1.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
3.Prediction of acute cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischemic attack by different obesity indicators
Man ZHANG ; Hu CHEN ; Rui WANG ; Yang LIU ; Xiaohan SHI ; Nini MA ; Jing CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):169-172
Objective To analyze the predictive value of different obesity indicators on acute cerebral infarction in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods A total of 310 patients with TIA admitted to Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Medical University from March 2022 to September 2025 were selected and classified into non-event group (276 cases) and cerebral infarction group (34 cases) based on acute cerebral infarction within 90 days. The basic data and obesity-related indicators [body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, body adiposity index (BAI), conicity index (C-index) and a body shape index (ABSI were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to screen the independent influencing factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive efficiency. Results The age, proportions of concurrent hypertension and concurrent diabetes mellitus, ABCD2 score, waist-to-hip ratio, ABSI, C-index, BMI and BAI in the cerebral infarction group were older or higher than those in the non-event group, and the symptoms duration was longer (P<0.05). The above indicators were all related factors for acute cerebral infarction in patients with TIA within 90 days (P<0.05), and ABSI and ABCD2 score were independent influencing factors (P<0.05). The prediction model was manifested as Logit (P)=− 4.205 + 0.482 × ABCD2 score + 1.120 × ABSI × 100. ABSI and ABCD2 score had predictive value on the occurrence of acute cerebral infarction (P<0.05), and the predictive efficiency of combined model was higher than that of single indicator (P<0.05). Conclusion Among different obesity indicators, ABSI has the highest value on predicting recent acute cerebral infarction in TIA. The prediction model based on ABSI and ABCD2 score exhibits the best predictive efficiency.
4.Effectiveness and safety analysis of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-naive advanced cervical cancer:a retrospective cohort study
Sumei FAN ; Congling XIN ; Laifang ZHU ; Chang LIU ; Rui XU ; Zhengrong ZHOU ; Xi CHENG
China Oncology 2025;35(6):570-577
Background and purpose:The treatment of recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer remains challenging.Immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapy has shown preliminary clinical benefits,however,current evidence remains limited.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy on the prognosis of patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer.Methods:In this study,we conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data from 130 patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer admitted to Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 2019 to 2025.The patients were categorized into the observation group(n=70),which included those who received camrelizumab with or without chemotherapy and targeted therapy,and the control group(n=60),including those who received chemotherapy and targeted therapy.Survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test,and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to explore prognostic factors.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center[Approval number:(2024)Review No.(015)]and all informed consents were exempted.Results:The objective response rate(ORR)in the observation group was 72.9%,and the disease control rate(DCR)was 80.0%,which were significantly higher than those in the control group with an ORR of 20.0%(χ2=36.1,P<0.001)and a DCR of 40.0%(χ2=21.8,P<0.001).The median progression-free survival(PFS)in the observation group was not reached,significantly longer than that in the control group of 7.0 months(P<0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified camrelizumab treatment as an independent protective factor for PFS(P<0.001).Age,site of recurrence/metastasis,initial treatment approach,and histopathological type were not significantly associated with PFS.In the observation group,adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported in 29 patients(41.4%),which primarily included vasculitis,hypothyroidism,hypersensitivity reactions,and diarrhea.Conclusion:The use of camrelizumab significantly improved treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients with recurrent,metastatic,and treatment-na?ve advanced cervical cancer,with significantly improved progression-free survival.Although a certain proportion of patients experienced adverse events of grade 3 or higher,the overall safety profile was acceptable.In clinical practice,immunotherapy offers a more effective treatment option for patients.
5.Luteolin alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting autophagy of hepatic stellate cells
Shu-ling CHEN ; Xi-xuan WANG ; Rui-qi LI ; Da-wei YANG ; Hui CAO ; Yong-feng YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1875-1883
Aim To explore the mechanism of luteolin in alleviating hepatic fibrosis.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,CCl4 group,silybin group(100 mg·kg-1)and luteo-lin group(100 mg·kg-1).After 10-week modeling and 2-week treatment,the serum levels of aminotrans-ferase and liver histopathology were examined.Hepatic fibrosis and autophagy-related gene expression were as-sessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluores-cence.Human hepatic stellate cell line(LX2)was cultured and divided into control,TGF-β1(10 mg·L-1),TGF-β1+silybin(40 μmol·L-1),TGF-β1+luteolin(40 μmol·L-1).Fibrotic and autophagy-re-lated markers were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR,Western blot,immunofluorescence and MDC staining.Results Compared with the CCl4 group,the treatment groups showed significantly improved liver function and reduced hepatic fibrosis,with markedly downregulated COL1A1 and α-SMA expression,and luteolin demonstrated superior efficacy.Compared with TGF-β1 group,luteolin treatment significantly de-creased mRNA levels of COL1A1,ACTA2 and MAP1LC3B,while increasing the mRNA level of SQSTM1,the protein levels of COL1A1 and α-SMA de-creased,p62 was enhanced,the LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio was downregulated,and autophagy was reduced.These effects of luteolin were reversed by autophagy inducer rapamycin.Conclusion Luteolin alleviates liver fi-brosis by decreasing the autophagy of hepatic stellate cells.
6.Expert consensus on the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock for the precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma
Kai YANG ; Moyi SUN ; Longjiang LI ; Zhangui TANG ; Wei GUO ; Guoxin REN ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Hong TANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Zhijun SUN ; Qing XI ; Chunjie LI ; Xin HUANG ; Heming WU ; Wei SHANG ; Jian MENG ; Jichen LI ; Hong MA ; Guiquan ZHU ; Yi LI ; Yaoxu LI ; Haitao HE ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Dan ZHAO ; Deping SUN ; Xiaoqiang LV ; Dan CHEN ; Fujun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Yadong LI ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Xiaojuan FU ; Li XIANG ; Shouyi LI ; Shilin YIN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):149-156
Recent studies have shown that the physiological homeostasis of oral mucosal cells is regulated by the circadian clock.Dis-ruption or dysfunction of the circadian clock is closely associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Research based on the circadian clock offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OSCC.However,there is current-ly limited research on this topic,and people generally have insufficient understanding and recognition of the circadian clock.Given the complexity and challenges of circadian clock which is the fourth dimension of medical research,we organize relevant experts based on summarizing the current research results of circadian clock in the pathogenesis and precision diagnosis and treatment of OSCC,combining the scientific principles of the circadian clock's role and their long-term research experience,then summarizes and recommends the con-sensus opinions for the research of circadian clock in the pathogenesis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of human OSCC,with the hope of providing guidance for the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock or circadian rhythm in the pathogene-sis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma.
7.Toxoplasmosis pathogenesis and preventive measures during pregnancy
Rui-xi WANG ; Yue XIE ; Hui WANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):129-135
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that is widely distributed worldwide,and severely endan-gers and threatens human and animal health.T.gondii infection is usually asymptomatic in individuals with normal immune systems.However,during pregnancy,this infection can threaten human health,primarily through abortion,stillbirth,and congenital toxoplasmosis with encephalopathy and ocular damage.The definitive host,cats,play core roles in the spread of tox-oplasmosis in the population.However,knowledge that direct contact between pregnant women and cats necessarily increases miscarriage risk due to T.gondii is lacking among the public.This article reviews the transmission routes of human toxoplas-mosis,clinical characteristics,pathogenesis of pregnancy infections,and prevention measures scientifically,to provide a deci-sion-making reference for personal protection during pregnancy,and enable harmonious and healthy companionship between humans and pet cats.
8.Effects of amanita caojizong on apoptosis of mouse myocardial cells and expression of related factors Bcl-2 and Bax
Baining QIU ; Yuebing WANG ; Sijie WEI ; Wu LONG ; Rui WANG ; Lin MA ; Yanmei XI ; Xue TANG ; Puping LEI
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(2):168-171,180
Objective To investigate the effects of Amanita caojizong on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related factors Bcl-2 and Bax,thereby providing experimental evidence for the prevention and treatment of Amanita caojizong poisoning.Methods Mouse cardiomyocytes(HL-1 cells)cultured in vitro were divided into an experimental group(treated with Amanita caojizong extract)and a control group(treated with PBS).After treatment with Amanita caojizong extract,apoptosis of HL-1 cells was observed using TUNEL staining,and the protein expression levels of Bax,Bcl-2,Caspase-3,and Cleaved Caspase-3 in HL-1 cardiomyocytes were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the TUNEL staining showed significantly increased apoptotic fluorescence intensity in the Amanita caojizong extract-treated group.The protein expressions of Bax,Caspase-3,and Cleaved Caspase-3 in HL-1 cells in the Amanita caojizong-treated group were upregulated,while the expression of Bcl-2 was downregulated.Conclusion Amanita caojizong can promote apoptosis of mouse cardiomyocytes,and its mechanism may be associated with the Bcl-2/Bax pathway.
9.Expression of epitopes of spike protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and screening of its nanobody
Xiangyun HU ; Shaomei CHEN ; Zeyi XUAN ; Menghe LUO ; Rui PAN ; Kai YANG ; Yulian XI ; Yanhong CAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):913-918
This study aims to prepare nanobodies for the epitopes of spike protein(S)of porcine ep-idemic diarrhea virus(PEDV),and verify its reactivity.The expression vector pCZN1-SN was con-structed by the prokaryotic expression system,and SN fragment was expressed in prokaryotic ex-pression and purified by Ni-NTA chromatography column.The SN nanobodies were displayed u-sing phage display technology and screened from the natural nanobody library.The results showed that SN fragments with a size of 26 kDa were obtained by prokaryotic induction,and the specific nanobodies were obtained through three rounds screening by phage display technology.One strain with the best reactivity was selected for prokaryotic expression and purified.The nanobodies were obtained with a size of 14 kDa by Western blot and demonstrated to have a good binding ability to PEDV SN protein.In summary,nanobodies with epitope fragments of PEDV S protein were suc-cessfully screened and prepared based on the phage display technology,which provided a new way for the in-depth application of nanobodies.
10.Application of autofluorescence examination technology in the early warning of potential malignant disea-ses of the oral cavity
Wanli ZHU ; Zhenlai ZHU ; Tiantian WU ; Huan ZHANG ; Yixin WANG ; Xi LIU ; Qing LIU ; Rui LIU
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(3):398-401
Objective:To verify the efficacy of VELscope autofluorescence examination technology in the early warning of potential oral malignant diseases.Methods:80 patients with suspected dysplasia were included and underwent oral examination,visually en-hanced lesion scope(VELscope)autofluorescence examination and histopathology examination respectively,the fluorescence imaging results were compared with the histopathological results.Results:Pathological reports showed 64 cases with mild or no dysplasia,9 cases with moderate or severe dysplasia,1 case with moderate dysplasia without malignant transformation and 6 cases with cancer.The results of VELscope showed that there were 73 positive cases and negative 7 cases of fluorescence deletion.The sensitivity and specificity of VELscope were 93.75%and 9.37%respectively,and the sensitivity could reach 100%in the cancerous tissue.Con-clusion:As a non-invasive examination method,VELscope is highly sensitive but lowly specific.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail