1.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.
2.Recommendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody for Alzheimer's disease(2025)
Nan ZHI ; Jinwen XIAO ; Rujing REN ; Binyin LI ; Jintao WANG ; Jieli GENG ; Wenwei CAO ; Yaying SONG ; Hualong WANG ; Shuguang CHU ; Guoping PENG ; Jun LIU ; Xiaoyun LIU ; Fang YUAN ; Wen WANG ; Ronghua DOU ; Xia LI ; Ling YUE ; Wenshi WEI ; Xiaoling PAN ; Xiangyang ZHU ; Dian HE ; Weinü FAN ; Jingping SHI ; Nan ZHANG ; Hui ZHAO ; Qin CHEN ; Cuibai WEI ; Xiaochun CHEN ; Gang WANG
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(9):1133-1140
In recent years,significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.In line with global advancements,two anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies have been approved and successfully launched in China for clinical use.Lecanemab and Donanemab were officially used in June 2024 and April 2025 in China,respectively.In order to standardize the rational and safe application of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies for Alzheimer's disease in China,this article integrates recom-mendations from the clinical trials and real-world experience from the author's team and domestic peers to further update the recom-mendations for the clinical use of anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibody based on the 2024 version.It includes indications for therapy,pre-treatment evaluation and preparation,administration protocols and safety measures during treatment,and post-treatment monitor-ing strategies.
3.Detection of Ketamine and Norketamine Using an Aptamer-Functionalized Gra-phene Oxide Fluorescent Sensor
Li-Xia WEI ; Bo LIU ; Xiao-Yuan YANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Yi-Feng LAN ; Chao ZHANG ; Juan JIA ; Dan ZHANG ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Ke-Ming YUN ; Zhe CHEN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(4):326-339
Objective To construct an aptamer-functionalized carboxylated graphene oxide(CGO)fluo-rescent sensor to achieve highly sensitive and specific detection of ketamine(KET)and its metabolite norketamine(NK)using an aptamer capable of simultaneously recognizing KET and NK.Methods A specific aptamer for simultaneous recognition of KET and NK was screened using graphene oxide-sys-tematic evolution of ligand by exponential enrichment(GO-SELEX)and molecular docking tech-niques.The aptamer,labeled with Cy5 fluorescence,was chemically conjugated to CGO to construct an aptamer-functionalized CGO fluorescent sensor.By optimizing detection conditions,including the mass concentration of CGO,aptamer concentration,reaction temperature,and incubation time,quantita-tive analysis of the target analytes was achieved using the ratio of fluorescence intensity changes be-fore and after target addition.The stability of the sensor in biological matrices was evaluated by moni-toring fluorescence intensity changes over incubation time in blank blood and urine,in comparison with the traditional physical adsorption-based CGO fluorescent sensor.Spiked recovery experiments in blank blood and urine were conducted to compare performance with that of HPLC-MS/MS.Results A specific aptamer A5 was selected and chemically conjugated with CGO to construct the aptamer-functionalized CGO fluorescent sensor.Under optimized conditions,the proposed fluorescent sensor ex-hibited a linear detection range of 1.0-5.0 ng/mL for KET,with a limit of detection(LOD)of 0.86 ng/mL;while for NK,the linear detection range was 1.0-5.0 ng/mL,with an LOD of 0.70 ng/mL.Com-pared with the CGO fluorescent sensor constructed via physical adsorption,this sensor demonstrated greater stability in blood and urine.The spiked recovery rates of KET and NK in blank blood and urine ranged from 81.50%to 110.03%,exhibiting detection performance comparable to that of HPLC-MS/MS.Conclusion The aptamer screening method offers a novel approach for selecting aptamers tar-geting drugs and their metabolites.The constructed aptamer-functionalized CGO fluorescent sensor pro-vides an efficient and reliable strategy for the high-performance detection of KET and NK.
4.A Novel Scorpion Toxin LmKTx13 Inhibits the Voltage-gated Potassium Channel Kv1.3
Jia-Xin QIN ; Xiao-Qing LUO ; Min-Juan LU ; Jun-Xian JU ; Qing ZHOU ; Wen-Xing WANG ; Zhong-Hua LIU ; Min-Zhi CHEN ; Xi ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(10):1392-1401
Kv1.3,a voltage-gated potassium channel,is highly expressed in T lymphocytes,the nervous system,and vascular smooth muscle cells.It plays a critical role in membrane excitability and electrical signal transduction,serving as an important target for studying T-cell function and providing a promising direction for developing therapeutics against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.Therefore,the de-velopment of specific inhibitors of Kv1.3 channel has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy for these disorders.In this study,we isolated and purified a novel Kv1.3-inhibitory peptide toxin,LmKTx13,from the venom of the scorpion Lychas mucronatus using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chroma-tography(RP-HPLC).LmKTx13 consists of 38 amino acid residues,including six cysteines that form three disulfide bonds.Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that LmKTx13 potently inhibited Kv1.3 with an IC50 of 7.92±3.0 nmol/L.Selectivity analysis showed that 2 μmol/L LmKTx13 also in-hibited Kv1.2 and Kv1.7,but exhibited no significant effects on other potassium channel subtypes or voltage-gated sodium channels.Further investigation into the mechanism demonstrated that LmKTx13 acts as a pore-blocking inhibitor of Kv1.3.By analyzing the effects of LmKTx13 on Kv1.3 channel gating ki-netics and performing sequence alignment of the pore regions of Kv1.3 and Kv1.5,we constructed site-directed mutants and identified the pore region of Kv1.3 as the critical binding site for LmKTx13.Key residues involved in the interaction included T425,G427,and H451.In summary,we discovered a no-vel pore-blocking Kv1.3 inhibitor,LmKTx13,from L.mucronatus venom,which exhibits high affinity and selectivity for Kv1.3.These findings highlight its potential as a potential lead molecule for developing Kv1.3-targeted therapeutics.
5.CNV Encompassing SNP Detection by Cross-reactivity Probe
Xiao-Mei HU ; Chen ZHOU ; Pin-Zheng ZHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Wen LI ; Yu-Kai MA ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):895-902
Copy number variation encompassing SNP plays an important role in IVD and precision medi-cine.As the most commonly used method,FISH could not overcome the probe cross-reactivity which is common when to detect SNP.Here we developed a quantitative and qualitative method on copy number variation encompassing SNP.In this study,the rs76711854 was used as an example to establish a quanti-tative method by advantage of probe cross-reactivity.The fragment encompassing rs76711854 and its downstream to 9 514 bp were amplified by PCR.The allelic genotypes were verified by Sanger sequen-cing.Different probes with or without cross-reactivity to be used via quantitative real-time PCR and digit-al PCR.The different clusters(2D)and fluorescence intensity layers(1D)exist by adding probe with cross-reactivity.The A/G ratio measured by digital PCR is 2︰1,which is verified by probe targeting to the SNP.The copy-number variant exists in the 9kb-long fragment upstream to the SNP of prostate cancer cell line but not in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa.The data suggest that there is a multi-copy variation at this locus in DU145 cells.The method applied here is based on one single cross-reactivity probe via digital PCR.
6.Analysis of toxic material basis of Dryopteris crassirhizoma by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Rong-hui ZHENG ; Cui-jie WEI ; Fei-fei XIE ; Xin-ya WAN ; Xiao-jie LIANG ; Zhi-wen DUAN ; Dong-mei SUN ; Xiang-dong CEHN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3305-3314
AIM To establish a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for analyzing the toxic material basis of 95%ethanol cold soaked ultrasonic extract(EC),95%ethanol heated reflux extract(EH)and water decoction extract(WD)from Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 25 ℃ thermostatic agilent ZORBAX RRHD StableBond C18 column(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-0.2%formic acid flowing at 0.30 mL/min,and heated electrospray ion source was adopted in positive and negative ion scanning.Compounds were identified by Compound Discover 3.3 software combined with the database and related literature,and the main differential components were screened by Heatmap cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis.RESULTS 72 compounds were identified(22 phloroglucinols,19 flavonoids,8 phenylpropanoids,6 terpenoids and 17 other components).The main toxic differential components were phloroglucinols such as flavaspidic acid AB,didemethylpseudoaspidin AA and filixic acid PBP,flavonoids such as(-)-epicatechin,(-)-epigallocatechin,cianidanol,and other compounds such as indole-3-carboxaldehyde.CONCLUSION This method can rapidly,effectively and comprehensively characterize the main chemical composition of D.crassirhizoma,and provide a reference for the study of its pharmacological mechanism.
7.Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Analysis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants and Construction of Prognostic Prediction Model
Zhi-jun SONG ; Hao LUO ; Xiao-yun CHU ; Xiao-yue ZHANG ; Bo-wen WENG ; Cheng CAI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(14):2269-2278
Objective:To investigate the clinical management,complications,and prognostic prediction model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in preterm infants.Methods:A total of 854 very preterm infants(gestational age ≤ 32 weeks)admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU)of Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively enrolled.After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria,713 infants were included.Based on the 2018 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development(NICHD)diagnostic criteria for BPD,the cohort was divided into a BPD group(n=164)and a non-BPD group(n=549).Clinical data of infants and maternal characteristics were compared between groups.Univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for BPD and evaluate clinical management.A nomogram model was subsequently developed to predict BPD prognosis.Results:Gestational age,duration of non-invasive ventilation,total oxygen therapy time,total hospital stay,hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus(hsPDA),maximum diameter of patent ductus arteriosus(PDA),fetal growth restriction(FGR),use of vasoactive agents,and proportion of pulmonary surfactant administration were identified as independent risk factors for BPD(all P<0.05,OR>0).The nomogram model demonstrated excellent predictive performance,with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.93 and a calibration curve slope approaching 1.The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated satisfactory model calibration(x2=8.2865,P=0.406).Conclusion:Gestational age,non-invasive ventilation duration,total oxygen therapy time,total hospital stay,hsPDA,PDA maximum diameter,FGR,vasoactive agents,and pulmonary surfactant use are critical predictors of BPD in preterm infants.The prognostic models for BPD incidence and severity,constructed based on these factors,exhibit strong predictive accuracy and may serve as a valuable clinical tool for risk stratification and early intervention.
8.Effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on biological properties of BLM DNA helicase
Wang-ming ZHANG ; Qin-ying FENG ; Xiao-yu SONG ; Xin-zhong ZHOU ; Juan LU ; Wan-qing XIE ; Zhi-wen LAI ; Wei-dong PAN ; Jie-lin LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1680-1686
Aim To investigate the effects of the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the biological prop-erties of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase,in order to lay a foundation for further research on its antitumor activity.Methods Fluorescence polarization assay,malachite green-phosphate and ammonium molybdate colorime-try,and fluorescein-labeled DNA gel electrophoresis experiments were conducted to study the effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the DNA binding activity,ATPase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.The effects of LYY-32 on the DNA unwinding activity of DNA helicase in cells were studied using fluorescent techniques and time-lapse microscopy.Ultraviolet spectral scanning was used to investigate the effects of LYY-32 on the confor-mation of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.Results At a concentration of 10 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to dsDNA was 53.17%.At a concentration of 5 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to ssDNA was 88.49%.The inhibition rate of LYY-32 on the ATPase activity of BLM642-1290 DNA he-licase was 89.3%at a concentration of 50 μmol·L-1.When the concentration of LYY-32 exceeded 5μmol·L-1,its inhibition rate on the DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase was 100%.LYY-32 also significantly inhibited the DNA unwinding ac-tivity of DNA helicase in cells.However,LYY-32 had no effect on the conformation of BLM642-1290 DNA heli-case.Conclusion The DNA binding activity,AT-Pase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase could be significantly inhibi-ted by the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32.
9.Effect of fasting blood glucose on coronary fractional flow reserve in patients with borderline coronary artery disease
Yi-wen ZHANG ; Ya-dong LIU ; Meng-xiao WANG ; Yi-ru WANG ; Yun-peng YANG ; Yun-fang SU ; Ji-xin ZHI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):272-277
Objective To explore the correlation between fasting blood glucose(FBG)level and fractional flow reserve(FFR)in patients with borderline coronary artery disease,and to clarify its potential influence on FFR measurement.Methods From August 2020 to August 2023,the data of 135 patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease who received coronary angiography and FFR evaluation in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were retrospectively collected.According to the exclusion and inclusion criteria,85 cases of borderline diseased vessels of single coronary artery with stenosis degree of 50%-80%were screened out,and they were divided into FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group(47 cases)and FBG<6.1 mmol/L group(38 cases).The baseline data,angiographic and functional indexes of the two groups were compared,and the correlation between FBG and FFR was analyzed.Results Compared with the FBG<6.1 mmol/L group,the FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group had a higher proportion of FFR negative results(72.3%vs.23.7%,P<0.001),and the FFR measurement values were generally increased[0.84(0.80,0.90)vs.0.75(0.68,0.80),P<0.001],with statistically significant differences.Pearson correlation analysis was performed on all lesions,and FFR>0.80(negative result)was positively correlated with FBG≥6.1 mmol/L(r=0.484,P<0.001).Conclusions Among the patients with borderline coronary artery disease(50%-80%stenosis)included in this study,FBG≥6.1 mmol/L is significantly correlated with FFR>0.80.For patients with borderline coronary lesions with elevated FBG,the influence of blood glucose factors should be carefully considered in clinical interpretation of FFR results.
10.Effect of Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder on intestinal mucosal permeability and expression of AQP3, AQP4 in ulcerative colitis rats.
Wen-Xiao LI ; Jiang CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng HE ; Lu-Rong ZHANG ; Guo-Qiang LIANG ; Xing-Xing JIANG ; Yong-Na WEI ; Qin ZHOU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3962-3968
This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder on ulcerative colitis(UC) in rats from the perspective of dampness. SD rats were randomly allocated into six groups(n=10): control, model, mesalazine, and Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder at low(3.96 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium(7.92 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and high(15.84 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) doses. UC was induced in all groups except the control by administration with 3% dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) solution for 7 days. The disease activity index(DAI) was recorded, and the colon tissue was collected for analysis. Histopathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum levels of D-lactic acid(D-LA) and diamine oxidase(DAO) were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry and PCR were employed to evaluate the expression of aquaporins(AQP3, AQP4) and tight junction proteins [zonula occludens-1(ZO-1) and occludin] at both protein and mRNA levels. Compared with the control group, the model group showed an increased DAI scores(P<0.05), intestinal mucosal damage, elevated serum levels of DAO and D-LA(P<0.05), and decreased expression of AQP3, AQP4, ZO-1, and occludin(P<0.05). Treatment with Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder reduced the DAI scores(P<0.05), lowered the serum levels of D-LA and DAO(P<0.05), and upregulated the expression of AQP3, AQP4, ZO-1, and occludin at both protein and mRNA levels compared with the model group. These findings suggest that Modified Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang Powder exerts therapeutic effects on UC by reducing the intestinal mucosal permeability, promoting colonic mucosal repair, and regulating abnormal intestinal water metabolism, which may involve the upregulation of AQP3 and AQP4 expression.
Animals
;
Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Aquaporin 3/metabolism*
;
Aquaporin 4/metabolism*
;
Permeability/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Powders
;
Intestinal Barrier Function

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail