Objective: To investigate the microbial mechanisms of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤, BXXXD) in the treatment of esophageal precancerous lesions. Methods: A total of 30 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 6) and a 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO)-exposed group (n = 24). Esophageal precancerous lesions were induced by providing the 4-NQO-exposed group with 4-NQO in drinking water (100 μg/mL) for 17 consecutive weeks, whereas control group received sterile drinking water. After model establishment, the mice in 4-NQO-exposed group were further randomized into model group and three BXXXD-treated groups: low-dose (BXXXD-L, 3.7 g/kg), medium-dose (BXXXD-M, 7.4 g/kg), and high-dose (BXXXD-H, 14.8 g/kg) groups (n = 6 per group). During the subsequent intervention period, mice in control and model groups were gavaged with sterile water, while mice in BXXXD groups were gavaged once daily with the corresponding dose of BXXXD aqueous extract for 4 weeks. Histopathological changes in esophageal tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The fecal and esophageal microbiota were profiled via 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing to evaluate bacterial diversity, community structure, and co-occurrence networks. BXXXD chemical fingerprints were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole QExactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) level was quantified by targeted metabolomics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Transcriptomic analysis of esophageal tissues was performed to assess gene expression profiles. Results: Compared with model group, BXXXD-M group exhibited reduced mucosal hyperplasia and more orderly epithelial cell arrangement, with superior therapeutic effects in comparison with both BXXXD-L and BXXXD-H groups (P < 0.01). Microbiota analysis revealed that BXXXD increased the abundance of beneficial Enterococcus and reduced pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella in the esophagus. In the gut, BXXXD elevated the relative abundance of beneficial taxa, including Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium. Targeted metabolomics showed that BXXXD significantly reduced total serum SCFA level (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis indicated that BXXXD downregulated the expression of genes associated with the progression, migration, and invasion of esophageal cancer, which were identified as kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (Klk6), defensin beta 4 (Defb4), family with sequence similarity 3 member B (Fam3b), carboxypeptidase A4 (Cpa4), serum amyloid A1 (Saa1), and chitinase-like 1 (Chil1) (P < 0.05). Conclusion BXXXD may reduce the expression levels of esophageal cancer-related genes and improve esophageal precancerous lesions through modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Chemical investigation of the stems of Fritillaria unibracteata P.K. Hsiao & K.C. Hsia resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, by means of silica gel column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence, these compounds were identified as: 27-hydroxychlorogenone (1), sieboldogenin (2), (3β, 25S)-spirost-5-ene-3,17,27-triol (3), laxogenin (4), tigogenone (5), cerevisterol (6), ergosterol peroxide (7), stigmaterol (8), and β-sitosterol (9). Compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 2-9 were isolated from the stems of Fritillaria unibracteata for the first time. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1−9 on A549 cells were determined using the MTT method. The results show that compound 6 exhibits moderate inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of (14.16 ± 1.11) μmol/L.

Aim To construct a model of vascular endothelial cell(EC)-specific gene knockout mice of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2(Traf2)by using Cre-loxP technolo-gy,thus to provide basis for the research of vascular dysfunction-related diseases related to the regulation of vascular EC activity through TRAF2.Methods The Cre-loxP system was used to construct a mouse model with EC-specific knockout of Traf2 gene(Traf2flox/flox Tek-iCre+).The mouse genotype was identi-fied through PCR and gel electrophoresis.Primary vascular ECs were isolated from the mice using flow cytometry.The knockout efficiency of Traf2 in vascular ECs was validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence.The pathological changes in blood ves-sels and major organs of the mice were examined using hematox-ylin-eosin(HE)staining.The tube-forming ability of primary vascular EC was assessed using Matrigel tube formation.Results The knockout mice met the required genetic criteria.Flow cy-tometry results demonstrated the successful isolation of primary vascular EC,and TRAF2 expression in vascular EC of knockout mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.01).Histological results showed that TRAF2 expression in the vessel of knockout mice decreased,and the morphology had no significant changes in their blood vessels and major organs.The Matrigel tube forma-tion demonstrated that the tube-forming ability of primary vascu-lar EC from knockout mice was reduced.Conclusion Traf2 specific knockout mouse model in vascular ECs is successfully constructed,providing a reliable animal model for research into the regulatory mechanisms of TRAF2 on vascular ECs in vascular dysfunction related diseases.

Aim To construct a model of vascular endothelial cell(EC)-specific gene knockout mice of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2(Traf2)by using Cre-loxP technolo-gy,thus to provide basis for the research of vascular dysfunction-related diseases related to the regulation of vascular EC activity through TRAF2.Methods The Cre-loxP system was used to construct a mouse model with EC-specific knockout of Traf2 gene(Traf2flox/flox Tek-iCre+).The mouse genotype was identi-fied through PCR and gel electrophoresis.Primary vascular ECs were isolated from the mice using flow cytometry.The knockout efficiency of Traf2 in vascular ECs was validated by Western blot and immunofluorescence.The pathological changes in blood ves-sels and major organs of the mice were examined using hematox-ylin-eosin(HE)staining.The tube-forming ability of primary vascular EC was assessed using Matrigel tube formation.Results The knockout mice met the required genetic criteria.Flow cy-tometry results demonstrated the successful isolation of primary vascular EC,and TRAF2 expression in vascular EC of knockout mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.01).Histological results showed that TRAF2 expression in the vessel of knockout mice decreased,and the morphology had no significant changes in their blood vessels and major organs.The Matrigel tube forma-tion demonstrated that the tube-forming ability of primary vascu-lar EC from knockout mice was reduced.Conclusion Traf2 specific knockout mouse model in vascular ECs is successfully constructed,providing a reliable animal model for research into the regulatory mechanisms of TRAF2 on vascular ECs in vascular dysfunction related diseases.

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.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and topical efficacy of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG) and investigate the molecular mechanisms of its therapeutic effects in atopic dermatitis (AD). METHODS: The effects of POG on human keratinocyte cell viability and its anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated using cell counting kit-8 assay and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, the impact of POG on the differentiation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4⁺ T cell subsets, including T-helper type (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg), was examined through in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate POG's therapeutic mechanisms. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of topically applied POG was further evaluated in a calcipotriol-induced mouse model of AD. The protein and transcript levels of inflammatory markers, including cytokines, lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) mRNA, and LCK phosphorylation (p-LCK), were quantified using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: POG was able to suppress cell proliferation and downregulate the transcription of interleukin 4 (Il4) and Il13 mRNA. In vitro experiments indicated that POG significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells, whereas it exerted negligible influence on the differentiation of Th1, Th17 and Treg cells. Network pharmacology identified LCK as a key therapeutic target of POG. Moreover, the topical application of POG effectively alleviated skin lesions in the calcipotriol-induced AD mouse models without causing pathological changes in the liver, kidney or spleen tissues. POG significantly reduced the levels of Il4, Il5, Il13, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (Tslp) mRNA in the AD mice. Concurrently, POG enhanced the expression of p-LCK protein and Lck mRNA. CONCLUSION Our research revealed that POG inhibits Th2 cell differentiation by promoting p-LCK protein expression and hence effectively alleviates AD-related skin inflammation. Please cite this article as: Zhao H, Ma X, Wang H, Ding XJ, Kuai L, Song JK, Zhang Z, Yang D, Gao CJ, Li B, Zhou M. Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin mitigates atopic dermatitis by inhibiting Th2 differentiation through LCK phosphorylation modulation. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 309-319.
Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Humans ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Phosphorylation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Th2 Cells/drug effects* ; Keratinocytes/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Calcitriol/analogs & derivatives*

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin A(BTXA)injection versus strabismus surgery in the treatment of acute acquired comitant esotropia(AACE).METHODS:Patient records of AACE cases treated at First People's Hospital of Nantong from January 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Patients were categorized into either strabismus surgery or BTXA injection groups based on treatment modality. Further stratification was performed according to preoperative deviation angles [>35 prism diopters(PD)vs ≤35 PD] and age(≥18 years adult group vs <18 years adolescent group). The baseline patient characteristics were collected, deviation angles at multiple timepoints before and after treatment were measured, and stereopsis test results were documented. Through comparative analysis of therapeutic outcomes across subgroups, we systematically evaluated the efficacy of different treatment approaches.RESULTS:A total of 43 AACE patients were included. At the final follow-up, both the surgery and BTXA injection groups showed a statistically significant decrease in deviation angle compared to pretreatment measurements(P<0.001). Significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of the cure rate of strabismus and the recovery rate of stereopsis(P<0.05). For patients with deviations >35 PD, surgery yielded significantly better outcomes than injection therapy in postoperative angle, success rate, and stereopsis recovery(P<0.05). Similarly, in patients aged ≥18 years, surgical treatment was superior to injections in reducing strabismus angle, improving success rates, and restoring stereopsis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Both BTXA injection and strabismus surgery demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in AACE. Surgical treatment demonstrated superior efficacy compared to BTXA injection therapy, particularly in patients with deviations >35 PD and those aged ≥18 years. For patients with angles ≤35 PD or under 18 years, BTXA injection remains a viable treatment option.

As a medicinal and edible fungus, Inonotus obliquus has a long history of folk application in Russia, Japan, and Northeast China. It is rich in terpenoids, steroids, polysaccharides, phenols, alkaloids, etc, and exhibits pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. Among these, lanostane-type tetracyclic triterpenes represent its characteristic constituents. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on the chemical components isolated and identified from I. obliquus and their pharmacological activities in recent years. The structures of terpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds are compiled and illustrated, with a particular focus on the skeletal types and structural characteristics of lanostane-type tetracyclic triterpenes. This work aims to provide some reference for the further investigation and comprehensive development and utilization of I. obliquus.

Microglia,as intrinsic immune cells of the central nervous system,play an immune response function in Alzheimer's disease(AD),which prevents further damages by eliminating abnormal proteins and apoptotic neurons while also leads pathological progression via inducing chronic neuro inflammation.The previous studies have suggested that the functional changes of microglia activation are initiated by AD pathologies.However,the recent genomic studies have challenged this understanding.Large-scale genome-wide association analysis(GWAS)and whole genome/exome sequencing studies have identified more than 70 risk loci of AD.Among these risk loci,most gene variants are involved in encoding microglia function-related molecules or affecting the transcriptional activity of genes associated with the microglial biofunctions.The functional and pathway analysis results have revealed that these risk loci are mainly enriched in signaling pathways regulating microglia phagocytosis,lipid metabolism,and immune response,suggesting that microglia not only act as a"responder"to AD pathologies,but also a"participant"in the development of AD pathogenesis.In-depth studies of these susceptibility genes may further expand our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and functional spectrum of microglia in AD.This review is based on genetic studies and summarizes the current knowledge of microglial-related susceptibility genes related to AD and their regulatory mechanisms.

Objective:To explore the role of P2Y1Receptor(P2Y1R)-activated astrocytes in delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning(DEACMP).Methods:SD rats were randomly divided into Control,DEACMP,DEACMP+DMSO,and DEACMP+MRS2179 groups.The latter three groups were exposed to static CO inhalation to establish the DEACMP model,while the Control group inhaled air.The rats in DEACMP+MRS2179 group were injec-ted with 3 μl of P2Y1R antagonist MRS2179 with concentration of 1 mmol/L via lateral ventricle,while the DEACMP+DMSO group an equal volume of DMSO.At 14 and 21 day after DEACMP model establishment,the spatial learning and memory ability of rats were observed by Morris water maze,the injury of pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippo-campus was observed by HE staining.The protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and P2Y1receptor(P2Y1R)in the hippocampal tissues of rats were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.The expressions of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in the hippocampal tissues of rats were detected by ELISA.Results:In comparison with the Control group,the escape latency was found to be signifi-cantly prolonged in the DEACMP group and the DEACMP+DMSO group.Furthermore,the expression levels of GFAP,P2Y1R,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly increased in the pyramidal cells of the CA1 region of the hippocam-pal tissue(P<0.05).In contrast,the escape latency was significantly reduced and the expression levels of GFAP,P2Y1R,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the DEACMP+MRS2179 group when compared with the DEACMP+DMSO group(P<0.05).Conclusion:P2Y1R activates astrocytes to release inflammatory factors lead-ing to the onset of cognitive impairment in DEACMP,and inhibition of P2Y1R reduces the expression of inflammatory factors and thus improves cognitive function in DEACMP.