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.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Anmei Dan in Treating Insomnia with Amnesia Based on Principle of Treating Different Diseases with Same Method: A Review
Qiqi FENG ; Bo XU ; Kang SUN ; Miao ZHU ; Zhi ZHANG ; Jing XIA ; Guangjing XIE ; Yuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):107-116
In modern society, the comorbidity of insomnia with amnesia has shown a significantly increasing incidence and become increasingly severe, emerging as a public health issue that endangers people's physical and mental health and quality of life. Anmei Dan (AMD), originally recorded in the Shishi Milu by CHEN Shiduo in the Qing Dynasty, possesses profound theoretical foundations and distinct clinical advantages in ameliorating insomnia with amnesia. Basic research has unequivocally confirmed its definite therapeutic effects on insomnia with amnesia and revealed partial mechanisms. AMD is therefore a veritable classic prescription embodying the principle of treating different diseases with the same method for insomnia and amnesia. However, few researchers have reviewed the related research progress. This article systematically summarized the theoretical connotations of traditional Chinese medicine in treating insomnia with amnesia, delineated the multi-component material basis of AMD in ameliorating insomnia with amnesia (including various chemical components such as ginsenosides, jujubosides, and salvianolic acids), and evaluate its multi-dimensional clinical efficacy (e.g., prolonging total sleep time, improving sleep efficiency, and enhancing memory). Moreover, it systematically summarizes the multi-pathway mechanisms of action. The results indicate that AMD has a clear material basis, definite clinical efficacy, and a favorable safety profile in ameliorating insomnia and amnesia. AMD may exert the therapeutic effect by regulating sleep-wake rhythms, enhancing synaptic plasticity, inhibiting neuroimmune inflammation, and modulating autophagy, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism. In conclusion, AMD exerts synergistic effects through multi-component, multi-dimensional, and multi-pathway approaches, serving as an important prescription for enriching and developing the theory of treating different diseases with the same method for insomnia with amnesia.
3.PD-L1 Expression in Metastatic Lymph Nodes of NSCLC and Its Impact on First-line TKI or Chemotherapy Outcomes
Zhi XIE ; Zhiyi LÜ ; Danxia LU ; Shuilian ZHANG ; Weibang GUO ; Xue PAN ; Xuchao ZHANG ; Xuening YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(2):269-282
ObjectiveTo investigate the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression profiles between primary tumors and paired metastatic lymph nodes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to determine the predictive value of key immune marker expression for the efficacy of first-line targeted therapy and chemotherapy. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 128 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC and corresponding metastatic lymph nodes, who received first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or platinum-based doublet chemotherapy at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between April 2017 and February 2020. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate PD-L1 expression in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare PD-L1 expression characteristics between primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed, and the Log-rank test was used to compare differences between groups. ResultsAmong 28 paired cases, PD-L1 expression levels were numerically higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in primary NSCLC tumors (median:32.5 vs. 10.0), although the difference did not reach statistical significance (MD = 5.000, P = 0.083). Survival analysis revealed that in patients with driver gene-positive NSCLC, high PD-L1 expression (TPS ≥ 50%) in lymph nodes was significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) following first-line TKI therapy [median PFS:4.0(TPS≥50%) vs. 8.9(1%≤TPS<50%) vs. 18.0 (TPS<1%) months, χ2=15.284, P<0.001]. Conversely, in patients with driver gene-negative NSCLC, high PD-L1 expression in lymph nodes was associated with longer PFS [median PFS:7.9 (TPS≥50%) vs. 3.0 (1%≤TPS<50%)months, χ2=8.436, P=0.004] and overall survival (OS) [median OS:28.8 (TPS≥50%) vs. 14.2 ( 1%≤TPS<50%) months, χ2=4.010, P=0.045] after first-line chemotherapy. ConclusionPD-L1 expression in metastatic lymph nodes is largely consistent with that in primary tumors of patients with advanced NSCLC. High PD-L1 expression in lymph nodes is associated with improved survival outcomes in driver gene-negative patients undergoing chemotherapy, whereas it portends a poor prognosis with TKI treatment in driver gene-positive patients. These findings support the application of PD-L1 expression levels in metastatic lymph nodes to guide personalized precision medicine strategies for advanced NSCLC.
4.Interpretation and Enlightenment of Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Wenye FENG ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Xuefeng YU ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Jing REN ; Xin CUI ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):178-185
ObjectiveTo interpret the main contents of the Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus), analyze its evidence basis, and explore future research directions, thus providing a reference for rational drug use in clinical practice. MethodsThe core contents of the Consensus are summarized. Focusing on clinical issues, this paper summarizes the recommendations and consensus suggestions in the Consensus and explains them from aspects such as indications, key advantages, usage and dosage, combined medication, contraindications, precautions, and safety. ResultsThe Consensus clearly states that Yifei Zhike capsules can be used for acute or chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and other respiratory system diseases. It for the first time proposes that the applicable TCM syndrome of Yifei Zhike capsules is Qi-Yin deficiency together with combined phlegm and stasis. For different diseases, the Consensus provides specific usage instructions, dosage, and treatment course recommendations, supplementing the contents not covered in the drug instructions. In terms of combined medication, the Consensus emphasizes the principle of using this drug in combination with standardized chemotherapy regimens or conventional Western medicines and the applicability for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and moderate to severe acute or chronic bronchitis. In terms of safety, the Consensus proposes methods for identifying common adverse reactions, drug contraindications, and precautions based on a review of the existing data and preliminarily builds a risk management framework. However, the evidence on which the Consensus is based are mostly early studies, with small sample sizes, which result in the low evidence grades (mainly C and D) of some recommendations. ConclusionThe Consensus provides specific guidance for the clinical use of Yifei Zhike capsules. However, due to the limited quality of the existing research evidence, more high-quality clinical studies are needed in the future to further verify its efficacy, safety, and explore its broader application prospects.
5.Treatment of ulcerative colitis: Is 5-aminosalicylates acid necessary to be combined with biologic agents?
Shuyi XIE ; Min ZHI ; Min ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):345-350
This article summarizes current research and real-world evidence on the combined use of 5-aminosalicylates acid (5-ASA) with biologic agents in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients undergoing step-up therapy. Furthermore, it explores the potential value of whether combination therapy or not in different clinical scenarios. The findings provide insights for personalized UC treatment strategies and suggest directions for future research.
6.Monte Carlo simulation study of the effect of filter on radiotherapy dosimetry in superficial X-ray therapy apparatus
Li TAO ; Hui ZHANG ; Yikai WU ; Junyi LIU ; Miao QI ; Ning GAO ; Yankui CHANG ; Xi PEI ; Zhi CHEN ; Xie XU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(3):194-201
Objective:To explore the dosimetry optimization strategy based on filter thickness and shape selection for the bulb superficial X-ray radiotherapy unit.Methods:Monte Carlo code TOPAS was used to model tubular equipment, and the dose distribution from six X-ray energies (50-150 kV) and five conventional aluminum filters (0.5-3.0 mm) with different thickness were simulated in the water model. The percentage depth dose (PDD) curve along the central axis, the center-axis profile dose at different depths, and the lateral dose distribution were analyzed. The dose distribution of three different designs of aluminum filters (conventional cylindrical, conical and oblique cylindrical filters) was compared to evaluate the effect of dosimetric optimization of different filter shapes.Results:Under the same energy, increasing the thickness of the filter can optimize the superficial skin dose, and the optimization effect of depth dose uniformity can be increased by 26% at a depth of 5.5 mm at 70 kV energy. The raised, flat and inclined dose distribution modes can be achieved by using conventional cylindrical, conical and inclined aluminum filters.Conclusions:By selecting the appropriate X-ray energy and filter thickness, an ideal dose distribution matching the tumor depth can be achieved. The application of personalized filters is also of great significance for diverse target areas.
7.Flexion versus extension wound closure position in total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis
Ke ZHOU ; Xin ZHI ; Jinyuan XIE ; Ming NI ; Guoqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(18):1201-1207
Objective:To analyze the impact of wound closure in knee flexion versus extension on postoperative outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of knee flexion versus extension wound closure on TKA outcomes were retrieved from databases including CNKI, WanFang Data, Chinese Medical Journal Full-text Database, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase, from inception to October 1, 2024. Outcome measures include knee range of motion (ROM), Knee Society score (KSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and incidence of postoperative complications at different time points. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0. The methodological quality of included RCTs was assessed using the modified Jadad scale. A fixed-effects model was applied when heterogeneity was low, while a random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was high.Results:A total of 467 patients from 7 RCTs were included (233 in flexion group, 234 in extension group). The mean age was 66.4 years in the flexion group and 66.7 years in the extension group, with a follow-up ranging from 1 to 12 months. All studies were of high quality. The meta-analysis revealed that the flexion group had significantly greater knee ROM at 1 month [ WMD=3.72, 95% CI(3.12, 4.33), P<0.001] and 3 months [ WMD=5.31, 95% CI(0.79, 9.84), P=0.020] postoperatively compared to the extension group. At 6 months postoperatively, the flexion group showed significantly higher KSS [ WMD=-1.25, 95% CI(-1.51, -0.99), P<0.001]. No significant differences were found in ROM at 6 months [ WMD=0.89, 95% CI(-0.99, 2.77), P=0.350], VAS at 3 months [ WMD=-0.28, 95% CI(-1.59, -0.03), P=0.075], or complication rates [ RD=0.03, 95% CI(-0.01,0.07), P=0.198]. Conclusion:Wound closure in knee flexion can improve early knee range of motion within 3 months and functional outcomes at 6 months after TKA.
8.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.
