ObjectiveTo observe the protective effect of Erchentang （ECT） on SiO₂-induced lung injury in rats and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsA rat model of lung injury was established by a single intratracheal instillation of 50 mg·mL^-1 SiO₂ suspension. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly assigned to five groups： control， model， low and high-dose （4.5 g·kg^-1·d^-1 and 9 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively） ECT， and dexamethasone （0.2 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. All the groups were treated for 4 consecutive weeks. Histopathological alterations in the lung tissue were examined by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） in the lung tissue were measured through biochemical assays. The expression of key molecules in the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） pathway was determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， Western blot， and immunofluorescence assay. The primary active components of ECT were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS）， and their binding affinity to Nrf2/HO-1 was assessed by molecular docking. Untargeted metabolomics of the lung tissue was performed based on UPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）， and correlation analysis was performed to identify differential metabolites and parameters closely associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight gain， an increase in lung index， increased MDA content， weakened SOD and GSH-Px activities in the lung tissue， down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and protein levels of HO-1 and GPX4， and an up-regulated protein level of Keap1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Treatment with ECT attenuated the SiO₂-induced decline in body weight （P<0.05）， alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and silicotic nodule formation in alveoli， and reduced the MDA content and enhanced the SOD and GSH-Px activities in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. UPLC-MS/MS and molecular docking revealed that core components of ECT， such as hesperidin and glycyrrhizic acid， displayed strong binding affinity to Nrf2/HO-1. Molecular biological experiments demonstrated that ECT promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2， up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of HO-1 and GPX4， and down-regulated Keap1 expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Metabolomic analysis indicated that ECT reversed the SiO₂-induced aberrant expression of metabolites， including linoleic acid and glutamine （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Correlation analysis showed that Nrf2 and HO-1 were positively correlated with SOD and GSH-Px （P<0.05， P<0.01）， but negatively correlated with glutamine and serine （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionECT may activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway through its core active components， thereby regulating oxidative stress and metabolic disorders to ameliorate SiO₂-induced lung injury in rats. This study provides experimental evidence for ECT in the prevention and treatment of occupational lung injury.

AIM:This study aims to explore the mechanisms of influenza A virus(IAV)-induced macrophage inflammatory injury based on the interleukin-6(IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling loop and investigate the intervention effects of Ma-Xing-Shi-Gan decoction(MXSGD)-medicated serum.METHODS:RAW264.7 and BV2 cells were divided into control,Janus kinase(JAK)/STAT signaling pathway activator,inhibitor,model,oseltamivir,antiviral particle,and MXSGD groups.After IAV modeling and serum interventions,the cells were cultured for 24 and 48 h,and the indicators were detected and analyzed.ELISA,RT-qPCR,Western blot,and immuno-fluorescence assay were used to detect the secretion levels of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant,IL-6 and STAT3 mRNA expressions,protein expression of STAT3,and expression levels of phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),respectively.Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between p-STAT3 and IL-6 in the two cell types.A co-cul-ture model of the two cells was constructed,and the secretion levels of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant was measured.Molecular docking analyses were performed for STAT3 and MXSGD.RESULTS:After IAV simulation,the secretion lev-els of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant,mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and STAT3,and protein expression levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in both cell lines were elevated(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Pearson correlation analysis revealed that p-STAT3 expression was positively correlated with IL-6 expression.The secretion levels of IL-6 in the co-culture model in-creased(P<0.01).MXSGD down-regulated the secretion levels of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant mRNA,expression levels of IL-6 and STAT3,and protein expression levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in two kinds of cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and inhibited the secretion levels of IL-6 in co-culture models.STAT3 demonstrated good binding energies for liquiritin,amygdalin,and ephedrine.CONCLUSION:IAV can induce inflammatory injury in macrophages,and its mechanism may be related to activation of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling loop.MXSGD may alleviate the pathogenic effects of IAV by modulating the signaling loop.

In the context of"Artificial Intelligence(AI)+Education"era,this study introduces the teaching reform and devel-opment path of the course"Fundamentals of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology"by Professor Lu Fangguo's team at Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.After twenty years of exploration,the course has successfully transitioned from traditional teaching to intelligent teaching,achieving a comprehensive upgrade in educational concepts,teaching methods,and resources.The reform process is divided into three stages:Early exploration,comprehensive reform,and deepening development.It encompasses the construction of a smart teaching platform,the development and promotion of new forms of digital teaching resources,and the deep integration of ideological and political education.This reform has significantly enhanced teaching quality and students'overall competencies,showcasing the innovative spirit of educators.It has gained nationwide recognition and promotion,providing valuable references for the innovation of medical education in the new era.

Cultural confidence is an important part of nurturing"confidence in the path,theory,system,and culture of social-ism with Chinese characteristics"students,as well as the important direction of ideological and political courses,and play an impor-tant role for establishing the core values of Chinese socialism.This paper summarized the reform exploration and practical experience of the Basic Immunology and Pathogen Biology through deeply excavating the core ideas of Chinese medicine culture based on the course content for improving the cultural confidence.The object of this paper is to improving the effectiveness of education.

Objective:To investigate the effects of influenza A virus(IAV)on macrophages based on expression of cytokines mediated by Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT)pathway,and to further explore the intervention effects of Ma Xing Shigan decoction drug containing serum.Methods:RAW264.7 was divided into control group,JAK/STAT signal pathway activator group,inhibitor group,model group,oseltamivir group,antiviral granule group and Ma Xing Shigan decoction group.Cell samples were collected after the intervention of IAV and subsequent treating of drug-containing serum for 24 and 48 hours.Secretion levels of IL-1β and CXCL2 in supernatant were detected by ELISA.mRNA expression levels of influenza virus Nuclear Pro-tein(NP),JAK1/2 and STAT1 of cells were detected by RT-qPCR.Protein expression levels of JAK1/2 and STAT1 were detected by Western blot,and protein expression levels of p-STAT1 was detected by immunofluorescence.Correlation between protein expression levels of p-STAT1 and secretion of IL-1β and CXCL2 were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Secretion levels of IL-1β and CXCL2,mRNA expression levels of NP,JAK1/2,STAT1,protein levels of JAK1/2,STAT1 and p-STAT1 were increased,and protein levels of p-STAT1 was positively correlated with the secretion of IL-1β and CXCL2.Ma Xing Shigan decoction could down-regulate secretions of IL-1β and CXCL2,mRNA expression levels of NP,JAK1/2 and STAT1,protein expression levels of JAK1,JAK2,STAT1 and p-STAT1.Conclusion:Activation of JAK1/2-STAT1 signal pathway and imbalance of inflammatory factors may be one of the molecular mechanisms of immunopathological damage of macrophages induced by IAV.Ma Xing Shigan decoction may alle-viate pathogenic effects of IAV by regulating this signal pathway.

In the context of"Artificial Intelligence(AI)+Education"era,this study introduces the teaching reform and devel-opment path of the course"Fundamentals of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology"by Professor Lu Fangguo's team at Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.After twenty years of exploration,the course has successfully transitioned from traditional teaching to intelligent teaching,achieving a comprehensive upgrade in educational concepts,teaching methods,and resources.The reform process is divided into three stages:Early exploration,comprehensive reform,and deepening development.It encompasses the construction of a smart teaching platform,the development and promotion of new forms of digital teaching resources,and the deep integration of ideological and political education.This reform has significantly enhanced teaching quality and students'overall competencies,showcasing the innovative spirit of educators.It has gained nationwide recognition and promotion,providing valuable references for the innovation of medical education in the new era.

Cultural confidence is an important part of nurturing"confidence in the path,theory,system,and culture of social-ism with Chinese characteristics"students,as well as the important direction of ideological and political courses,and play an impor-tant role for establishing the core values of Chinese socialism.This paper summarized the reform exploration and practical experience of the Basic Immunology and Pathogen Biology through deeply excavating the core ideas of Chinese medicine culture based on the course content for improving the cultural confidence.The object of this paper is to improving the effectiveness of education.

AIM:This study aims to explore the mechanisms of influenza A virus(IAV)-induced macrophage inflammatory injury based on the interleukin-6(IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling loop and investigate the intervention effects of Ma-Xing-Shi-Gan decoction(MXSGD)-medicated serum.METHODS:RAW264.7 and BV2 cells were divided into control,Janus kinase(JAK)/STAT signaling pathway activator,inhibitor,model,oseltamivir,antiviral particle,and MXSGD groups.After IAV modeling and serum interventions,the cells were cultured for 24 and 48 h,and the indicators were detected and analyzed.ELISA,RT-qPCR,Western blot,and immuno-fluorescence assay were used to detect the secretion levels of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant,IL-6 and STAT3 mRNA expressions,protein expression of STAT3,and expression levels of phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),respectively.Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between p-STAT3 and IL-6 in the two cell types.A co-cul-ture model of the two cells was constructed,and the secretion levels of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant was measured.Molecular docking analyses were performed for STAT3 and MXSGD.RESULTS:After IAV simulation,the secretion lev-els of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant,mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and STAT3,and protein expression levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in both cell lines were elevated(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Pearson correlation analysis revealed that p-STAT3 expression was positively correlated with IL-6 expression.The secretion levels of IL-6 in the co-culture model in-creased(P<0.01).MXSGD down-regulated the secretion levels of IL-6 in the cell culture supernatant mRNA,expression levels of IL-6 and STAT3,and protein expression levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in two kinds of cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and inhibited the secretion levels of IL-6 in co-culture models.STAT3 demonstrated good binding energies for liquiritin,amygdalin,and ephedrine.CONCLUSION:IAV can induce inflammatory injury in macrophages,and its mechanism may be related to activation of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling loop.MXSGD may alleviate the pathogenic effects of IAV by modulating the signaling loop.

