1.Laboratorydiagnosis and perinatal blood management of HDFN in a Jr(a-) pregnant woman
Pan XIAO ; Ke SONG ; Wei YANG ; Lingling LI ; Yi LIU ; Chunya MA ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):248-255
Objective: To report the antibody identification, blood management during pregnancy and the monitoring process of fetal hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in a pregnant woman with a history of blood transfusion and pregnancy who developed anti-Jr
. Methods: Saline tube technique and anti-human globulin technique were used for maternal blood typing, unexpected antibody screening and identification, as well as for determining antibody titer and IgG subclasses. PCR-SSP was employed for genotyping of 18 blood group systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized for gene sequencing of 38 blood group systems. Sanger sequencing was applied to verify rare blood group mutations detected by NGS and to investigate the corresponding rare blood group genes in family members. Blood preparation was achieved through anemia management in prenatal clinics and autologous blood collection during pregnancy. The newborn underwent the three primary tests for HDFN and plasma IgG subclass testing. Results: The pregnant woman's blood type was B, RhD positive, with a positive unexpected antibody screen, and the antibody identification pattern was consistent with a high-frequency antigen antibody. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous ABCG2 c.376C>T mutation in the woman, resulting in the Jr(a-) phenotype, and anti-Jr
antibody was present in her plasma. No compatible Jr(a-) blood was found among family members. The maternal anti-Jr
IgG titer remained stable at 256 during pregnancy, with no detectable IgG1 or IgG3 subclasses against the Jr
antigen. A total of 800 mL of autologous blood was collected in two stages during pregnancy. The newborn was B, RhD positive, Jr(a+), with a positive unexpected antibody screen (anti-Jr
). IgG subclass typing detected no IgG1 or IgG3. The direct antiglobulin test was positive, while the acid elution test was negative. Conclusion: The combination of serology and blood group genetic analysis provides a diagnostic basis for identifying antibodies to high-frequency antigens. Managing perinatal anemia and implementing staged autologous blood storage can secure blood supply for the perioperative period. IgG antibody subclass typing offers a reference for clinical assessment and prevention of HDFN.
2.Effect of maternal pyrethroid pesticides exposure during pregnancy on lymphocytes in 1-year-old children: A birth cohort study
Zhiye QI ; Xia XIAO ; Shuqi CHEN ; Dandan ZHAO ; Xiaoxiao SONG ; Yan LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):402-409
Background Pyrethroid pesticides (PYRs) can cross the placental barrier to cause intrauterine fetal exposure, which may lead to developmental immunotoxicity (DIT). However, the specific effect of maternal PYR exposure during pregnancy on the cellular immune function of 1-year-old children remains unclear. Objective To explore the effect of PYRs exposure throughout the entire pregnancy on peripheral blood lymphocytes in 1-year-old children and potential sensitive window period of PYRs exposure. Methods A birth cohort was established by enrolling pregnant women in their first trimester and following them and their infants until one year of age. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the levels of PYRs metabolites, including 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (4F3PBA), and cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2- dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DBCA), in the urine of pregnant women during the first trimester (gestational weeks 6-12), the second trimester (gestational weeks 21-24), and the third trimester (gestational weeks 33-36). Peripheral blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were measured in children at 12 months of age using the Coulter principle combined with flow cytometry. Exposure levels of PYRs metabolites in each trimester were divided into low, moderate, and high exposure groups based on the 25th (P25) and 75th (P75) percentiles. Meanwhile, participants were classified as having repeated high or low exposure if their metabolite levels were > P75 or <P25 in at least two trimesters, respectively, while all others were categorized as having repeated moderate exposure. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the associations between trimester-specific and repeated PYRs metabolite exposure levels and the peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts in children aged 1 year. Results A total of 336 mother-child pairs were included in this study. For the pregnant women, the total detection rates of maternal urinary 3PBA, 4F3PBA, and cis-DBCA across the three trimesters of pregnancy were 80.5%, 100.0%, and 81.3%, respectively; and median creatinine-corrected concentrations were 0.24, 0.36, and 0.42 μg·g−1, respectively. In children aged 1 year, the mean WBC and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood were (8.9±2.0)×109·L−1 and (5.7±1.6)×109·L−1, respectively. The results of the generalized linear model analysis indicated that compared to the low exposure group, the high cis-DBCA exposure group during the third trimester of pregnancy had significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−0.87, 95%CI: −1.51, −0.23) and lymphocyte count (β=−0.64, 95%CI: −1.15, −0.13); and the repeated high-exposure group of cis-DBCA had significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−1.34, 95%CI: −2.34, −0.34) and lymphocyte count (β=−0.80, 95%CI: −1.60, −0.01) than the repeated low exposure group. Similarly, the repeated moderate-exposure group of cis-DBCA had a significantly lower peripheral blood WBC count (β=−0.83, 95%CI: −1.59, −0.07) than the repeated low exposure group. Conclusion High maternal exposure to PYRs with cis-DBCA as the major metabolite exposure is associated with decreased peripheral leukocyte and lymphocyte counts in children aged 1 year, and repeated high-level exposure throughout gestation appears to exacerbate DIT in offspring. The third trimester of pregnancy maybe a sensitive window for children's DIT induced by exposure to PYRs during pregnancy.
3.Study on the safety and efficacy of micro-perfusion device for preserving isolated porcine limbs
Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Man YUAN ; Xiwei PENG ; Jia LÜ ; Sice WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Xiangyu SONG ; Yixuan ZHU ; Chonghui LI ; Moling XIAO ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):422-431
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-developed micro-normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) system (micro-perfusion device) for preserving isolated porcine limbs. Methods Five healthy Landrace pigs were selected, and their left and right forelimbs were randomly divided into the NMP group and static cold storage (SCS) group. The NMP group was perfused with the self-developed micro-perfusion device and polymerized hemoglobin perfusate for 32 hours at normothermia, while the SCS group was preserved at 4 ℃. Hemodynamic parameters such as perfusion pressure and flow were monitored. The pH value, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), lactic acid (Lac), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the perfusate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess the muscle tissue structure, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was employed to evaluate muscle cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry staining was applied to detect the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of time and treatment methods on tissue structure, cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors. Results The device could stably maintain a perfusion pressure of (69±15) mmHg and a flow rate of (117±42) mL/min. The pH value and electrolytes of the perfusate were generally stable, with PO2 maintained at a high level. Lac was maintained at 5.38(3.81, 6.45) mmol/L, while CK and LDH increased over time. After 32 hours of perfusion in the NMP group, both the myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate were better than those in the SCS group. Mixed-effects model analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate per unit time (both P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in TNF-α and IL-6 between the two groups, and mixed-effects model analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on TNF-α and IL-6 per unit time (both P > 0.05). Conclusions The micro-perfusion device used in this study may achieve 32-hour normothermic preservation in a porcine limb amputation model, maintain basic metabolism and ionic homeostasis, reduce muscle structural damage and cell apoptosis without inducing additional inflammatory responses. This technology is expected to significantly extend the time window for replantation of amputated limbs in disaster rescue and long-distance transportation, providing an important technical basis for clinical translation and subsequent replantation research.
4.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
5.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
6.Quantitative Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer MRI for Diagnosing Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Activity: A Prospective Feasibility Study
YunMeng WANG ; WeiYi ZHOU ; YuanYuan CUI ; JianKun DAI ; YuXin CHENG ; QingQing WEN ; TianYi XING ; HongBiao SUN ; Song JIANG ; MeiLing XU ; ZhenHuan WANG ; Yan SONG ; Tuo LI ; Yi XIAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):161-173
Objective:
This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for assessing disease activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Materials and Methods:
A total of 88 patients with active TAO, 76 with inactive TAO, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. CEST MRI-derived magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MTR asymmetry (MTRasym) at 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3.5 ppm were calculated. Clinical data, MTR, and MTRasym values for the extraocular muscles (one representative muscle per eye, yielding two measurements per participant) were compared among the groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine associations between imaging parameters and the clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent associations between imaging parameters and disease activity in patients with TAO (active vs. inactive). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for discriminating active from inactive TAO.
Results:
Patients with active TAO showed lower MTR values (P < 0.001) and higher MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (all P < 0.001) compared with those with inactive TAO. MTR was negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.402; P < 0.001), while MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.369, 0.350, and 0.349, respectively;all P < 0.001). MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) in discriminating active from inactive TAO were 0.772 and 0.730, respectively. Combining MTR with MTRasym (1 ppm) significantly improved diagnostic performance compared with either parameter alone, achieving an AUC of 0.805 (P = 0.029 and 0.001).
Conclusion
MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. Their combination further enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing active from inactive TAO, suggesting their potential as quantitative imaging biomarkers to guide treatment in patients with TAO.
7.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Ameliorates Psoriasis Induced by IMQ Combined with Restraint Stress in Mice by Regulating Neuro-immune Axis and Inhibiting Skin Homing of Th17 Cells
Haoruo YANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Qiubai JIN ; Jiaqi LI ; Xue XIAO ; Meiqi SUN ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):55-68
ObjectiveTo observe the effect and therapeutic effect of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on skin homing of Th17 cells in the mouse model of imiquimod (IMQ) combined with restraint stress-induced psoriasis-like skin damage, and to explore its potential mechanism from the perspective of neuro-immune axis. MethodsThirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated into five groups (n=6): Control, model (IMQ), restraint stress model (IMQ+RS), KXJD, and methotrexate (MTX). The mouse model of psoriasis-like skin damage was established by 5% IMQ combined with restraint stress. At the same time of modeling, each treatment group was treated with corresponding doses of drugs, and the control, IMQ, and IMQ+RS groups were treated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage once a day for 5 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the skin tissue and Baker scoring was performed. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20), and C-C motif chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) in the skin tissue were determined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to determine the protein expression of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), integrin αE (CD103), cytokeratin 10 (CK10), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the skin. Immunofluorescence double staining (DIF) was adopted to detect the expression and co-localization of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31), CCR6, CD103, substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) in the skin tissue. Real-time PCR was employed to quantify the mRNA levels of IL-10, IL-17A, and IL-23. ResultsCompared with the control group, the IMQ group and IMQ+RS group showed significant inflammatory cell infiltration, abnormal proliferation of epidermal cells, keratinization and other pathological changes in the skin tissue, and a significant increase in Baker score, elevated levels of IL-1β and Ang-2 in the serum and MMP-9, CCL20 and CCR6 in the skin lesions, upregulated expression of CLA, CD103, CK10, NF-κB, IL-17A mRNA, and IL-23 mRNA in the skin lesions, and downregulated expression of TIMP-1 and IL-10 mRNA. In addition, the fluorescence intensities of VE-cadherin and CD31 co-localization, CCR6 and CD103 co-localization, SP and PGP9.5 co-localization, and CGRP and PGP9.5 co-localization were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the IMQ group, the above indicators in the IMQ+RS group were further aggravated. Compared with the IMQ group, the above indicators in the IMQ+RS group were further aggravated. Compared with the IMQ+RS group, KXJD and MTX significantly alleviated the pathological damage of skin lesions, significantly decreased the Baker score, lowered the levels of IL-1β and Ang-2 in the serum and MMP-9, CCL20 and CCR6 in skin lesions, downregulated the expression of CLA, CD103, CK10, NF-κB, IL-17A mRNA and IL-23 mRNA in skin lesions, and upregulated the expression of TIMP-1 and IL-10 mRNA. Furthermore, KXJD and MTX reduced the fluorescence intensities of VE-cadherin and CD31 co-localization, CCR6 and CD103 co-localization, CGRP and PGP9.5 co-localization, and SP and PGP9.5 co-localization (P<0.05). ConclusionKXJD can significantly ameliorate the psoriasis-like skin damage induced by IMQ combined with restraint stress in mice by regulating the neural-immune axis and inhibiting the skin homing of Th17 cells.
8.Construction of Mouse Models of Psoriasis-like Lesions Induced by Cold Exposure Combined with Imiquimod and Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription
Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Jiarong WU ; Jiaqi LI ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Mengyao JIANG ; Huan LIU ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):69-78
ObjectiveTo establish the mouse models of psoriasis-like lesions induced by continuous cold exposure or intermittent cold exposure combined with imiquimod (IMQ), and to evaluate the interventional effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on the two models. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were selected and classified into two experimental batches. The first batch of 36 mice was randomized into a room temperature group, a continuous cold exposure (10 ℃/24 h) group, and an intermittent cold exposure (10 ℃/6 h) group. Each group was further divided into a normal subgroup and a model subgroup (topical application of IMQ to induce skin lesions), with 6 mice in each subgroup, for modeling and evaluation. The second batch of 54 mice, with 6 in each group, were subjected to the same temperature grouping with an additional KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) group. Comprehensive evaluation of model characteristics and KXJD efficacy was conducted through Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scoring, skin temperature measurement by infrared thermography, histopathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, detection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31) by immunohistochemistry, detection of Claudin-1 and Occludin by immunofluorescence assay, determination of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-10 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantification of mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) in skin lesions by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsModel mice in all temperature groups exhibited typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal groups, the model groups showed increased PASI scores, decreased skin temperatures (P<0.05), obvious epidermal thickening, parakeratosis, and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as elevated mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 (P<0.05). Cold exposure further aggravated psoriasis. The total PASI score of the intermittent cold exposure model group was higher than that of the room temperature model group (P<0.05). The serum IL-10 did not show a compensatory elevation, and the blood vessels presented a characteristic of elevated CD31 expression (P<0.05) without a synchronous increase in VEGF. The continuous cold exposure model group exhibited more significant dermal capillary tortuosity and dilation, with the highest mRNA levels of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, and CCL20 among all groups. Compared with the respective model groups, KXJD intervention alleviated skin lesions, reduced epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased skin temperature, with the temperature increase being particularly significant in the intermittent cold exposure+KXJD group (P<0.05). Furthermore, KXJD down-regulated the expression of VEGF and CD31, restored the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin, decreased the mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.05), and reduced the serum TNF-α level. ConclusionThis study successfully established compound psoriasis-like mouse models induced by cold exposure combined with IMQ. It confirms that cold aggravates the severity of psoriasis by exacerbating the closure of Xuanfu (sweat pores), microcirculation disorders, and immune imbalance. Moreover, different cold exposure patterns have distinct mechanism differences. Continuous cold exposure focuses on enhancing the inflammatory response via the IL-23/IL-17 axis and angiogenesis, simulating chronic aggravation under a long-term cold environment. Intermittent cold exposure tends to impair immune regulation and induce microvascular endothelial stress, corresponding to acute exacerbations caused by sudden temperature drops. KXJD can effectively alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions under cold conditions by unblocking Xuanfu, regulating vasomotor function, and correcting abnormal immune-inflammatory responses.
9.Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription Alleviates Psoriatic Skin Lesions in Mice by Modulating Cold-sensitive TRPM8 Neuron-derived Signaling
Xue XIAO ; Bin YANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Haoruo YANG ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Yuanyao SHE ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):89-101
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on skin lesions in psoriasis-like mouse models under cold environment exposure, and to analyze its influences on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and related neuroimmune regulatory factors. MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6J mice were randomized into 6 groups, with 6 mice in each group. Two feeding conditions were set: Normal temperature and cold [simulating a cold environment at (10±0.5) ℃, for 6 h daily]. Mice were induced to develop psoriasis-like lesions by applying imiquimod externally. The model mice were allocated into model groups and KXJD (30.42 g·kg-1, continuous gavage for 5 days) groups. Normal mice were used as the control group. Specifically, mice were allocated into normal temperature, normal temperature model, normal temperature+KXJD, cold exposure control, cold exposure model, and cold exposure+KXJD groups. The pathological changes in skin lesions were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 3+ T lymphocytes, CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and substance P (SP) were detected by immunofluorescence assay. The protein level of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) in the skin tissue was determined by Western blot. The expression of TRPM8, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1), and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 2 (TRPV2) at the protein and mRNA levels was determined by immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR, respectively. The levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the serum were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and TRP pathway network construction were conducted based on the GEO database. The co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions was verified by immunofluorescence double labeling. ResultsBoth the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups showed typical psoriasis-like skin lesions. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure control groups, the model groups had excessive epidermal keratinization, thickened spinous layer, and inflammatory infiltration in the dermis, with increased pathological scores (P<0.05), increased infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and expression of p-ERK and SP, upregulated mRNA levels of TRPM8, TRPA1, and TRPV2, downregulated mRNA level of TRPV1 (P<0.05), and reduced content of CGRP and increased content of NPY in the serum. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reduced the pathological manifestations and pathological scores of psoriasis-like skin lesions (P<0.05), and inhibited the infiltration of CD3+ and CD11c+ cells and the expression of p-ERK and SP. Gene enrichment analysis suggested that the DEGs of psoriasis were significantly enriched in the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway and TRP channel inflammatory regulation. Compared with the normal temperature and cold exposure model groups, KXJD reversed the abnormal mRNA levels of genes related to the TRP channel subfamilies (P<0.05), increased the CGRP level, and decreased the NPY level. Immunofluorescence double labeling further confirmed that compared with the model groups, KXJD down-regulated the co-expression of TRPM8 and CGRP in the skin lesions. ConclusionKXJD may ameliorate psoriasis-like skin lesions by downregulating the overexpressed cold-sensitive receptor TRPM8 in skin lesions and correcting the disorder of neuropeptide (such as SP and CGRP) release mediated by it, thereby inhibiting the IL-23/helper T cell 17 (Th17) core inflammatory pathway, suppressing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, and regulating the Xuanfu (sweat pore)-TRPM8-neuroimmune response axis.
10.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Ameliorating Psoriasis-like Inflammation via TrkA Receptor-mediated Regulation of CGRP Expression and Dendritic Cell Activation
Huan LIU ; Mengyao JIANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Meiqi SUN ; Xue XIAO ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):102-110
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on neuroimmunological inflammation in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice. MethodsA total of 24 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): Normal, model, KXJD, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor GW441756 groups. The mice in the model, KXJD, and GW441756 groups were topically treated with 5% IMQ cream (62.5 mg·d-1) on the back to induce psoriasis-like inflammation. The KXJD group received KXJD by gavage (30.42 g·kg-1), the GW441756 group received intraperitoneal injection of GW441756 (10 mg·kg-1), and the normal and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, with continuous intervention for 5 days. The severity of skin lesions was evaluated using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to measure epidermal thickness and observe pathological changes in the lesioned skin. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in the lesioned skin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lesioned tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TrkA and phosphorylated TrkA (p-TrkA). Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the expression of TrkA receptor, protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), cluster of differentiation 11c (CD11c), and CGRP in the lesions. Flow cytometry was used to detect the activation of splenic dendritic cells (DCs). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited typical psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, infiltration and scaling, with histopathological findings of epidermal hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. The model group showed significantly increased expression of Ki67, IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased fluorescence intensity of CD11c, and significantly decreased CGRP expression (P<0.05). The splenic DC activation was significantly enhanced, as indicated by the increased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD86 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both the KXJD and GW441756 groups showed amelioration of the psoriasis-like skin inflammation, with significantly down-regulated expression of IL-17A, IL-23 and p-TrkA (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly up-regulated expression of CGRP (P<0.01), reduced CD11c+ DC infiltration, and restored splenic DC activation balance (down-regulated CD86 MFI and up-regulated CD80 and CD40 MFI). Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of KXJD on Ki67 was significantly superior to that of the GW441756 group (P<0.01). ConclusionKXJD may alleviate IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice by targeting and inhibiting TrkA receptor phosphorylation, regulating CGRP expression in the lesions, and ameliorating aberrant activation of dendritic cells, while also significantly inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation.

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