1.Exploration on Mechanism of Topical Treatment of Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Mice with Portulacae Herba Based on Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxue WANG ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiang PU ; Zhongzhao ZHANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO ; Xiangyan KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):115-123
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, compound dexamethasone acetate cream group (2.075×10-2 g·g-1), blank matrix cream group, low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.1 g·g-1), high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group (0.2 g·g-1), and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group (0.2 g·g-1 + 30 mg·kg-1 ML385), with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment, the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group, the mice in the other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) to establish an ACD model. After respective administration, the skin lesion of the mice was scored, and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot, and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score (P<0.01), severe pathological damage to skin tissue, increased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and decreased content of SOD (P<0.01). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α (IκBα) in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group, the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), reduced pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in their serum (P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group, the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score (P<0.01), alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue, decreased content of IL-1β, IL-6, ROS, and MDA in the serum of mice (P<0.05,P<0.01), and increased content of SOD (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Epidemiological investigation on a case of acute flaccid paralysis with detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus
TANG Xuewen ; BAI Yiran ; SU Ying ; GONG Liming ; YAN Rui ; ZHU Yao ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):178-180,188
Abstract
In April 2021, type Ⅰ vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was detected from two fecal samples of a male infant with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Zhejiang Province when he was admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, with 12 and 14 nucleotide mutations in the VP1 region, respectively. The case had a history of immunization with three doses of poliovirus vaccines, and grade Ⅲ proximal muscle strength and grade Ⅱ distal muscle strength of the right lower limb. After symptomatic treatment, the activity of the right lower limb and the muscle strength was significantly restored, thus he was discharged. VDPV was not detected from subsequent (the 8th to 12th) fecal samples of the case and fecal samples of close contacts. No similar cases were found in medical institutions in the county, surrounding areas, neighboring villages or towns. Since the case did not exhibit clinical symptoms of poliomyelitis caused by VDPV, poliomyelitis was excluded, and the case was diagnosed with hemophilia type A based on the epidemiological investigation, laboratory tests, and the history of poliomyelitis vaccination. This event involved cross-provincial (municipal) cooperation and was responsed promptly, preventing further spread of the virus. It suggested that the sensitivity of the AFP case surveillance system should be maintained, environmental monitoring methods should be increased, and the poliomyelitis vaccination should be promoted to prevent the spread of the virus.
3.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.
4.Study on the correlation between inflammatory indicators in the hyperacute phase of acute ischemic stroke and early neurological deterioration, syndrome factors, and prognosis
Ligaoge KANG ; Ying GAO ; Jinyue BAI ; Huan TANG ; Hongbo SHEN ; Lei LIU ; Lingbo KONG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):98-107
Objective:
Inflammatory cascade reactions play a crucial role in secondary neuronal injury in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of this study was to explore the correlations between specific serological indicators, early neurological deterioration (END), disease prognosis, and syndrome factors in AIS based on this injury mechanism.
Methods:
The data for this study were collected from 135 patients with AIS admitted to the emergency department of Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, within 24 h of onset between November 2019 and May 2021. Among these, 29 patients had complete data and experienced END. Additionally, 9 non-END patients were matched from the remaining 90 patients with complete data, resulting in a total of 38 patients for statistical analysis. Statistical methods, including logistic regression and receiver operating curves, were used to analyze the correlation between serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) within 24 h of END onset, disease prognosis, and syndrome factors. Grouping criteria included END occurrence, presence of syndrome elements on the first and third day post-onset, and prognosis at 90 days post-onset.
Results:
All 38 cases had onset time of less than 12 h, and there were no significant differences in age, gender, and onset time between the END and non-END groups. The TNF-α serum level within 24 h of onset was not associated with the occurrence of END but was negatively correlated with all-cause mortality at 90 days [0.1
5.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
6.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
7.Restoration of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice inhibited by cyclophosphamide with psoralen
Chenglong WANG ; Zhilie YANG ; Junli CHANG ; Yongjian ZHAO ; Dongfeng ZHAO ; Weiwei DAI ; Hongjin WU ; Jie ZHANG ; Libo WANG ; Ying XIE ; Dezhi TANG ; Yongjun WANG ; Yanping YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):16-23
BACKGROUND:Psoralen has a strong anti-osteoporotic activity and may have a restorative effect on chemotherapy-induced osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To explore the restorative effect of psoralen on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice inhibited by cyclophosphamide and its mechanism. METHODS:C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured.Effect of psoralen on viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was detected by MTT assay.Osteogenic induction combined with alkaline phosphatase staining was used to determine the optimal dose of psoralen to restore the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibited by cyclophosphamide.The mRNA expression levels of Runx2,alkaline phosphatase,Osteocalcin,osteoprotegerin,and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related genes Wnt1,Wnt4,Wnt10b,β-catenin,and c-MYC were measured by RT-qPCR at different time points under the intervention with psoralen.The protein expression of osteogenic specific transcription factor Runx2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes Active β-catenin,DKK1,c-MYC,and Cyclin D1 was determined by western blot assay at different time points under the intervention with psoralen. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant effect of different concentrations of psoralen on the viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.The best recovery of the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide was under the intervention of psoralen at a concentration of 200 μmol/L.(2)Psoralen reversed the reduction in osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runx2,alkaline phosphatase,Osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression and Runx2 protein expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide conditioned medium.(3)Psoralen reversed the decrease in Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes Wnt4,β-catenin,c-MYC mRNA and Active β-catenin,c-MYC,and Cyclin D1 protein expression and the increase in DKK1 protein expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide conditioned medium.(4)The results showed that cyclophosphamide inhibited osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice,and psoralen had a restorative effect on it.The best intervention effect was achieved at a concentration of 200 μmol/L psoralen,and this protective effect might be related to the activation of Wnt4/β-catenin signaling pathway by psoralen.
8.Effects of Portulaca oleracea cream on skin pruritus and barrier function in allergic contact dermatitis mice
Xiaoxue WANG ; Xia CHEN ; Xiang PU ; Guanwei FAN ; Xiangyan KONG ; Ying TANG ; Nana WU ; Jiangli LUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1352-1357
OBJECTIVE To study the effects and mechanism of Portulaca oleracea cream on skin pruritus and barrier function in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) mice. METHODS Low-concentration and high-concentration P. oleracea creams were prepared, with the P. oleracea extract solution (1 g/mL, calculated by crude drug) concentrations of 10% and 20%. Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly allocated into blank group, model group, Mometasone furoate cream group (positive control), blank matrix cream group, P. oleracea low-concentration and high-concentration cream groups. Except for blank group, ACD model was induced in each group using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene solution. The blank group and model groups received normal saline, while the remaining groups were treated with their respective creams, once a day, at a dose of approximately 0.5 g per application, continuously for 14 days. At 24 h post-final administration, skin lesions of mice were observed and scored; pathological changes of skin tissue were observed; serum levels of immunoglobulin E(IgE) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified. mRNA expression of MAS-related G protein-coupled receptors (including MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was assessed; while protein expressions of skin barrier function-related proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin in skin tissues were determined. RESULTS Compared with blank group, mice in the model group exhibited severe skin damage, characterized by loss of epidermal architecture, hyperkeratosis of the skin tissue, and the infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. The skin injury scores, as well as the serum levels of IgE and TNF-α, and the mRNA expression levels of MrgprA3, MrgprC11, and MrgprD in DRG, were all significantly elevated compared to the blank group (P<0.05 or P<0.01); in contrast, the protein expression levels of Claudin-1 and Occludin in the skin tissue were markedly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with model group, mice in P. oleracea low-concentration and high- concentration cream groups demonstrated significant alleviation of skin damage, as evidenced by reduced epidermal hyperplasia, mitigated spongiosis in the dermis, and decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells; these quantitative indicators were almost significantly reversed (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the aforementioned skin injuries, pathological alterations, or quantitative indicators between the blank matrix cream group and the model group. CONCLUSIONS P. oleracea may ameliorate skin lesions and restore skin barrier function of ACD mice, the mechanism of which may be associated with downregulating mRNA expressions of MrgprA3, MrgprC11 and MrgprD in DRG, and up-regulating the protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin in skin tissue.
9.Surveillance results of respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks in kindergarten and school in Shenzhen, 2017-2023
WANG Xin, FANG Shisong, WU Weihua, LIU Hui, SUN Ying, ZOU Xuan, TANG Xiujuan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):435-437
Objective:
To analyze respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) outbreaks surveillance results and the epidemiological characteristics in kindergarten and school in Shenzhen during 2017-2023 , so as to provide a scientific reference for control and prevention of RSV.
Methods:
Epidemiological data and surveillance results of RSV outbreaks in kindergarten and school from 2017 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analyses.
Results:
A total of 31 RSV outbreaks were identified in kindergarten and school in 2017-2023 in Shenzhen, 346 cases were reported, the average incidence rate was 22.02%. The most annual RSV outbreaks were reported in 2020 with 14 outbreaks, followed by 8 outbreaks in 2023. A total of 64.52% of RSV outbreaks were identified in kindergarten with rest occurring in primary school or middle school. The greatest monthly count of outbreak was 18 (58.06%) in September, followed by 3 outbreaks (9.68%) in March and October. A total of 244 swab samples were collected, 169 samples were positive for respiratory viruses, the positive rate was 69.26%, 121 samples were positive for RSV,from 31 respiratory syncytical virus outbreaks 57 and samples were positive for other respiratory viruses(9 samples were positive for two respiratory viruses). A toral of 14(45.16%) outbreaks are caused by RSV alone, 17 outbreaks (54.84%) were caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses.
Conclusions
Most RSV outbreaks in kindergarten and school are reported after 2020 in Shenzhen, most RSV outbreaks occur in kindergarten, peak seasons of RSV outbreaks are autumn and spring.
10.Analysis of IL-2R β gene promoter region polymorphism in Han males from a high radiation background area in Yangjiang City
Ying TANG ; Jing WANG ; Liting YAN ; Wenting ZHONG ; Cuiju WEN ; Shibiao SU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):45-49
Objective To analyze the distribution characteristics of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site rs76206423 in the promoter region of the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) β gene among Han males in a high radiation background area (HBRA) in Yangjiang City. Methods A total of 48 male participants from Tangkou Town, Yangxi County, Yangjiang City (HBRA group), and 51 male participants from Hengpo Town, Enping City (control group) were selected as the research subjects using the random number table method. Peripheral venous blood samples of participants from both groups were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The genotyping and allele frequency distribution of the rs76206423 (A/G) site in the IL-2R β promoter region was detected among the participants in both groups using the SNP detection method. The difference of allele frequencies between population in HBRA group and five area of East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas published in the Human Genome Project database from National Center for Biotechnology Information were analyzed. Results The allele frequencies of rs76206423 of population in both groups conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). In the HBRA group, the AA genotype was predominant (64.6%), while the AG genotype was the most common in the control group (51.0%), with a significant difference (P<0.05). Population in both groups showed a predominance of the variant allele A (78.1% and 72.5%, respectively), with no significant difference (P>0.05). The frequency of the G allele of rs76206423 in the population in HBRA group was higher than those in South Asian, African, European, and American populations (all P<0.01), but showed no significant difference compared with East Asian populations (P>0.05). Conclusion In the Han male population from the HBRA in Yangjiang City, the rs76206423 site in the IL-2R β gene promoter region is predominantly composed of the wild-type A allele and AA genotype, indicating genetic stability and a relatively high degree of variation at this locus.


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