1.Effect of Quercetin on Cuproptosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rats and Its Mechanism via SLC31A1/FDX1 Pathway
Haoruo YANG ; Qiuai KOU ; Junhua REN ; Guo YUAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):121-130
ObjectiveTo observe the influence and therapeutic effect of quercetin on cuproptosis in rheumatoid arthritis rats and to explore its possible mechanism based on the solute carrier family 31 member 1 (SLC31A1)/ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) pathway. MethodsSixty male SD rats were divided into six groups: A control group, a model group, high- and low-dose quercetin groups (150 and 50 mg·kg-1), a cuproptosis inhibitor (tetrathiomolybdate, TTM) group (10 mg·kg-1), and a methotrexate group (2 mg·kg-1), 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the model of rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) rats was established by type Ⅱ collagen induction method. After successful modeling, each drug group was intervened according to the corresponding dose of drugs, and the control group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, once a day, which lasted for 4 weeks. The swelling degree of rats' feet was observed, and the clinical arthritis scores were determined. The levels of serum rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of copper ion (Cu), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in joint tissue was detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of joint tissue. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dihydrolipoic acid transacetylase (DLAT) were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1, FDX1, lipoic acid synthase (LIAS), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit β (PDHB), and copper transporting P-type ATPase β (ATP7B) was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group exhibited joint swelling and deformity, significantly increased clinical arthritis scores, obvious bone destruction, synovial hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration in joint tissue. In addition, the serum levels of RF, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Cp showed significant elevation, while the level of IL-10 was significantly reduced. The levels of Cu, MDA, ROS, and DLAT in joint tissue were markedly increased, whereas SOD and GSH content was significantly decreased. The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1 and HSP70 was significantly up-regulated, while the protein and mRNA expression of FDX1, LIAS, PDHB, and ATP7B was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, each treatment group exhibited varying degrees of improvement in joint swelling and deformation as well as clinical arthritis scores in rats. Additionally, there was a reduction in joint bone destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and synovial hyperplasia in rats. Furthermore, the serum levels of RF, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Cp significantly decreased, while the level of IL-10 increased significantly. In joint tissue, the levels of Cu, MDA, ROS, and DLAT showed significant decreases, while SOD and GSH content exhibited significant increases. The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1 and HSP70 was down-regulated, while the protein and mRNA expression of FDX1, LIAS, PDHB, and ATP7B was up-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionQuercetin effectively reduces synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration in rats with rheumatoid arthritis, thereby alleviating pathological damage to joint tissue. This effect may be attributed to the blockade of the SLC31A1/FDX1 signaling pathway activation and inhibition of excessive cuproptosis.
2.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.
3.Quercetin Attenuates Ferroptosis Against LPS-induced Acute Kidney Injury Rats via Modulating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Haoruo YANG ; Dajun YU ; Yu ZHANG ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):65-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and therapeutic role of quercetin on ferroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rats based on the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein-1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, quercetin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose (10 mg·kg-1) groups, ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin 1 (FER1) group (5 mg·kg-1), and quercetin high-dose + Nrf2 inhibitor group (ML385, 30 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, the AKI rat model was established in each group by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg·kg-1). Following successful modeling, each treatment group received the corresponding dose of drug intervention, while the normal and model groups were administered an equal volume of normal saline. The intervention lasted for 3 weeks. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured biochemically to assess renal function. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in renal tissue were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were employed to observe pathological morphological changes in renal tissue. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in renal tissue were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor (TFR1), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of SCr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Fe2+ and MDA in renal tissue, and significantly reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Pathological injury in renal tissue was severe, with evident mitochondrial damage characteristic of ferroptosis and a reduced mitochondrial count. ROS levels in renal tissue were significantly increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1, TFR1, and KIM-1 in renal tissue were significantly elevated, while those of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of SCr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Fe2+ and MDA in renal tissue in the quercetin dosage groups and FER1 group showed varying degrees of reduction, while SOD and GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological injury in renal tissue was markedly alleviated, mitochondrial damage improved, and mitochondrial counts increased. ROS levels in renal tissue were significantly reduced. The protein and mRNA levels of Keap1, TFR1, and KIM-1 in renal tissue were significantly decreased, while those of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly increased, with the most notable improvement in the high-dose quercetin group (P<0.05). In comparison to the high-dose quercetin group, the ML385 group significantly weakened the protective effect of quercetin on AKI rats (P<0.05). ConclusionQuercetin effectively inhibits ferroptosis, improves renal tissue injury, and repairs renal function in AKI rats, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway.
4.Role of VEGF Signaling Pathway in Pathological Mechanism of Colorectal Cancer and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Qiuning LIU ; Yutian ZHU ; Yun XU ; Yang YE ; Xiaoqiang JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):289-296
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelial cells of the colon and rectum. It has the third highest incidence and the second highest mortality rate among malignant tumors worldwide. With the rapid development of the economy and the increasing Westernization of dietary habits in China, its incidence in China has been rising year by year. Over the past decade, despite the introduction of numerous treatment methods for colorectal cancer, the efficacy of existing therapies remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become a major focus in the treatment of colorectal cancer due to its advantages of multi-target, multi-pathway mechanisms and low toxicity and side effects. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenic factor that promotes blood vessel formation, providing nutrients and oxygen for tumor growth. It also increases vascular permeability, allowing tumor cells to easily pass through the blood vessel wall into other tissues, thereby facilitating metastasis. Several studies have shown that TCM can inhibit tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells by acting on the VEGF signaling pathway, thereby delaying tumor growth. In recent years, research in this field has been rapidly updated, but there is a lack of relevant summaries, making subsequent literature searches inconvenient. Therefore, this article focuses on the physiological functions of the VEGF signaling pathway, its role in the occurrence of colorectal cancer, and the intervention of TCM on VEGF, providing a supplement and summary of relevant information to offer a reference for future research in this area.
5.Treatment of Psoriasis from ''Fuyu'' Theory
Jiaqi LI ; Bobiao NING ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):39-48
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a polygenic genetic background. Its etiology remains unclear, and its pathogenesis is complex and refractory, collectively posing significant challenges in its treatment and greatly affecting the physical and mental health of patients. With the advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway treatment, traditional Chinese medicine has shown unique efficacy and value in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. Modern doctors have a lot of discussion on psoriasis, and most of them tend to treat the disease by solving disorders of the blood system. They think that the disease is closely related to the "heat in the blood". Combining the clinical characteristics and accompanying symptoms of psoriasis, this article traced the causes of "heat in the blood" in psoriasis and believed that multiple internal and external factors have prevented the smooth circulation of Qi. Yang Qi Fuyu (stagnation) and transformation into heat and toxicity is the source of "heat in the blood" in psoriasis. Furthermore, it was proposed that "Fuyu" is the core pathogenesis of psoriasis. The etiology of "Fuyu" is complex, such as external wind and cold pathogens, emotional injuries, internal accumulation of dampness, and deficiency of healthy Qi, all of which can disrupt the ascending and descending movement of Qi, impede the circulation of Qi and fluids, close the pores and skin texture, and subsequently lead to stagnation. Based on the above understanding, "resolving stagnation" is crucial for treating the disease. Many doctors have explored the treatment ideas of psoriasis from the perspectives of dispelling wind, warming cold, regulating Qi, eliminating dampness, tonifying deficiency, and external treatment, aiming to remove the causes, promote the circulation of Qi and fluids, and resolve stagnation and heat. Clinical studies have shown that the therapies can relieve clinical symptoms, reduce recurrence rate, and improve quality of life, which also have good safety in the treatment of psoriasis. This article discussed the treatment of psoriasis from the perspective of "Fuyu", enriching the understanding of TCM regarding the etiology and pathogenesis of psoriasis. It is aiming to serve as an effective supplement to the "treating by solving disorders of the blood system" approach and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.
6.Mechanism of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription in Regulating PTGS2 to Improve Skin Lesions in Psoriasis Mouse Models
Xue XIAO ; Liping KANG ; Dan DAI ; Yidi MA ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):49-59
ObjectiveTo identify the active constituents of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) and investigate its effective components and therapeutic targets in the treatment of common psoriasis
7.Exploring Regulatory Effect of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription on SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 Pathway in Psoriasis-like Mouse Model Based on Sphingolipid Metabolism
Yeping QIN ; Wenhui LIU ; Dan DAI ; Jia XU ; Chong LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):60-68
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription (KXJD) on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups: healthy control (n=11), model (n=11), methotrexate (MTX, n=5), low-dose (15.21 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5), and high-dose (30.42 g·kg-1) KXJD (n=5). Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX, respectively, by gavage daily, while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment, back skin lesions were collected. Firstly, healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics (control vs model=3 vs 3) and targeted lipid metabolomics (control vs model=11 vs 11). Then, the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally, an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin, and key proteases [serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 2 (SPTLC2), SPHK2, delta(4)-desaturase sphingolipid 1 (Degs1), and ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4)] and 8 sphingolipid metabolites (including ceramides, sphingol, sphingomyelin, and glycosphingolipid) expressed abnormally (P<0.05) compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components (quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin) in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin (P<0.05), and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2, S1P, and MCP-1 compared with the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.
8.Exploration of Kaixuan Jiedu Core Prescription's Efficacy in Alleviating Psoriasis Through Modulation of Ferroptosis Pathways: An Integrative Approach Involving Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation
Haoruo YANG ; Xue XIAO ; Jiaqi LI ; Ningxin ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):69-78
ObjectiveTo use bioinformatics technology to screen the molecular patterns and diagnostic biomarkers of ferroptosis closely related to psoriasis, observe the therapeutic effect of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription on psoriasis and explore its potential mechanism through animal experiments. MethodsPsoriasis microarray data from GEO were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Intersection with a ferroptosis gene set yielded psoriasis ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs), which underwent correlation, consensus clustering, enrichment, and immune infiltration analyses. Core diagnostic FRGs (Hub-FRGs) were identified using random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), LASSO regression, Nomogram, and ROC analyses. In vivo, imiquimod (5% cream) induced psoriasis in mice (except controls). Drug treatment groups received respective doses, while control and model groups received saline via daily gavage for 7 days. Back skin changes were recorded and PASI scored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining assessed histopathology. The levels of ferrous ion (Fe2+), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and free fatty acid (FFA) in skin tissue were detected. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin tissue was detected by immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of ChaC glutathione-specific γ-glutamyl transferase 1 (CHAC1), arachidonic acid 12-lipoxygenase β (ALOX12B), trimotif protein 21 (TRIM21), proliferation marker (Ki67) and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) protein. ResultsAnalysis of GSE30999 identified 2 100 DEGs and 24 FRGs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed 1 000 biological functions and 75 pathways. After cluster analysis, combined with three machine learning algorithms, Nomogram and ROC curve analysis, the core Hub-FRGs (CHAC1, ALOX12 B, TRIM21) were obtained. Immunoinfiltration showed inactive memory CD4+T cells and activated dendritic cells abundance significantly correlated with Hub-FRGs. In vivo, model group vs. control showed significantly increased PASI/Baker scores (P<0.05), epidermal hyperkeratosis, inflammatory infiltration, and elevated levels of Fe2+, MDA, 4-HNE, FFA, ROS, CHAC1, ALOX12B, TRIM21, Ki67, and NF-κB (P<0.05). Drug groups vs. model group exhibited significantly reduced scores (P<0.05), alleviated skin lesions, and decreased levels of Fe2+, MDA, 4-HNE, FFA, ROS, Hub-FRGs, Ki67, and NF-κB (P<0.05). ConclusionKaixuan Jiedu core prescription can significantly improve the skin pathological injury of psoriasis mice, showing good therapeutic and repair effects, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the expression of ferroptosis genes CHAC1, ALOX12B and TRIM21, which are closely related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
9.Kaixuan Jiedu Compatibility Alleviates Skin Lesions and Inflammatory Reactions in Psoriasis-like Mice
Ningxin ZHANG ; Jiaqi LI ; Xinqian LIU ; Tianbo ZHANG ; Meiqi SUN ; Mingjing LI ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):79-88
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Kaixuan Jiedu compatibility and the decomposed prescriptions in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsThirty Balb/c mice were randomly grouped as follows (n=6): normal, model, Kaixuan Jiedu (KXJD, 15.21 g·kg-1), Kaixuan (KX, 3.08 g·kg-1), and Jiedu (JD, 12.13 g·kg-1). Except the normal group, the rest groups were modeled for psoriasis-like skin lesions by topical application of imiquimod, and samples were collected after 7 days of continuous intervention. Mice were photographed at the lesion site during modeling and before sampling and the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the lesions and measure the epidermal thickness. Mice were photographed and observed for the tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67), and cytokeratin 10 (CK10) in the epidermal tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence assay was employed to determine the expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and interleukin-23 (IL-23). The spleen and thymus were photographed and weighed, and the spleen and thymus indices were calculated. The safety of the treatment was assessed by automatic biochemistry testing of the serum, liver, and kidney functions and by HE staining of the liver, kidney and spleen. ResultsCompared with that of the normal group, the skin of the model group showed erythema, infiltration, and typical psoriasis-like changes, tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, hyperkeratosis in epidermal cells, acanthosis, massive lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis, impaired barrier function, increased expression of VEGF, CD31, Ki67, and CK10 (P<0.01), reduced expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin (P<0.01) in the epidermis, and up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-17A and IL-23 (P<0.01). In addition, the mice in the model group showed spleen enlargement, thymus atrophy, increased spleen index, and decreased thymus index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, KXJD and JD reduced psoriasis-like skin lesions, inhibited the tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, reduced the expression of VEGF, CD31, Ki67, and CK10 (P<0.01), increased the expression of claudin-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Moreover, the KXJD group outperformed the JD group. The JD group showed no significant difference from the model group regarding the spleen index, thymus index, and Occludin expression. The psoriasis indicators in the KX group were not significantly different from those in the model group. ConclusionKXJD and JD can reduce the symptoms of local skin lesions of psoriasis, which is manifested as different inhibition degrees of the proliferation and differentiation of keratin-forming cells, tortuous dilation of dermal capillaries, and inflammatory reactions, as well as the protection of the skin barrier. Moreover, KXJD outperformed JD. KX alone did not significantly reduce psoriasis lesions in mice. KXJD and the decomposed prescriptions are safe and effective, causing no obvious liver and kidney injuries.
10.Mechanism of Neochlorogenic Acid in Ameliorating Psoriatic Keratinocyte Proliferation and Inflammation by Targeting HSP90 to Modulate NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Mengyao JIANG ; Xinwei ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Ping SONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):89-98
ObjectiveTo investigate the target proteins directly bound by neochlorogenic acid (NA) and the molecular mechanisms that ameliorate the proliferation and inflammatory response of psoriatic keratinocytes. MethodsM5-induced HaCaT cells were used as a psoriatic keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell model. The synthesized NA probe (NA-P) and NA prodrug were first evaluated for cell viability using a cell proliferation/cell counting kit-8(CCK-8). The potency of NA and NA-P was evaluated in the safe concentration range, and the effects of 0-100 μmol·L-1 NA and probe on M5-induced proliferation of HaCaT cells were detected using CCK-8. The effects of 20, 40, 80 μmol·L-1 NA and 80 μmol·L-1 NA-P on the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure the effects of NA on the mRNA expression of keratin 16 (K16) in HaCaT cells, S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), S100 calcium-binding protein A7 (S100A7), IL-6, IL-17A, and chemokine 1 (CXCL1). In vitro fluorescence labeling and competition experiments using NA-P were performed, and target protein angling and analysis using pull-down experiments combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (Pull-down/LC-MS/MS) were conducted. Target validation was performed using pull-down experiments combined with protein immunoblotting (Pull down-WB), cellular heat transfer analysis combined with protein immunoblot (CETSA-WB) experiments, and molecular docking. Finally, Real-time PCR was utilized to detect the effects of 20, 40, 80 μmol·L-1 NA and 80 μmol·L-1 NA-P on the mRNA expression of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding oligomeric structural domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speckled-like protein (ASC), and cysteine protease-1 (Caspase-1) in HaCaT cells. Protein immunoblot (Western blot) was used to detect the effects of phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, phosphorylated human nuclear factor-κB inhibitory protein α (p-IκBα), human nuclear factor κB inhibitory protein α (IκBα), and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) expression. ResultsIn the 200 μmol·L-1 safe concentration range, HaCaT cell proliferation, increased expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17A inflammatory factors, and increased mRNA expression of K16, S100A9, S100A7, IL-6, IL-17A, and CXCL1 were observed in the M5 group compared with the blank group. Cell proliferation in 5-100 μmol·L-1 NA and NA-P groups was inhibited, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-17A inflammatory factors was decreased in the NA-L, NA-M, NA-H, and NA-P-H groups. The mRNA expression of K16, S100A9, S100A7, IL-6, IL-17A, and CXCL1 was decreased (P<0.05). High-confidence targets were screened for HSP90 protein by Pull-down/LC-MS/MS using 200 μmol·L-1 NA competing with 100 μmol·L-1 NA-P. Compared with that in the blank group, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1, as well as the expression of p-p65/p65, p-IκBα/IκBα, and HSP90 protein, were increased in HaCaT cells in the M5 group (P<0.05). Compared with that in the M5 group, the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, ASC, and Caspase-1 of cells in the NA-L group, the NA-M group, the NA-H group, and the NA-P-H group was decreased (P<0.05). p-p65/p65 and p-IκBα/IκBα were decreased in the NA-M and NA-H groups (P<0.05), and there was no change in HSP90 protein. Pull down-WB showed that NA could directly target HSP90 protein, and NA binding to HSP90 protein enhanced its thermal stability. Molecular docking of NA with HSP90 family proteins HSP90AA1, HSP90B1, and HSP90AB1 all resulted in highly stable binding. ConclusionNA can inhibit the proliferation and inflammatory response of psoriatic keratinocytes by a mechanism that may be achieved by targeting HSP90 to modulate the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

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