1.Shaoyaotang Regulates miRNA-155-mediated SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 Signaling Pathway to Affect Macrophage Polarization
Qi CHENG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Yiqian YU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG ; Jun XIONG ; Dichang LAI ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Shaoyaotang regulates the miRNA-155-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)/Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) signaling pathway and thereby affects macrophage polarization. MethodsThe cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of drug-containing serum of Shaoyaotang at different concentrations on the viability of RAW 264.7 cells. A cell model of inflammation was established by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a concentration of 10 mg·L-1 The modeled cells were assigned by the random number table method into seven groups: LPS-induced M1 polarization (model), M1+miRNA-155 mimics, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor, M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum, and M1+blank serum. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)]. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of macrophage polarization markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and macrophage mannose receptor 1 (CD206)]. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miRNA-155 in cells. Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of SOCS1, STAT1, and JAK1. ResultsCompared with the LPS-induced M1 polarization (model) group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group showed up-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and down-regulated expression of CD206 (P<0.05). In both the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group and the M1+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group, the expression levels of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS were down-regulated (P<0.05), while those of SOCS1 and CD206 were up-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 mimics group, the M1+miRNA-155 mimics+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). Compared with the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor group, the M1+miRNA-155 inhibitor+Shaoyaotang-containing serum group showed down-regulated expression of miRNA-155, JAK1, STAT1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05) and up-regulated expression of SOCS1 and CD206 (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang regulates macrophage polarization by modulating miRNA-155 expression and interfering with the SOCS1/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway. The findings provide new experimental evidence for the treatment of ulcerative colitis with Shaoyaotang.
2.Effect and Mechanisms of Shaoyaotang on Murine Ulcerative Colitis via Modulating Macrophage Glycolytic Reprogramming and Polarization Through HIF-1α Pathway
Yiqian YU ; Hui CAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Bo ZOU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Qi CHENG ; Youwei XIAO ; Yan GONG ; Jiachun XIONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):53-60
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of Shaoyaotang in intervening macrophage glycolytic reprogramming in ulcerative colitis (UC). MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups: Normal control group, model group, mesalazine group (0.39 g·kg-1), Shaoyaotang group (15.54 g·kg-1), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) group (glycolysis inhibitor, 100 mg·kg-1), and 2-DG + Shaoyaotang combined group (100 mg·kg-1+15.54 g·kg-1). Except for the normal control group, mice in the other five groups were induced to establish UC models using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The normal control group was administered pure water via intragastric gavage, while the other groups received intragastric gavage of mesalazine solution, intragastric gavage of Shaoyaotang, and the 2-DG group was treated with 2-DG via intraperitoneal injection. After 7 consecutive days of treatment, colonic tissues were extracted. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to evaluate histopathological changes and tissue injury in the colon. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in colonic tissues. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), glucose transporter (GLUT1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in colonic tissues. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect the expression of CD206 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in colonic tissues. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to measure lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal control group, mice in the model group exhibited a significant increase in disease activity index (DAI) scores, accompanied by colonic mucosal congestion, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration, significantly elevated expression of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P<0.05), significantly decreased IL-10 expression (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of HIF-1α, GLUT1, LDHA, PKM2, and PFKFB3 in colonic tissues (P<0.05), markedly elevated iNOS expression (P<0.05), significantly decreased CD206 expression (P<0.05), and significantly elevated lactate and citrate levels in colonic tissues (P<0.05). In contrast to the model group, the Shaoyaotang group, inhibitor group, and Shaoyaotang combined with inhibitor group demonstrated amelioration of mucosal injury in colonic tissues, markely decreased expression levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α (P<0.05), elevated IL-10 expression levels, significantly decreased expression of HIF-1α, GLUT1, LDHA, PKM2, and PFKFB3 (P<0.05), markedly reduced iNOS expression levels (P<0.05), significantly increased CD206 expression (P<0.05) and significantly decreased lactate and citrate levels (P<0.05). ConclusionShaoyaotang ameliorates symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice, and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with regulating macrophage glycolytic reprogramming via modulation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway.
3.Shaoyaotang Regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Ulcerative Colitis
Dongsheng WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenjing QUAN ; Wanqing XIONG ; Bo ZOU ; Youwei XIAO ; Ruoru HUANG ; Yan GONG ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):69-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in intestinal mucosal barrier damage in ulcerative colitis, as well as the intervention mechanism of Shaoyaotang. MethodsSixty SD rats were allocated into a blank group, a model group, a mesalazine (0.42 g·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (11.1, 22.2, 44.4 g·kg-1, respectively) Shaoyaotang groups. A model of ulcerative colitis was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). After successful modeling, rats were administrated with corresponding agents via gavage for 7 days. Changes in colon length and colon weight were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to examine the pathological changes of the colon, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), junction adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1), and claudin-1 in the colon. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the colon. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated DAI score (P<0.01), reduced colon length and colon weight (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. Compared with the model group, each treatment group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased colon length and colon weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated protein levels of JAM-1 and claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of IL-8, COX-2, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01) in the colon tissue. ConclusionShaoyaotang alleviates intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage to protect intestinal barrier integrity by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Mechanistic Study on Effect of Cycloastragenol in Improving Mitochondrial Function and Inhibiting Cardiac Remodeling via GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Dongsheng WEI ; Menglan ZHAO ; Wenhao GU ; Jinpu LIANG ; Yu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):112-121
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of cycloastragenol (CAG) on mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac remodeling and to elucidate its regulatory role in myocardial energy metabolic homeostasis and the associated transcriptional regulatory axis. MethodsA rat model of heart failure (HF) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a captopril group (3.25 mg·kg-1), a low-dose CAG group (10 mg·kg-1, CAG-L), and a high-dose CAG group (20 mg·kg-1, CAG-H). After 28 days of treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) were assessed by echocardiography. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponinⅠ (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate myocardial histopathology and fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ were determined by colorimetric assays. The mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), while the protein levels of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein/total cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB/CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased LVEF, LVFS, and ATP levels (P<0.05), and markedly increased LVIDd, LVIDs, NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS levels, TUNEL-positive rate, Col deposition area, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ (P<0.05). In addition, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, the protein expression of ADRB2, PKA, p-CREB, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as the cAMP content, were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both low- and high-dose CAG significantly increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and the levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and cTnI (P<0.05). CAG treatment alleviated myocardial disarray and Collagen deposition, and downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ. The treatment markedly reduced ROS generation and the TUNEL-positive rate (P<0.05), thereby attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CAG treatment increased ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, ADRB2, PKA, and p-CREB protein expression as well as cAMP levels (P<0.05). The CAG-H group showed the most pronounced improvements, which were superior to those of the captopril group and the CAG-L group. ConclusionCycloastragenol delays adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function by activating the ADRB2-mediated GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, enhancing the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial fibrosis.
5.Mechanistic Study on Effect of Cycloastragenol in Improving Mitochondrial Function and Inhibiting Cardiac Remodeling via GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Dongsheng WEI ; Menglan ZHAO ; Wenhao GU ; Jinpu LIANG ; Yu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):112-121
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of cycloastragenol (CAG) on mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac remodeling and to elucidate its regulatory role in myocardial energy metabolic homeostasis and the associated transcriptional regulatory axis. MethodsA rat model of heart failure (HF) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a captopril group (3.25 mg·kg-1), a low-dose CAG group (10 mg·kg-1, CAG-L), and a high-dose CAG group (20 mg·kg-1, CAG-H). After 28 days of treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) were assessed by echocardiography. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponinⅠ (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate myocardial histopathology and fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ were determined by colorimetric assays. The mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), while the protein levels of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein/total cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB/CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased LVEF, LVFS, and ATP levels (P<0.05), and markedly increased LVIDd, LVIDs, NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS levels, TUNEL-positive rate, Col deposition area, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ (P<0.05). In addition, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, the protein expression of ADRB2, PKA, p-CREB, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as the cAMP content, were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both low- and high-dose CAG significantly increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and the levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and cTnI (P<0.05). CAG treatment alleviated myocardial disarray and Collagen deposition, and downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ. The treatment markedly reduced ROS generation and the TUNEL-positive rate (P<0.05), thereby attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CAG treatment increased ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, ADRB2, PKA, and p-CREB protein expression as well as cAMP levels (P<0.05). The CAG-H group showed the most pronounced improvements, which were superior to those of the captopril group and the CAG-L group. ConclusionCycloastragenol delays adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function by activating the ADRB2-mediated GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, enhancing the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial fibrosis.
6.Research progress on cell mechanics and extracellular matrix mechanics in tumor therapy
ZHANG Hui ; GAO Hui ; XIE Youxiang ; YU Dongsheng
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(10):896-907
During tumor progression, the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment play a pivotal regulatory role. As core mechanical indicators, cellular stiffness and extracellular matrix stiffness profoundly influence tumor development through multiple pathways, including cytoskeletal remodeling, activation of signaling pathways, and metabolic regulation. Studies have demonstrated that the tissue stiffness of various solid tumors is significantly higher than that of corresponding normal tissues, while their cellular stiffness exhibits the opposite trend. This mechanical characteristic is also observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma and exerts crucial regulatory effects during tumor progression. This review systematically summarizes the molecular composition and regulatory mechanisms underlying the stiffness of tumor cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Mainstream stiffness detection technologies such as atomic force microscopy, microfluidic deformation, and real-time deformability cytometry are outlined, with particular emphasis on their applications and limitations in oncology research. This review comprehensively analyzes how mechanical properties regulate key processes in tumor progression, including growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, drug resistance, and immune escape. This review synthesizes biomechanics-based therapeutic strategies, including: ① targeting the regulation of tumor cell stiffness through cytoskeletal modulators and cholesterol-depleting agents to enhance immune responses; ② reducing ECM stiffness by matrix remodeling enzyme inhibitors, ECM component modulators, or receptor antagonists to improve drug delivery efficiency, and combining with immunotherapy or photothermal therapy for enhanced therapeutic effects; ③ enhancing the mechanical adaptability and anti-tumor activity of immune cells through pharmacological or genetic approaches. This review establishes a robust conceptual framework for developing novel anti-tumor therapeutic strategies and provides insights for future clinical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
7.Design and implementation of a TCM record information retrieval system based on generative large language models
Xuanze WANG ; Jiangyu LI ; Xiangwen ZHENG ; Yu XIAO ; Huajian MAO ; Dongsheng ZHAO
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(3):207-213
Objective To develop a system for retrieving information from clinical records of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)based on generative large language models(LLMs).Methods Applicational needs of the system were analyzed,and entity types to be retrieved were identified.The functions,workflows,and architecture of the system were designed by combining the automatic retrieval capabilities of LLMs with human-in-the-loop(HITL).The software was developed using such frameworks as vLLM and Node.js.Interaction of multiple commercial/open source LLMs was implemented using OpenAI-compatible interfaces.The quality of information retrieved from LLMs was enhanced by prompt engineering.Results This system supported task allocation,automatic retrieval of structured information,and manual review.To evaluate its performance,the moonshot-v1-8k model was used to retrieve clinical records of TCM before manual edition was performed.Combining large language model pre-annotation with meticulous annotator edits improved accuracy by 26.6%compared to the BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model,and enhanced extraction efficiency by 1.6-fold relative to purely manual methods.Conclusion General generative LLMs can retrieve a wide range of entity information from TCM records with high accuracy and scalability.The design and implementation of this system approach may provide a useful reference for developing other biomedical information retrieval systems.
8.Research on cardiometabolic risk factors of workers in new forms of employment
Siyuan WANG ; Xiaoshun WANG ; Rui GUAN ; Hong YU ; Xin SONG ; Binshuo HU ; Zhihui WANG ; Xiaowen DING ; Dongsheng NIU ; Tenglong YAN ; Huadong XU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(2):150-154
Objective To analyze the prevalence status of cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) and its aggregation among workers engaged in new forms of employment. Methods A total of 5 429 new employment workers (including couriers, online food delivery workers, and ride hailing drivers) who underwent health medical examinations at a tertiary hospital in Beijing City were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Data on waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid levels were collected to analyze their CMRF [central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and their aggregation (with ≥ 2 of the above 5 risk factors) status. Results The detection rates of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced HDL-C were 61.2%, 38.2%, 29.5%, 40.9% and 22.6%, respectively. The detection rates of CMRF aggregation was 57.8%. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male, age ≥45 years, smoking, overweight, and obesity were risk factors for CMRF aggregation (all P<0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of CMRF and its aggregation among workers with new forms of employment in Beijing City is relatively high. Targeted prevention and control efforts should be strengthened for high-risk populations, especially males, workers aged ≥45 years, smokers, and those who are overweight or obese.
9.Effect of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress on Intestinal Mucosal Injury in Ulcerative Colitis and TCM Intervention Based on Theory of Sores Depending on Spleen-earth
Youwei XIAO ; Dongsheng WU ; Hui CAO ; Bo ZOU ; Yiqian YU ; Ruoru HUANG ; Qi CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):238-247
In recent years, as the incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is growing, intestinal mucosal injury has garnered increasing attention, and it is characterized by high recurrence, risk of inflammation-cancer transformation, and difficulty in repair. Intestinal mucosal injury in UC is centered on persistent inflammation and barrier dysfunction, with its pathological mechanisms involving endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated changes such as abnormal apoptosis, abnormal autophagy, and inflammatory responses. ERS induces apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, disrupts tight junction proteins, and exacerbates inflammatory responses through pathways such as protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), ultimately causing intestinal mucosal injury. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of research on UC. The theory of sores depending on spleen-earth holds that spleen deficiency is the fundamental cause of UC, while pathological products such as dampness-turbidity and blood stasis are the secondary manifestations. Dysfunction of the spleen-earth leads to insufficient production and transformation of Qi and blood, malnutrition of the intestinal mucosa, and invasion of external pathogens. In the active phase of UC, spleen deficiency is often accompanied by excessive pathogenic factors such as dampness-heat and heat-toxin, leading to acute intestinal mucosal damage. In the remission phase, however, it is mainly characterized by spleen deficiency and healthy Qi deficiency, accompanied by residual pathogens, resulting in weak intestinal mucosal repair. Studies have shown that the endoplasmic reticulum, as a key site for protein synthesis and folding, has functions highly similar to the TCM concept of the spleen governing transportation and transformation. From a TCM perspective, the endoplasmic reticulum can be regarded as the carrier of spleen transportation, and ERS is a microcosmic manifestation of spleen dysfunction, leading to intestinal mucosal injury. ERS impairs the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum, induces the generation of abnormal Qi, and triggers pathological changes, making inflammation difficult to be reduced and causing the aggravation of ERS, forming a vicious cycle of spleen deficiency-pathological products-intestinal injury. TCM has unique advantages in regulating ERS to prevent and treat intestinal mucosal injury. According to the theory of sores depending on spleen-earth and the modern medical understanding of ERS, this paper delves into the TCM and Western medicine pathogenesis of intestinal mucosal injury in UC. Furthermore, this paper discusses the roles of TCM active components and compound formulas in reducing intestinal mucosal injury in UC by regulating ERS under the guidance of the treatment principles of invigorating the spleen and replenishing Qi as the key and dispelling dampness and removing blood stasis as the supplementation, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of UC.
10.A truncated N protein-based ELISA method for the detection of antibodies against porcine deltacoronavirus.
Dongsheng WANG ; Ruiming YU ; Liping ZHANG ; Yingjie BAI ; Xia LIU ; Yonglu WANG ; Xiaohua DU ; Xinsheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2760-2773
This study aims to establish an antibody detection method for porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV). The recombinant proteins PDCoV-N1 and PDCoV-N2 were expressed via the prokaryotic plasmid pColdII harboring the N gene sequence of the PDCoV strain CH/XJYN/2016. The reactivity and specificity of PDCoV-N1 and PDCoV-N2 with anti-PEDV sera were analyzed after the recombinant proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and purified by the Ni-NTA Superflow Cartridge. Meanwhile, Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay were carried out separately to validate the recombinant proteins PDCoV-N1 and PDCoV-N2. Finally, we established an indirect ELISA method based on the recombinant protein PDCoV-N2 after optimizing the conditions and tested the sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the method. Then, the established method was employed to examine 102 clinical serum samples. The recombinant protein PDCoV-N2 showed low cross-reactivity with anti-PEDV sera. The optimal conditions of the indirect ELISA method based on PDCoV-N2 were as follows: the antigen coating concentration of 1.25 μg/mL and coating at 37 ℃ for 1 h; blocking by BSA overnight at 4 ℃; serum sample dilution at 1:50 and incubation at 37 ℃ for 1 h; secondary antibody dilution at 1:80 000 and incubation at 37 ℃ for 1 h; color development with TMB chromogenic solution at 37 ℃ for 10 min. The S/P value ≥ 0.45, ≤0.38, and between 0.45 and 0.38 indicated that the test sample was positive, negative, and suspicious, respectively. The testing results of the antisera against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), and African swine fever virus (ASFV) showed that the S/P values were all less than 0.38. The testing results of the 800-fold diluted anti-PDCoV sera were still positive. The results of the inter- and intra-batch tests showed that the coefficients of variation of this method were less than 10%. Clinical serum sample test results showed the coincidence rate between this method and neutralization test was 94.12%. In this study, an ELISA method for the detection of anti-PDCoV antibodies was successfully established based on the truncated N protein of PDCoV. This method is sensitive, specific, stable, and reproducible, serving as a new method for the clinical diagnosis of PDCoV.
Animals
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods*
;
Swine
;
Antibodies, Viral/blood*
;
Recombinant Proteins/genetics*
;
Deltacoronavirus/isolation & purification*
;
Coronavirus Infections/virology*
;
Swine Diseases/diagnosis*
;
Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins
;
Sensitivity and Specificity


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail