1.Research progress on the mechanism of action and clinical application of Shenqi dihuang decoction in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Jiajie LI ; Jiaqi WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Zezhu LI ; Yaping WANG ; Guirong ZHANG ; Heguo YAN ; Jiabao LIAO ; Weibo WEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1085-1091
Diabetic nephropathy(DN) is a common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes. In recent years, the classical herbal formula Shenqi dihuang decoction has demonstrated unique advantages in the clinical treatment of DN. This article conducts a systematic review of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of Shenqi dihuang decoction in the treatment of DN. It reveals that the mechanism by which this formula improves DN involves multi-target synergistic regulation. For instance, Shenqi dihuang decoction exerts multiple pharmacological effects by regulating signaling pathways including phosphatidy linostiol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, AMP-activated protein kinase/silent information regulator 1/forkhead box O1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathways.These effects include regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, improving insulin resistance, modulating cell death (apoptosis/autophagy/ferroptosis/pyroptosis), and preventing renal fibrosis. Existing clinical studies indicate that Shenqi dihuang decoction and its modified formulas, alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods, can significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce proteinuria, and delay renal function decline in patients with DN. These effects are superior to those of Western medicines such as irbesartan, valsartan, and empagliflozin, and the treatment demonstrates good safety. Future research should leverage systems biology and artificial intelligence technologies to further elucidate the integrated mechanisms in the treatment of DN by Shenqi dihuang decoction, thereby advancing the precision and standardization of its clinical application.
2.Humanization modification of IL9-2G1 rabbit monoclonal antibody
Changhong ZHOU ; Zimeng XUE ; Jiajie TU ; Xinming WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):969-977
ObjectiveTo humanize the variable region of the IL9-2G1 rabbit monoclonal antibody (IL9 2G1 mAb) and to evaluate its biological activity. MethodsThe humanized sequences of IL9-2G1 mAb were designed. The heavy chain variable region (VH) and light chain variable region (VL) of the antibody were humanized and cloned into vector backbones containing the constant region frameworks of human IgG1 and Ig Kappa subtypes. Protein purification was carried out using the Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO) expression system. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to qualitatively analyze the antigen-binding activity of the antibodies. After screening the optimal humanized antibody candidate, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was performed to detect molecular affinity. Western blot was used to examine the effects of the rIL-9 group and the rIL-9 + hIL-9 mAb group on the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK1/STAT3), while ELISA was employed to assess the impact of the Th9 group and the Th9 + hIL-9 mAb group on interleukin-9 (IL-9) secretion. ResultsPurification and ELISA results showed that the heavy chain OH and light chain FL exhibited good compatibility and expression performance. SPR results indicated that the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of M501042-OHFL against the analyte M30903 was 1.33×10-7 M, which was superior to the parental 2G1 antibody. The Western blot results showed that the levels of phosphorylated JAK1 (p-JAK1) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) were significantly decreased in the rIL-9 + hIL-9 mAb group compared with the rIL-9 group (P<0.01). The ELISA results indicated that the secretion of IL-9 was significantly reduced in the Th9 + hIL-9 mAb group compared with the Th9 group (P<0.01). ConclusionHumanization modification is performed on the variable region of IL9-2G1 rabbit monoclonal antibody, and the humanized antibody hIL-9 mAb OHFL with high affinity and strong binding stability is successfully constructed, which provides an experimental basis for subsequent research.
3.Construction and validation of a GD2 CAR THP-1 cell line targeting the intracellular domain of DAP12
Jiaqi QIU ; Mengjuan ZHU ; Xinlei CHEN ; Lucheng ZHOU ; Shuai WANG ; Yizhao CHEN ; Ning LIN ; Jiajie TU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1342-1347
ObjectiveTo obtain a construct chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-M) targeting disialoganglioside GD2 (GD2) and harboring the intracellular domain of macrophage-specific activating signaling adaptor protein DNAX-activating protein 12 (DAP12). MethodsA CAR molecule targeting GD2 with the DAP12 intracellular domain as the signaling module [Anti-GD2 CAR (DAP12)] was designed, synthesized, and cloned into an adenoviral vector. This virus was used to infect PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages to construct green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled Anti-GD2 CAR THP-1 cells. CAR expression was confirmed using live-cell imaging. In vitro co-culture assays were performed to evaluate the phagocytic function of empty, Anti-GD2 CAR-M (CD3ζ), and Anti-GD2 CAR-M (DAP12) groups against glioma cells with high (T98G) and low (U251) GD2 expression. ResultsThe CAR adenovirus efficiently transduced THP-1 macrophages, resulting in successful generation of Anti-GD2 CAR-M. Flow cytometry analysis following co-culture with glioma cells showed that compared to the empty group, the Anti-GD2 CAR-M (CD3ζ) group exhibited significantly enhanced phagocytosis (P<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the Anti-GD2 CAR-M (CD3ζ) group, the Anti-GD2 CAR-M (DAP12) group demonstrated a further increase in phagocytic capacity specifically against GD2-high T98G cells (P<0.05). ConclusionAnti-GD2 CAR-M (DAP12) cells are successfully established by transducing PMA-differentiated THP-1-M with recombinant Anti-GD2 CAR (DAP12) adenovirus. The engineered CAR-M can specifically target phagocytose glioma cells with high GD2 expression.
4.Construction of a MYD88-constitutively CAR THP-1M cell line targeting GD2
Mengjuan ZHU ; Jiaqi QIU ; Xinlei CHEN ; Shuai WANG ; Lucheng ZHOU ; Yizhao CHEN ; Ning LIN ; Jiajie TU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1439-1445
ObjectiveTo obtain stably transfected chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-M) targeting disialosylganglioside (GD2) based on the constitutive expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88). MethodsAn Anti-GD2 CAR adenoviral vector incorporating the CD3ζ (cluster of differentiation 3 zeta chain)-MYD88 fusion construct was designed and constructed. THP-1-derived macrophages (THP-1M), induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) differentiation, were infected with this adenovirus to generate Anti-GD2 CAR THP-1 cells bearing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag. CAR expression was monitored using a live-cell imaging system. The phagocytic function of Empty CAR-M, Anti-GD2 CAR-M(CD3ζ), and Anti-GD2 CAR-M(CD3ζ-MYD88) groups against glioma cells was evaluated in vitro through co-culture experiments, and their polarization status was also analyzed. ResultsCAR adenovirus successfully transfected THP-1 to obtain Anti-GD2 CAR-M. After co-culture with glioma cells, flow cytometry results showed that compared with the Empty CAR-M group and the Anti-GD2 CAR-M(CD3ζ) group, the Anti-GD2 CAR-M(CD3ζ-MYD88) group exhibited enhanced phagocytosis against T98G cells with high GD2 expression (P<0.05) and also showed upregulation of CD86 (P<0.05). Compared with the Empty CAR-M group and the Anti-GD2 CAR-M(CD3ζ) group, the Anti-GD2 CAR-M(CD3ζ-MYD88)CAR-M group exhibited enhanced phagocytosis against T98G cells with high GD2 expression (P<0.05) and also showed upregulation of CD86 (P<0.05), and the expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12 was increased in this group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study successfully constructed Anti-GD2 CAR-M cells and verified their phagocytic activity, demonstrating that constitutive expression of MYD88 can promote inflammatory polarization of CAR-M. This provides a potential structural modification approach for the development of pro-inflammatory CAR-M.
5.Awareness of nutrition and health knowledge among residents aged 18-64 in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023
Fanlin ZHAO ; Jiajie ZANG ; Zhengyuan WANG ; Zhuo SUN ; Qi SONG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):76-81
Background In recent years, the National Health Commission of China organized surveys on the awareness of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adults aged 18 to 64. Shanghai, as a core sample with benchmark significance in terms of economic level, geographical location, and population structure, still lacks sufficient real-time and effective research data. Objective To estimate the awareness rate of nutrition and health knowledge of Shanghai residents aged 18-64 in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023, identify shortcomings in nutritional health knowledge and potential influencing factors to clarify the core issues that need to be addressed urgently. Methods According to the questionnaire and scoring standard designed by the National Institute of Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a stratified random sampling strategy was employed by urban/rural areas, regions, age, and gender and considering invalid questionnaires and refusal rates. Therefore, 1680 residents were selected in 4 survey sites in Shanghai. The survey subjects were grouped according to gender, marital status, age, education level, and occupation. t-test or analysis of variance was used to compare the average scores of nutritional health knowledge among different groups of respondents; chi-square test was used to analyze the awareness rate of nutritional health knowledge among respondents in different groups; and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The nutrition and health knowledge score among Shanghai residents aged 18–64 was 73.45 ± 11.51, with an awareness rate of 53.14%. The food characteristics category had the lowest correct response rate at 66.39%. The mean scores of different genders were significantly different (t=−2.12, P=0.034), and the female group had higher scores than the male group. Significant differences in average scores and awareness rates were observed among age (F=10.95, P < 0.001; χ2=24.62, P < 0.001), educational level (F=46.01, P < 0.001; χ2=119.34, P < 0.001) , and industry groups (F=10.97, P < 0.001; χ2=56.30, P < 0.001). The logistic model showed that better knowledge awareness of nutrition and health in residents with high school, technical school, and above education (OR=1.959−3.622) than those with primary education or below; and worse in argo-food processing industry; manufacturing industry; agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery; and other occupational residents than those in medical and health institutions (OR=0.458-0.504). Conclusion At present, residents’ understanding of food characteristics is particularly weak. Education level and occupation are the key factors influencing residents’ awareness rate of nutrition and health knowledge. Targeted and effective measures should be taken to improve the nutritional quality of residents.
6.Effect and mechanism of 717 Jiedu decoction on Gloydius brevicaudus venom-induced local tissue injury by regulating macrophage phenotype transformation
Wenxin XIONG ; Jianbiao LUO ; Yongsheng XIE ; Xi LIU ; Jiajie GU ; Wanchun WANG ; Degang DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(19):2529-2535
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and potential mechanism of 717 Jiedu decoction in ameliorating local tissue injury induced by Gloydius brevicaudus venom via regulating macrophage phenotype transformation.METHODS Rat blank-serum and drug-containing serum were prepared by intragastric administration of normal saline, tail-vein injection of anti- G. brevicaudus venom serum (0.6 mL per rat), and intragastric administration of 717 Jiedu decoction at doses of 0.495, 0.99 and 1.98 g/kg (calculated as crude drug). M0-type macrophages derived from human leukemia monocytic THP-1 cells induced and differentiated by PMA were divided into normal control group, model group, positive control group, and low-, medium- and high-concentration 717 Jiedu decoction drug-containing serum groups. Except for the normal control group, all other groups were treated with 10 μg/mL G. brevicaudus venom working solution and 10% blank or drug-containing serum. After the cultivation period, the cellular ultrastructural changes in each group were observed; the proportions of M1- and M2-type macrophages, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of macrophage phenotype transformation and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were detected.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, cells in the model group presented ultrastructural injuries including mitochondrial swelling, cristae rupture and cytoplasmic vacuolization. The proportion of M1-type macrophages and the mRNA and protein expression levels of related phenotype transformation markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β] and HIF-1α were significantly increased ( P <0.05),whereas the proportion of M2-type macrophages and the mRNA and protein expression levels of related phenotype transformation markers (arginase-1, IL-10, mannose receptor C type 1 and chitinase-3-like protein 1) were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular ultrastructural injuries were obviously alleviated, and the above-mentioned indexes were significantly reversed in the high-concentration 717 Jiedu decoction drug-containing serum group ( P <0.05).CONCLUSIONS717 Jiedu decoction can exert anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing effects by regulating the balance of M1-, M2-type macrophages phenotype transformation and repairing cellular ultrastructural damage. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the excessive activation of the HIF-1α pathway.
7.GRK2 activates TRAF2-NF-κB signalling to promote hyperproliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.
Chenchen HAN ; Liping JIANG ; Weikang WANG ; Shujun ZUO ; Jintao GU ; Luying CHEN ; Zhuo CHEN ; Jiajie KUAI ; Xuezhi YANG ; Liang XU ; Yang MA ; Wei WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1956-1973
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) participates in the phosphorylation and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), impacting various biological processes such as inflammation and cell proliferation. Dysregulated expression and activity of GRK2 have been reported in multiple cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether and how GRK2 regulates synovial hyperplasia and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) proliferation is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the regulation of GRK2 and its biological function in RA. We found that GRK2 transmembrane activity was increased in FLSs of RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Additionally, we noted a positive correlation between high GRK2 expression on the cell membrane and serological markers associated with RA and CIA. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry and pull-down analyses revealed tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) as a novel substrate of GRK2. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking assays determined that the C-terminus of GRK2 binds to the C-terminus of TRAF2 at the Gln340 residue. GRK2 knockdown and the GRK2 inhibitor CP-25 attenuated synovial hyperplasia and FLS proliferation in CIA both in vitro and in vivo by decreasing GRK2 membrane expression and activity. Mechanistically, increased GRK2 transmembrane activity contributed to the recruitment of TRAF2 on the cell membrane, promoting GRK2-TRAF2 interactions that facilitate the recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM47 to TRAF2. This enhanced TRAF2 Lys63 polyubiquitylation and induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, leading to synovial hyperplasia and abnormal proliferation of FLSs. Our study provides a mechanistic and preclinical rationale for further evaluation of GRK2 as a therapeutic target for RA.
8.Construction, breeding, and gene identification of micro RNA - 22 - 3p knockout mice
Anqi Wang ; Huiru Zhang ; Yuanyuan Zhou ; Chong Liu ; Yizhao Chen ; Jiajie Tu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(6):1052-1058
Objective:
To construct microRNA(miR)-22 gene knockout(miR-22-/-) mice using CRISPR/Cas 9 technology, to breed miR-22-/- mice and to identify their genotypes.
Methods :
In this experiment, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology was used to construct miR-22-/- genetically engineered mice. After gene identification, the F0 generation miR-22-/- mice were mated with wild-type mice in the same litter to obtain F1 generation miR-22-/- mice. The miR-22 knockout efficiency was analyzed at the RNA level by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR). Western blot was used to detect the interaction between miR-22 and target genes.
Results :
miR-22-/- mice were successfully constructed using CRISPR/Cas 9 technology, gene identification was performed on the bred mice, and three stable genotypes of miR-22+/+,miR-22+/-, and miR-22-/- were identified. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR detection results confirmed that miR-22-/- mice showed almost no expression of miR-22 in the heart, liver, lung, kidney, spleen, and thymus tissues compared to wild-type mice in the same litter. Western blot analysis showed that the relative expression level of NLRP3 protein in miR-22-/- mouse tissues was lower than that in wild-type mice.
Conclusion
A miR-22-/- mouse model is successfully constructed, and stable genetic homozygous miR-22-/- mice is obtained. This indicates that miR-22 has an inhibitory effect on the downstream target gene NLRP3.
9.Breeding and genotype identification of CCR2 knockout mice
Huiru Zhang ; Anqi Wang ; Chong Liu ; Yuanyuan Zhou ; Hui Xue ; Jiajie Tu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1167-1172
Objective:
To explore the breeding and genotyping of CCR2 knockout mice, and to verify the applicability of the polymerase chain reaction(PCR) method for genotype detection of CCR2 knockout mice.
Methods:
The introduced CCR2 pure male mice and wild-type female mice were mated and bred to produce the offspring generation, the obtained F1 generation heterozygous mice were continued to be mated. DNA was extracted by clipping the tail tissues of the mice at the age of 2 weeks, the target gene fragment was amplified by PCR, and the genotypic results were determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The proportion of purebred progeny carrying the CCR2 knockout gene was increased by genetic crosses, the effect of CCR2 knockout in the progeny mice was verified by using Western blot against major immune cells and key organs, and flow cytometry was used to detect whether the knockout of the CCR2 gene had any effect on the function of the immune system by targeting the major immune cells.
Results:
CCR2 knockout mice were successfully bred and characterized, and three genotypes of F2 generation mice were obtained: CCR2+/+, CCR2+/-, and CCR2-/-. The offspring genotypes were identified by PCR, and Western blot showed extremely low CCR2 protein expression in CCR2 knockout mice. Flow analysis showed that CCR2 knockdown reduced the expression of CD4+T and Th1 cells in mouse spleen-derived T cells, but did not affect macrophage function.
Conclusion
Correct breeding and identification are important ways to get the pure CCR2 knockout mice, and PCR method for identifying mouse genotypes is simple, fast and reliable.
10.Functional MRI study on the effects of different daily doses of methadone on the brain response of heroin addicts under drug cues
Hanyue WANG ; Ning WU ; Jiajie CHEN ; Fan WANG ; Qiang LI ; Wei WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1081-1084
Objective To explore the effects of different daily doses of methadone maintenance treatment(MMT)on subjective craving and brain function under drug cues among heroin addicts,providing an objective basis for the formulation of methadone medi-cation plan in clinical practice.Methods Twenty-nine heroin addicts were included and grouped according to the daily dose of metha-done 40 mg,≤40 mg/d group 15 participants(group A),>40 mg/d group 14 participants(group B).The functional magnetic reso-nance imaging(fMRI)data of brain response induced by drug cues were collected using a 3.0T MR scanner,and the craving data induced by drug cues in the subjects were collected.Brain activity and behavioral data processing were analyzed using SPM8 and SPSS 20.0 software.Results There were no statistically significant differences in craving scores between the two groups of subjects exposed to drug cues(t=-0.69,P>0.05).The brain regions with differences in brain response included the left caudate nucleus(group A showed signifi-cantly enhanced response),and the strength of its response was negatively correlated with the daily dose of methadone(r=-0.465,P=0.025).Conclusion Higher doses of MMT may help control the value cognitive processing of drug cues in heroin addicts through the caudate nucleus,which can better prevent relapse.In the future,the degree of activation of the caudate nucleus under drug cues may serve as an indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of methadone treatment.


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