1.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.
2.Comparison of chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of Wendan Decoction
Tan XUE ; Man-wen XU ; Xue-hua FAN ; Feng-yu DONG ; Yan MIAO ; Jia-ning SUN ; Jun-han SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Jing YAO ; Rui-xin LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):384-394
AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P<0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P<0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P<0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P<0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.
3.Involvement of anterior cingulate cortex in comorbidity of pain and cognitive impairment post-spinal cord injury in mice
Ke TIAN ; Rui ZHAO ; Kunlong ZHANG ; Xiaolong SUN ; Hua YUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(1):9-17
Objective:To investigate the effects of spinal cord injury(SCI)on neuropathic pain(NP)and cognitive dysfunction in mice,as well as the activation of neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex(ACC),in order to provide experimental evidence for the connection between NP and cognitive dysfunction following SCI.Methods:Ten 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used to prepare a model of spinal cord hemisection(SCI).Pain behavior and cognitive function of mice after SCI were assessed using von Frey,thermal stimulation,and Morris water maze behavioral experi-ments.Immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the expression of c-Fos and GAD67/VGLUT2 positive cells in the anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)of the SCI model mice.Results:Compared with the Sham group,the SCI group of mice showed a significant decrease in mechanical threshold and thermal pain threshold(P<0.05).The Morris water maze results indicated a significantly prolonged escape latency(P<0.05)and a significant reduction in the use of search strategies for locating the hidden platform.Immunofluorescence results showed a significant increase in the num-ber of c-Fos positive cells in the ACC(P<0.05),which were mainly co-labeled with excitatory neuron marker VGLUT2 positive cells.Conclusion:SCI leads to abnormal pain behavior and cognitive dysfunction in mice,and it induces the activation of neurons in the ACC,with a predominant activation of excitatory neurons.This study provides morphological evidence for the involvement of excitatory neurons in the ACC in the comorbidity of NP and cognitive impairment following SCI.
4.Involvement of anterior cingulate cortex in comorbidity of pain and cognitive impairment post-spinal cord injury in mice
Ke TIAN ; Rui ZHAO ; Kunlong ZHANG ; Xiaolong SUN ; Hua YUAN
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(1):9-17
Objective:To investigate the effects of spinal cord injury(SCI)on neuropathic pain(NP)and cognitive dysfunction in mice,as well as the activation of neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex(ACC),in order to provide experimental evidence for the connection between NP and cognitive dysfunction following SCI.Methods:Ten 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used to prepare a model of spinal cord hemisection(SCI).Pain behavior and cognitive function of mice after SCI were assessed using von Frey,thermal stimulation,and Morris water maze behavioral experi-ments.Immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the expression of c-Fos and GAD67/VGLUT2 positive cells in the anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)of the SCI model mice.Results:Compared with the Sham group,the SCI group of mice showed a significant decrease in mechanical threshold and thermal pain threshold(P<0.05).The Morris water maze results indicated a significantly prolonged escape latency(P<0.05)and a significant reduction in the use of search strategies for locating the hidden platform.Immunofluorescence results showed a significant increase in the num-ber of c-Fos positive cells in the ACC(P<0.05),which were mainly co-labeled with excitatory neuron marker VGLUT2 positive cells.Conclusion:SCI leads to abnormal pain behavior and cognitive dysfunction in mice,and it induces the activation of neurons in the ACC,with a predominant activation of excitatory neurons.This study provides morphological evidence for the involvement of excitatory neurons in the ACC in the comorbidity of NP and cognitive impairment following SCI.
5.The correlation between functional level and the cost of stroke rehabilitation during hospitalization
Qianqian SUN ; Yulin SHI ; Hua TANG ; Rui LI ; Suchen ZHAO ; Luwen ZHANG ; Yumeng FENG ; Dengfeng WAN ; Tiebin YAN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(4):325-330
Objective:To explore the significance of any correlation between the cost of the rehabilitation provided to stroke survivors during their hospitalization and the functional levels attained, and to analyze factors influencing that correlation.Methods:The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Rehabilitation Set (ICF-RS) was used to evaluate the functioning of 304 stroke survivors on their days of hospital admission and discharge, as well as on their 10th day in hospital. The cost of their rehabilitation was computed, and demographic and clinical data were collected. A generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the changes in dysfunction with time and its risk factors. The relationship between functional levels and rehabilitation cost and its influencing factors were analyzed.Results:Length of stay, age≥60 and hemorrhagic stroke were significant risk factors for greater dysfunction among the stroke survivors. On the 10th day in hospital and the day before discharge (the 18th day), the frequency of severe dysfunction had decreased. The significant predictors of increased cost were severe or moderate dysfunction, the stage of stroke (sub-acute stage), and non-first rehabilitation.Conclusion:Functional level is a useful predictor of rehabilitation cost. It is influenced by the stage of stroke and non-first rehabilitation.
