1.Influencing factors for recompensation and its impact on the prognosis in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis
Danqing XU ; Haiwen LI ; Huan MU ; Yingyuan ZHANG ; Caifen SA ; Li LIU ; Yongrui YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):90-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, as well as the impact of recompensation on the prognosis of such patients, and to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk patients in clinical practice. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who attended The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming from January 2016 to December 2022 and were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis, and they were divided into recompensation group and persistent decompensation group. To control for confounding factors, whether recompensation occurred was used as the rouping variable,and BMI, alcohol consumption history, HIV infection history, TG, CHOL, LDL, and HDL were used as covariates. The propensity score was calculated, and 1:1 nearest neighbor matching was performed with a caliper value of 0.1. After propensity score matching, the recompensation group and the persistent decompensation group with relatively balanced covariates were obtained. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for recompensation; the “rms” package was used to establish a nomogram; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to calculate the area under the ROC curve (AUC); the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit of the model; the “Calibration Curves” package was used to plot calibration curves for model assessment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison of survival curves. ResultsAmong the 863 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 305 experienced recompensation, resulting in an incidence rate of 35.3%. After PSM, 610 cases were successfully matched, with 305 cases in each group. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that etiology (hepatitis C: hazard ratio[HR]=0.288, P=0.002); male(HR=0.701, P=0.016), age(HR=0.988, P=0.047), hemoglobin (HGB)(HR=1.006, P=0.017), and CD4 T cell(HR=1.001,P=0.047), TIPS procedure (HR=1.808,P=0.042) were independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. During follow-up, 116 patients died of liver disease-related causes, with 27 patients (8.85%) in the recompensation group and 89 (15.95%) in the persistent decompensation group; 109 patients developed HCC, with 23 patients (7.54%) in the recompensation group and 86 (15.41%) in the persistent decompensation group. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significant separation between the patients with different states of compensation in terms of liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC, and the Log-rank test showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in liver disease-related mortality rate (χ2=9.023, P=0.003) and the incidence rate of HCC (χ2=10.526, P=0.001). ConclusionEtiology,sex,age,TIPS,HGB,and CD4 T cell are independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. There is a significant difference in the incidence rate of recompensation between decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with different etiologies, and female patients and patients with a younger age,a history of TIPS, a higher HGB level, and a higher CD4 lymphocyte count are more likely to experience recompensation. Recompensation is the key to improving the long-term prognosis of patients and can significantly reduce long-term liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC.
2.Exercise improves microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Fan WEN ; Yang XIANG ; Huan ZHU ; Yanfang TUO ; Feng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1225-1235
BACKGROUND:Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.In recent years,exercise has been used as an intervention therapy for microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.However,few studies have systematically explored the influence of factors,such as"exercise type,exercise intensity and amount of exercise,"on microvascular function in patients.To some extent,this limits the formulation of precise exercise prescriptions to improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and the comparison of study results.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of exercise type,intensity,frequency and amount of exercise on microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and to make suggestions on exercise prescription.METHODS:The first author used computer to search the studies on the improvement of microvascular function in type 2 diabetes patients involving exercise in CNKI,WanFang,PubMed and other databases.The search terms were"diabetes mellitus,type 2 diabetes mellitus,microcirculation,microvascular reactivity,microvessels,capillaries,vasodilation,blood perfusion volume,endothelial cells,shear stress,exercise,aerobic exercise,resistance exercise,high-intensity exercise"in Chinese and English.The articles were screened by a quick glance at the article titles and abstracts to exclude those that were not closely related to the topic,and finally 60 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.Aerobic exercise lasting 12-24 weeks,3-5 times/week,exercise time>30 minutes and intensity between 40%and 59%reserve oxygen intake can significantly improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.On the basis of aerobic exercise,systemic resistance exercise 2-3 times a week(50%-85%1RM,every other day)or pressure resistance exercise can obtain better intervention effects.(2)In addition,exercise can improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes in a"dose-effect"manner,and patients can get better results from the intervention by increasing the amount of exercise,while maintaining safety.(3)The mechanism of exercise improving microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes is mainly related to promoting the release of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor from endothelial cells and inhibiting the release of endothelin1.
3.Exercise improves microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Fan WEN ; Yang XIANG ; Huan ZHU ; Yanfang TUO ; Feng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1225-1235
BACKGROUND:Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.In recent years,exercise has been used as an intervention therapy for microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.However,few studies have systematically explored the influence of factors,such as"exercise type,exercise intensity and amount of exercise,"on microvascular function in patients.To some extent,this limits the formulation of precise exercise prescriptions to improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and the comparison of study results.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of exercise type,intensity,frequency and amount of exercise on microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and to make suggestions on exercise prescription.METHODS:The first author used computer to search the studies on the improvement of microvascular function in type 2 diabetes patients involving exercise in CNKI,WanFang,PubMed and other databases.The search terms were"diabetes mellitus,type 2 diabetes mellitus,microcirculation,microvascular reactivity,microvessels,capillaries,vasodilation,blood perfusion volume,endothelial cells,shear stress,exercise,aerobic exercise,resistance exercise,high-intensity exercise"in Chinese and English.The articles were screened by a quick glance at the article titles and abstracts to exclude those that were not closely related to the topic,and finally 60 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.Aerobic exercise lasting 12-24 weeks,3-5 times/week,exercise time>30 minutes and intensity between 40%and 59%reserve oxygen intake can significantly improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.On the basis of aerobic exercise,systemic resistance exercise 2-3 times a week(50%-85%1RM,every other day)or pressure resistance exercise can obtain better intervention effects.(2)In addition,exercise can improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes in a"dose-effect"manner,and patients can get better results from the intervention by increasing the amount of exercise,while maintaining safety.(3)The mechanism of exercise improving microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes is mainly related to promoting the release of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor from endothelial cells and inhibiting the release of endothelin1.
4.PET/CT imaging of PD-1 receptor probe targeting S180 sarcoma in mice
Haifeng HUANG ; Jiangnan SUN ; Huan ZOU ; Tao BAO ; Hua ZHU ; Xianteng YANG ; Shanshan LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):682-688
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of constructing a programmed death receptor-1(PD-1) molecular probe for non-invasive micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (Micro-PET/CT) imaging of PD-1 protein in mouse S180 sarcoma. MethodsA transgenic PD-1 C57 S180 sarcoma mouse model was established using the S180 sarcoma cell injection. Furthermore, 124I-anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody probe was synthesized. 18.5 MBq of the 124I-anti-PD-1 probe was injected into the tail vein of transgenic PD-1 C57 mice. Subsequently, S180 sarcoma was imaged using Micro-PET/CT. ResultsStudy successfully established a transgenic PD-1 C57 S180 sarcoma mouse model. Immunohistochemical (IHC) results showed PD-1 protein expression in S180 sarcoma. Micro-PET/CT imaging successfully visualized the PD-1 protein receptor in S180 sarcoma at different time points (20, 48, 72, and 120 h) after probe injection. ConclusionThe 124I-anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody molecular probe successfully targets the PD-1 receptor in S180 sarcoma of transgenic PD-1 C57 mice, and presents clear Micro-PET/CT immunoassay results, thus it potentially enables the non-invasive screening of patients with PD-1 positive malignant tumors.
5.Ameliorative effects of Imperatae Rhizoma extract against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury and its molecular mechanisms
Huan LUO ; Qiang WANG ; Youjun ZHU ; Chunrong TAO ; Yang MAO ; Defeng LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1559-1566
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects of Imperatae Rhizoma (RI) extract against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury and its potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to screen for target overlap between the predicted core targets of RI’s active components and targets associated with myocardial injury, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Based on the network pharmacology results, a DOX-induced myocardial injury mouse model was established using male C57BL/6J mice to observe the effects of RI extract [1 g/(kg·d)] on the survival rate, body weight, and cardiac damage. A DOX-injured HL-1 cardiomyocyte model was established to assess the effects of different mass concentrations of RI extract (50, 100, 200 μg/mL) on mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and expression of the relevant target proteins. The mechanism was validated by transfecting with small interfering RNA of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). RESULTS A total of 58 overlapping targets were screened, which were enriched in biological processes such as hormone response and hypoxia response, as well as pathways including apoptosis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. Key target proteins, such as ESR1, were also identified. Animal experiments confirmed that the survival rate of mice in the DOX+RI group was obviously higher than that in the DOX group, with a slower rate of weight loss and improved pathological changes, such as cardiac atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration, compared to the DOX group. Cell experiments showed that, compared with the DOX group, the DOX+RI groups exhibited significantly increased or upregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, relative ATP levels, and mRNA expressions of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3A (IDH3A), succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), as well as mRNA and protein expressions of ESR1; conversely, relative ROS levels and apoptosis rates were significantly reduced ( P <0.05). Following ESR1 knockdown, the anti-apoptotic effect of the RI extract on cardiomyocytes was significantly attenuated ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The RI extract may alleviate DOX-induced myocardial injury by activating the ESR1 signaling pathway, improving mitochondrial function, and inhibiting excessive ROS production and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
6.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
7.Construction of Mouse Models of Psoriasis-like Lesions Induced by Cold Exposure Combined with Imiquimod and Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription
Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Jiarong WU ; Jiaqi LI ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Mengyao JIANG ; Huan LIU ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):69-78
