and the limit of quantification(LOQ,S/N=10)was 2.50 μg/g.Good recoveries(95.2%-97.8%)and relative standard deviations(RSDs)less than 3.1%(n=6)were obtained from agatroban samples at three spiked levels of IBCF(2.50,25.00,50.00 μg/g),which showed good accuracy of this method.Good precision of detection results was obtained by different laboratory technicians at different times,the mean value of spiked sample solution(25.00 μg/g)was 24.28 μg/g,and the RSD was 2.1%(n=12).The durability was good,minor changes of detection conditions had little effect on the results.Under the original condition and conditions with initial column temperature±5℃,heating rate±2℃/min,column flow rate±0.1 mL/min,the IBCF content of spiked sample solution(25.00 μg/g)was detected,the mean value of detection results was 24.16 μg/g,and the RSD was 2.2%(n=7).Eight batches of agatroban samples from two manufacturers were detected using the established method,and the results showed that no IBCF residue was detected in any of these samples.The agatroban samples could be dissolved by methanol,and then the IBCF residue could be simultaneously extracted and derived with methanol as well.This detection method had the advantages of simple operation,high sensitivity,low matrix effect and accurate quantification,which provided a new effective method for detection of IBCF residue in agatroban.
8.Construction of A Macro-evaluation Tool for Dampness Syndrome Animal Model in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chuang LI ; Peng XU ; Ruimin TIAN ; Zhaorui CAO ; Mingjia LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhaoyu LU ; Taohua LAN ; Xiaowan WANG ; Wei MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1449-1457
ObjectiveTo construct a macro-evaluation tool for dampness syndrome (DS) animal model, which will provide a basis for experimental research on dampness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsConceptual framework of this study was clarified through discussions within the core working group, and dimensions of the evaluation of the animal model of DS were identified according to TCM principles. We searched CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed databases from the inception to June 30th, 2023, on experiments involving dampness syndrome animals to create a pool of items about DS animal models. The core items were selected and extracted for factor analysis and cluster analysis. An expert importance rating questionnaire was developed based on the results of the literature review, analyzing the distribution of item scores, importance averages, and coefficient of variation. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature, expert importance scoring, and specific expert opinions, items that did not meet anyone of the criteria of average importance rating ≥2.04, coefficient of variation ≤30%, or literature eva-luation frequency ≥2% were removed, thereafter, the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model was preliminarily constructed. ResultsSpirit and body state, autonomic activity state, body surface characteristics, diet, urination and defecation, tongue manifestation, and motor behavior assessment were constructed as the seven dimensions in the evaluation of DS animal model. A total of 348 papers about animal experiments were included and analyzed, resulting in a saturated pool of 72 items, which was refined to 38 core items of DS animal models. Factor analysis obtained 16 common factors, which were further clustered into two categories, named dampness transforming from heat syndrome and dampness transforming from cold syndrome. The expert importance scoring showed that the Kendall harmony coefficient was 0.359 (P<0.05) indicating a high level of agreement, coordination and reliability among the experts. Notably, 50% or more of the experts considered the items thick and greasy tongue coating, unclean perianal area, loose stools, lethargy, unformed stools, and listless expression as very important. The median scores for all items were 2.04(1.73, 2.37), with a coefficient of variation ranging from 19.73% to 53.38%. After expert evaluation, the macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM with 33 items and corresponding criteria for assessing the formation of DS models was finally contructed. ConclusionThe Macro-evaluation tool for DS animal model in TCM is highly scientific, credible, and operable, and can be utilized in DS animal experiments after its characteristics are actually evaluated.
9.Changes in serine metabolism and inflammation in CD4+T cells of cows with ketosis
Jingjing WANG ; Ming LI ; Jianan WEN ; Shuang WANG ; Chuang XU ; Wei YANG ; Bing-Bing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(11):2445-2451
To investigate the expression of serine metabolism related genes and inflammatory relat-ed genes in CD4+T cells of healthy and cows with ketosis.Firstly,CD4+T cells in peripheral blood of dairy cows were isolated by magnetic bead sorting.Second,expression of serine metabolism re-lated genes PHGDH,PAST1,PSPH,SHMT1,SHMT2,SDS,SFXN1 and inflammation related genes IL-6,IFN-γ,IL-17A,FOXP3,IL-10,TGF-β in CD4+T cells in healthy and ketosis cows was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.The transcription levels of PHGDH,PAST1 and PSPH in CD4+T cells of ketosis cows were significantly increased compared with healthy cows(P<0.01),the transcription level and translation level of SDS were significantly increased(P<0.01).The transcription levels of SHMT2 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Transcription and translation levels of SFXN1 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The transcription level of SHMT1 was decreased but not significantly.Compared with healthy cows,the transcription levels of IL-6,IFN-γ and IL-17A in CD4+T cells of ketosis cows were significantly increased(P<0.01),the transcription levels of IL-10,TGF-β and FOXP3 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results showed that the expression of genes related to serine synthesis increased,the expression of genes related to serine decomposition decreased,the expression of pro-inflammatory factors increased,and the expression of anti-inflammatory factors decreased,suggesting that serine metab-olism plays an important role in the inflammatory process of dairy cows.
10.Danshensu Interventions Mediate Rapid Antidepressant Effects by Activating the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Release
Han-Wen CHUANG ; Chih-Chia HUANG ; Kuang-Ti CHEN ; Yen-Yu KUO ; Jou-Hua REN ; Tse-Yen WANG ; Mang-Hung TSAI ; Po-Ting CHEN ; I-Hua WEI
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(11):1286-1298
Objective:
Danshensu, a phenylpropanoid compound, is derived from the dry root and rhizome of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Evidence suggests that danshensu protects isolated rat hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway or by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis through the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Furthermore, danshensu promotes the postischemic regeneration of brain cells by upregulating the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the peri-infarct region. However, basic and clinical studies are needed to investigate the antidepressant effects danshensu and determine whether brain mTOR signaling and BDNF activation mediate these effects. The aforementioned need prompted us to conduct the present study.
Methods:
Using a C57BL/6 mouse model, we investigated the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu and the mechanisms that mediate these effects. To elucidate the mechanisms, we analyzed the roles of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and BDNF activation in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of danshensu.
Results:
Danshensu exerted its antidepressant-like effects by activating the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) of Akt/ERK–mTOR signaling and promoting BDNF release. Treatment with danshensu increased the level of glutamate receptor 1 phosphorylation at the protein kinase A site.
Conclusion
Our study may be the first to demonstrate that the antidepressant effects of danshensu are dependent on the activation of the AMPAR–mTOR signaling pathway, are correlated with the elevation of BDNF level, and facilitate the insertion of AMPAR into the postsynaptic membrane. This study also pioneers in unveiling the potential of danshensu against depressive disorders.

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