9.Study on the prevalence of scoliosis and congenital heart disease in children and adolescents of Drung nationality in Yunnan Province
Haonan WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Genghao QIAN ; Zhi ZHAO ; Yingsong WANG ; Wenhui YANG ; Jiang LU ; Tao WANG ; Ni BI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Guanghong PU ; Weijie XIE ; Zhiyue SHI ; Tao LI
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(7):1697-1702
Objective To investigate the prevalence of scoliosis and congenital heart disease(CHD)and their correlation among children and adolescents of Drung nationality in Yunnan Province.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in November 2022 among all Drung school-aged children and adolescents aged 5-18 years in Gongshan Drung and Nu Autonomous County,Yunnan Province.Visual inspection,Adams for-ward flexion test,and trunk rotation angle(ATR)measurement were comprehensively used for school prelim-inary screening of scoliosis.Individuals who tested positive in the school preliminary screening underwent fur-ther X-ray examination for auxiliary diagnosis.Cardiac auscultation and echocardiography were used for school preliminary screening of CHD.The personal information of the screening subjects,the screening results,etc.were recorded.The prevalence of scoliosis and CHD among children and adolescents of the Drung nationality and the relationship between the two diseases were statistically analyzed,and the positive predictive value of school-based scoliosis screening and its influencing factors were also analyzed.Results A total of 1 036 chil-dren and adolescents of Drung nationality were enrolled,with a mean age of(10.72±3.75)years,icluding 542 males and 494 females.A total of 45 subjects tested positive for scoliosis in the school preliminary screening,with a preliminary positive rate of 4.34%.A total of 22 cases were finally diagnosed with scoliosis,with a prevalence rate of 2.12%.Among them,21 cases were idiopathic scoliosis(accounting for 95.45%),and 1 case was congenital scoliosis(accounting for 4.55%).The prevalence rate was higher in females(2.83%)than that in males(1.48%),higher in the 10 to 18-year-old group(2.30%)than that in the 5 to<10-year-old group(1.87%),and higher in the secondary school group(2.78%)than that in the primary school group(1.78%),hut there were no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).Most idiopathic scoliosis cases were mild(Cobb angle 10° to<20°,90.48%)and classified as Lenke type Ⅴ(57.14%).Two cases of CHD were confirmed,both of which were atrial septal defects,with a prevalence rate of 0.19%.The co-occurrence rate of idiopathic scoliosis and CHD was 4.76%(1/21).The positive predictive value of school-based scoliosis pre-liminary screening was only 48.89%.When the BMI was<18.5 kg/m2,the positive predictive value was sig-nificantly higher than that for BMI≥18.5 kg/m2(P<0.05).Conclusion The prevalence rate of scoliosis a-mong adolescents of the Drung ethnic group in Yunnan Province is 2.12%,predominantly idiopathic scoliosis,with Lenke type V being the most common classification.The prevalence rate of congenital heart disease is 0.19%.BMI is a significant influencing factor for the positive predictive value of school-based scoliosis prelimi-nary screening.
10.Quantification of Atmospheric Total Reactive Nitrogen Oxides by Thermal Decomposition-Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy
Dou SHAO ; Min QIN ; Wu FANG ; Bao-Bin HAN ; Ke TANG ; Jian-Ye XIE ; Xia-Dan ZHAO ; Zhi-Tang LIAO ; En-Bo REN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):387-396
Nitrogen oxides(NOx=NO+NO2)are important precursors of ozone(O3),and NOx and its oxides together constitute reactive nitrogen oxides(NOy)in the atmosphere.A comprehensive understanding of the total NOy level in the atmosphere is of great significance for a deeper understanding of the atmospheric nitrogen cycle and oxidation,as well as for formulating strategies for air pollution prevention and control.In this work,a thermal decomposition-broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy(TD-BBCEAS)technique for online measurement of total NOy in the atmosphere was developed.With this method,the NOy was efficiently converted into NO2,and the total NOy concentration in the atmosphere was indirectly obtained by measuring NO2.Focusing on the key factors affecting the measurement of total NOy,the influence of NO titration efficiency and other NOy component TD efficiency on measurement accuracy was emphasized.By changing the oxygen(O2)flow rate through the mercury lamp to alter the O3 concentration for titrating NO,the conversion efficiency of NO was evaluated.At O2 flow rate of 6 mL/min,the conversion efficiency of NO was greater than 99%.TD efficiency testing and analysis on NO2,peroxyacetyl nitrate(PAN),nitric acid(HNO3),and nitrous acid(HONO),which account for a large proportion of atmospheric NOy components,was carried out using 680℃as the optimal TD temperature for efficient conversion of NOy.With NO and HONO sample gases as typical verification gases,the conversion efficiency of NOy and the accuracy of NOy measurement by TD-BBCEAS system were verified by switching the on and off modes of mercury lamp and TD device.At integration time of 60 s,the detection limit of the system for NOy was 2.83×1010 molecules/cm3(60 s,2σ).A comparative measurement of actual atmospheric NOy was conducted between the TD-BBCEAS system and the NOy analyzer.The observation results showed a correlation coefficient(R2)of 0.98 and a slope of 0.93,further verifying the feasibility and accuracy of applying the TD-BBCEAS system to measurement of total NOy.

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