ObjectiveTo establish the mouse models of psoriasis-like lesions induced by continuous cold exposure or intermittent cold exposure combined with imiquimod (IMQ), and to evaluate the interventional effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on the two models. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were selected and classified into two experimental batches. The first batch of 36 mice was randomized into a room temperature group, a continuous cold exposure (10 ℃/24 h) group, and an intermittent cold exposure (10 ℃/6 h) group. Each group was further divided into a normal subgroup and a model subgroup (topical application of IMQ to induce skin lesions), with 6 mice in each subgroup, for modeling and evaluation. The second batch of 54 mice, with 6 in each group, were subjected to the same temperature grouping with an additional KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) group. Comprehensive evaluation of model characteristics and KXJD efficacy was conducted through Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scoring, skin temperature measurement by infrared thermography, histopathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31) by immunohistochemistry, detection of Claudin-1 and Occludin by immunofluorescence assay, determination of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantification of mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) in skin lesions by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsModel mice in all temperature groups exhibited typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal groups, the model groups showed increased PASI scores, decreased skin temperatures (P<0.05), obvious epidermal thickening, parakeratosis, and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as elevated mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 (P<0.05). Cold exposure further aggravated psoriasis. The total PASI score of the intermittent cold exposure model group was higher than that of the room temperature model group (P<0.05). The serum IL-10 did not show a compensatory elevation, and the blood vessels presented a characteristic of elevated CD31 expression (P<0.05) without a synchronous increase in VEGF. The continuous cold exposure model group exhibited more significant dermal capillary tortuosity and dilation, with the highest mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 among all groups. Compared with the respective model groups, KXJD intervention alleviated skin lesions, reduced epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased skin temperature, with the temperature increase being particularly significant in the intermittent cold exposure+KXJD group (P<0.05). Furthermore, KXJD down-regulated the expression of VEGF and CD31, restored the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin, decreased the mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.05), and reduced the serum TNF-α level. ConclusionThis study successfully established compound psoriasis-like mouse models induced by cold exposure combined with IMQ. It confirms that cold aggravates the severity of psoriasis by exacerbating the closure of Xuanfu (sweat pores), microcirculation disorders, and immune imbalance. Moreover, different cold exposure patterns have distinct mechanism differences. Continuous cold exposure focuses on enhancing the inflammatory response via the IL-23/IL-17 axis and angiogenesis, simulating chronic aggravation under a long-term cold environment. Intermittent cold exposure tends to impair immune regulation and induce microvascular endothelial stress, corresponding to acute exacerbations caused by sudden temperature drops. KXJD can effectively alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions under cold conditions by unblocking Xuanfu, regulating vasomotor function, and correcting abnormal immune-inflammatory responses.
8.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Alleviates Psoriatic Skin Lesions in Mice by Modulating Cold-sensitive TRPM8 Neuron-derived Signaling
Xue XIAO ; Bin YANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Haoruo YANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Yuanyao SHE ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):89-101
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on skin lesions in psoriasis-like mouse models under cold environment exposure, and to analyze its influences on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and related neuroimmune regulatory factors. MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6J mice were randomized into 6 groups, with 6 mice in each group. Two feeding conditions were set: Normal temperature and cold [simulating a cold environment at (10±0.5) ℃, for 6 h daily]. Mice were induced to develop psoriasis-like lesions by applying imiquimod externally. The model mice were allocated into model groups and KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) groups. Normal mice were used as the control group. Specifically, mice were allocated into normal temperature, normal temperature model, normal temperature+KXJD, cold exposure control, cold exposure model, and cold exposure+KXJD groups. The pathological changes in skin lesions were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+ T lymphocytes, CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and substance P (SP) were detected by immunofluorescence assay. The protein level of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in the skin tissue was determined by Western blot. The expression of TRPM8, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) at the protein and mRNA levels was determined by immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR, respectively. The levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and TRP pathway network construction were conducted based on the GEO database. The co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions was verified by immunofluorescence double labeling. ResultsBoth the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups showed typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure control groups, the model groups had excessive epidermal keratinization, thickened spinous layer, and inflammatory infiltration in the dermis, with increased pathological scores (P<0.05), increased infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and expression of p-ERK and SP, upregulated mRNA levels of TRPM8, TRPA1, and TRPV2, downregulated mRNA level of TRPV1 (P<0.05), and reduced content of CGRP and increased content of NPY in the serum. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reduced the pathological manifestations and pathological scores of psoriasis-like skin lesions (P<0.05), and inhibited the infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and the expression of p-ERK and SP. Gene enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs of psoriasis were significantly enriched in the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway and TRP channel inflammatory regulation. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reversed the abnormal mRNA levels of genes related to the TRP channel subfamilies (P<0.05), increased the CGRP level, and decreased the NPY level. Immunofluorescence double labeling further confirmed that compared with the model groups, KXJD down-regulated the co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions. ConclusionKXJD may ameliorate psoriasis-like skin lesions by downregulating the overexpressed cold-sensitive receptor TRPM8 in skin lesions and correcting the disorder of neuropeptide (such as SP and CGRP) release mediated by it, thereby inhibiting the IL-23/helper T cell 17 (Th17) core inflammatory pathway, suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, and regulating the Xuanfu (sweat pore)-TRPM8-neuroimmune response axis.
9.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Ameliorating Psoriasis-like Inflammation via TrkA Receptor-mediated Regulation of CGRP Expression and Dendritic Cell Activation
Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):102-110
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on neuroimmunological inflammation in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice. MethodsA total of 24 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): Normal, model, KXJD, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor GW441756 groups. The mice in the model, KXJD, and GW441756 groups were topically treated with 5% IMQ cream (62.5 mg·d-1) on the back to induce psoriasis-like inflammation. The KXJD group received KXJD by gavage (30.42 g·kg-1), the GW441756 group received intraperitoneal injection of GW441756 (10 mg·kg-1), and the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, with continuous intervention for 5 days. The severity of skin lesions was evaluated using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure epidermal thickness and observe pathological changes in the lesioned skin. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the lesioned skin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lesioned tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TrkA and phosphorylated TrkA (p-TrkA). Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the expression of TrkA receptor, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), cluster of differentiation 11c (CD11c), and CGRP in the lesions. Flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of splenic dendritic cells (DCs). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited typical psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, infiltration and scaling, with histopathological findings of epidermal hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. The model group showed significantly increased expression of Ki67, IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased fluorescence intensity of CD11c, and significantly decreased CGRP expression (P<0.05). The splenic DC activation was significantly enhanced, as indicated by the increased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD86 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both the KXJD and GW441756 groups showed amelioration of the psoriasis-like skin inflammation, with significantly down-regulated expression of IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly up-regulated expression of CGRP (P<0.01), reduced CD11c+ DC infiltration, and restored splenic DC activation balance (down-regulated CD86 MFI and up-regulated CD80 and CD40 MFI). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of KXJD on Ki67 was significantly superior to that of the GW441756 group (P<0.01). ConclusionKXJD may alleviate IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice by targeting and inhibiting TrkA receptor phosphorylation, regulating CGRP expression in the lesions, and ameliorating aberrant activation of dendritic cells, while also significantly inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation.
10.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Ameliorates Imiquimod-induced Psoriasis-like Skin Lesions in Mice by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation Mediated by NGF-TrkA/TRPV1-PAR-2 Signaling Pathway
Mengyao JIANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Huan LIU ; Xue XIAO ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):111-119
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on neuroinflammation and immuno-inflammation in the mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions by regulating the nerve growth factor (NGF)-tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA)/transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) signaling pathway. MethodsA psoriasis-like skin lesion model was established in male C57BL/6J mice with IMQ. A total of 24 mice were randomized into four groups (n=6 per group): Blank control, model, methotrexate (MTX, 1 mg·kg-1), and KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), EGF-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 1 (F4/80), lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G (Ly-6G), substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), NGF, phosphorylated TrkA (p-TrkA), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), and PAR-2 in skin lesions. Serum levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interleukin-23 (IL-23) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence assay and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) in skin lesions. Correlation analysis was performed. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased positive areas of CD3+, F4/80+, and Ly-6G+ in skin lesions (P<0.05), elevated serum levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.05), increased positive areas of SP and CGRP in skin lesions (P<0.05), increased positive areas of NGF, p-TrkA, p-TRPV1, and PAR-2 (P<0.05), elevated ratios of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05), and upregulated mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF, IL-6, and CXCL1 (P<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, all the above indicators were reversed in the KXJD group (P<0.05). MTX only downregulated the expression of p-TRPV1 and PAR-2 (P<0.05), with no significant effects on the expression of NGF, p-TrkA, or CGRP. ConclusionKXJD inhibits the NGF-TrkA/TRPV1-PAR-2 signaling pathway to reduce neuropeptide release and simultaneously downregulates the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and the expression of downstream pro-inflammatory factors to ameliorate psoriasis-like neuroinflammation and immuno-inflammation. The therapeutic effect of KXJD on psoriasis-like inflammation is closely associated with the inhibition of the NGF-TrkA/TRPV1-PAR-2 signaling pathway. This study provides experimental evidence for the modern interpretation of the Xuanfu theory.

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