1.Impact of visceral fat area on significant liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and establishment of a predictive model
Jingkai YUAN ; Fengming ZHAO ; Huangqi LIN ; Meijie SHI ; Huanming XIAO ; Yubao XIE ; Xiaoling CHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):312-318
ObjectiveTo investigate whether visceral fat area (VFA) is an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on clinical data, and to establish an effective diagnostic model. MethodsA total of 222 NAFLD patients who attended Department of Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from January 2021 to April 2025 were enrolled, and according to liver stiffness measurement (≥8 kPa or not), they were divided into significant fibrosis group and non-significant fibrosis group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed at a ratio of 1∶1 to balance the baseline data between the two groups. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation of VFA and other indicators with significant liver fibrosis; univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify whether VFA was an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the predictive performance of related indicators. ResultsA total of 45 patients with significant liver fibrosis and 177 patients without significant liver fibrosis were enrolled, and after PSM, 90 patients (45 pairs) were finally included in analysis. Compared with the non-significant fibrosis group, the significant fibrosis group had significantly higher levels of body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and VFA, as well as a significantly higher proportion of patients with visceral fat obesity or three or more metabolic risk factors (all P<0.05). VFA, BMI, AST, and HbA1c were strongly correlated with significant liver fibrosis (all r>0.5, all P <0.05), and ALT, GGT, UA, FBG, and CAP were significantly positively correlated with significant liver fibrosis (r=0.3 — 0.5, all P<0.05). VFA (odds ratio [OR]=1.040, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.018 — 1.062, P<0.05), FBG (OR=2.372, 95%CI: 1.199 — 4.691, P<0.05), and AST (OR=1.032, 95%CI: 1.003 — 1.058, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. The new diagnostic model based on VFA, FBG, and AST (with an area under the ROC curve [AUC] of 0.907) had a significantly better performance than aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (AUC=0.834), fibrosis-4 (AUC=0.660), triglyceride-glucose index (AUC=0.656), and NAFLD fibrosis score (AUC=0.768) in predicting significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients (all P<0.05). ConclusionVFA is an independent risk factor for significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients, and the noninvasive diagnostic model based on VFA, FBG, and AST can effectively predict the onset of significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
2.Antiasthmatic effect and mechanism of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair on the respiratory center
Jiayu TIAN ; Tianyi YANG ; Jingen XIE ; Linlin CHEN ; Qian RAO ; Xiong XIAO ; Yongchun HOU ; Wenhong LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):870-876
OBJECTIVE To preliminarily investigate the antiasthmatic effect and mechanism of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair on the respiratory center. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, dexamethasone group (positive control), and Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum 2∶1, 1∶1 and 1∶2 groups. Rats in each group were administered different ratios of the herb pair decoction [all at 18 g (crude drug)/kg], dexamethasone suspension (0.5 mg/kg), or normal saline intragastrically twice daily for seven consecutive days. Forty minutes after the last administration, medicated cerebrospinal fluid was collected to determine the content of effective components entering the brain. One and a half hours after the last administration, the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) was located using a stereotaxic apparatus. Histamine phosphate (1 μL) was injected into the NTS region at a constant rate of 1 μL/min using a 10 μL microsyringe to induce excitation of the respiratory center in rats; the blank group was injected with normal saline. The contents of neurotransmitters [nerve growth factor (NGF), substance P (SP), norepinephrine (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and acetylcholine (Ach)] in the medulla oblongata brain tissue were detected. The mRNA expressions of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and c-fos in the medulla oblongata, as well as the protein expressions of NK-1R, p38 MAPK, and c-fos in the NTS region, were determined. RESULTS The main active components of Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair entering the brain were ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and methylephedrine. Compared with blank group, the contents of NGF, SP, NA, 5-HT and Ach, and the relative expression levels of NK-1R, p38 MAPK, and c-fos mRNA and protein were significantly increased in the model group ( P <0.01). Compared with model group, Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair groups with different ratios significantly reduced the neurotransmitter contents and the relative expression levels of NK-1R, p38 MAPK, and c-fos mRNA and protein ( P <0.01), with the 2∶1 Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair and 1∶1 mass ratios showing relatively better effects. CONCLUSIONS Ephedrae Herba alkaloids are the main active components in affecting the function of the respiratory center. The herb pair groups with a larger proportion of Ephedrae Herba exhibit stronger effects. Ephedrae Herba-Armeniacae Semen Amarum herb pair can reduce the excitability of the respiratory center by down-regulating the expression of the NK-1R/MAPK/c-fos pathway in the NTS and decreasing the abnormal release of neurotransmitters such as NGF and SP.
