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.Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation assisting sodium nitroprusside controlled hypotension on Glu,ATⅡ and SOD
Zhenwei LI ; Chengzhang ZHANG ; Furong LUO ; Xiaojian CAI ; Shuqi ZHONG ; Biao HUANG
Chongqing Medicine 2015;(10):1337-1339
Objective To observe the effects of transdermal acupoint electric stimulation(TEAS)assisting sodium nitroprus-side induced controlled hypotension on serum glucose (Glu),angiotensin Ⅱ (ATⅡ)and superoxide dismutase (SOD),and to inves-tigate the protective effect of TEAS under controlled hypotension anesthesia.Methods 60 cases undergoing elective endoscopy si-nus surgery by adopting sodium nitroprusside induced controlled hypotension under general anaesthesia maintained the mean arterial pressure(MAP)in 50-60 mm Hg and were randomly and equally divided into two groups.The group Ⅰ conducted TEAS,while the group Ⅱ did not conduct TEAS.The controlled hypotension time and surgery time were recorded in the two groups;Glu and ATⅡ values were detected before anesthesia (T0 ),30 min after hypotension (T1 ),hypotension stopping(T2 );SOD was detected at T0 ,T2 ,30 min after hypotension(T3 ).Results The operation time and controlled hypotension continuous time had no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P >0.05).The Glu value in the group Ⅰ had no statistically significant difference a-mong the 3 time points,while which at T1 ,T2 was higher than that at T0 in the group Ⅱ(P <0.05),and which at T1 ,T2 in the group Ⅱ was higher than that in the group Ⅰ (P <0.05);the ATⅡ value at T1 was higher than that at T0 in the group Ⅰ (P <0.05),while which at T1 ,T2 was higher than that at T0 in the group Ⅱ(P >0.05),which at T1 ,T2 in the group Ⅱwas higher than that in the group Ⅰ (P <0.05);the SOD value at T2 was lower than that at T0 in the group Ⅰ,which at T2 ,T3 in the group Ⅱwas lower than that in the group Ⅰ(P <0.05).Conclusion TEAS assisting sodium nitroprusside controlled hypotension can better in-hibit the stress response.
4.Double-balloon endoscopy in follow-up of Crohn disease in small intestine
Shuqi XU ; Jie ZHONG ; Shidan CHENG ; Lifu WANG ; Sha ZHANG ; Chenli ZHANG ; Ming CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2009;26(9):467-470
involved,reexamination with colonoscopy is reconanended.
5.Value of double-balloon endoscopy and multi-slice CT enteroclysis in diagnosis of Crohn's disease in small intestine
Shuqi XU ; Jie ZHONG ; Yonghua TANG ; Fei MIAO ; Shidan CHENG ; Shu ZHANG ; Lifu WANG ; Chenli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2009;29(9):517-520
Objective To investigate the value of double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) and multi-slice CT enteroclysis (MSCTE) in diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) in small intestine. Methods DBE and MSCTE were performed in 71 patients with suspected Crohn's disease in small intestine. The two methods were compared in terms of diagnosis, extents of disease, existance of complications and activity of the disease according to the pathologic findings and the outcome of follow-up. Results The diagnostic yields of DBE and MSCTE were comparable with no significant difference (χ2=2.29, P> 0.05). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 22.5 and 0. 022 in DBE respectively, and were 1.6 and 0. 240 in MSCTE respectively. The results of DBE was consistent with MSCTE in diagnosis of mild bowel stenosis, but was inconsistent with MSCTE in diagnosis of moderate-severe bowel stenosis (χ2=11.298, P=0.001). The concordance of two methods in diagnosis of disease activity was 95.8%. Conclusions The first choice in diagnosis of small bowel CD is DBE. The combination of two methods will be helpful in diagnosis and evaluation of CD severity.
6.Effect of protein kinase C in oocyte maturation, fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development.
Yajun CHEN ; Shuqi ZHONG ; Xiuqing FENG ; Lei LEI
Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2008;25(3):747-750
Protein kinase C (PKC) family plays a critical role in many developmental events, including oocyte activation, completion of the second meiosis and initiation of the first mitosis, compaction, and blastocysts formation as well. But little is known of its many isozymes. Studies have shown that 10 isozymes of PKC and its anchor protein, RACK, are expressed in the course from 2 cell stage through blastocyst stage in mouse. We reviewed here the recent studies on the location pattern and expression levels of different PKC isozymes. Those studies indicated that the isozymes were very important for every stage of preimplantation embryonic development, especially at the early 4-cell stage. Some are increased temporarily in nucleus, which indicated that they might control and regulate the remolding of embryonic nucleus. We also analyzed the possible functions of PKCs in the somatic nuclear transferred embryos.
Animals
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Embryonic Development
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physiology
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Fertilization
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physiology
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Isoenzymes
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metabolism
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physiology
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Oocytes
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physiology
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Protein Kinase C
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metabolism
;
physiology
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Receptors for Activated C Kinase
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Receptors, Cell Surface
;
metabolism

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