1.Ectopic expression of hemoglobin subunits enhances the in vitro cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumor cells under hypoxic conditions
YANG Jianxun1,2 ; ZHENG Rui3 ; LIANG Sixin3 ; PAN Jie4 ; LI Yanlong5 ; ZHAI Chenxi5 ; ZHAO Xiaojuan2 ; WANG Pengju3 ; DONG Hao4 ; YAN Bo2 ; SUN Zhihong1 ; YANG Angang3
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(3):233-242
[摘 要] 目的:探讨异位表达血红蛋白亚基(HBA/HBB)对缺氧条件下嵌合抗原受体T细胞(CAR-T细胞)功能障碍的改善作用及其对肿瘤细胞的杀伤效应。方法:全基因合成技术合成靶向HER2的CAR序列,构建共表达HBA或HBB的CAR慢病毒载体,包装慢病毒后感染人原代T淋巴细胞,制备异位表达HBA/HBB的CAR-T细胞,命名为HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T。采用缺氧探针检测小鼠实体瘤缺氧状态。通过流式细胞术检测瘤内CAR-T细胞占比、异位表达血红蛋白亚基的CAR-T细胞阳性率及CAR-T细胞的活性氧、凋亡水平。WB法检测HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T内相关血红蛋白亚基表达情况,采用细胞计数板计数检测细胞增殖水平,通过萤光素酶报告基因法检测CAR-T细胞对肿瘤细胞的杀伤能力,qPCR检测CAR-T细胞中缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)表达水平,利用MitoXpress Intra试剂盒检测CAR-T细胞内氧气含量。结果:不同细胞构建的实体瘤模型均存在明显缺氧情况,且CAR-T细胞浸润水平与缺氧程度呈显著负相关(P < 0.000 1)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T构建成功(阳性率 > 60%),相应血红蛋白亚基可稳定表达。缺氧环境下HBA CAR-T和HBB CAR-T的ROS水平、凋亡水平显著下降,增殖、对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤能力显著强于传统CAR-T细胞(均P < 0.05)。HBA CAR-T与HBB CAR-T内HIF-1α表达降低(均P < 0.001),且缺氧程度显著降低(均P < 0.001)。结论:异位表达血红蛋白亚基可改善缺氧条件下CAR-T细胞功能障碍并增强其对肿瘤细胞的体外杀伤作用。
2.Correlation and diagnostic value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils with lung function in patients with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):108-112
Objective To explore the correlation and diagnostic value of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils with lung function in patients with asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS). Methods A total of 302 patients with obstructive airway disease in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from April 2020 to April 2025 were selected as the research subjects, including 108 asthma patients, 92 COPD patients, and 102 ACOS patients. Patient data were collected and analyzed. Results There were statistically significant differences in age, smoking history, family history of asthma, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV, FeNO, and blood eosinophil levels among the asthma group, COPD group, and ACOS group (P<0.05). Age and smoking history were positively correlated with the occurrence of ACOS (P<0.05), while family history of asthma, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MVV, FeNO, and blood eosinophil levels were negatively correlated with the occurrence of ACOS (P<0.05). FeNO and blood eosinophils were not significantly correlated with lung function indicators in ACOS patients (P>0.05). FeNO had good diagnostic value in distinguishing asthma from ACOS (AUC=0.843). FeNO and blood eosinophils both had good diagnostic value in distinguishing COPD from ACOS (AUC=0.848, 0.799). Conclusion FeNO and blood eosinophils are not correlated with lung function indicators in ACOS patients. FeNO, blood eosinophils, and their combination have good diagnostic value in distinguishing asthma from ACOS, and COPD from ACOS, which have the potential to become non-invasive auxiliary diagnostic biomarkers for ACOS.
3.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
4.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
5.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.
6.Characteristic ion Identification of Different Original Haliotidis Concha and Its Counterfeits
Xiaojie LIANG ; Guowei LI ; Lin ZHOU ; Qiping HU ; Muxiang LUO ; Jiehao TANG ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Liye PAN ; Dongmei SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):263-269
ObjectiveTo establish a method for the identification of Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and to improve its quality evaluation method. MethodsA total of 17 batches of Haliotis discus hannai, 4 batches of H. ruber, 3 batches of H. laevigata, 3 batches of H. ovina, 3 batches of H. diversicolor, 3 batches of H. asinina, 3 batches of H. iris were collected. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS) was used to analyze the hydrolysates of different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and the potential characteristic ions of each species were screened by Venn diagram. UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to validate the characteristic ions, and the specific detection method of the characteristic ions was established. ResultsA total of 1 182, 167, 47, 89, 104, 203, 424 potential characteristic ions were screened from H. discus hannai, H. ruber, H. laevigata, H. ovina, H. diversicolor, H. asinina and H. iris, respectively. And 9 characteristic ions were selected. The precision, stability and repeatability of the 9 characteristic ions in the established identification method met the requirements. Different original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits could detect their own characteristic ions, including m/z 631.83-886.48(double charge) and m/z 631.83-443.74(double charge) of H. discus hannai, m/z 699.28-232.11(double charge) and m/z 699.28-544.27(double charge) of H. ruber, m/z 535.76-752.37(double charge) and m/z 535.76-548.28(double charge) of H. laevigata, m/z 708.35-442.28(double charge) and m/z 708.35-215.14(double charge) of H. ovina, m/z 561.33-614.86(triple charge), m/z 561.33-468.28(triple charge), m/z 608.29-618.32(double charge) and m/z 608.29-390.21(double charge) of H. diversicolor, m/z 769.85-274.10(double charge), m/z 769.85-532.75(double charge), m/z 827.43-646.36(single charge), m/z 827.43-257.12(single charge) of H. asinina, and m/z 468.24-576.29(double charge) and m/z 468.24-505.26(double charge) of H. iris. ConclusionIn this study, a total of 9 characteristic ions are screened from 6 kinds of original Haliotidis Concha and its counterfeits, and a specific identification method is established, which is helpful to solve the limitations of the existing quality evaluation methods of Haliotidis Concha, and provide a basis for the production, circulation and medication quality.
7.Comparison of Embolization Coils and Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occluders for Coronary Artery Fistula Transcatheter Closure: A Single Centre Experience
Peijian WEI ; Yihang LI ; Liang XU ; Junyi WAN ; Fengwen ZHANG ; Gary TSE ; Jeffrey Shi Kai CHAN ; Shouzheng WANG ; Wenbin OUYANG ; Gejun ZHANG ; Fang FANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):199-212
Background and Objectives:
There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce.
Methods:
Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66).
Results:
No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342).
Conclusions
Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.
8.Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion for 24 cases of comorbidity of depression and insomnia.
Zhongxian LI ; Pan ZHANG ; Qiaoyu JI ; Min PENG ; Zitong JIAO ; Yifu ZHOU ; Junquan LIANG ; Luda YAN ; Wenbin FU ; Peng ZHOU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(11):1559-1564
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the clinical effect of Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion (holistic treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion by adjusting the mind and consolidating the root) on comorbidity of depression and insomnia.
METHODS:
Twenty-four patients with comorbidity of depression and insomnia were included and treated with Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Neiguan (PC6), etc. The refined moxibustion therapy was delivered at Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), bilateral Yongquan (KI1), etc. Subcutaneous embedding therapy with thumb-tack needle was adopted at bilateral Xinshu (BL15), bilateral Pishu (BL20), etc. The intervention was operated once every other day, 3 treatments a week, and for 6 consecutive weeks. Before and after treatment completion, and in 1 month after treatment, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-17) were adopted to assess sleep quality and depression symptoms in the patients, respectively. Before and after treatment completion, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the functional connectivity (FC) of locus coeruleus (LC) in brain regions was evaluated; and the levels of serum norepinephrine (NE), cortisol (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) were detected.
RESULTS:
Compared with the scores before treatment, PSQI and HAMD-17 scores after treatment completion and in 1 month after treatment were reduced (P<0.01); and strengthened FC was revealed between the right LC and the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus, as well as the lateral occipital lobe region. After treatment completion, serum NE was elevated (P<0.01), the levels of CORT, ACTH and CRH were reduced (P<0.01). Before and after treatment completion, the difference in FC between the right LC and the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the differences in PSQI score (r = -0.484, P = 0.016) and HAMD-17 score (r = -0.233, P = 0.027).
CONCLUSION
Tiaoshen Guben holistic therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively alleviate depression symptoms and improve sleep quality in the patients with comorbidity of depression and insomnia, which is obtained probably through reducing the levels of serum CORT, ACTH and CRH, increasing serum NE, strengthening the FC of the right LC with the pars opercularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus and the lateral occipital lobe region.
Humans
;
Moxibustion
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Depression/complications*
;
Aged
;
Young Adult
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Comorbidity
9.Prognostic value of ultrasound carotid plaque length in patients with coronary artery disease.
Wendong TANG ; Zhichao XU ; Tingfang ZHU ; Yawei YANG ; Jian NA ; Wei ZHANG ; Liang CHEN ; Zongjun LIU ; Ming FAN ; Zhifu GUO ; Xianxian ZHAO ; Yuan BAI ; Bili ZHANG ; Hailing ZHANG ; Pan LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1755-1757
10.Mechanism related to bile acids metabolism of liver injury induced by long-term administration of emodin.
Jing-Zhuo TIAN ; Lian-Mei WANG ; Yan YI ; Zhong XIAN ; Nuo DENG ; Yong ZHAO ; Chun-Ying LI ; Yu-Shi ZHANG ; Su-Yan LIU ; Jia-Yin HAN ; Chen PAN ; Chen-Yue LIU ; Jing MENG ; Ai-Hua LIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3079-3087
Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage*
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Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
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Animals
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Male
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Liver/injuries*
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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Humans
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Mice
;
Rats


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