3.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
4.Efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with ICI as first-line treatment for advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center retrospective cohort study of 37 patients
LIN Yong1△ ; XIAO Chunmei2△ ; XIE Qiang2 ; CHEN Qun2 ; SHI Qin2 ; LUO Yang2 ; HU Ying2 ; LIN Heng2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):155-162
[摘 要] 目的:探讨安罗替尼联合免疫检查点抑制剂(ICI)作为一线方案治疗晚期肺鳞状细胞癌(LUSC)的有效性及安全性。方法:采用单中心回顾性队列设计,连续纳入2018年10月至2023年12月福建省福州肺科医院收治的37例初治晚期LUSC患者。所有患者接受安罗替尼(剂量为8、10或12 mg/d,用药2周/停药1周)联合ICI治疗。主要终点为无进展生存期(PFS),次要终点包括客观缓解率(ORR)、疾病控制率(DCR)及治疗相关不良事件(TRAE)。结果:全组患者中位随访15.2个月,ORR达54.1%(20/37),DCR为97.3%(36/37),中位PFS为11.8个月(95%CI:8.3~NA),12个月PFS率为48.6%。探索性亚组分析显示:安罗替尼12 mg剂量组的中位PFS(未达到 vs 7.5个月,HR = 0.09,95%CI:0.01~0.67,P < 0.01)及ORR(100% vs 42.9%,P < 0.01)均显著优于8/10 mg组。分期分层显示ⅢB/ⅢC期患者ORR显著优于Ⅳ期(84.6% vs 41.7%,P = 0.02)。安全性方面,62.2%(23/37)的患者发生TRAE,以1~2级高血压[29.7%(11/37)]、手足综合征[21.6%(8/37)]为主,3例(8.1%)因3级TRAE终止治疗。结论:安罗替尼联合ICI作为晚期LUSC一线治疗方案具有良好的疗效前景和可管理的安全性。其中,12 mg剂量组在探索性分析中显示出更优疗效的潜在信号,早期分期患者ORR更高。该结果值得开展大规模前瞻性研究进行进一步验证。
5.Mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis based on macrophage polarization
Huaping ZHONG ; Qicheng ZHU ; Zhengwei ZOU ; Zhengyi HE ; Heping XIE ; Xu CHEN ; Zhisheng DUAN ; Tian XIAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):438-443
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of action of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction against atherosclerosis (AS)based on macrophage polarization. METHODS Using atorvastatin served as the positive control, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction was prepared to treat RAW264.7 macrophages. Macrophage viability, apoptosis rate, and the fluorescence intensities of CD86 and CD206 were measured, along with the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Apolipoprotei n E-deficient (ApoE -/- ) mice (AS model mice) fed with a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to model group, atorvastatin group (2.6 mg/kg), and low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction (90, 180, 360 mg/kg), respectively. C57BL/6J mice fed with a standard diet served as the normal control group, with 10 mice per group. The treatment group mice were administered the corresponding drugs intragastrically, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in all groups. Lipid deposition in the aorta (assessed by the percentage of plaque in the entire aorta and aortic root) and morphological changes in the aortic root were observed. Expression levels of CD86 and CD206 in aortic tissue, as well as the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1 (Arg-1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) in aortic tissues were all detected. RESULTS Cell experiment results showed that, at concentrations of 5-100 μg/mL, the drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction significantly increased RAW264.7 cell viability ( P <0.05). The drug-containing serum of the Qingre huatan huoxue decoction at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL, along with atorvastatin, significantly reduced apoptosis rates, CD86 fluorescence intensity, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels in RAW264.7 cells, while markedly enhancing CD206 fluorescence intensity ( P <0.05). Animal experiment results showed that, compared with the model group, all dosage groups of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction and the atorvastatin group showed significantly reduced/down-regulated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum, along with decreased aortic total and root plaque percentages, CD86 expression, and iNOS protein expression. CD206 expression and Arg-1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PPAR-γ protein expression were significantly up-regulated ( P <0.05). Pathological morphology of the aorta showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS The formula of Qingre huatan huoxue decoction exerts its anti-AS effects by regulating macrophage polarization, increasing the proportion of M2 macrophages, thereby effectively inhibiting AS plaque formation and reducing inflammatory responses.
6.Cerium dioxide nanoparticles regulate expression of inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages and affect fibroblast co-culture system
Peisen XIE ; Zhenpeng GUAN ; Xianjie WEI ; Keshi ZHANG ; Qingyuan KANG ; Wentao XIAO ; Xiaoshuai GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):375-383
BACKGROUND:Macrophage polarization plays a key role in chronic inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.Cerium dioxide(CeO2)nanoparticles have a wide range of biomedical applications such as modulating the local inflammatory microenvironment of tissues.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of CeO2 nanoparticles on macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor expression,as well as inflammatory modulation in a co-culture system of macrophages and fibroblasts.METHODS:(1)CeO2 nanoparticles were dispersed and observed morphologically by transmission electron microscopy.(2)Human leukemia monocytes(THP-1)were induced to differentiate and establish the M1 macrophage pro-inflammatory cell model of rheumatoid arthritis.The cells were divided into M0 group(undifferentiated macrophages),M1 group(successful macrophage modeling),CeO2 nanoparticle treatment group(M1 group with CeO2 nanoparticle treatment),and dexamethasone control group(M1 group with dexamethasone treatment)and incubated for 48 hours.The effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on the expression of inflammatory factors(endogenous nitric oxide synthase,CD86,CD80)in M1 macrophages and M1 macrophage phenotype(CD80,CD206)were detected by RT-qPCR,western blot assay,and flow cytometry.(3)A co-culture system of macrophages and fibroblasts was established,and CeO2 nanoparticles acted on the upper macrophages.The regulation of CeO2 nanoparticles on the expression of inflammatory factors(interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,cyclooxygenase-2,and endogenous nitric oxide synthase)of fibroblasts in the co-culture system was observed at the mRNA and protein levels.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Transmission electron microscopy showed that the diameter of CeO2 nanoparticles was(19.5±2.0)nm.(2)Compared with the M0 group,the mRNA of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD86,and the protein expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD80 in the M1 group were upregulated.Compared with the M1 group,the mRNA expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD86,and the protein expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD80 in the CeO2 nanoparticle treatment group were downregulated.Flow cytometry showed that 20 nm CeO2 nanoparticles downregulated the number of M1 macrophages.(3)Compared with the M1 group,20 nm CeO2 nanoparticles downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin 6,cyclooxygenase 2,and endogenous nitric oxide synthase)in the co-culture system HFL1 cells.(4)The results showed that 20 nm CeO2 nanoparticles can alleviate inflammation in the co-culture system by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages,providing a new idea for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
7.Cerium dioxide nanoparticles regulate expression of inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages and affect fibroblast co-culture system
Peisen XIE ; Zhenpeng GUAN ; Xianjie WEI ; Keshi ZHANG ; Qingyuan KANG ; Wentao XIAO ; Xiaoshuai GUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):375-383
BACKGROUND:Macrophage polarization plays a key role in chronic inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.Cerium dioxide(CeO2)nanoparticles have a wide range of biomedical applications such as modulating the local inflammatory microenvironment of tissues.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role of CeO2 nanoparticles on macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor expression,as well as inflammatory modulation in a co-culture system of macrophages and fibroblasts.METHODS:(1)CeO2 nanoparticles were dispersed and observed morphologically by transmission electron microscopy.(2)Human leukemia monocytes(THP-1)were induced to differentiate and establish the M1 macrophage pro-inflammatory cell model of rheumatoid arthritis.The cells were divided into M0 group(undifferentiated macrophages),M1 group(successful macrophage modeling),CeO2 nanoparticle treatment group(M1 group with CeO2 nanoparticle treatment),and dexamethasone control group(M1 group with dexamethasone treatment)and incubated for 48 hours.The effects of CeO2 nanoparticles on the expression of inflammatory factors(endogenous nitric oxide synthase,CD86,CD80)in M1 macrophages and M1 macrophage phenotype(CD80,CD206)were detected by RT-qPCR,western blot assay,and flow cytometry.(3)A co-culture system of macrophages and fibroblasts was established,and CeO2 nanoparticles acted on the upper macrophages.The regulation of CeO2 nanoparticles on the expression of inflammatory factors(interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,cyclooxygenase-2,and endogenous nitric oxide synthase)of fibroblasts in the co-culture system was observed at the mRNA and protein levels.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Transmission electron microscopy showed that the diameter of CeO2 nanoparticles was(19.5±2.0)nm.(2)Compared with the M0 group,the mRNA of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD86,and the protein expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD80 in the M1 group were upregulated.Compared with the M1 group,the mRNA expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD86,and the protein expression of endogenous nitric oxide synthase and CD80 in the CeO2 nanoparticle treatment group were downregulated.Flow cytometry showed that 20 nm CeO2 nanoparticles downregulated the number of M1 macrophages.(3)Compared with the M1 group,20 nm CeO2 nanoparticles downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor α,interleukin 6,cyclooxygenase 2,and endogenous nitric oxide synthase)in the co-culture system HFL1 cells.(4)The results showed that 20 nm CeO2 nanoparticles can alleviate inflammation in the co-culture system by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages,providing a new idea for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
8.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
9.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.
10.Prognostic value of quantitative flow ratio measured immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion.
Zheng QIAO ; Zhang-Yu LIN ; Qian-Qian LIU ; Rui ZHANG ; Chang-Dong GUAN ; Sheng YUAN ; Tong-Qiang ZOU ; Xiao-Hui BIAN ; Li-Hua XIE ; Cheng-Gang ZHU ; Hao-Yu WANG ; Guo-Feng GAO ; Ke-Fei DOU
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(4):433-442
BACKGROUND:
The clinical impact of post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) quantitative flow ratio (QFR) in patients treated with PCI for chronic total occlusion (CTO) was still undetermined.
METHODS:
All CTO vessels treated with successful anatomical PCI in patients from PANDA III trial were retrospectively measured for post-PCI QFR. The primary outcome was 2-year vessel-oriented composite endpoints (VOCEs, composite of target vessel-related cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was conducted to identify optimal cutoff value of post-PCI QFR for predicting the 2-year VOCEs, and all vessels were stratified by this optimal cutoff value. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI.
RESULTS:
Among 428 CTO vessels treated with PCI, 353 vessels (82.5%) were analyzable for post-PCI QFR. 31 VOCEs (8.7%) occurred at 2 years. Mean value of post-PCI QFR was 0.92 ± 0.13. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis shown the optimal cutoff value of post-PCI QFR for predicting 2-year VOCEs was 0.91. The incidence of 2-year VOCEs in the vessel with post-PCI QFR < 0.91 (n = 91) was significantly higher compared with the vessels with post-PCI QFR ≥ 0.91 (n = 262) (22.0% vs. 4.2%, HR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.32-10.70).
CONCLUSIONS
Higher post-PCI QFR values were associated with improved prognosis in the PCI practice for coronary CTO. Achieving functionally optimal PCI results (post-PCI QFR value ≥ 0.91) tends to get better prognosis for patients with CTO lesions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail