1.In-silico discovery of the hapten-based interaction between idiosyncratic hepatotoxic ingredients of Polygonum multiflorum and HLA-B*35:01
Dake XIAO ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhuo SHI ; Zhaofang BAI ; Jiang ZHENG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Jiabo WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):15-27
Background: The previous research has confirmed the existence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) caused by Polygonum multiflorum (PM-IDILI), and demonstrated that PM-IDILI is an immune-mediated injury, with HLA-B*35:01 identified as a genetic susceptibility marker. Additionally, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahyd roxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside have been proposed as potential contributory ingredients in the pathogenesis of PM-IDILI. However, the precise mechanisms through which these susceptible factors contribute to the development of PM-IDILI remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to explore the molecular characteristics of HLA-B*35:01 that contribute to PM-DILI and to propose a mechanistic hypothesis based on our previous research on PM-induced protein adducts. Methods: Key differences between HLA-B*35:01 and general Chinese HLA-B alleles were identified by comparing protein sequences, peptide binding motifs, and protein structures. Molecular docking was employed to assess whether PM-induced haptenated peptides can be presented by HLA-B*35:01 and other related alleles. Additionally, a simplified dipeptide model was used to evaluate the binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-haptenated peptides. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the residues of the B and F peptide binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 compared to general Chinese HLA-B alleles. Further analysis suggested that the F pocket of HLA-B*35:01 was capable of binding EG-cysteine adducts and might be a key feature in the PM-IDILI pathogenesis. Peptide docking using DINC and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HLA-B*35:01 could form stable complexes with EG-haptenated peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations also highlighted the critical roles of both the B and F pockets in peptide binding. Specifically, the F pocket binds the EG-modified residue in haptenated peptides, while the B pocket, despite lacking shared features among PM-IDILI patients, may indirectly influence the incidence of PM-IDILI by filtering haptenated peptides. The binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-modified cysteine residues was experimentally validated through a dipeptide-based assay, confirming that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. Conclusions: This study identified the unique B and F binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 as key factors in PM-IDILI pathogenesis and demonstrated that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. These findings suggest that PM-IDILI may be a hapten-based drug hypersensitivity reaction driven by EG, providing a theoretical framework for further research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-IDILI.
2.In-silico discovery of the hapten-based interaction between idiosyncratic hepatotoxic ingredients of Polygonum multiflorum and HLA-B*35:01
Dake XIAO ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhuo SHI ; Zhaofang BAI ; Jiang ZHENG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Jiabo WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):15-27
Background: The previous research has confirmed the existence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) caused by Polygonum multiflorum (PM-IDILI), and demonstrated that PM-IDILI is an immune-mediated injury, with HLA-B*35:01 identified as a genetic susceptibility marker. Additionally, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahyd roxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside have been proposed as potential contributory ingredients in the pathogenesis of PM-IDILI. However, the precise mechanisms through which these susceptible factors contribute to the development of PM-IDILI remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to explore the molecular characteristics of HLA-B*35:01 that contribute to PM-DILI and to propose a mechanistic hypothesis based on our previous research on PM-induced protein adducts. Methods: Key differences between HLA-B*35:01 and general Chinese HLA-B alleles were identified by comparing protein sequences, peptide binding motifs, and protein structures. Molecular docking was employed to assess whether PM-induced haptenated peptides can be presented by HLA-B*35:01 and other related alleles. Additionally, a simplified dipeptide model was used to evaluate the binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-haptenated peptides. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the residues of the B and F peptide binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 compared to general Chinese HLA-B alleles. Further analysis suggested that the F pocket of HLA-B*35:01 was capable of binding EG-cysteine adducts and might be a key feature in the PM-IDILI pathogenesis. Peptide docking using DINC and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HLA-B*35:01 could form stable complexes with EG-haptenated peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations also highlighted the critical roles of both the B and F pockets in peptide binding. Specifically, the F pocket binds the EG-modified residue in haptenated peptides, while the B pocket, despite lacking shared features among PM-IDILI patients, may indirectly influence the incidence of PM-IDILI by filtering haptenated peptides. The binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-modified cysteine residues was experimentally validated through a dipeptide-based assay, confirming that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. Conclusions: This study identified the unique B and F binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 as key factors in PM-IDILI pathogenesis and demonstrated that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. These findings suggest that PM-IDILI may be a hapten-based drug hypersensitivity reaction driven by EG, providing a theoretical framework for further research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-IDILI.
3.In-silico discovery of the hapten-based interaction between idiosyncratic hepatotoxic ingredients of Polygonum multiflorum and HLA-B*35:01
Dake XIAO ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhuo SHI ; Zhaofang BAI ; Jiang ZHENG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Jiabo WANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):15-27
Background: The previous research has confirmed the existence of idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) caused by Polygonum multiflorum (PM-IDILI), and demonstrated that PM-IDILI is an immune-mediated injury, with HLA-B*35:01 identified as a genetic susceptibility marker. Additionally, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG) and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahyd roxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside have been proposed as potential contributory ingredients in the pathogenesis of PM-IDILI. However, the precise mechanisms through which these susceptible factors contribute to the development of PM-IDILI remain unclear. Objectives: This study aims to explore the molecular characteristics of HLA-B*35:01 that contribute to PM-DILI and to propose a mechanistic hypothesis based on our previous research on PM-induced protein adducts. Methods: Key differences between HLA-B*35:01 and general Chinese HLA-B alleles were identified by comparing protein sequences, peptide binding motifs, and protein structures. Molecular docking was employed to assess whether PM-induced haptenated peptides can be presented by HLA-B*35:01 and other related alleles. Additionally, a simplified dipeptide model was used to evaluate the binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-haptenated peptides. Results: Our findings revealed significant differences in the residues of the B and F peptide binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 compared to general Chinese HLA-B alleles. Further analysis suggested that the F pocket of HLA-B*35:01 was capable of binding EG-cysteine adducts and might be a key feature in the PM-IDILI pathogenesis. Peptide docking using DINC and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HLA-B*35:01 could form stable complexes with EG-haptenated peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations also highlighted the critical roles of both the B and F pockets in peptide binding. Specifically, the F pocket binds the EG-modified residue in haptenated peptides, while the B pocket, despite lacking shared features among PM-IDILI patients, may indirectly influence the incidence of PM-IDILI by filtering haptenated peptides. The binding affinity of HLA-B*35:01 to EG-modified cysteine residues was experimentally validated through a dipeptide-based assay, confirming that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. Conclusions: This study identified the unique B and F binding pockets of HLA-B*35:01 as key factors in PM-IDILI pathogenesis and demonstrated that HLA-B*35:01 could bind EG-haptenated peptides. These findings suggest that PM-IDILI may be a hapten-based drug hypersensitivity reaction driven by EG, providing a theoretical framework for further research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying PM-IDILI.
4.Effect of hypothyroidism in pregnancy on cognitive function in rat offspring
Yawei ZHANG ; Yuanyuan CHENG ; Min XU ; Dake HUANG ; Datong DENG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(6):1035-1039
Objective To investigate the effects of hypothyroidism and drug intervention on the cognitive function of rat offspring through the establishment of a rat model of experimental hypothyroidism in pregnancy.Methods A to-tal of 20 SD female rats were randomly divided into control group(CON group)and hypothyroid group(PTU group).The hypothyroid model was established by propylthiouracil(PTU),the thyroid hormone levels of female mice were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay,and the differences between the two groups were compared.After successful modeling,the male mice were mated in cages,and the hypothyroid group was randomly divided into no intervention group(group Ⅰ),first trimester intervention group(group Ⅱ)and second and third tri-mester intervention group(group Ⅲ).The Morris water maze(MWM)experiment was used to test the learning and memory ability of the rats.The morphological structure of hippocampal neurons,the expression of nucleoprotein(NeuN)and synapse-associated protein(SYN)in mature neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE),Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry.Results ① Compared with the CON group,the female mice in the PTU group had a significant increase in TSH and a significant decrease in FT4(P<0.05).② In the positio-ning navigation test,the evasion latency of the pups in each group was gradually shortened.On the 5th day,the in-cubation period of group Ⅰ was significantly longer than that of groups CON,Ⅱ,Ⅲ(P<0.05).There was little change between groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ and CON groups(P>0.05).③ The residence time of group Ⅱ was significantly different from that in group Ⅰ during the space exploration stage(P<0.05).There was a significant difference be-tween the number of pups crossing the platform in group Ⅰ and groups CON,Ⅱ and Ⅲ(P<0.05).④ There was no significant difference between HE staining and Nissl staining in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group.How-ever,compared with the CON group,the average absorbance of NeuN and SYN proteins in the hippocampus of mice in groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion Hypothyroidism will have adverse effects on the cognitive function and hippocampal neuron development of pregnant rats,and the effects of interven-tion on the cognitive function of offspring at different stages of pregnancy are different,the earlier the intervention,the smaller the damage to cognitive function.
5.Relationship between metabolites of peripheral tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic pathway and clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia
Yue WU ; Yan XU ; Xin HUANG ; Dake WANG ; Chenyun HUANG ; Sugai LIANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(1):6-10
BackgroundSchizophrenia is a common severe mental disorder with complex pathogenesis. There are few studies on the correlation between kynurenine metabolites in peripheral serum and urine in schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo investigate the concentration of tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum and urine in patients with schizophrenia, and their correlation with clinical symptoms, so as to explore potential biological characteristics related to schizophrenia. MethodsA total of 38 patients with schizophrenia who met the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and were hospitalized or attended outpatient clinic at Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were included in the study. Additionally, 26 healthy individuals were concurrently recruited from the community of Hangzhou to serve as a control group. All participants were requested to complete the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). The levels of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), quinolinic acid (QUIN), picolinic acid (PIC), xanthurenate and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in both serum and urine were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Serum and urine IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between serum and urinary KYN metabolites, as well as the correlation between metabolite levels and clinical symptoms in the patient group. ResultsPatients with schizophrenia had significantly higher level of IL-6 in serum (U=798.500, P<0.01) and lower level of PIC in urine (U=253.000, P=0.013) compared with the control group. Additionally, level of serum KYN was positively correlated with QUIN/KYNA ratio and QUIN/PIC ratio (r=0.562, 0.438, P<0.05) in patients with schizophrenia. 5-HT/KYN ratio in serum was positively correlated with PANSS total score and negative symptom subscale score (r=0.458, 0.455, P<0.01) in patients with schizophrenia. ConclusionSerum TRP-KYN pathway metabolite levels in patients with schizophrenia were associated with neurotoxic metabolite ratios in urine and the severity of negative symptoms. [Funded by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Program Exploratory (number, 2022KY990)]
6.Effect of a new type of ampelopsis hydrogel on gouty arthritis with accumulation of dampness-heat syndrome
Meimei XU ; Liang GUO ; Yueyue CHEN ; Rongyue JING ; Yamei ZHU ; Dake XU ; Jing HE ; Bo XU ; Yan ZHOU ; Lei XU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(5):25-30
Objective To investigate the interventional effect and mechanism of a novel ampelopsis hydrogel on dampness-heat accumulation syndrome of gouty arthritis. Methods A total of 90 patients with gouty arthritis who met the diagnostic criteria of western medicine and were differentiated as damp-heat accumulation syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) were randomly divided into treatment group, control group and blank group, with 30 patients in each group. The blank group was treated with etoricoxib only, the control group was treated with etoricoxib combined with ampelopsis hydrogel, and the treatment group was treated with etoricoxib combined with external application of ampelopsis hydrogel. The clinical efficacy, time to symptom improvement, safety, comfort, changes in syndrome scores of TCM, serum inflammatory factors[C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for pain, and joint mobility were compared among the three groups before and after treatment. Results The total effective rates in the treatment group and control group were 93.33% and 90.00%, respectively, which were higher than 70.00% in the blank group (
7.NB-UVB Induces Melanocytic Differentiation of Human Hair Follicle Neural Crest Stem Cells
Dake DONG ; Shujun CHEN ; Cheng FENG ; Huizi XIONG ; Xiaowei XU
Annals of Dermatology 2020;32(4):289-297
Background:
Phototherapy is an important method to treatvitiligo. However, it is unclear how phototherapy affectsmelanocyte precursors and skin neural crest stem cells.
Objective:
To investigate the underlying mechanisms of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) induced melanocyte lineagedifferentiated from human scalp-derived neural creststem cells (HS-NCSCs).
Methods:
HS-NCSCs were expandedfrom scalp hair follicles. The c-Kit−/CD57− HS-NCSCs wereisolated by cell sorting. Different doses of NB-UVB wereused to irradiate these HS-NCSCs. Cell ultrastructure was examinedby transmission electron microscope. Melanocytemarker expression was analyzed by Quantitative RT-PCRand Western blot. Cell proliferation and migration were alsoevaluated.
Results:
The c-Kit−/CD57− HS-NCSCs expressedembryonic NCSC biomarkers. NB-UVB at a dose of 100 mJof NB-UVB had little effect on the cell proliferation of differentiatedmelanocytes from c-Kit−/CD57− HS-NCSCs, while700 mJ inhibited cell proliferation significantly. The dendriticprocesses of differentiated melanocytes increased afterradiation. The tyrosinase and Melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1R)expression of differentiated melanocytes increased after NB-UVB exposure. The effect of NB-UVB on tyrosinase expressionwas modulated by signaling inhibitors H89 andPD98059 as well as Mc1R level in the cells. The migrationability of differentiated melanocytes was enhanced under100 mJ exposure.
Conclusion
These data demonstrate thatNB-UVB facilitates melanocytic differentiation of the HSNCSCsand enhances migration of these cells. Mc1R andcAMP pathway play a critical role in NB-UVB induced melanocyticdifferentiation.
8.Lateral decubitus intramedullary nailing for femoral subtrochanteric fractures
Dake TONG ; Qiang WEI ; Peizhao LIU ; Xuzhou DUAN ; Qianyun HE ; Kang LIU ; Sheng QIN ; Kaihang XU ; Xuelin WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Hao TANG ; Dilshat ; Fang JI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2018;20(7):634-638
Objective To investigate the efficacy of lateral decubitus intramedullary nailing for treatment of subtrochanteric fractures of the femur.Methods From January 2012 to December 2015,23 patients with simple femoral subtrochanteric fracture were treated at Department of Orthopedic Trauma,Changhai Hospital.They were 15 males and 8 females,aged from 19 to 77 years (average,48.3 years).According to the Seinsheimer classification,there were 6 cases of type ⅡB,8 cases of type ⅡC,6 cases of type Ⅲ A,and 3 cases of type ⅢB.Their injuries were caused by traffic accident in 10 cases,falling from a height in 5 cases,and sprain in 8 cases.All patients were treated by closed reduction and anterograde intrarnedullary nailing at lateral decubitus.Their operative time,bleeding volume,fluoroscopic frequency,fracture healing time,functional recovery and complications were recorded and analyzed.Results Their operative time ranged from 55 to 80 min,averaging 65.7 min;their bleeding volumes ranged from 240 to 420 mL,averaging 304.3 mL;their fluoroscopic frequency ranged from 30 to 60 times,averaging 42.7 times.This cohort was followed up for 12 to 28 months (average,17.9 months).Their fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 10 months,averaging 5.5 months.Nonunion occurred in one patient but was cured by secondary operation.The HSS evaluation at the final follow-ups showed 17 excellent cases and 6 good ones,yielding an excellent to good rate of 100%.All the wounds healed by the first intention.No infection,deep vein thrombosis or implant failure was observed.Conclusion As lateral decubitus intramedullary nailing can achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy for subtrochanteric fractures of the femur,the body position of lateral decubitus may be a good alternative.
9.Acupuncture with regulating mind and spleen for diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome and sleep quality:a randomized controlled trial.
Jing LI ; Jin LU ; Jianhua SUN ; Zhizhong RUAN ; Dake XU ; Hao GENG ; Xue ZHOU ; Zhilan HUANG ; Wanli XU ; Hehua SI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2017;37(1):9-13
OBJECTIVETo compare the effects between acupuncture with regulating mind and spleen and wes-tern medication for diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).
METHODSEighty-one patients were randomly at the ratio of 2 to 1 assigned into an acupuncture group (54 cases) and a western medication group (27 cases). Acupuncture with regulating mind and spleen was applied in the acupuncture group for 6 weeks at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and Taichong (LR 3), once every other day, 3 times a week. Pinaverium bromide tablet was used orally in the western medication group for 6 weeks, 50 mg a time, 3 times a day. IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) were observed before and after 1-week, 6-week treatment. Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was applied before and after 6-week treatment. Also, clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.
RESULTSThree patients dropped out in the acupuncture group, and 1 in the western medication group. Except abdominal distension score after 1-week treatment in the western medication group, single scores and total scores of IBS-SSS apparently reduced in the two groups after 1-week and 6-week treatment (<0.01,<0.05). After 1-week treatment, the abdominal pain score of the acupuncture group was obviously lower than that of the western medication group (<0.05). After 6-week treatment, with abdominal pain relief advantage, other results including the number of pain days, defecation satisfaction,life disturbance degree and total score of the acupuncture group were obviously lower than those of the wes-tern medication group (<0.01,<0.05). After 6-week treatment, the PSQI score and its change before and after treatment in the acupuncture group were superior to those in the western medication group (both<0.05). The relief rate and relief plus obvious effective rate in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the western medication group[51.0% (26/51) vs 19.2% (5/26),<0.01; 64.7% (33/51) vs 34.6% (9/26),<0.05].
CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture with regulating mind and spleen for diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome can more effectively relieve abdominal pain than pinaverium bromide tablet at the early stage. Its total effect and single effects are better at the later stage on abdominal pain, seizure frequency, defecation satisfaction, life disturbance, and sleep quality.
10.Effect of human leukocyte antigen B*1502 genotype and age on serum homocysteine levels in children with seizures or epilepsy
Chun ZHANG ; Dake HE ; Xiaohui HUANG ; Xin WEI ; Jing MA ; Jia QI ; Yan LIU ; Ajing XU ; Shuhong BO
Journal of Clinical Pediatrics 2017;35(3):187-190
Objective To explore the effect of human leukocyte antigen B* genotype and age on serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in children with seizures or epilepsy. Methods Fifteen children with seizures or epilepsy in whom HLA-B*15:02 genotype was detected during October 2015 to June 2016 were included. The plasma Hcy concentration in children with different genotypes was compared. The association of Hcy concentration and age was performed by linear-regression analysis. Results The mean concentration of Hcy was 8.38±4.23 μmol/L in children not carrying HLA-B*15:02 gene, which was obviously higher than that in children carrying HLA-B*15:02 gene 13.03±0.97 μmol/L (P<0.05). The Hcy concentration increased with the age (r2 =0.29, P<0.05). Conclusions Elder children with seizures or epilepsy carrying HLA-B*15:02 gene tend to have higher Hcy concentration and increased potential risk of disease. HLA-B*15:02 gene type and age can predict the changes of Hcy concentration in children with convulsions.


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