6.Impact of hydroxy-safflower yellow A on regeneration and repair capabilities of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Yu-kang SUN ; Yan-zhe DUAN ; Jian-lin HUA ; Wei-hao JIA ; Jie-zhong YU ; Cun-gen MA ; Lei JIA ; Rui-ping ZHANG ; Xiao-yan ZHAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1643-1650
Aim To investigate the effects of hydroxyl-safflor yellow A(HSYA)on the regenerative and re-pair functions of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs).Methods hUC-MSCs were mechanically isolated,and their morphology was ob-served.Cell surface marker expression was analyzed u-sing flow cytometry.Osteogenic differentiation was used to confirm the multipotency of the cells.The cells were treated with various concentrations of HSYA(0,100,200,400,600 μmol·L-1),and the optimal con-centration and duration of treatment were determined u-sing the CCK-8 assay.Cells were divided into four groups:control,100,200,and 400 μmol·L-1.The proliferative capacity of hUC-MSCs was assessed by EdU incorporation.Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BD-NF)levels in the culture supernatant were measured u-sing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Cell migra-tion ability was evaluated by Scratch assays.The ex-pression levels of VEGF,BDNF,and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)were detected by Western blotting.Results The isolated cells exhibited characteristics consistent with stem cell surface markers and demon-strated osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation poten-tial.After 48 hours of treatment,no cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations of 100,200,and 400 μmol·L-1compared to the control group.HSYA signifi-cantly increased the number of EdU-positive cells and cell migration rate,with the most pronounced effect was achieved at 200 μmol·L-1(P<0.01).VEGF and BDNF levels in the supernatant were elevated,with the highest expression observed at 200 μmol·L-1(P<0.01).Similarly,the expression levels of BDNF,VEGF,and FGF2 were significantly upregulated in the HSYA groups,with the highest levels at 200 μmol·L-1(P<0.01).Conclusion HSYA promotes the proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of hUC-MSCs,with an optimal concentration of 200 μmol·L-1.
7.Screening and Identification of Nanobodies Against β-Conglycinin
Jia-Shu CHANG ; Hua-Bo SUN ; Yu-Ting WANG ; Xiao-Hui WANG ; Bo YANG ; Hong-Rui LIU ; Yue-Xin LI ; Yuan-Zhao SUN ; Shao-Peng GU ; Jin-Xin HE
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):764-770
Soy is a vital source of plant carbohydrates.However,it poses significant allergenic risks,particularly to young children and animals.Among the various proteins in soy,β-conglycinin,which con-stitutes approximately 30%of total soy carbohydrates,is a primary allergen.Undigested β-conglycinin can lead to intestinal damage by inhibiting cell growth,disrupting the cytoskeleton,and inducing apopto-sis.It can also enter the lymphatic and circulatory systems,triggering allergic reactions.Conventional ELISA methods for detecting β-conglycinin rely on polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies,which are limited by their large molecular weight,difficulty in accessing the protein core,and sensitivity to acidic and bas-ic conditions.To address these limitations,this study aimed to develop nanobodies(Nbs)against β-con-glycinin.Nbs,derived from the variable regions of heavy-chain antibodies found in camelids,have a mo-lecular weight approximately one-tenth that of conventional antibodies.They offer advantages such as small size,stable structure,high specificity,and strong affinity.A female alpacas was immunized five times using β-conglycinin,which showed a heavy chain antibody potency of 1∶16 000 by ELISA.Pe-ripheral blood lymphocytes were subsequently isolated and total RNA was extracted.The variable region of the heavy-chain antibody was amplified via PCR,and recombinant plasmids were constructed and transformed into the E.coli competency strain ER2738.The resulting library contained about 3.5×108 CFU/mL,which increased to 1.15×1012 PFU/mL after phage rescue,with a 100%Nbs gene insertion rate,indicating high diversity.Its Nbs phage output was significantly enriched by four rounds of solid-phase elution with an enrichment rate of 155.9.Four rounds of solid-phase panning yielded 35 positive clones,all of which shared the same amino acid sequence upon sequencing.The selected Nb was ex-pressed in a prokaryotic system,and its binding ability to β-conglycinin was confirmed using Western blotting and ELISA.The results demonstrated excellent specificity and affinity.This research lays the groundwork for developing a rapid and efficient detection method for β-conglycinin using Nbs,potentially enhancing food safety and allergen management.
8.Impact of hydroxy-safflower yellow A on regeneration and repair capabilities of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Yu-kang SUN ; Yan-zhe DUAN ; Jian-lin HUA ; Wei-hao JIA ; Jie-zhong YU ; Cun-gen MA ; Lei JIA ; Rui-ping ZHANG ; Xiao-yan ZHAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1643-1650
Aim To investigate the effects of hydroxyl-safflor yellow A(HSYA)on the regenerative and re-pair functions of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs).Methods hUC-MSCs were mechanically isolated,and their morphology was ob-served.Cell surface marker expression was analyzed u-sing flow cytometry.Osteogenic differentiation was used to confirm the multipotency of the cells.The cells were treated with various concentrations of HSYA(0,100,200,400,600 μmol·L-1),and the optimal con-centration and duration of treatment were determined u-sing the CCK-8 assay.Cells were divided into four groups:control,100,200,and 400 μmol·L-1.The proliferative capacity of hUC-MSCs was assessed by EdU incorporation.Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BD-NF)levels in the culture supernatant were measured u-sing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Cell migra-tion ability was evaluated by Scratch assays.The ex-pression levels of VEGF,BDNF,and fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)were detected by Western blotting.Results The isolated cells exhibited characteristics consistent with stem cell surface markers and demon-strated osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation poten-tial.After 48 hours of treatment,no cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations of 100,200,and 400 μmol·L-1compared to the control group.HSYA signifi-cantly increased the number of EdU-positive cells and cell migration rate,with the most pronounced effect was achieved at 200 μmol·L-1(P<0.01).VEGF and BDNF levels in the supernatant were elevated,with the highest expression observed at 200 μmol·L-1(P<0.01).Similarly,the expression levels of BDNF,VEGF,and FGF2 were significantly upregulated in the HSYA groups,with the highest levels at 200 μmol·L-1(P<0.01).Conclusion HSYA promotes the proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of hUC-MSCs,with an optimal concentration of 200 μmol·L-1.
9.The correlation between functional level and the cost of stroke rehabilitation during hospitalization
Qianqian SUN ; Yulin SHI ; Hua TANG ; Rui LI ; Suchen ZHAO ; Luwen ZHANG ; Yumeng FENG ; Dengfeng WAN ; Tiebin YAN
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(4):325-330
Objective:To explore the significance of any correlation between the cost of the rehabilitation provided to stroke survivors during their hospitalization and the functional levels attained, and to analyze factors influencing that correlation.Methods:The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Rehabilitation Set (ICF-RS) was used to evaluate the functioning of 304 stroke survivors on their days of hospital admission and discharge, as well as on their 10th day in hospital. The cost of their rehabilitation was computed, and demographic and clinical data were collected. A generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the changes in dysfunction with time and its risk factors. The relationship between functional levels and rehabilitation cost and its influencing factors were analyzed.Results:Length of stay, age≥60 and hemorrhagic stroke were significant risk factors for greater dysfunction among the stroke survivors. On the 10th day in hospital and the day before discharge (the 18th day), the frequency of severe dysfunction had decreased. The significant predictors of increased cost were severe or moderate dysfunction, the stage of stroke (sub-acute stage), and non-first rehabilitation.Conclusion:Functional level is a useful predictor of rehabilitation cost. It is influenced by the stage of stroke and non-first rehabilitation.
10.Comparison of chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of Wendan Decoction
Tan XUE ; Man-wen XU ; Xue-hua FAN ; Feng-yu DONG ; Yan MIAO ; Jia-ning SUN ; Jun-han SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Jing YAO ; Rui-xin LIU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):384-394
AIM To compare the chemical constituents in traditional decoction and formula granule decoction of classical famous prescription Wendan Decoction.METHODS The HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the contents of adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,naringin,hesperidin,6-gingerol and adenosine cyclophosphate were determined,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling analysis were adopted in the investigation of component differences,and the equivalent of formula granules was adjusted.RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 10 batches of traditional decoctions were higher than those of HPLC fingerprints for 9 batches of formula granule decoctions(P<0.01).Adenosine,synephrine,liquiritin,hesperidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate demonstrated higher contents in traditional decoctions than those in formula granule decoctions(P<0.05),6-gingerol displayed lower content than that in the latter produced by manufacturers A,C(P<0.05),which was higher than that in the latter produced by manufacturer B(P<0.01).Various batches of traditional decoctions and formula granule decoctions could be obviously distinguished,adenosine,synephrine and hesperidin exhibited great influences on the classification of principal component analysis,and the quality of formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturer C was closer to that of traditional decoctions.After equivalent correction,the contents of various constituents in formula granule decoctions produced by manufacturers A,C showed no significant differences as compared with those in traditional decoction(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The formula granules of Wendan Decoction from different manufacturers exist quality differences,so the preparation process and extraction process of this preparation should be optimized to improve quality,and equivalent ratio should be adjusted according to actual requirements to ensure its scientific and rational clinical application.

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