1.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
2.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
3.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
4.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
5.The Role of Histone Lactylation in Diseases and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xin ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Zhao-Huan LI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):887-904
Histone lactylation is a recently identified post-translational modification, wherein lactate mediates the enzymatic addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Since its discovery, extensive research has demonstrated that histone lactylation is widely present in human tissues and plays a pivotal role in regulating the transcription of specific genes. Subsequent studies have further established this modification as a widespread epigenetic mark with significant physiological implications. With advancing research, accumulating evidence confirms that lactylation at distinct histone sites elicits diverse biological effects—such as promoting cell proliferation, driving inflammatory responses, and enhancing fibrosis—all of which profoundly influence disease progression and serve as key drivers of disease onset and development. Conversely, inhibiting histone lactylation can alter disease outcomes, positioning histone lactylation as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, studies have revealed crosstalk between histone lactylation and other post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, which collectively regulate disease progression. Notably, lactylation occurs not only on histones but also on non-histone proteins. Histone lactylation activates specific gene transcription and reshapes metabolic epigenetics, while non-histone lactylation directly modulates enzyme activity, signal transduction, and protein stability. These two facets form a synergistic network through shared lactate pools, common modifying enzyme systems, and pathway crosstalk, thereby constructing a multi-dimensional regulatory framework—namely, the “histone lactylation-metabolism hub-non-histone lactylation” axis. This architecture bridges metabolism and epigenetics, and deciphering its topological structure may provide novel targets for precise intervention in diseases driven by lactate-mediated signaling hijacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in clinical practice, has been shown to regulate histone lactylation by modulating lactate metabolism and lactylation-related enzymes, thereby influencing disease progression. Moreover, certain TCM formulations exhibit potential as alternative therapies for drug-resistant diseases, underscoring the significance of further exploring TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation in future therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying histone lactylation, systematically delineate the associations between site-specific histone lactylation and various diseases, present a comprehensive landscape of the “lactate-histone lactylation and functional protein lactylation” axis, and summarize the mechanistic basis and research advances in TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation for disease treatment. Additionally, we discuss current challenges in histone lactylation research and propose future directions, ultimately aiming to deepen understanding and broaden perspectives on the roles and therapeutic potential of histone lactylation in disease.
6.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
7.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
8.Effect of Yinchenhao Tang Combined with Yinchen Zhufu Tang on Treg/Th17 Cells in Vitro from Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure
Menghui ZENG ; Shan DU ; Nianhua TAN ; Jie PENG ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):43-51
ObjectiveTo study the regulatory effects of Yinchenhao Tang combined with Yinchen Zhufu Tang on the expression of regulatory T (Treg)/helper T 17 (Th17) cells cultured in vitro from the patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). MethodsFresh peripheral blood was collected from the patients with HBV-ACLF for the separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunomagnetic beads were used to isolate primary Treg and naive CD4+ T cells. After in vitro expansion, naive CD4+ T cells were induced to differentiate into Th17 cells. Rats were treated with the clearing method (Yinchenhao Tang), warming method (Yinchen Zhufu Tang), and combination of clearing method with warming method (Yinchenhao Tang combined with Yinchen Zhufu Tang, also known as Wenyang Jiedu Huayu Prescription), respectively, and then the medicated plasma samples were collected. Meanwhile, blank plasma was collected from the rats treated with normal saline. Cells were classified into blank, clearing method (5.04 g·kg-1), warming method (6.21 g·kg-1), and combination of clearing method with warming method (17.1 g·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding plasma. The frequency of Treg/Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The level of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cytometric bead array (CBA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-23 (IL-23). The mRNA and protein levels of Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-gamma t (ROR-γt) were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the combination of clearing method with warming method group showed decreased frequency of Treg and Th17 cells, lowered levels of Treg cytokines (TGF-β and IL-10) and Th17 cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of FoxP3 and ROR-γt (P<0.01). Compared with the clearing method group, the combination of clearing method with warming method group showed decreased Treg cell frequency and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of FoxP3. Meanwhile, the combination group showed decreased Th17 cell frequency, lowered levels of TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ROR-γt (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the warming method group, the combination of clearing method with warming method group showed decreased frequency of Treg cells and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of FoxP3. Meanwhile, the combination group showed decreased Th17 cell frequency, declined levels of TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ROR-γt (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of clearing method with warming method can down-regulate the expression of specific cytokines of Treg and Th17 cells, inhibit the over activation of Treg and Th17 cells, and reduce the secretion of cytokines such as TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, thereby alleviating inflammation and improving the prognosis of the patients with liver failure.
9.Differences in Expression of Intestinal Flora in Patients with Different TCM Syndrome Types of "Yang Huang-Yin-Yang Huang-Yin Huang" in Hepatitis B Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure
Shan DU ; Menghui ZENG ; Nianhua TAN ; Jie PENG ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):62-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of intestinal flora in patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types (Yang Huang syndrome, Yin-Yang Huang syndrome, and Yin Huang syndrome) of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and clarify the biological basis of jaundice and Yin Huang syndrome in liver failure. MethodsA total of 20 cases of HBV-ACLF patients were included in the Yang Huang group, 20 cases in the Yin-Yang Huang group, 16 cases in the Yin Huang group, and 20 healthy adult volunteers. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to detect the diversity, species distribution, and differences of the subjects' intestinal flora, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted. ResultsCompared with those in the healthy control group, the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in the HBV-ACLF Yang Huang group, Yin-Yang Huang group, and Yin Huang group were significantly reduced, and there were significant differences in the composition of intestinal flora compared with healthy volunteers. However, there were no significant differences in the species richness, diversity, and composition of intestinal flora among the three groups. LEfSe analysis showed that compared with the healthy control group, the HBV-ACLF Yang Huang group showed significant enrichment of Staphylococcus aureus(P<0.01). Yin-Yang Huang group showed significant enrichment of s_Ileibacterium valens(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the Yin Huang group showed significant enrichment of Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus sali varius(P<0.05). These strains may be biomarkers between the three groups of patients and the healthy control group. Compared with that in the Yin-Yang Huang group, Tyzzerella_nexilis was significantly enriched in the Yang-Huang group, and Streptococcus lactiae was significantly enriched in the Yin-Yang Huang group. Compared with that in the Yang-Huang group and the Yin-Yang Huang group, Enterococcus faecalis was significantly enriched in the Yin Huang group. The above strains may be biomarkers among the three groups of patients, and Enterococcus faecium may be a biomarker for the transition from the Yang Huang group to the Yin Huang group. ConclusionsThere are significant differences in the intestinal flora between patients with HBV-ACLF Yang Huang syndrome, Yin-Yang Huang syndrome, and Yin Huang syndrome. Enterococcus faecium is significantly enriched in the Yin Huang syndrome group, suggesting that dysbiosis of the intestinal flora may be the biological basis for jaundice and Yin Huang syndrome in liver failure.
10.Changes of Treg/Th17 Cell Expression in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure in Five Types of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome
Shan DU ; Menghui ZENG ; Nianhua TAN ; Jie PENG ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):70-76
ObjectiveTo study the expression differences of regulatory T cells (Treg) and T helper 17 cells (Th17) in the peripheral blood of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) in five types of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome. MethodsA total of 144 patients with HBV-ACLF were included and divided into five types of TCM syndrome, including 34 cases of heat-toxin amassment syndrome, 44 cases of dampness-heat amassment syndrome, 27 cases of Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome, 21 cases of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, and 18 cases of liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Meanwhile, 30 healthy volunteers were included as controls. The frequency of Treg and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of subjects in each group was detected by flow cytometry, and the Treg/Th17 ratio was calculated. Cytometric bead array (CBA) was used to detect the levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-17A, and IL-23. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) detected the mRNA expression of forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor gamma t (ROR-γt). Results(1) Compared with that in the healthy control group, the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells in patients with various TCM syndrome types of HBV-ACLF increased (P<0.05). Compared with that in the heat-toxin amassment syndrome group, the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells decreased in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group (P<0.05), while the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells increased in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group, the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells increased in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells increased in the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05), while the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells decreased in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, the frequency of Treg and Th17 cells decreased in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). (2) Compared with that in the healthy control group, the Treg/Th17 cell ratio in patients with various TCM syndromes of HBV-ACLF decreased (P<0.05). Compared with that in the heat-toxin amassment syndrome group, the Treg/Th17 cell ratio increased in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group (P<0.05), while it decreased in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group, the Treg/Th17 cell ratio decreased in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, the Treg/Th17 cell ratio increased in the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, the Treg/Th17 cell ratio in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group increased (P<0.05). (3) Compared with those in the healthy control group, the levels of Treg-related cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β, as well as Th17-related cytokines TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, were elevated in patients with various TCM syndrome types of HBV-ACLF (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in TNF-α levels among different TCM syndrome types. Compared with those in the heat-toxin amassment syndrome group, the levels of IL-10, TNF-β, IL-17A, and IL-23 in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group, Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome groups increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group, the levels of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17A, and IL-23 increased in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, the levels of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17A, and IL-23 in the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group increased (P<0.05), while those in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group decreased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, the levels of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-17A, and IL-23 in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group decreased (P<0.05). (4) Compared with that in the healthy control group, the mRNA of Treg/Th17 cell specific transcription factors FoxP3 and ROR-γt were elevated in patients with various TCM syndrome types of HBV-ACLF (P<0.05). Compared with that in the heat-toxin amassment syndrome group, the mRNA of FoxP3 and ROR-γt increased in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the dampness-heat amassment syndrome group, the mRNA of FoxP3 and ROR-γt increased in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome (P<0.05). Compared with that in the Qi-deficiency and stasis jaundice syndrome group, the mRNA of FoxP3 and ROR-γt in the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group increased (P<0.05), and it decreased in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome group, the mRNA of FoxP3 and ROR-γt decreased in the liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe frequency and ratio of Treg/Th17 cells, as well as the expression of related cytokines and specific receptors in peripheral blood of patients with HBV-ACLF in five types of TCM syndromes are different, which has certain reference value for TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment of patients with HBV-ACLF.

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