1.Huangqi Jianzhongtang Regulates Polarization of Macrophages M1/M2 and Improves Fat Consumption in Cancer Cachexia Mice
Zhiyan FANG ; Haiyan ZHU ; Wenying HUAI ; Cong HUANG ; Ruocong YANG ; Haiyan YU ; Tiane ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):61-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhongtang (HQJZ) on macrophage polarization and fat consumption in cancer cachexia (CC) mice. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to control the quality of HQJZ. (1) In vitro experiment: HQJZ-containing serum was prepared, and the optimal concentration was determined by cytotoxicity assay. Mouse monocyte-derived macrophages (RAW264.7) were cultured and randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a classically activated macrophages (M1) group, an alternatively activated macrophages (M2) group, a HQJZ + blank group, a HQJZ+M1 group, and a HQJZ + M2 group. The relative expression of macrophage marker genes CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg1) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR ). (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) group, and a HQJZ group. Except for the control group, the other mice were injected with CT-26 colon cancer cells to establish a CC model. Mice in the MPA and HQJZ groups were given MPA (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1) or HQJZ (13.13 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, respectively, while mice in the control and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage, with interventions continued for 10 d. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of macrophage markers (iNOS, Arg1, CD86, CD206) and fat browning-related genes uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in epididymal adipose tissue. Western blot (WB) was used to detect protein expression levels of UCP1 and PPARγ. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to measure residual fat volume, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess fat browning and calculate pathological scores. ResultsIn vitro, the dominant effective concentration of HQJZ-containing serum was 12.5%. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, Arg1 expression decreased in the HQJZ+blank group (P<0.05), CD206 showed a downward trend without statistical significance, while iNOS and CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the M1 group, Arg1 and CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 group, CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M2 group (P<0.05), CD86 expression increased significantly (P<0.01). In vivo, Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the control group, CD86 and CD206 expression levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CD206 expression in the MPA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the HQJZ group, CD206 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the model group, protein expression of UCP1 and PPARγ was significantly reduced in the HQJZ group (P<0.05, P<0.01). micro-CT results showed that the total white fat volume in the HQJZ group was greater than that in the model group (P<0.05). HE staining results showed that pathological scores in the HQJZ group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ may inhibit white adipose tissue browning by promoting macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing M2 polarization, thereby delaying fat consumption in CC mice.
2.Mechanism of in Vitro and in vivo Models of Osteoporosis Regulation by Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Ming YANG ; Jinji WANG ; Xuefeng ZHUANG ; Xiaolei FANG ; Zhijie ZHU ; Huiwei BAO ; Lijing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):281-289
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, whose incidence is still on the rise, posing great challenges to patients and society. This review mainly studies the pathogenesis of osteoporosis from the aspects of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and glucolipotoxicity-induced injury and clarifies the efficacy and mechanism of some active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine against osteoporosis through the integration of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The experimental results suggest that some active ingredients can improve bone resorption markers and maintain bone homeostasis by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, etc. These active ingredients regulate osteoporosis through the receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) pathway, osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, NF-κB pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and oxidative stress pathway. This review provides ideas for the progress of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis with the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to provide new potential lead compounds and reference for the development of innovative drugs and clinical therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis.
3.Prevalence and influencing factors of school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students
ZHU Yunjiao ; GU Fang ; MENG Jia ; LI Juanjuan ; SHEN Yu ; GAO Lei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):1-6
Objective:
To investigate the situation and influencing factors of school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students, so as to provide the basis for formulating school bullying intervention measures and promoting students' physical and mental health development.
Methods:
All the counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were stratified to urban and suburban areas, primary, junior high and senior high school students were selected using a stratified cluster sampling method. Basic information, lifestyle and school bullying were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting school bullying experienced by primary and middle school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 137 846 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 97.17%. There were 72 526 males (52.61%) and 65 320 females (47.39%). There were 47 561 primary school students (34.50%), 47 701 junior high school students (34.61%) and 42 584 senior high school students (30.89%). A total of 3 987 students suffered from school bullying, accounting for 2.89%. The proportions of being maliciously teased, being intentionally excluded from group activities/isolated, being teased about physical defects or appearance, being hit/kicked/pushed/shoved/locked in a room, being threatened, and being extorted for money were 2.04%, 1.18%, 1.11%, 0.86%, 0.84% and 0.83%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the students who were males (OR=1.122, 95%CI: 1.048-1.202), lived in suburban areas (OR=1.322, 95%CI: 1.233-1.418), lived in areas with medium (OR=1.086, 95%CI: 1.006-1.173) or underdeveloped (OR=1.298, 95%CI: 1.191-1.415) economic level, had higher academic levels (junior high school, OR=1.380, 95%CI: 1.270-1.499; senior high school, OR=1.210, 95%CI: 1.083-1.351), lived on campus (OR=1.489, 95%CI: 1.372-1.616), engaged in fights (OR=6.029, 95%CI: 5.585-6.509), attempted to smoke (OR=1.320, 95%CI: 1.128-1.545), drank (OR=1.735, 95%CI: 1.575-1.912), were scolded and beaten by parents (OR=1.972, 95%CI: 1.822-2.135) and were obese (OR=1.240, 95%CI: 1.132-1.360) were more likely to experience school bullying.
Conclusion
The harm of school bullying to the physical and mental health of primary and middle school students should be taken seriously, and active policy measures should be adopted to strengthen intervention.
4.Prevalence of common illness among primary school freshmen in Guiyang and parental health management service needs after the examination
CAI Jinghui, ZHU Yan, ZHANG Jiacai, FANG Xue
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):285-289
Objective:
To understand the health status of primary school freshmen in Guiyang and the health management service needs of parents after examination, so as to provide a reference for establishment of a collaborative health management framework involving schools, families, and healthcare providers.
Methods:
From September to October 2024, a stratified random cluster sampling method was used in Guiyang City to select 3 210 students and 3 133 parents who participated in the physical examination for primary school freshmen. Demographic indicators, physical examination indicators and laboratory examination indicators of students were collected, and parents needs for post examination health management service were investigated by self designed questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was adopted to investigate the related factors of parents health management service needs after the examination.
Results:
The detection rates of common illness among primary school freshmen were 60.22% for dental caries, 17.23 % for screening myopia, 6.11% for obesity, 3.86% for iron deficiency anemia, and 1.15% for scoliosis. The co-occurrence rate of common illness among freshmen during the physical examination was 23.89% ( n =767), among which the comorbidity rate of screening myopia and dental caries (8.22%) and obesity and dental caries (4.27%) were higher. About 63.80% parents indicated that the physical examination items were simple, and 2 366 parents (75.52%) indicated a demand for post examination management services; the average score of parents demands for post examination services was (3.12±0.70). In terms of the scores of each dimension, the mean score of nutrition and health (3.58±0.74) was the highest, while the lowest mean score was for traditional Chinese medicine health care (2.77±0.67). The mean scores for the other dimensions were as follows:exercise intervention (3.29± 0.79 ), psychological monitoring (3.17±0.58), and health education and signing (2.81±0.73). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that parents educational level (junior high school, high school/vocational school, college/undergraduate and above), living conditions (floating), and children s illness status (1, 2, >3 types) were the related factors of parents health management service needs after the entrance examination for new students ( B =2.16, 3.07, 3.68; -2.19; 3.14, 3.34, 3.11, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The prevalence of common illness in primary schools in Guiyang is characterized by a heavy burden from single diseases, with a notable occurrence of multiple comorbidities. After the physical examination, parents have obvious demand for follow up health management services. These health management services should integrate the concept of multi disease prevention according to the needs of parents.
5.Diagnosis and malignant analysis of mass versus pneumonia type of primary pulmonary mucinous adenocarcinoma
Yihui FENG ; Xiaolei ZHU ; Shaohan FANG ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Ning LI ; Guojun GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):360-365
Objective To investigate the relationship between primary pulmonary mucinous adenocarcinoma (PPMA) mass type and pneumonia type and their difference in malignant degree, and to analyze the role of clinical manifestations and CT features in the diagnosis of this disease. Methods The clinical data of PPMA patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from May 2011 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to CT features, they were divided into a mass type group and a pneumonia type group. The clinical manifestations, CT features and the degree of malignancy between the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 57 PPMA patients were enrolled. There were 17 males and 40 females, with an average age of (53.82±10.65) years, and 28 (49%) patients had reversed hato-like sign. There were 42 patients in the mass type group and 15 patients in the pneumonia type group. PPMA often occurs in both lower lungs, with clinical manifestations mainly of coughing and expectorating white mucoid sputum. There were statistical differences between the two groups in the maximum diameter of tumor (P<0.001), boundary condition (P<0.001) and pleural indentation sign (P=0.019). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in Ki-67 index (P>0.05). Conclusion There is no statistical difference in the degree of malignancy between the two types of PPMA. Considering their clinical manifestations and differences in imaging features, it is supported that the pneumonia type is just a progression of the mass type. CT can present various manifestations, among which the reversed hato-like sign is expected to become an important imaging feature. Combined with a high proportion of solid components, pleural indentation sign, and vacuole sign, reversed hato-like sign can play a significant role in the diagnosis of PPMA.
6.Effect of Tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on Spinal Microglial Activation-related Proteins and the IL-10/β-EP Pathway in a Rat Model of Chronic Sciatic Nerve Compression Injury
Tianwei ZHANG ; Xiangqian LYU ; Yani XING ; Liuchen ZHU ; Qingguang ZHU ; Lingjun KONG ; Yanbin CHENG ; Zhen YAN ; Wuquan SUN ; Min FANG ; Zhiwei WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):734-740
ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Tuina at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and its potential central spinal mechanisms. MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group), sham-operated group, model group, Tuina group, and blockade group. The CCI model was established in the model group, Tuina group, and the blockade group by ligating the sciatic nerve with catgut, while the sham-operated group underwent only sciatic nerve exposure without ligation. From postoperative day 4 to day 14, rats in the Tuina group and the blockade group received Tuina manipulation at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" using a dynamic pressure distribution measurement system (5 N pressure, 2 Hz frequency, 10 min per session, once daily). The blockade group also received intraperitoneal injections of the microglial inhibitor minocycline (10 mg/kg) once daily. The sham-operated and the model group underwent the same handling and fixation as the Tuina group without actual Tuina. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured before surgery and on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate sciatic nerve injury and repair, measuring axon diameter and total myelinated fiber diameter to calculate the g-ratio. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD206, CD68, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and β-endorphin (β-EP) precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly reduced MWT and PWL on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group showed increased MWT and PWL on day 10 and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the Tuina group, the blockade group exhibited higher MWT on day 7, 10, and 14, and higher PWL on day 10 (P<0.05). Sciatic nerve pathological morphology revealed intact and well-structured myelin in the sham-operated group, while the model group exhibited myelin collapse, distortion, and myelin ovoid formation. The Tuina group displayed partially irregular myelin with occasional myelin collapse, whereas the blockade group exhibited partial myelin irregularities and phospholipid shedding. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a decreased g-ratio and increased levels of Iba-1 and CD68 in the spinal dorsal horn (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group exhibited an increased g-ratio and reduced Iba-1 and CD68 levels. Additionally, the Tuina group showed elevated levels of CD206, IL-10, and POMC, whereas the blockade group had decreased CD206 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rats, potentially by regulating microglial activation in the spinal cord, inhibiting M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization, and activating the IL-10/β-EP pathway to exert analgesic effects.
7.Exploration of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling Improvement in Rats at Different Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Qibai Pingfei Capsules Based on TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Lu ZHANG ; Li FANG ; Shuyu XU ; Xue LIANG ; Jie ZHU ; Xiangli TONG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):48-56
ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement effect of Qibai Pingfei capsules on pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats at different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to analyze its possible mechanism of action. MethodsMale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, an early COPD model group, an advanced COPD model group, an early-intervention high-dose group, a late-intervention high-dose group, an early-intervention low-dose group, a late-intervention low-dose group, an early-intervention pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, and a late-intervention PDTC group, with 15 rats in each group. A rat model of early COPD was constructed by using cigarette smoke combined with airway infusion using lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and a rat model of advanced COPD was constructed by using airway infusion with LPS, cigarette smoke, and hypoxia. All groups except the normal group were given LPS airway drops on days 1 and 14 of the experiment, smoked for 1 h per day, and administered the drug once a day for 40 weeks from day 15 onward. In the high- and low-dose groups, rats were given 1 g·kg-1 and 250 mg·kg-1 Qibai Pingfei capsules, respectively by gavage, and in PDTC groups, rats were given 100 mg·kg-1 of PDTC by intraperitoneal injection. The advanced COPD model group underwent 6 h of hypoxia per day in weeks 5-6. Lung function and mean pulmonary artery pressure were tested in rats. Morphologic changes in lung tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining. Collagen deposition in lung tissues was examined by Masson staining, and the levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in lung tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of inflammatory cells in the alveolar lavage fluid of rats in each group was detected by Giemsa staining, and the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), TNF-α, vascular endothelial-cadherin(VE-cadherin), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31) was detected by Western blot in the lung tissues of rats. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased forced expiratory volume in 0.3 s (FEV0.3), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV0.3/FVC ratio related to lung function (P<0.05), thickening of pulmonary vasculature, increased collagen deposition in the lungs, and enhanced mean pulmonary arterial pressure and expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05). Additionally, the model group also exhibited increased numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (P<0.05), significantly higher protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and α-SMA (P<0.05), and significantly lower protein expression of VE-cadherin and CD31 (P<0.05). Lung function was significantly improved in the Qibai Pingfei capsules groups compared with the model group (P<0.05), with mean pulmonary arterial pressure reduced and pulmonary vascular thickening and collagen deposition in the lungs ameliorated. The Qibai Pingfei capsules groups also showed reduced expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05) and decreased numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (P<0.05), as well as reduced protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, and α-SMA (P<0.05) and elevated protein expression of VE-cadherin and CD31 (P<0.05) in rat lung tissues. ConclusionQibai Pingfei capsules inhibits inflammatory response and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition probably by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thus improving pulmonary vascular remodeling in COPD model rats and showing therapeutic effects in the early stage of COPD.
8.Mechanism of Astragaloside Ⅳ in Regulating PI3K/Akt Molecular Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Complications: A Review
Kexin HU ; Jinru ZHU ; Qing WU ; Shengmao WANG ; Mengfan WANG ; Ai QIAN ; Zhaohui FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):307-314
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease caused by absolute or relative insulin deficiency and reduced insulin sensitivity in peripheral cells, posing a serious threat to global health. Chronic complications arising in the later stages of DM can lead to the decline or even loss of function in multiple organs, including the eyes, heart, liver, kidneys, nerves, and feet, making them the primary cause of mortality in DM patients. Although modern medicine has made some progress in the treatment of these complications, challenges such as high costs and adverse drug reactions remain. Thus, identifying highly effective drugs with minimal adverse effects has become a top priority. Astragalus membranaceus is a shining gem in the treasure trove of Chinese medicine. Numerous studies have shown that its primary active component, astragaloside Ⅳ, possesses various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects, as well as benefits for cardiac and cerebral function, nerve conduction, and myocardial protection. Meanwhile, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and autophagy. Extensive research has highlighted the significant role of this pathway in various DM complications, leading to widespread studies on its interaction with astragaloside Ⅳ. This review summarizes research findings on how astragaloside Ⅳ alleviates pancreatic cytotoxicity in DM patients by modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, it highlights its protective effects on basic cardiac function, inhibition of retinal cell damage, improvement of cerebral nerve dysfunction, reduction of chronic kidney and liver damage, and mitigation of neurovascular toxicity in the lower limbs. These insights provide a valuable reference for the clinical application of A. membranaceus and its active monomer, astragaloside Ⅳ, in the treatment of DM and its complications.
9.Explore of nanopore sequencing technology in ambiguities of HLA genotyping
Nanying CHEN ; Wei ZHANG ; Lina DONG ; Fang WANG ; Yizhen HE ; Chen CHEN ; Faming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):309-315
[Objective] To resolve the ambiguities of HLA genotyping generated by next generation sequencing (NGS) using nanopore sequencing technology. [Methods] A total of 38 samples with ambiguous HLA genotyping by NGS in our laboratory were collected, and HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 loci in these samples were amplified using primers in the same commercial NGS HLA genotyping kit, then subjected to third-generation library construction, and sequenced on the nanopore sequencer. The sequencing data were converted into Fastq files and analyzed by software, and the genotypes of 11 HLA loci were obtained. The ambiguities were counted directly. [Results] The high-resolution genotyping at the second domain of 11 HLA loci of 38 samples using the third generation sequencing (TGS) were consistent with the results of the NGS method at a rate of 100%. The genotypes for the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB3, -DRB4, -DQA1 and -DPA1 loci by TGS were all only one result, and the discrimination rate for ambiguities of the HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DQA1 loci (all caused by the difficulty in phasing due to the short NGS read length) was 100%. Among the HLA-DRB1, -DRB5, -DQB1 and -DPB1 loci, the discrimination rate of TGS for the ambiguities caused by non-amplification of exon 1 was 0% and by the short NGS read length was 100%. [Conclusion] Nanopore technology was used to identify the ambiguities of 11 HLA loci in this study, and the ambiguities caused by the short read length disadvantage of the NGS method could be solved effectively and the accuracy of HLA genotyping would be improved.
10.Treatment of Sepsis-induced Inflammatory Responses with Xijiao Dihuangtang by Modulation of PKM2-mediated One-carbon Metabolism Pathway
Qixiang YAN ; Yeyan ZHU ; Fan GE ; Qimeng SUN ; Leyao YE ; Fang TIAN ; Jun LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):18-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Xijiao Dihuangtang (XJDHT) on mice with sepsis and cellular models of sepsis and explore its molecular mechanism in alleviating sepsis-induced inflammatory responses via regulating pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-mediated one-carbon metabolism pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose XJDHT group (7.7 g·kg-1), and high-dose XJDHT group (15.4 g·kg-1). After one week of continuous gavage, sepsis was induced using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in groups except the normal group. 24 h after the surgery, mortality rates in all groups were recorded, and serum cytokines were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. During the in vitro experiment, the human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) was exposed to various concentrations of XJDHT and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a final concentration of 2 mg·L-1 for 24 h. Cell apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were measured by Western blot. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze differentially expressed genes in all groups and conduct gene ontology (GO) enrichment. Key genes in the one-carbon metabolism pathway, including pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR), and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), were verified by Western blot. A PKM2 inhibition model was established using shikonin for further protein expression analysis. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated body temperature and lung pathology (P<0.01) and increased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). High-dose XJDHT reduced body temperature and lung tissue damage (P<0.01) and significantly decreased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). Low-dose XJDHT treatment showed no significant temperature change (P<0.01) but reduced serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot revealed significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and one-carbon metabolism genes (PKM2, MTR, and PHGDH) (P<0.01). Cell experiments demonstrated that compared to the normal group, the model group showed elevated protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in THP-1 cells (P<0.01), decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot revealed significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and one-carbon metabolism genes (PKM2, MTR, and PHGDH) (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, high-dose XJDHT significantly increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PHGDH protein expression (P<0.01) and effectively reduced cell apoptosis (P<0.01) while down-regulating protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, PKM2, and MTR (P<0.01). Low-dose XJDHT moderately increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PHGDH protein expression (P<0.05), reduced apoptosis (P<0.05), and decreased IL-1β and MTR protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), but there were no significant changes in TNF-α and PKM2 expression. After PKM2 inhibition by shikonin in THP-1 cells, the expression of protein related to one-carbon metabolism was detected. Compared with the blank group, the LPS-induced model group showed significantly upregulated PKM2 and MTR protein expression (P<0.01) and downregulated PHGDH expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, shikonin treatment significantly reduced PKM2 expression (P<0.05), increased PHGDH expression (P<0.01), and decreased MTR expression (P<0.05). ConclusionXJDHT can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in sepsis, and its mechanism is related to the intervention of the PKM2-regulated one-carbon metabolism pathway in macrophages.


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