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.BHB inhibits phagocytic function of CD14+monocytes in dairy cows via ROS-NL-RP3 pathway
Wantong CHENG ; Yang CHI ; Xudong SUN ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1493-1501
The aim of this study was to investigate whether β-hydroxybutyric acid(BHB)inhibits the phagocytic function of CD14+monocytes in dairy cows through the ROS(reactive oxygen spe-cies)-NLRP3(NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3)pathway.CD14+monocytes in the blood of postpartum healthy cows were extracted,and 3 mmol/L BHB was added after transfection of small interfering RNA targeting NLRP3(si-NLRP3).Monocytes were pre-treated with 10 nmol/L NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950(CP-456773)or 10 mmol/L ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine(NAC),and then was treated with 3 mmol/L BHB for 24 h.The protein abundance of NLRP3 was detected by Western blot and the phagocytosis of monocytes was determined by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.The results showed that compared with the si-Control+BHB group,the phagocytic function of monocytes in the si-NLRP3+BHB treatment group was significantly increased,while the protein abundance of NLRP3 was significantly decreased.Com-pared with DMSO+BHB group,the phagocytic function of monocytes in MCC950+BHB group was significantly increased.In addition,compared with DMSO+BHB group,the protein abundance of NLRP3 in monocytes was significantly decreased in MCC950+BHB group.Compared with the PBS+BHB group,the phagocytosis of monocytes was significantly increased after the addition of ROS scavenger NAC,while the protein abundance of NLRP3 was significantly decreased.These results indicated that BHB inhibited the phagocytosis of CD14+monocytes in cows via the ROS-NLRP3 pathway.Therefore,regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome may be an effective method to improve the decrease of monocyte phagocytosis in perinatal dairy cows.
4.A survey on lameness in dairy cows in 87 large-scale farms
Yu HAO ; Xuejie JIANG ; Yuxi SONG ; Yunlong BAI ; Cheng XIA ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1508-1515
This study investigated the incidence,prevention and control measures,diagnostic and treatment methods,and treatment costs of hoof diseases in dairy cows across 87 large-scale farms,aiming to provide a scientific basis and new insights for the treatment and prevention of hoof disea-ses in dairy herds.The results showed that the incidence rate of lameness in most farms was con-trolled between 3%and 7%,with a cure rate above 85%.The importance ranking of prevention and control measures was as follows:hoof trimming>leveling the ground>disinfection>regular foot baths>manure removal>locomotion(lameness)scoring.The importance ranking of treat-ment measures was:hoof trimming>disinfection and astringents>anti-inflammatory treatment>antibiotics>block application>traditional Chinese medicine(fire therapy).Economic analysis showed that the treatment cost of lameness was closely related to the incidence rate,with higher treatment expenses observed in farms with higher incidence rates.Farms with higher individual milk yields typically had more efficient disease management strategies,leading to lower treatment costs.Large-scale farms should continuously optimize management practices to reduce the occur-rence of lameness and improve overall farm efficiency by using effective treatment strategies.
5.Effect of caprylic acid on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes of calves
Tianjiao YANG ; Yaqi CHANG ; Yunfei LUAN ; Jihang LI ; Zexin ZHANG ; Chuang XU ; Bingbing ZHANG ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1485-1492
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of medium-chain fatty acids(MC-FAs)caprylic acid(C8∶0)on lipid metabolism of calf hepatocytes.Primary calf hepatocytes were extracted and cultured,and 1.2 mmol/L nonesterified fatty acids(NEFAs)were added to the hep-atocytes to construct a model of hepatic lipid deposition in primary calf hepatocytes,Five process-ing groups have been set up:Control group(Ctrl),NEFA added group(NEFA),C8∶0 1.2 mmol/L treatment group(C8∶0 1.2),NEFA+C8∶0 0.2 mmol/L treatment group(NEFA+C8∶00.2),C8∶0 0.2 mmol/L treatment group(C8∶0 0.2).Stimulate calf liver cells for 12 hours,and the levels of triglyceride(TG),lipid oxidation(MDA),hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)and total SOD activity were detected by biochemical kit,and FAS,a protein related to lipid synthesis,was detec-ted by Western blot.The results showed that compared with the control group,the concentrations of TG,MDA and H2O2 in NEFA group increased significantly(P<0.01),and the activity of SOD decreased significantly(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of FAS,ACC1,DGAT2 and SREBP-1C were significantly up-regulated(P<0.01),while the expression level of CPT1A was significantly down-regulated(P<0.01).Compared with the NEFA group,the protein expression levels of SREBP-1C and DGAT2 in the NEFA+C8∶0(concentration 0.2 mmol/L)group de-creased significantly(P<0.05),and the protein expression level of fatty acid β-oxidation related molecule CPT1A was slightly higher than that in the NEFA group,but there was no statistical sig-nificance(P>0.05),and the MDA level in hepatocytes decreased significantly(P<0.05).In a word,the results of this study show that C8∶0 has antioxidant effect,which can effectively reduce the liver injury caused by oxidative stress,regulate the expression of liver fat gene,and then pro-tect liver injury.
6.Characteristics of ketosis and its effect on lactation performance of dairy cows in large-scale pastures
Hongyu WANG ; Yan XING ; Feng TIAN ; Yunlong BAI ; Cheng XIA ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(7):1502-1507
The purpose of this study was to clarify the incidence of ketosis in dairy cows in large-scale dairy farms and the effect of ketosis on the subsequent lactation performance of dairy cows.In this experiment,79 perinatal cows in 8 stages of prenatal 21,14,7 days,delivery day,postpartum 3,7,14,21 days were selected to determine the blood biochemical indexes such as BHB,GLU,NE-FA and ALT in their blood.According to the concentration of BHB in the blood,they were divided into healthy group(CON),subclinical ketosis group(SCK)and clinical ketosis group(CK).There was a disorder of mineral elements in dairy cows in the experimental ranch,and the liver function of dairy cows was abnormal,and there was a disorder of energy metabolism.The incidence of keto-sis in dairy cows in the survey pasture was 26.14%,of which the incidence of SCK was 19.32%,and the incidence of CK was 6.82%,which was comparable to the global average incidence and lower than the average incidence in China.Compared with CON cows,SCK and CK cows had energy metabolism disorders and abnormal liver function,and CK cows were more serious.The milk yield of dairy cows with ketosis decreased significantly.The milk fat rate of dairy cows in SCK group was higher than that in CON group,while the milk fat rate of dairy cows in CK group was significantly lower than that in CON group.The fat-to-egg ratio of dairy cows in CK group was sig-nificantly lower than that in SCK group and CON group.The changes of lactation performance in different types of ketosis at 6 months after ketosis were different,and the lactation performance of dairy cows in CON group was the most stable.In the production of pastures,timely and effective treatment and management are essential for restoring the health and milk production performance of dairy cows.Ketosis can lead to disorder of energy metabolism and abnormal liver function in dairy cows,reduce milk yield,and have a continuous effect on lactation performance of dairy cows.Maintaining the health of dairy cows is the key to improving milk production and maintaining sta-ble lactation performance.For different types of ketosis cows,corresponding management and treatment measures should be taken to reduce economic losses.
7.Stearic acid affects the expression of IL-17 in CD4+T cells from ketosis cows through CD36
Ziwei JI ; Siyao LI ; Haixin ZHANG ; Ziwei LI ; Shangmingzhu ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Chuang XU ; Bingbing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):602-610
The peripheral blood of healthy or ketosis dairy cows was collected,and CD4+T cells were isolated.The expressions of lipid synthesis related proteins fatty acid synthase(FASN),acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 1(ACC1),cluster of differentiation 36(CD36)and store-operated calcium entry(SOCE)related proteins ORAIl,ORAI2,ORAI3,STIM1,STIM2 were detected by Western blot.IL-17 cells were detected by flow cytometry.CD4+T cells were isolated from the spleen of 1-day-old calves and cultured in vitro.Cells were treated and divided into control(Ctrl)group,si-lenced CD36(siCD36)group,stearic acid(SA)group,and SA+siCD36 group.Cells in the Ctrl and SA groups were transfected with 75 pmol/L negative control siRNA for 48 h,and then stimulated with 200 μmol/L SA for 24 h;Cells in the siCD36 group and SA+siCD36 group were transfected with 75 pmol/L CD36 siRNA for 48 h,and then stimulated with 200 μmol/L SA for 24 h in the SA+siCD36 group.The protein expression of FASN,CD36,ACC1,ORAI1,ORAI2,ORAI3,STIM1 and STIM2 was detected by Western blot,and IL-17 cells were detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the expression of IL-17 in peripheral blood CD4+T cells of ketosis dairy cows was significantly increased compared to that of healthy cows(P<0.01).Additionally,the protein level of FASN,CD36,STIM1(P<0.05),and ACC1,ORAI2,ORAI3,STIM2(P<0.01)were up-regulated.Compared with the Ctrl group,the protein expression levels of CD36,ACC1 and ORAI3(P<0.05)were up-regulated in the SA group,as well as the protein expression of FASN and STIM1(P<0.01).Additionally,the expression of IL-17 was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the SA group,there was a decrease in the protein expression of STIM1,ORAI1(P<0.05)and CD36,ACC1,FASN,ORAI2(P<0.01)in the siCD36+SA group,as well as IL-17(P<0.05).These results suggest that SA can promote the expression of IL-17 in CD4+T cells in ketosis cows by regulating fatty acid synthesis and activating SOCE channels through CD36.
8.Investigation and analysis ofincidence and treatment of mastitis in 79 large-scale pastures in China
Yan XING ; Yiran WANG ; Hongyu WANG ; Yunlong BAI ; Zhenheng BU ; Feng TIAN ; Cheng XIA ; Chuang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(4):760-769,793
This study aims to clarify the incidence and prevention status of dairy cow mastitis in 79 large-scale pastures in China in 2022,reduce the incidence of dairy cow mastitis,and provide scien-tific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies for dairy cow mastitis in large-scale pastures suitable for China's national conditions.The research team relied on the large-scale ranch of the Comprehensive Experimental Station of National Dairy Industry Technology System to car-ry out research.A total of 79 questionnaires were received.The information on the stock of large-scale farms,the proportion of cows in the herd,the level of cow yields,the incidence and cure rate of cow mastitis,the prevention and control of cow mastitis,diagnosis and treatment programs of cow mastitis,the cost of treating cow mastitis,and the culling rate of farms was collected.Chi-square test and correlation analysis were carried out on the incidence of mastitis in dairy cows and the prevention and control plan,treatment plan,yield level and elimination rate of mastitis in dairy cows by descriptive statistical cross table.The incidence of cow mastitis in some pastures was con-trolled between 5%and 10%,and the cure rate was mostly as high as 98%.According to the co-hort analysis,the importance of prevention and control measures for dairy cow mastitis was as fol-lows:DMT>DHI>milk yield>milk traits>breast apparent change>electrical conductivity>CMT.The importance of treatment measures for dairy cow mastitis is as follows:DMT>DHI>milk yield>milk traits>breast apparent changes>electrical conductivity>CMT.The importance of treatment measures for mastitis is as follows:traditional Chinese medicine>pathogen detection and drug sensitivity test>non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs>regular maintenance of milking equipment>normal milking without treatment>broad-spectrum antibiotics.The incidence of mas-titis in dairy cows is moderately positively correlated with the yield per unit area,that is,the in-crease in the incidence of mastitis in dairy cows has a certain impact on the yield per unit area of dairy cows.Economic analysis shows that the treatment cost of mastitis is closely related to the in-cidence rate,and the treatment cost of pasture with higher incidence rate is higher.Pastures with higher yields usually have more efficient means of disease prevention and control,and the corre-sponding treatment costs are lower.In conclusion,China's large-scale pastures should strengthen the scientific feeding management level,improve the prevention and control methods to reduce the incidence of cow mastitis,improve the cure rate,and reduce the cost of pasture treatment.
9.Mendelian randomization and its application in primary open-angle glaucoma
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(2):161-168
The application of Mendelian randomization in ophthalmology research is increasing,and the idea of the in-strumental variable method effectively avoids the effects of confounding factors in observational research and randomized controlled trials.With convenient and cost-effective research methods,Mendelian randomization has inherent advantages in medical causal research.Primary open-angle glaucoma is a complex glaucoma disease related to genetics and other factors,but its diagnosis always delays.There is still a lack of powerful research inferring causal relationships currently.In this re-view,the progress of the application of Mendelian randomization in primary open-angle glaucoma was summarized,aiming to provide new insights into causal relationships of this disease.
10.Investigation and analysis of hypocalcemia,production performance,diseases,and culling of dairy cows in large-scale dairy farms
Jipeng TANG ; Shengyu HAN ; Xiaochen JIA ; Guang SHAO ; Chuang XU ; Cheng XIA
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2507-2517
The purpose of this survey was to understand the occurrence of hypocalcemia in dairy cows in large-scale pasture and its relationship with production performance,disease and culling.Eighty-one large-scale pastures were selected in China to carry out a questionnaire survey on the lactation performance,reproductive performance,disease status and culling situations of dairy cows,and analyzed the production data of dairy farms by SPSS software.The survey results show that the incidence of hypocalcemia in dairy cows in pasture was different,the subclinical type was nearly twice as high as the clinical type,and the incidence rate of hypocalcemia was higher in about 30%of pasture.Hypocalcemia has no obvious effect on the lactation performance of dairy cows on dairy farms.However,a high incidence rate can reduce the conception rate,increase the incidence of subclinical mastitis,ketosis,and other common internal diseases,and raise the annual culling rate and culling rate of adult cows.Clinical,subclinical and total incidence of hypocalcemia have differ-ent effects on reproduction and diseases such as mastitis and ketosis,but clinical hypocalcemia is more harmful.Hypocalcemia is still an important metabolic disease that harms the health and pro-duction of dairy cows in large-scale pastures in China.For farms with a high incidence rate,it is recommended to conduct regular monitoring of blood calcium levels in dairy cows before and after calving,and to conduct in-depth investigations into the related pathogenic factors.This will provide a scientific basis for improving the prevention measures for hypocalcemia,reducing the incidence of the disease,increasing reproductive efficiency,and reducing culling rates.

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