Objective:To investigate the effects of influenza A virus(IAV)on macrophages based on expression of cytokines mediated by Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT)pathway,and to further explore the intervention effects of Ma Xing Shigan decoction drug containing serum.Methods:RAW264.7 was divided into control group,JAK/STAT signal pathway activator group,inhibitor group,model group,oseltamivir group,antiviral granule group and Ma Xing Shigan decoction group.Cell samples were collected after the intervention of IAV and subsequent treating of drug-containing serum for 24 and 48 hours.Secretion levels of IL-1β and CXCL2 in supernatant were detected by ELISA.mRNA expression levels of influenza virus Nuclear Pro-tein(NP),JAK1/2 and STAT1 of cells were detected by RT-qPCR.Protein expression levels of JAK1/2 and STAT1 were detected by Western blot,and protein expression levels of p-STAT1 was detected by immunofluorescence.Correlation between protein expression levels of p-STAT1 and secretion of IL-1β and CXCL2 were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis.Results:Secretion levels of IL-1β and CXCL2,mRNA expression levels of NP,JAK1/2,STAT1,protein levels of JAK1/2,STAT1 and p-STAT1 were increased,and protein levels of p-STAT1 was positively correlated with the secretion of IL-1β and CXCL2.Ma Xing Shigan decoction could down-regulate secretions of IL-1β and CXCL2,mRNA expression levels of NP,JAK1/2 and STAT1,protein expression levels of JAK1,JAK2,STAT1 and p-STAT1.Conclusion:Activation of JAK1/2-STAT1 signal pathway and imbalance of inflammatory factors may be one of the molecular mechanisms of immunopathological damage of macrophages induced by IAV.Ma Xing Shigan decoction may alle-viate pathogenic effects of IAV by regulating this signal pathway.

Objective To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of pachymaran on cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced lung injury in mice. Methods (i) Fifty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups (10 mice in each group): normal control (NC) group, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA groups, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group. Except for the NC group, other groups underwent CsA modeling. The NC group was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), the LPS group with 10 mg/kg LPS eight hours before mice euthanized, and the 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA groups with corresponding doses of CsA for seven consecutive days. After treatment, the body and organ mass of each group were weighed, and the lung, thymus, and spleen indexes were calculated. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in the lungs of the mice. The protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-1β in the blood were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and those of surfactant protein D (SP-D), IL-2, and IL-6 in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The mRNA expression levels of SP-D, IL-1β, IL-6, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lung tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). (ii) Another 60 BALB/c mice were divided into six groups (10 mice in each group) : NC group, model control (MC) group, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg pachymaran groups, and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] group. Except for the NC group, other groups underwent 45 mg/kg CsA modeling. The NC and MC groups were treated with distilled water, the pachymaran groups with corresponding doses pachymaran, and the poly(I:C) group with 0.1 mg/kg poly(I:C) for seven days.The mice were euthanized to obtain tissues and serum for detection. Detection methods were identical to those described in (i) above. Results (i) CsA (30 mg/kg) increased the lung index of mice (P < 0.001), and decreased the spleen index (P < 0.01), thymus index (P < 0.05), and the serum level of IL-2 (P < 0.05). CsA (45 mg/kg) decreased the spleen, thymus indexes, and the serum level of IL-2 (P < 0.01) in mice, and increased the serum level of IL-1β (P < 0.05) and the protein level of lung SP-D (P <0.001). CsA (60 mg/kg) increased the lung index of mice (P < 0.01), the serum level of IL-1β (P < 0.05), the protein level of lung SP-D (P < 0.01), and the mRNA levels of lung MPO and SP-D ( P < 0.05), and decreased the thymus index of mice (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg CsA, and LPS caused pathological changes in the lung tissue of mice. (ii) After pachymaran intervention in MC mice, the spleen and thymus indexes (P < 0.05) were increased in the 100 and 200 mg/kg pachymaran groups, and the lung index was decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, 50 mg/kg pachymaran increased the thymus index (P < 0.05) and decreased the lung index (P < 0.01) in MC group. Pachymaran (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) improved lung tissue injury, reduced the serum level of IL-1β (P < 0.001), and the mRNA levels of MPO and SP-D in lung tissues (P < 0.05) of mice. Pachymaran (100 mg/kg) increased the protein level of lung IL-2 (P < 0.01), decreased the protein level of lung SP-D (P < 0.01), and the mRNA level of IL-1β (P < 0.001) in the lung tissues of mice. Pachymaran (200 mg/kg) increased the serum level of IL-2 (P < 0.01) and lung IL-6 of mice (P < 0.05). Pachymaran (50 and 200 mg/kg) increased the mRNA level of IL-6 in the lung tissues of mice (P < 0.05). Conclusion While the immune function of mice was suppressed by CsA, the lung tissue was also damaged. Pachymaran can improve the immunosuppression induced by CsA and improve the lung tissue injury in immunosuppressed mice.