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.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Xin CUI ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Xuefeng YU ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):218-224
As an exclusive Miao medicine of Honwing Pharma (Guizhou) Co. Ltd., Yifei Zhike capsules are both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its main ingredients include Ranunculus ternatus and Panax notoginseng. With the effects of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving cough and reducing phlegm, Yifei Zhike capsules are often used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, there is insufficient understanding of their efficacy, suitable syndromes, and safety in clinical practice, with a lack of relevant expert consensus on clinical application. To standardize their clinical application, 30 experts from the fields of respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and evidence-based medicine were invited to develop an Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (Consensus for short) through evidence-based medicine methods. The Consensus clarified the syndrome characteristics, disease stages, dosages, treatment courses, combined medication, and other norms in the treatment of acute/chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis and could be applicable to clinical physicians and pharmacists in medical and health institutions at all levels. In disease diagnosis, it provided diagnostic criteria for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and clarified that the suitable traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency with intermingled phlegm-blood stasis. Clinical studies have confirmed that Yifei Zhike capsules combined with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, increase the sputum smear conversion rate, and promote the absorption of lesions. When treating acute cough caused by respiratory tract infections, Yifei Zhike capsules can increase the markedly effective rate and the seven-day disappearance rate of cough symptoms. Meanwhile, recommendations for specific usage, dosages, and treatment courses were given for different diseases, and it was pointed out that long-term medication required key monitoring of adverse reactions. In safety, the adverse reactions of Yifei Zhike capsules involved multiple aspects such as the digestive system and allergic reactions, and pregnant women and women during menstruation were prohibited from using it. In addition, modern research has shown that Yifei Zhike capsules have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on tuberculous pleurisy and may be effective for inflammatory and benign pulmonary nodules. However, further research should be conducted on the toxicological safety of long-term medication. The formulation of the Consensus provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of Yifei Zhike capsules, which helps to improve clinical efficacy and reduce medication risks.
3.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules
Xin CUI ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Weiwei GUO ; Chengjun BAN ; Zhifei WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Yingjie ZHI ; Xuefeng YU ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):218-224
As an exclusive Miao medicine of Honwing Pharma (Guizhou) Co. Ltd., Yifei Zhike capsules are both a prescription drug and an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its main ingredients include Ranunculus ternatus and Panax notoginseng. With the effects of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, as well as relieving cough and reducing phlegm, Yifei Zhike capsules are often used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and other diseases. However, there is insufficient understanding of their efficacy, suitable syndromes, and safety in clinical practice, with a lack of relevant expert consensus on clinical application. To standardize their clinical application, 30 experts from the fields of respiratory medicine, pharmacy, and evidence-based medicine were invited to develop an Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules (Consensus for short) through evidence-based medicine methods. The Consensus clarified the syndrome characteristics, disease stages, dosages, treatment courses, combined medication, and other norms in the treatment of acute/chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis and could be applicable to clinical physicians and pharmacists in medical and health institutions at all levels. In disease diagnosis, it provided diagnostic criteria for traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine and clarified that the suitable traditional Chinese medicine syndrome was the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency with intermingled phlegm-blood stasis. Clinical studies have confirmed that Yifei Zhike capsules combined with standard anti-tuberculosis therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, increase the sputum smear conversion rate, and promote the absorption of lesions. When treating acute cough caused by respiratory tract infections, Yifei Zhike capsules can increase the markedly effective rate and the seven-day disappearance rate of cough symptoms. Meanwhile, recommendations for specific usage, dosages, and treatment courses were given for different diseases, and it was pointed out that long-term medication required key monitoring of adverse reactions. In safety, the adverse reactions of Yifei Zhike capsules involved multiple aspects such as the digestive system and allergic reactions, and pregnant women and women during menstruation were prohibited from using it. In addition, modern research has shown that Yifei Zhike capsules have an adjuvant therapeutic effect on tuberculous pleurisy and may be effective for inflammatory and benign pulmonary nodules. However, further research should be conducted on the toxicological safety of long-term medication. The formulation of the Consensus provides a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of Yifei Zhike capsules, which helps to improve clinical efficacy and reduce medication risks.
4.Establishment and application of ultra-fast real-time PCR for Brucella detection
Zhen-na XU ; Zhi-peng WU ; Wei-bin HONG ; Zhi-shen GUAN ; Qi-ming LIN ; Zuan-lan MO ; Yi-fei YE ; Hai-yan XIE ; Min LI ; Yan-qiu ZHU ; Xiao-jun LI ; Xian-peng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):278-283
This study was aimed at establishing a method of ultra-fast quantitative PCR for Brucella detection.We used an exogenous recombinant plasmid as the internal reference and targeted the T4SS secretion system,an important Brucella viru-lence factor,to design specific primers and probes.The sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability of this method were evaluated,and a standard curve was constructed.The coincidence rate of detection findings with this method versus quantitative PCR was determined.This method markedly decreased the detection time to only 10 minutes.The standard curve demonstrated a good linear relationship(Y=-3.410 7x+38.357,R2=0.998 5)with a low minimum detection limit of 10 copies/μL.The method exhibited good specificity and did not specifically amplify several common clinical bacteria other than Brucella.The de-tection of three concentrations of positive plasmids yielded coefficients of variation(CVs)of 0.20%to 0.91%,thus demonstra-ting the method's excellent repeatability.Furthermore,140 clinical samples were analyzed concurrently with the fluorescence PCR method,which yielded a 100%compliance rate and consistent results.Our findings indicated that the Brucella ultra-fast quantitative PCR was ultrafast;had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good specificity;and can be used for the clinical de-tection of Brucella and emergency investigation of epidemics.Therefore,this method is valuable for the early diagnosis of Bru-cella.
5.Mechanisms and research progress of tanshinone ⅡA in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced heart disease
Yan-ling LI ; Zhi-ling GAO ; Gang WANG ; Ping XIE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2236-2240
Radiation-induced heart disease(RIHD)is a common and severe complication following radiotherapy for thoracic tumors,significantly impacting patients' long-term prognosis and quality of life.Its pathogenesis is complex,primarily involving oxidative stress,inflammatory responses,endothelial dysfunction,and chronic fibrosis.Currently,there is a lack of effective clini-cal prevention and treatment methods,highlighting the urgent need to develop intervention strategies for RIHD.Tanshinone ⅡA,the main active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza,exhibits mul-tiple pharmacological effects,including antioxidant,anti-inflam-matory,anti-fibrotic,and anti-apoptotic properties.Studies have shown that Tanshinone ⅡA can significantly mitigate radiation-induced myocardial injury and fibrosis,as well as improve cardi-ac function,by scavenging reactive oxygen species,inhibiting in-flammatory pathways,and modulating fibrotic signaling path-ways.This article summarizes the pathogenesis of RIHD and the research progress on Tanshinone ⅡA in the prevention and treat-ment of RIHD,providing new theoretical insights for developing effective cardioprotective strategies.
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.Predictive value of stress myocardial perfusion imaging with gated SPECT for cardiac death in patients with chronic kidney disease
Ying ZHANG ; Jian JIAO ; Zhi CHANG ; Xu HAN ; Quan LI ; Junqi LI ; Yehong ZHANG ; Xiaofen XIE ; Wei DONG ; Hongzhi MI
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(6):346-351
Objective:To evaluate the clinical predictive value of SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in the occurrence of cardiac death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:A retrospective follow-up was performed for 160 patients (109 males, 51 females; age: 68.5(61.0, 74.0) years) who underwent MPI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University between June 2017 and March 2024. The 17-segment 5-point method was used for image analysis to obtain the left ventricular myocardial perfusion and functional parameters. The patients were followed up for cardiac death, and divided into death group and survival group. Clinical data of those 2 groups were compare by χ2 test, the independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to analyze the predictors related to cardiac death. The ROC curve was used to analyze the performance of predictors. Survival curves were obtained by the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test was performed to compare the difference between 2 groups. Results:The follow-up time of 160 patients with CKD was 26.0(10.0, 46.5) months. Of 160 patients, 17 died and 143 survived. There were statistically significant differences in body mass index (BMI), previous myocardial infarction, previous revascularization, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), positive MPI, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction (EF), summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS) and summed difference score (SDS) between the death group and the survival group ( χ2 values: 4.58-16.13, t values: -2.34, -3.97, Z values: from -2.81 to 5.02, all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that SSS (hazard ratio ( HR)=1.153, 95% CI: 1.062-1.252, P=0.001) and hs-CRP ( HR=1.031, 95% CI: 1.004-1.058, P=0.023) were independent risk factors for cardiac death in patients with CKD. The optimal cut-off value of SSS for predicting cardiac death in those patients was determined to be 8 with the AUC of 0.815, and the incidence of cardiac death in the SSS ≥8 group was significantly higher than that in the SSS<8 group (33.3%(12/36) vs 4.0%(5/124); χ2 = 25.44, P<0.001). Conclusion:MPI is an important imaging method for the evaluation of cardiac death in patients with CKD, SSS and hs-CRP are important risk factors in predicting cardiac death in those patients.
8.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
9.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
10.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.

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