1.Mechanism of Neochlorogenic Acid in Ameliorating Psoriatic Keratinocyte Proliferation and Inflammation by Targeting HSP90 to Modulate NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Mengyao JIANG ; Xinwei ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):89-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the target proteins directly bound by neochlorogenic acid (NA) and the molecular mechanisms that ameliorate the proliferation and inflammatory response of psoriatic keratinocytes. MethodsM5-induced HaCaT cells were used as a psoriatic keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell model. The synthesized NA probe (NA-P) and NA prodrug were first evaluated for cell viability using a cell proliferation/cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The potency of NA and NA-P was evaluated in the safe concentration range, and the effects of 0-100 μmol·L-1 NA and probe on M5-induced proliferation of HaCaT cells were detected using CCK-8. The effects of 20, 40, 80 μmol·L-1 NA and 80 μmol·L-1 NA-P on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the effects of NA on the mRNA expression of keratin 16 (K16) in HaCaT cells, S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), IL-6, IL-17A, and chemokine 1 (CXCL1). In vitro fluorescence labeling and competition experiments using NA-P were performed, and target protein angling and analysis using pull-down experiments combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pull-down/LC-MS/MS) were conducted. Target validation was performed using pull-down experiments combined with protein immunoblotting (Pull down-WB), cellular heat transfer analysis combined with protein immunoblot (CETSA-WB) experiments, and molecular docking. Finally, Real-time PCR was utilized to detect the effects of 20, 40, 80 μmol·L-1 NA and 80 μmol·L-1 NA-P on the mRNA expression of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding oligomeric structural domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speckled-like protein (ASC), and cysteine protease-1 (Caspase-1) in HaCaT cells. Protein immunoblot (Western blot) was used to detect the effects of phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, phosphorylated human nuclear factor-κB inhibitory protein α (p-IκBα), human nuclear factor κB inhibitory protein α (IκBα), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) expression. ResultsIn the 200 μmol·L-1 safe concentration range, HaCaT cell proliferation, increased expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17A inflammatory factors, and increased mRNA expression of K16, S100A9, S100A7, IL-6, IL-17A, and CXCL1 were observed in the M5 group compared with the blank group. Cell proliferation in 5-100 μmol·L-1 NA and NA-P groups was inhibited, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17A inflammatory factors was decreased in the NA-L, NA-M, NA-H, and NA-P-H groups. The mRNA expression of K16, S100A9, S100A7, IL-6, IL-17A, and CXCL1 was decreased (P<0.05). High-confidence targets were screened for HSP90 protein by Pull-down/LC-MS/MS using 200 μmol·L-1 NA competing with 100 μmol·L-1 NA-P. Compared with that in the blank group, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1, as well as the expression of p-p65/p65, p-IκBα/IκBα, and HSP90 protein, were increased in HaCaT cells in the M5 group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the M5 group, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1 of cells in the NA-L group, the NA-M group, the NA-H group, and the NA-P-H group was decreased (P<0.05). p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα were decreased in the NA-M and NA-H groups (P<0.05), and there was no change in HSP90 protein. Pull down-WB showed that NA could directly target HSP90 protein, and NA binding to HSP90 protein enhanced its thermal stability. Molecular docking of NA with HSP90 family proteins HSP90AA1, HSP90B1, and HSP90AB1 all resulted in highly stable binding. ConclusionNA can inhibit the proliferation and inflammatory response of psoriatic keratinocytes by a mechanism that may be achieved by targeting HSP90 to modulate the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
2.Mechanism of Neochlorogenic Acid in Ameliorating Psoriatic Keratinocyte Proliferation and Inflammation by Targeting HSP90 to Modulate NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Mengyao JIANG ; Xinwei ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):89-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the target proteins directly bound by neochlorogenic acid (NA) and the molecular mechanisms that ameliorate the proliferation and inflammatory response of psoriatic keratinocytes. MethodsM5-induced HaCaT cells were used as a psoriatic keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell model. The synthesized NA probe (NA-P) and NA prodrug were first evaluated for cell viability using a cell proliferation/cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The potency of NA and NA-P was evaluated in the safe concentration range, and the effects of 0-100 μmol·L-1 NA and probe on M5-induced proliferation of HaCaT cells were detected using CCK-8. The effects of 20, 40, 80 μmol·L-1 NA and 80 μmol·L-1 NA-P on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the effects of NA on the mRNA expression of keratin 16 (K16) in HaCaT cells, S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), IL-6, IL-17A, and chemokine 1 (CXCL1). In vitro fluorescence labeling and competition experiments using NA-P were performed, and target protein angling and analysis using pull-down experiments combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pull-down/LC-MS/MS) were conducted. Target validation was performed using pull-down experiments combined with protein immunoblotting (Pull down-WB), cellular heat transfer analysis combined with protein immunoblot (CETSA-WB) experiments, and molecular docking. Finally, Real-time PCR was utilized to detect the effects of 20, 40, 80 μmol·L-1 NA and 80 μmol·L-1 NA-P on the mRNA expression of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding oligomeric structural domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speckled-like protein (ASC), and cysteine protease-1 (Caspase-1) in HaCaT cells. Protein immunoblot (Western blot) was used to detect the effects of phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, phosphorylated human nuclear factor-κB inhibitory protein α (p-IκBα), human nuclear factor κB inhibitory protein α (IκBα), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) expression. ResultsIn the 200 μmol·L-1 safe concentration range, HaCaT cell proliferation, increased expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17A inflammatory factors, and increased mRNA expression of K16, S100A9, S100A7, IL-6, IL-17A, and CXCL1 were observed in the M5 group compared with the blank group. Cell proliferation in 5-100 μmol·L-1 NA and NA-P groups was inhibited, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17A inflammatory factors was decreased in the NA-L, NA-M, NA-H, and NA-P-H groups. The mRNA expression of K16, S100A9, S100A7, IL-6, IL-17A, and CXCL1 was decreased (P<0.05). High-confidence targets were screened for HSP90 protein by Pull-down/LC-MS/MS using 200 μmol·L-1 NA competing with 100 μmol·L-1 NA-P. Compared with that in the blank group, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1, as well as the expression of p-p65/p65, p-IκBα/IκBα, and HSP90 protein, were increased in HaCaT cells in the M5 group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the M5 group, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1 of cells in the NA-L group, the NA-M group, the NA-H group, and the NA-P-H group was decreased (P<0.05). p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα were decreased in the NA-M and NA-H groups (P<0.05), and there was no change in HSP90 protein. Pull down-WB showed that NA could directly target HSP90 protein, and NA binding to HSP90 protein enhanced its thermal stability. Molecular docking of NA with HSP90 family proteins HSP90AA1, HSP90B1, and HSP90AB1 all resulted in highly stable binding. ConclusionNA can inhibit the proliferation and inflammatory response of psoriatic keratinocytes by a mechanism that may be achieved by targeting HSP90 to modulate the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
3.Research progress in treatment and nursing of chronic wounds with antibacterial agent containing polyhexanide
Yuhao ZHAO ; Enshe JIANG ; Mengyao LIU ; Hao LI ; Jiamei JING ; Xiaojing WEI
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(21):3355-3360
Under the background of increasingly severe drug-resistant bacteria infections,protracted course of chronic wounds has become clinical difficulties disturbing both patients and doctors.With the unique advantages of broad antibacterial spectrum,low drug resistance rate and high safety,polyhexanide antibacterial agent has gradu-ally become a major approach for treatment and nursing of chronic wounds.The application of polyhexamethylene biguanide(PHMB)antimicrobial agents in treatment and nursing of chronic wounds was reviewed in the article,including the antibacterial properties,comparisons with other antimicrobial agents,actual clinical practice and potential side effects,aiming to guide the further application of PHMB antimicrobial agents in treatment of chronic wounds.
4.Incidence and associated factors of tyrosine kinase inhibitor withdrawal syndrome and psychological issues in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia after therapy discontinuation
Mengyao YUAN ; Zongru LI ; Xiaoshuai ZHANG ; Shasha ZHAO ; Wenwen LI ; Chenglei WANG ; Yazhen QIN ; Qian JIANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(10):929-936
Objectives:To investigate the incidence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) withdrawal syndrome and psychological issues, and their associated factors, in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) after TKI discontinuation.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of CML-CP patients who discontinued TKI therapy at Peking University People's Hospital after September 2012. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent factors associated with the occurrence of TKI withdrawal syndrome and psychological issues.Results:A total of 158 patients were included, of whom 92 (58%) were female. The median age at discontinuation was 50 ( IQR, 35-60) years. With a median follow-up of 25 ( IQR, 11-49) months, the 4-year rate of sustained major molecular response (MMR) was 60% (95% CI: 51%-70%) . Fifty-one (32%) patients experienced TKI withdrawal syndrome at a median of 1.3 ( IQR, 0.5-2.0) months after TKI discontinuation. Fifty-one (32%) patients reported psychological issues such as anxiety. These concerns stemmed from fears of fluctuating BCR::ABL1 levels or disease relapse, and, for those who discontinued TKI for pregnancy, worries about adverse fetal effects and/or the fetus inheriting CML. Multivariable analyses revealed that older age at discontinuation [ P=0.003 when adjusting for TKI therapy duration; P=0.002 when adjusting for deep molecular response (DMR) duration], longer TKI therapy duration ( P=0.010) , and longer DMR duration before discontinuation ( P=0.005) were significantly associated with a higher risk of TKI withdrawal syndrome; a university degree or higher ( P=0.010) and TKI discontinuation due to pregnancy or adverse events ( P=0.001) were significantly associated with psychological issues after discontinuation. The occurrence of TKI withdrawal syndrome or psychological issues had no impact on the probability of major molecular response loss after discontinuation. Conclusion:TKI withdrawal syndrome and psychological issues are common in CML patients who discontinue TKI therapy. Older age at discontinuation and longer TKI therapy duration or DMR duration are significantly associated with TKI withdrawal syndrome. Higher education level and TKI discontinuation due to pregnancy or adverse events are significantly associated with psychological issues.
5.Association between abdominal fat parameters derived from quantitative CT and coronary artery calcification in middle-aged and elderly adults
Yaqing LI ; Li LI ; Xinxin JIANG ; Wenqi BAI ; Mengyao WANG ; Yanan ZHAO ; Weijun QIAN
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(9):1136-1142
Objective:To investigate the association between abdominal fat-related indicators derived from quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in middle-aged and elderly individuals, as well as the diagnostic value of these indicators.Methods:This cross-sectional study enrolled middle-aged and elderly participants who underwent health check-ups at Kaifeng Central Hospital between January and December 2024. Participants were divided into a CAC group and a non-CAC group based on the presence or absence of CAC. The CAC group was then stratified into mild, moderate, and severe subgroups according to CAC severity. General clinical data were collected for all participants. All subjects underwent one-stop QCT scanning of the chest and abdomen. An automated abdominal fat analysis system was used to identify fat distribution regions. If accurate identification was not possible, a semi-automated segmentation algorithm combined with manual correction was applied instead. Two physicians performed the measurements independently, and inter-observer consistency was assessed. The average values were calculated to obtain visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). The ratio of visceral fat area to subcutaneous fat area (VFA/SFA) was also computed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with CAC in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of these indicators for CAC. DeLong′s test was used to compare the differences in the area under the curve ( AUC). Results:A total of 252 middle-aged and elderly individuals were included, with a median age of 61 (interquartile rang: 59, 69) years. Of these individuals, 188(74.6%) were males. Among them, 172 were classified into the CAC group and 80 into the non-CAC group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that VFA, VFA/SFA ratio, age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and hypertension were independently associated with CAC in middle-aged and elderly individuals (all P<0.05). The mild, moderate, and severe CAC subgroups comprised 78, 51, and 43 participants, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that VFA and VFA/SFA increased with CAC severity, and there were statistically significant differences between the subgroups (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUCs of VFA and VFA/SFA for diagnosing CAC were 0.841 and 0.810, respectively, with no significant difference between them ( P>0.05). The optimal cutoff values were 177.45 cm2 for VFA (sensitivity: 83.1%, specificity: 72.5%) and 1.592 for VFA/SFA (sensitivity: 65.7%, specificity: 83.7%). For the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe CAC, the AUCs of VFA and VFA/SFA were 0.765 and 0.761, respectively ( P>0.05 for comparison), with cutoff values of 231.75 cm2 (sensitivity: 61.7%, specificity: 83.3%) and 1.962 (sensitivity: 64.9%, specificity: 80.8%). Conclusion:Abdominal VFA and VFA/SFA derived from QCT are independently associated with the presence of CAC in middle-aged and elderly individuals, demonstrating good diagnostic performance for both overall CAC and moderate-to-severe CAC.
6.Research on the gene expression profile of inducing pancreatic duct stem cells in rats to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells
Kai REN ; Yuerong HUAN ; Jiang WU ; Mengyao HAN ; Guangxian ZHOU ; Pingping SUN ; Mei XIAO
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(6):449-461
Objective To investigate the gene expression profile in rat pancreatic ductal stem cells(PDSCs)when induced to differentiate into insulin-secreting cells(IPCs),with the goal of identifying key genes involved in this differentiation process.Methods The expanded PDSCs were categorized into a normal control(NC)group and an induced(Tre)group.PDSCs continued expansion culture in NC group,and cultured in induction medium for 28 days to facilitate the differentiation of PDSCs into IPCs in Tre group.Dithizone staining was employed to morphologically assess whether the cells exhibited a reddish-brown coloration,indicating a positive result.The immunofluorescence staining method was used to detect the expression of insulin(Ins)and PDX1 in the cells following induction.Additionally,ELISA was conducted to measure the Ins release from IPCs,thereby verifying the responsiveness of the induced cells to glucose-stimulated Ins secretion.Concurrently,cells were collected on induction days 0 and 28 for RNA sequencing(RNA-seq),and differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were analyzed and functionally annotated.The analysis revealed that regulatory factor X3(RFX3)was overexpressed in PDSCs,and the impact of RFX3 upregulation on differentiation induction was subsequently verified.Results Compared with NC group,DTZ staining was positive,PDX1 and Ins proteins were expressed,and an increased release of Ins in response to sugar stimulation was demonstrated in the Tre group.RNA-seq analysis identified 4270 DEGs,and functional enrichment analysis utilizing the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases revealed associations with Ins response,positive regulation of Ins secretion,pancreatic endocrine cell development,and overall pancreatic development.Additionally,functionally related genes such as ALDHA2,CREB5,EIF6,FOXO1,RFX3,WNT5a,OGT,GPR39,SMAD6,and TRPM2 were identified,indicating involvement in the cell cycle,TGF-β1 signaling pathway,FOXO signaling pathway,and Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of the differentiation of pancreatic ductal stem cells(PDSCs)into insulin-producing cells(IPCs).Furthermore,the upregulation of RFX3 can inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 within 72 hours,thereby promoted the formation and release of Ins from insulin-positive cells.Conclusions Multiple genes and signaling pathways associated with pancreatic β-cell function collectively regulate the differentiation of rat PDSCs into IPCs.Notably,the upregulation of RFX3 enhances this differentiation process.
7.Study on anti-constipation effect of black garlic polysaccharide
Mengyao GUAN ; Tianshuang XIA ; Xuhui HE ; Ce SHI ; Yiping JIANG ; Hailiang XIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):190-194
Objective To establish the functional constipated mouse model by compound diphenoxylate, and explore the anti-constipation effect of black garlic polysaccharide. Methods Mouse small intestine ink propulsion experiment and mouse defecation experiment were carried out respectively. The mice in each experiment were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive group and black garlic polysaccharide (0.25, 0.5, 1 g/kg) groups. Mice in blank group and model group were given distilled water, and in positive group were given lactulose oral solution. Compound diphenoxylate (5 mg/kg) was intragastric administrated after 1 week of administration, and small intestine propulsion experiment and defecation experiment were conducted respectively. Results Compared with model group, intestinal propulsion rate of black garlic polysaccharide groups was significantly increased and first dejection time was significantly shorten, and the number, weight and fecal water content increased significantly at 6 h in middle and high dose groups. Conclusion Black garlic polysaccharide could promote intestinal propelling, shorten defecation time and increase fecal water content.
8.Pseudogene AC106872.1 is involved in maintaining the self-renewal capacity of human embryonic stem cells
Zhengyang JIANG ; Mengyao SUN ; Liu HE ; Jia YU ; Yanni MA
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(5):561-567
Objective To explore the role of pseudogene AC106872.1 in maintaining the self-renewal capacity of human embryonic stem cells(hESCs).Methods AC106872.1 was knocked out in hESCs and knockout effi-ciency was validated by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.The colony formation of hESCs was assessed through colony formation assays and alkaline phosphatase(AP)staining.The expression level of pluripotency and differ-entiation marker genes was analyzed by qPCR and flow cytometry.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)was performed to assess transcriptomic changes upon AC106872.1 knockout.Results Knockout of AC106872.1 significantly in-hibited the colony formation of hESCs(P<0.05).The expression level of pluripotency marker genes was signifi-cantly reduced(P<0.000 1),while the expression of differentiation marker genes was markedly increased(P<0.000 1).Conclusions The pseudogene AC 1 06872.1 plays a crucial role in maintaining human embryonic stem cell self-renewal through regulation of pluripotency genes expression.
9.Mining and characterization of new enzymes based on Phi29 DNA polymerase.
Mengyao HAO ; Lingling HU ; Minghao HAN ; Congyu LI ; Hong CHANG ; Jianmei LUO ; Huifeng JIANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):427-436
In recent years, the bacteriophage Φ29 (Phi29) DNA polymerase has garnered increasing attention due to its high-fidelity amplification capacity at constant temperatures. To advance the industrial application of this type of isothermal polymerases, this study mined and characterized new enzymes from the microbial metagenome based on the known Phi29 DNA polymerase sequence. The results revealed that a new enzyme, Php29 DNA polymerase, was identified in the microbial metagenome with plants as the hosts. This enzyme exhibited higher strand displacement activity, with a 59.5% similarity to bacteriophage Φ29. Experimental validation demonstrated that the enzyme had 3'→5' exonuclease activity, and its amplification products can serve as substrates for further catalytic reactions. The discovery and validation of Php29 DNA polymerase gives insights into the future industrial application of isothermal polymerases.
DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase/metabolism*
;
Bacillus Phages/genetics*
;
Metagenome
10.Protective effects and mechanism of hydroalcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea L.on ulcerative colitis and bone loss in mice
Kun LI ; Tianshuang XIA ; Weiqing FAN ; Mengyao GUAN ; Xunkang WANG ; Liyong LAI ; Yiping JIANG ; Hailiang XIN ; Xiaoqiang YUE
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(6):710-718
Objective To explore the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Portulaca oleracea L.(POHA)on ulcerative colitis(UC)and bone loss in mice.Methods The C57BL/6 mice were treated with dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)to establish UC model.A total of 50 mice were randomly assigned to including control group,DSS group,mesalazine(MS)group,low dose of POHA(POHAL)group,or high dose of POHA(POHAH)group.The control group freely drank drinking water,while the DSS,MS,POHAL and POHAH groups drank drinking water containing DSS for 8 weeks.Since the 2nd week,the control group and DSS group were given normal saline by gavage.The MS group was given MS(100 mg/kg)by gavage.The POHAL group and POHAH group were given POHA(1 000 mg/kg and 2 000 mg/kg)by gavage,respectively.Body weight and disease activity index(DAI)were recorded and calculated every 2 d.On the 56th day,the colon weight index,liver index,and spleen index were calculated,and the histological changes of colon were observed.Serum levels of bone metabolism markers and microstructure parameters of femur were detected.Results Compared with the control group,the DSS group showed significantly increased DAI score,colon weight index,liver index,and spleen index(all P<0.01).The DSS group exhibited significant pathological damage in colon tissues and significantly increased serum levels of osteocalcin,C-terminal peptide of collagen type Ⅰ,and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b(P<0.01).The bone loss was significant in the DSS group,manifested by markedly decreased bone mineral density(BMD),bone tissue volume to tissue volume ratio(BV/TV),trabecular bone number(Tb.N),and trabecular bone thickness(Tb.Th),and markedly increased bone surface to bone volume ratio(BS/BV)and trabecular bone separation(Tb.Sp)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the DSS group,the BMD,BV/TV,Tb.N and Tb.Th of the femur in the MS group and POHAH group of mice were all increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the BS/BV all decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the Tb.Sp all decreased without significant differences(all P>0.05).The above bone microstructure parameters in the POHAL group showed no significant differences compared with those in the DSS group(all P>0.05).Conclusion POHA has protective effect on DSS-induced UC and bone loss,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of hyperactive bone metabolism.

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