1.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
2.Therapeutic Mechanisms of Xiebai San on Lung Heat-induced Cough and Asthma via Modulating Lung-Brain Axis Metabolism Based on Spatial Metabolomics
Yue XU ; Fuzhi MA ; Yeerjiang AYIMAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingce ZANG ; Zhijie MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):41-48
ObjectiveBased on whole-animal mass spectrometry imaging technology, spatial metabolomics was used to characterize in situ the metabolic alteration patterns in the lungs and brain of a rat model of lung heat-induced cough and asthma, as well as after treatment with Xiebai San. MethodsNine Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (physiological saline), a model group (physiological saline), and a Xiebai San group (9 g·kg-1), with three rats in each group. The model group and the Xiebai San group were both induced using lipopolysaccharide-ovalbumin (LPS-OVA) to establish an asthma rat model. After treatment with Xiebai San, the animals were euthanized on day 21 and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve morphology. Whole-animal tissue sections were prepared using a cryomicrotome, and imaging was performed using the Air-flow-assisted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (AFADESI-MSI) platform. Based on the corresponding optical images, ion data of metabolites from the lung and brain tissues of each group were extracted. Differential metabolites were analyzed using SIMCA and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Metabolites were identified using the HMDB (
3.Therapeutic Mechanisms of Xiebai San on Lung Heat-induced Cough and Asthma via Modulating Lung-Brain Axis Metabolism Based on Spatial Metabolomics
Yue XU ; Fuzhi MA ; Yeerjiang AYIMAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingce ZANG ; Zhijie MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):41-48
ObjectiveBased on whole-animal mass spectrometry imaging technology, spatial metabolomics was used to characterize in situ the metabolic alteration patterns in the lungs and brain of a rat model of lung heat-induced cough and asthma, as well as after treatment with Xiebai San. MethodsNine Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (physiological saline), a model group (physiological saline), and a Xiebai San group (9 g·kg-1), with three rats in each group. The model group and the Xiebai San group were both induced using lipopolysaccharide-ovalbumin (LPS-OVA) to establish an asthma rat model. After treatment with Xiebai San, the animals were euthanized on day 21 and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve morphology. Whole-animal tissue sections were prepared using a cryomicrotome, and imaging was performed using the Air-flow-assisted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (AFADESI-MSI) platform. Based on the corresponding optical images, ion data of metabolites from the lung and brain tissues of each group were extracted. Differential metabolites were analyzed using SIMCA and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Metabolites were identified using the HMDB (
4.Allogeneic lung transplantation in miniature pigs and postoperative monitoring
Yaobo ZHAO ; Ullah SALMAN ; Kaiyan BAO ; Hua KUI ; Taiyun WEI ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiaoting TAO ; Xinzhong NING ; Yong LIU ; Guimei ZHANG ; He XIAO ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Chang YANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Kaixiang XU ; Kun QIAO ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):95-105
Objective To explore the feasibility and reference value of allogeneic lung transplantation and postoperative monitoring in miniature pigs for lung transplantation research. Methods Two miniature pigs (R1 and R2) underwent left lung allogeneic transplantation. Complement-dependent cytotoxicity tests and blood cross-matching were performed before surgery. The main operative times and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) after opening the pulmonary artery were recorded during surgery. Postoperatively, routine blood tests, biochemical blood indicators and inflammatory factors were detected, and pathological examinations of multiple organs were conducted. Results The complement-dependent cytotoxicity test showed that the survival rate of lymphocytes between donors and recipients was 42.5%-47.3%, and no agglutination reaction occurred in the cross-matching. The first warm ischemia times of D1 and D2 were 17 min and 10 min, respectively, and the cold ischemia times were 246 min and 216 min, respectively. Ultimately, R1 and R2 survived for 1.5 h and 104 h, respectively. Postoperatively, in R1, albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) decreased, and alanine aminotransferase increased; in R2, ALB, GLB and aspartate aminotransferase all increased. Urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased in both recipients. Pathological results showed that in R1, the transplanted lung had partial consolidation with inflammatory cell infiltration, and multiple organs were congested and damaged. In R2, the transplanted lung had severe necrosis with fibrosis, and multiple organs had mild to moderate damage. The expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased in the transplanted lungs. Conclusions The allogeneic lung transplantation model in miniature pigs may systematically evaluate immunological compatibility, intraoperative function and postoperative organ damage. The data obtained may provide technical references for subsequent lung transplantation research.
5.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
6.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Complicated by ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Shaoying WANG ; Linyi PENG ; Ke ZHENG ; Zhiwei WANG ; Dachun ZHAO ; Xia ZHANG ; Lin ZHAO ; Wenhui WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):43-51
A 51-year-old male presented with nasal obstruction, followed by progressive hearing loss and blurred vision. Imaging identified space-occupying lesions in the paranasal sinuses, orbits, and paraspinal regions, while laboratory tests confirmed positive anti-proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(PR3- ANCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG)and markedly elevated serum IgG4. Despite treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and radiotherapy, the patient exhibited steroid dependency with relentless disease progression. Following multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) coexisting with ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) was favored, though IgG4-related disease remained a critical differential. Ultimately, profound immunosuppression precipitated a severe herpesvirus infection, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic complexity of concurrent IMT and AAV, highlights the therapeutic dilemma of balancing primary disease control against fatal opportunistic infections, and emphasizes the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases.
7.Macrophage Phenotypic Reprogramming and Renal Fibrosis: From Mechanistic Insights to Targeted Therapy
Jiahao ZHU ; Lubin XU ; Limeng CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):324-333
Renal fibrosis represents the core pathway through which chronic kidney disease progresses to end-stage renal failure. Therapeutic strategies targeting renal fibrosis provide an important approach for clinically mitigating the transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease. Macrophages, owing to their high heterogeneity in origin and phenotype, play a significant role in various stages of acute inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrosis, thereby holding substantial promise for the treatment of renal fibrosis. This review summarizes the pivotal role of renal macrophages in the transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease, with a focus on their temporal phenotypic reprogramming characteristics and the fibrotic microenvironment interaction network constituted by injured tubules, macrophages, and fibroblasts. On this basis, we systematically outline four core categories of macrophage-targeted intervention strategies: modulation of upstream signaling pathways, induction of macrophage phenotypic reprogramming, blockade of profibrotic factors and their downstream pathways, and selective depletion or engineered modification of profibrotic macrophage subsets. This review aims to provide new insights for future exploration of the timing, precision, and efficacy of macrophage-targeted therapies.
8.In Vitro Anti-psoriatic Effect of Kangfuxin Liquid via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Migration Ability and Blocking JAK3/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Shuai LI ; Xuan LIU ; Wenyan TANG ; Zhenqi WU ; Chunhui CHEN ; Dadan QIU ; Yi XU ; Chenggui ZHANG ; Jianquan ZHU ; Jiali ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):123-133
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity and potential mechanism of Kangfuxin liquid (KFX liquid), providing experimental evidence for the anti-psoriasis effect of KFX liquid. MethodsFirstly, the uninduced human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) were divided into seven groups, namely the control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effect of KFX liquid on the normal cell proliferation was detected by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. Secondly, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group and recombinant human interleukin-7A (rh-IL-7A) groups with different doses (5, 10, 50, 100, 120 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-17A (rh IL-17A) liquid, the effect of rh IL-17A on cell proliferation was detected. The optimal induction concentration was screened. Then, normal HaCaT cells were divided into a control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups established psoriasis cell models with the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effects of KFX liquid on the psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation were investigated. Finally, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group, rh IL-17A group, methotrexate (MTX) group, and KFX liquid groups with different doses (20, 40, 80 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups used the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A to establish psoriasis cell models. After being treated with different drugs, the cell migration levels were detected through scratch assays, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki-67 antigen (Ki67), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), thereby comprehensively evaluating the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity of KFX liquid. By detecting the relative mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine-20 (CXCL-20) inflammatory-related factors in psoriasis-like HaCaT cells and the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 3 (p-JAK3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), the mechanism was explored. ResultsCompared with that of control group, when treated with 80 g·L-1 KFX liquid for 72 h (P<0.05) and at different times with 160 g·L-1 KFX liquid, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly affected (P<0.01), while the other concentrations of KFX liquid had no significant differences in cell morphology and cell proliferation activity at different times, indicating that the KFX liquid is relatively safe for HaCaT cells and has no obvious toxic side effects. Compared with that of control group, when treated with different concentrations of rh IL-17A for 24 h, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly enhanced, and the cell activity was the strongest when the concentration was 100 μg·L-1 (P<0.05), with a density close to 100% and intact cell morphology, indicating that 100 μg·L-1 is the optimal concentration for inducing HaCaT cell proliferation. The results of the KFX liquid treatment on rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells show that the KFX liquid not only effectively inhibits the rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation activity (P<0.01), but also significantly reduces the migration ability of rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cells (P<0.01), and the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki67, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 (P<0.01). Moreover, the KFX liquid can significantly reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL-20 in rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells (P<0.01), and significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe KFX liquid has no obvious toxicity to uninduced HaCaT cells. It can inhibit rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation, reduce the cell migration ability, and has good in vitro anti-psoriasis activity. Its action mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in the JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins.
9.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Classic Formula Puji Xiaoduyin
Lianchao ZHU ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Zhidan GUO ; Rongze MA ; Zhengshao ZHANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Xiubo DU ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):238-247
Puji Xiaoduyin, a specialized formula for the swollen-head epidemic, was recorded in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formula (the Second Batch)-Han Medicine, published in September 2023. It had been inherited and developed by medical experts of successive generations and passed down to this day. This paper sorted out the historical evolution of this formula using bibliometric methods. It also comprehensively analyzed key information on the formula name, historical origin, drug dosage, herb origin, processing methods, decocting methods, function, and clinical applications. Additionally, this paper analyzed the application of this formula in both modern and ancient times. Results showed that the formula was first recorded as "Puji Xiaodu Yinzi" in LI Dongyuan's Proven Formulas written by LI Gao from the Jin dynasty. The medicinal composition and dosage were: Scutellariae Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma (20.65 g each), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 12.39 g, Scrophulariae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (8.26 g each), Forsythiae Fructus, Arctii Fructus, Isatidis Radix, and Lasiosphaera Calvatia (4.13 g each), Bombyx Batryticatus and Cimicifugae Rhizoma (2.891 g each), Bupleuri Radix and Platycodonis Radix (8.26 g each). These medicines were grounded to fine powder. One dose, including 20.65 g of the powder, was mixed with 600 mL of water and decocted to 300 mL. After abandoning slag, the medicine should be taken warm frequently. In the formula, Bombyx Batryticatus is stir-fired. With the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat, removing stagnation and dissipating mass, the formula is specialized in swollen-head epidemic, pestilence, red and swelling head, face, and neck, dry mouth and tongue, as well as other diseases resulting from toxic heat stagnated in the upper jiao. The formula is widely used in treating diseases involving the respiratory, dermal, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, and nervous systems. The formula is most frequently used for respiratory diseases, with a wide range of symptoms including parotitis/mumps (66 times), followed by tonsillitis (28 times). In conclusion, the broadly applied formula has accurate efficacy and great development value.
10.In Vitro Anti-psoriatic Effect of Kangfuxin Liquid via Inhibiting Cell Proliferation and Migration Ability and Blocking JAK3/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Shuai LI ; Xuan LIU ; Wenyan TANG ; Zhenqi WU ; Chunhui CHEN ; Dadan QIU ; Yi XU ; Chenggui ZHANG ; Jianquan ZHU ; Jiali ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):123-133
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity and potential mechanism of Kangfuxin liquid (KFX liquid), providing experimental evidence for the anti-psoriasis effect of KFX liquid. MethodsFirstly, the uninduced human immortalized keratinocyte cells (HaCaT cells) were divided into seven groups, namely the control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effect of KFX liquid on the normal cell proliferation was detected by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method. Secondly, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group and recombinant human interleukin-7A (rh-IL-7A) groups with different doses (5, 10, 50, 100, 120 g·L-1). After being treated with different concentrations of recombinant human interleukin-17A (rh IL-17A) liquid, the effect of rh IL-17A on cell proliferation was detected. The optimal induction concentration was screened. Then, normal HaCaT cells were divided into a control group and KFX liquid groups with different doses (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups established psoriasis cell models with the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A. After being treated with different concentrations of KFX liquid, the effects of KFX liquid on the psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation were investigated. Finally, the uninduced HaCaT cells were divided into six groups, namely the control group, rh IL-17A group, methotrexate (MTX) group, and KFX liquid groups with different doses (20, 40, 80 g·L-1). Except for the control group, the other groups used the optimal induction concentration of rh IL-17A to establish psoriasis cell models. After being treated with different drugs, the cell migration levels were detected through scratch assays, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki-67 antigen (Ki67), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8), and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), thereby comprehensively evaluating the in vitro anti-psoriasis activity of KFX liquid. By detecting the relative mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine-20 (CXCL-20) inflammatory-related factors in psoriasis-like HaCaT cells and the protein expression levels of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), phosphorylated Janus kinase 3 (p-JAK3), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), the mechanism was explored. ResultsCompared with that of control group, when treated with 80 g·L-1 KFX liquid for 72 h (P<0.05) and at different times with 160 g·L-1 KFX liquid, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly affected (P<0.01), while the other concentrations of KFX liquid had no significant differences in cell morphology and cell proliferation activity at different times, indicating that the KFX liquid is relatively safe for HaCaT cells and has no obvious toxic side effects. Compared with that of control group, when treated with different concentrations of rh IL-17A for 24 h, the HaCaT cell proliferation activity was significantly enhanced, and the cell activity was the strongest when the concentration was 100 μg·L-1 (P<0.05), with a density close to 100% and intact cell morphology, indicating that 100 μg·L-1 is the optimal concentration for inducing HaCaT cell proliferation. The results of the KFX liquid treatment on rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells show that the KFX liquid not only effectively inhibits the rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation activity (P<0.01), but also significantly reduces the migration ability of rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cells (P<0.01), and the relative mRNA expression levels of Ki67, S100A7, S100A8, and S100A9 (P<0.01). Moreover, the KFX liquid can significantly reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL-20 in rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like cells (P<0.01), and significantly inhibit the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe KFX liquid has no obvious toxicity to uninduced HaCaT cells. It can inhibit rh IL-17A-induced psoriasis-like HaCaT cell proliferation, reduce the cell migration ability, and has good in vitro anti-psoriasis activity. Its action mechanism may be related to downregulating the expression levels of inflammation-related cytokines in the JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway and inhibiting the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 proteins.

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