Identification of marker genes associated with N6-methyladenosine and autophagy in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Both N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation and autophagy are considered relevant to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC).However,a systematic exploration of the role of the com-bination of m6A methylation and autophagy in UC remains to be performed.AIM To elucidate the autophagy-related genes of m6A with a diagnostic value for UC.METHODS The correlation between m6A-related genes and autophagy-related genes(ARGs)was analyzed.Finally,gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed on the characteristic genes.Additionally,the expression levels of four characteristic genes were verified in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice.RESULTS GSEA indicated that BAG3,P4HB and TP53INP2 were involved in the inflammatory response and TNF-αsignalling via nuclear factor kappa-B.Furthermore,polymerase chain reaction results showed significantly higher mRNA levels of BAG3 and P4HB and lower mRNA levels of FMR1 and TP53INP2 in the DSS group compared to the control group.CONCLUSION This study identified four m6A-ARGs that predict the occurrence of UC,thus providing a scientific reference for further studies on the pathogenesis of UC.

Gut microbiota contributes to the distinction between two traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is considered to be closely associated with alteration of intestinal microorganisms.According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory,UC can be divided into two disease syndromes called Pi-Xu-Shi-Yun(PXSY)and Da-Chang-Shi-Re(DCSR).The relationships among gut microbiota,TCM syndromes,and UC pathogenesis have not been well investigated.AIM To investigate the role of gut microbiota in UC and the distinction of microbiota dysbiosis between PXSY and DCSR syndromes.METHODS From May 2015 to February 2016,UC patients presenting to LongHua Hospital who met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study.Fresh stool specimens of UC patients with PXSY or DCSR were collected.The feces of the control group came from the health examination population of Longhua Hospital.The composition of gut bacterial communities in stool samples was determined by the pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA.The high-throughput sequencing reads were processed with QIIME,and biological functions were predicted using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States.RESULTS The composition of gut bacterial communities in 93 stool samples(30 healthy controls,32 patients with PXSY syndrome,and 31 patients with DCSR syndrome)was determined by the pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA.Beta diversity showed that the composition of the microbiota was different among the three groups.At the family level,Porphyromonadaceae,Rikeneliaceae,and Lachnospiraceae significantly decreased while Enterococcus,Streptococcus,and other potential pathogens significantly increased in UC patients compared to healthy subjects.At the genus level,Parabacteroides,Dorea,and Ruminococcus decreased while Faeca-libacterium showed increased abundance in UC compared to healthy controls.Five differential taxa were identified between PXSY and DCSR syndromes.At the genus level,a significantly increased abundance of Streptococcus was observed in DCSR patients,while Lachnoclostridium increased in PXSY patients.The differential functional pathways of the gut microbiome between the PXSY and DCSR groups mainly included lipid metabolism,immunity,and the metabolism of polypeptides.CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the distinction between the two TCM syndromes of UC.

Jianpi Qingchang decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB activation

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction (JPQCD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.METHODSC57BL/c mice were injected intragastrically with 5% DSS instead of drinking water for 7 d, and their body weight, diarrhea severity and fecal bleeding were monitored, while the mice in the control group were treated with standard drinking water, without DSS. After 7 d, the DSS drinking water was changed to normal water and the DSS group continued with DSS water. The control and DSS groups were given normal saline by intragastric injection. The 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group was treated orally with 5-ASA at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily. The JPQCD group was treated orally with JPQCD at a dose of 17.1 g/kg daily. On day 14, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathological damage score was assessed, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in colon supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κB and inhibitor of kappa B.RESULTSAcute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS, including the symptoms of losing body weight, loose feces/watery diarrhea and presence of fecal blood; all these symptoms worsened at 7 d. The colons of mice treated with DSS were assessed by histological examination, and the results confirmed that acute inflammation had occurred, as evidenced by loss of colonic mucosa and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, and these features extended into the deeper layer of the colon walls. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the DSS group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the JPQCD and 5-ASA groups were lower than those in the DSS group after treating with JPQCD and 5-ASA. Comparing with the DSS group, the mRNA level of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB was significantly reduced by 5-ASA and JPQCD. The difference between JPQCD and 5-ASA groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparing with the DSS group, due to using JPQCD and 5-ASA, significant suppression of activation in DSS-induced NF-κB and increased phosphorylation of IκB in mice with experimental colitis occurred (P < 0.05). The difference between the JPQCD group and the 5-ASA group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONActivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is inhibited by JPQCD, which shows the potential mechanism by which JPQCD treats UC.

Jianpi Qingchang decoction regulates intestinal motility of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis through reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal

AIM To investigate the underlying effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction(JQD) regulating intestinal motility of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the DSS group, the JQD group, and the 5-aminosalicylic acid group. Except for the control group, colitis was induced in other groups by giving distilled water containing 5% DSS. Seven days after modeling, the mice were administered corresponding drugs intragastrically. The mice were sacrificed on the 15^(th) day. The disease activity index, macroscopic and histopathologic lesions, and ultrastructure of colon interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC) were observed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-10 and interferon gamma(IFN-γ), the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) p65, c-kit, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3-Ⅱ) and Beclin-l m RNA, and the colonic smooth muscle tension were assessed. RESULTS Acute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS. Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IFN-γ, the expression of LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin-1 and NF-κB p65 m RNA, and the contractile frequency increased(P < 0.05), the expression of c-kit m RNA and the colonic smooth muscle contractile amplitude decreased in the DSS group(P < 0.05). Compared with the DSS group, the levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ, the expression of c-kit m RNA, and the colonic smooth muscle contractile amplitude increased(P < 0.05), the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, the expression of LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin-1 and NF-κB p65 m RNA, and the contractile frequency decreased in the JQD group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION JQD can regulate the intestinal motility of DSS-induced colitis in mice through suppressing intestinal inflammatory cascade reaction, reducing autophagy of ICC, and regulating the network path of ICC/smooth muscle cells.

Systems pharmacology approach reveals protective mechanisms of Jian-Pi Qing-Chang decoction on ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Given the complex pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), the conventional therapeutic methods are not fully curative. As a sort of systematic complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides new options for the standard therapy. Nevertheless, there are still numerous problems with the promotion of TCM attributed to its complexity, and consequently, new research approaches are urgently needed. Thus, we explored the protective effects of Jian-Pi Qing-Chang (JPQC) decoction on UC based on systems pharmacology approach, which might fill the current innovation gap in drug discovery and clinical practice pertaining to TCM. AIM To investigate the protective mechanisms of JPQC decoction on UC based on systems pharmacology approach. METHODS We performed systems pharmacology to predict the active ingredients, the matched targets, and the potential pharmacological mechanism of JPQC on UC. In vivo, we explored the effects of JPQC in a colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium. In vitro, we adopted the bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) as well as BMDMs co-cultured with Caco2 cells to verify the underlying mechanisms and effects of JPQC on UC under TNF-α stimulation. RESULTS Systems pharmacology revealed 170 targets for the 107 active ingredients of JPQC and 112 candidate targets of UC. Protein-protein interaction networks were established to identify the underlying therapeutic targets of JPQC on UC. Based on enrichment analyses, we proposed our hypothesis that JPQC might have a protective effect on UC via the NF-κB/HIF-1α signalling pathway. Subsequent experimental validation revealed that treatment with TNFα activated the NF-κB/HIF-1α signalling pathway in BMDMs, thereby damaging the epithelial barrier permeability in co-cultured Caco2 cells, while JPQC rescued this situation. The findings were also confirmed in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. CONCLUSION JPQC could improve the mucosal inflammatory response and intestinal epithelial barrier function via the NF-κB/HIF-1α signalling pathway, which provides new perspectives on the pharmaceutical development and clinical practice of TCM.

Systems pharmacology approach reveals the antiinflammatory effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis

AIM To investigate the protective effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata(AMP) on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice based on systems pharmacology approach.METHODS Systems pharmacology approach was used to predict the active ingredients, candidate targets and the efficacy of AMP on ulcerative colitis(UC) using a holistic process of active compound screening, target fishing, network construction and analysis. A DSSinduced colitis model in C57 BL/6 mice(n = 10/group) was constructed and treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid(100 mg/kg/d) and AMP(400 mg/kg/d) to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects of AMP on UC with western blot analyses, polymerase chain reaction, histological staining and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS The therapeutic effects of AMP against DSS-induced colitis were determined in the beginning, and the results showed that AMP significantly improved the disease in general observations and histopathology analysis. Subsequent systems pharmacology predicted 89 corresponding targets for the four candidate compounds of AMP, as well as 123 candidate targets of UC, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed for the interaction of putative targets of AMP against UC. Enrichment analyses on TNF-α and RANKL/RANK, a receptor activator of NF-κB signaling pathways, were then carried out. Experimental validation revealed that inflammation-related signaling pathways were activated in the DSS group, and AMP significantly suppressed DSS-induced high expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, IκB and NF-κB, and inhibited the elevated expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.CONCLUSION AMP could exert protective effects on UC via suppressing the IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways.

Research advances of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by regulating interleukin-10 expression in regulatory B cells

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic relapsed intestinal disease with an increasing incidence around the world.The pathophysiology of UC remains unclear.However,the role of the interaction between the enteric nervous system and the immune system in the pathogenesis of UC has been the focus of attention and has become a research hotspot.Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)is a kind of endogenous neuropeptide with regulatory activity on intestinal immunity.It has been shown to regulate immune disorders in animal and human experiments and has become an effective anti-inflammatory and immune modulator that affects the innate immune system and adaptive immune system.Regulatory B cells(Bregs)are a new group of B cells that negatively regulate the immunity and have received extensive attention in immune circles.Bregs can regulate immune tolerance by producing interleukin(IL)-10,IL-35,and transforming growth factor-β,suppressing autoimmune diseases or excessive inflammatory responses.The secretion of IL-10 by Bregs induces the development of T helper(Th)0 and Th2 cells.It also induces Th2 cytokines and inhibits Th1 cytokines,thereby inhibiting Th1 cells and the Th1/Th2 balance.With further clarity on the mechanism of the regulation of IL-10 expression by VIP in Bregs in colitis patients,we believe that Bregs can provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of UC.Thus,we aim to review the current literature on this evolving topic.

Mechanism of Jianpi Qingchang Huashi Recipe in treating ulcerative colitis:A study based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a refractory intestinal disease with alternating onset and remission and a long disease course,which seriously affects the health and quality of life of patients.The goal of treatment is to control clinical symptoms,induce and maintain remission,promote mucosal healing,and reduce recurrence.Clinical trials have shown unsatisfactory clinical response rates.As a supplementary alternative medicine,traditional Chinese medicine has a rich history and has shown good results in the treatment of UC.Because of the quality of herbal medicine and other factors,the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine is not stable enough.The mechanism underlying the effect of Jianpi Qingchang Huashi Recipe(JPQCHSR)on inducing UC mucosal healing is not clear.AIM To investigate the potential mechanism of JPQCHSR for the treatment of UC based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.METHODS Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform was used to extract the active components and action targets of JPQCHSR,and the target names were standardized and corrected through UniProt database.The related targets of UC were obtained through GeneCards database,and the intersection targets of drugs and diseases were screened by jvenn online analysis tool.The visual regulatory network of"Traditional Chinese medicine-active components-target-disease"was constructed using Cytoscape software,the protein interaction network was constructed using STRING database,and enrichment analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways was conducted through R software.At last,the active components were docked with the core target through SYBYL-X 2.1.1 software.RESULTS Through database analysis,a total of 181 active components,302 targets and 205 therapeutic targets were obtained for JPQCHSR.The key compounds include quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,etc.The core targets involved STAT3,AKT1,TP53,MAPK1,MAPK3,JUN,TNF,etc.A total of 2861 items were obtained by GO enrichment analysis,and 171 items were obtained by KEGG(Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes)pathway enrichment analysis.The results of molecular docking showed that the key active components in JPQCHSR had certain affinity with the core target.CONCLUSION The treatment of UC with JPQCHSR is a complex process of multi-component,multi-target and multi-pathway regulation.The mechanism of this Recipe in the treatment of UC can be predicted through network pharmacology and molecular docking,so as to provide theoretical reference for it to better play its therapeutic role.

Relationship between Ulcerative Colitis and Lung Injuries

Objective To explore the relationship between ulcerative colitis(UC) and lung injuries by assessing their clinical manifestations and characteristics. Methods From July 2009 to April 2012, 91 UC patients presenting to Longhua Hospital who met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study. According to the scores of disease activity index, the patients were divided into the mild, moderate, and severe groups. Meanwhile, the records of pulmonary symptoms, chest X-ray image, and pulmonary function were reviewed. Results Sixty-eight(74.7%) patients had at least 1 pulmonary symptom, such as cough(38.5%), shortness of breath(27.5%), and expectoration(17.6%). And 77(84.6%) had at least 1 ventilation abnormality. Vital capacity value was significantly lower in the severe group than that in the mild group(91.82%±10.38% vs. 98.92%±12.12%, P<0.05). Conclusions Lung injury is a common extraintestinal complication of UC. According to the theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine that the lung and large intestine are related, both the lungs and large intestine should be treated simultaneously.

Influence of Shenqing Recipe on Morphology and Quantity of Colonic Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid Induced Rat Colitis

Objective To observe the influence of Shenqing Recipe (SQR), a kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on the morphology and quantity of colonic interstitial ceils of Cajal (ICC) in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat colitis, and to investigate the possible mechanism of SQR in regulating intestinal dynamics. Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control, model Ⅰ , model Ⅱ, mesalazine, and high-dose, and low-dose SQR groups with 10 rats in each group. TNBS (10 mg) dissolved in 50% ethanol was instilled into the lumen of the rat colon of the latter five groups to induce colitis. On the 4th day after administration of TNBS, each treatment group was administered one of the following formulations by enteroclysis gavage once a day for 7 days: 600 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 mesalazine, 2.4g^-1·d^-1 SQR, and 1.2g^-1·d^-1 SQR. Model Ⅱ rats received normal saline solution. After 7 days colonic samples were collected. While the colonic samples of model I group were collected on the 3rd day after TNBS administered. Ultrastructure of ICC in the damaged colonic tissues was observed with transmission electron microscope. Expression of c-kit protein in colonic tissue was determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. Results The ultrastructure of colonic ICC in the rat model of TNBS-induced colitis showed a severe injury, and administration of SQR or mesalazine reduced the severity of injury. Similarly, the expression of c-kit protein of TNBS-induced colitis rat model was significantly decreased compared with the normal control group (P〈0.05). Treatment with SQR or mesalazine significantly increased the expression of c-kit protein compared with the administration of control formulations (P〈0.05), especially the high-dose SQR group. Conclusion SQR could alleviate and repair the injured ICC, and improve its quantity, which might be involved in regulating intestinal motility.

Jianpi Qingchang Bushen decoction improves inflammatory response and metabolic bone disorder in inflammatory bowel disease-induced bone loss

BACKGROUND Bone loss and osteoporosis are commonly described as extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Jianpi Qingchang Bushen decoction(JQBD)is a prescription used in clinical practice.However,further studies are needed to determine whether JQBD regulates the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(RANK)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)/osteoprotegerin(OPG)pathways and could play a role in treating IBD-induced bone loss.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effect of JQBD in IBD-induced bone loss and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS An IBD-induced bone loss model was constructed by feeding 126-to-8-wk-old interleukin-10(IL-10)-knockout mice with piroxicam for 10 d.The mice were randomly divided into model and JQBD groups.We used wild-type mice as a control.The JQBD group was administered the JQBD suspension for 2 wk by gavage,while the control and model groups were given normal saline at the corresponding time points.All mice were killed after the intervention.The effect of JQBD on body weight,disease activity index(DAI),and colon length was analyzed.Histopathological examination,colon ultrastructure observation,and micro-computed tomographic scanning of the lumbar vertebrae were performed.The gene expression of NF-κB,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the colon was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Colon samples were assessed by Western blot for the expression of RANKL,OPG,RANK,and NF-κB proteins.RESULTS The model group lost body weight,had a shorter colon,and showed a dramatic increase in DAI score,whereas JQBD had protective and therapeutic effects.Treatment with JQBD significantly improved inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced crypt abscess and ulcer formation.Threedimensional imaging of the vertebral centrum in the model group revealed a lower bone mass,loose trabeculae,and“rod-shaped”changes in the structure compared to the control group and JQBD groups.The bone volume/total volume ratio and bone mineral density were significantly lower in the model group than in the control group.JQBD intervention downregulated the NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 m RNA expression levels.The RANKL and OPG protein levels were also improved.CONCLUSION JQBD reduces inflammation of the colonic mucosa and inhibits activation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway,thereby reducing osteoclast activation and bone resorption and improving bone metabolism.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal zedoary turmeric-trisomes in Inflammatory bowel disease with intestinal fibrosis

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a complex chronic IBD that is closely associated with risk factors such as environment, diet, medications and lifestyle that may influence the host microbiome or immune response to antigens. At present, with the increasing incidence of IBD worldwide, it is of great significance to further study the pathogenesis of IBD and seek new therapeutic targets. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of diseases is characterized by multiple approaches and multiple targets and has a long history of clinical application in China. The mechanism underlying the effect of zedoary turmerictrisomes on inducing mucosal healing in IBD is not clear.AIM To explore the effective components and potential mechanism of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of IBD with intestinal fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.METHODS The chemical constituents and targets of Rhizoma zedoary and Rhizoma sanarum were screened using the TCMSP database. The GeneCards database was searched to identify targets associated with intestinal fibrosis in IBD. The intersection of chemical component targets and disease targets was obtained using the Venny 2.1 online analysis platform, and the common targets were imported into the STRING 11.0 database to construct a protein interaction regulatory network. A “zedoary turmeric-trisomes-chemical composition-target-disease” network diagram was subsequently constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and the topological properties of the network were analyzed using the “Network Analysis” plug-in. Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses of the common targets were performed using the DAVID 6.8 database to elucidate the mechanism of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of IBD. Subsequently, molecular docking of the compounds and targets with the highest intermediate values in the “zedoary turmeric-trisomes-chemical composition-target-disease” network was performed using Sybyl-x 2.1.1 software.RESULTS A total of 5 chemical components with 60 targets were identified, as well as 3153 targets related to IBD and 44 common targets. The protein-protein interaction network showed that the core therapeutic targets included JUN, MAPK14, CASP3, AR, and PTGS2. The GO enrichment analysis identified 759 items, and the KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 52 items, including the cancer pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, hepatitis B, and the calcium signaling pathway, reflecting the complex biological processes of the multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway treatment of diseases with zedoary turmeric-trisomes. Molecular docking showed that the compound bonded with the target through hydrogen bond interactions and exhibited good docking activity.CONCLUSION This study identified the potential mechanism of action of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, providing a scientific basis for further expansion of their clinical use.

Role of adherent invasive Escherichia coli in pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Gut microbiota imbalances play an important role in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD),but no single pathogenic microorganism critical to IBD that is specific to the IBD terminal ileum mucosa or can invade intestinal epithelial cells has been found.Invasive Escherichia coli(E.coli)adhesion to macrophages is considered to be closely related to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.Further study of the specific biological characteristics of adherent invasive E.coli(AIEC)may contribute to a further understanding of IBD pathogenesis.This review explores the relationship between AIEC and the intestinal immune system,discusses the prevalence and relevance of AIEC in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients,and describes the relationship between AIEC and the disease site,activity,and postoperative recurrence.Finally,we highlight potential therapeutic strategies to attenuate AIEC colonization in the intestinal mucosa,including the use of phage therapy,antibiotics,and anti-adhesion molecules.These strategies may open up new avenues for the prevention and treatment of IBD in the future.

Clinicopathological features and expression of regulatory mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal sessile serrated adenomas/polyps with different syndrome types

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide,with the fourth highest mortality among all cancers.Reportedly,in addition to adenomas,serrated polyps,which account for 15%-30%of CRCs,can also develop into CRCs through the serrated pathway.Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps(SSAs/Ps),a type of serrated polyps,are easily misdiagnosed during endoscopy.AIM To observe the difference in the Wnt signaling pathway expression in SSAs/Ps patients with different syndrome types.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,patients with SSAs/Ps were recruited from the Endoscopy Room of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital,affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirty cases each of large intestine damp-heat(Da-Chang-Shi-Re,DCSR)syndrome and spleen-stomach weakness(Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo)syndrome were reported.Baseline comparison of the general data,typical tongue coating,colonoscopy findings,and hematoxylin and eosin findings was performed in each group.The expression of the Wnt pathway-related proteins,namelyβ-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli,and mutated in colorectal cancer,were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Significant differences were observed with respect to the SSAs/Ps size between the two groups of patients with different syndrome types(P=0.001).The other aspects did not differ between the two groups.The Wnt signaling pathway was activated in patients with SSAs/Ps belonging to both groups,which was manifested asβ-catenin protein translocation into the nucleus.However,SSAs/Ps patients with DCSR syndrome had more nucleation,higherβ-catenin expression,and negative regulatory factor(adenomatous polyposis coli and mutated in colorectal cancer)expression(P<0.0001)than SSA/P patients with Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo syndrome.In addition,the SSA/P size was linearly correlated with the related protein expression.CONCLUSION Patients with DCSR syndrome had a more obvious Wnt signaling pathway activation and a higher risk of carcinogenesis.A high-quality colonoscopic diagnosis was essential.The thorough assessment of clinical diseases can be improved by combining the diseases of Western medicine with the syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine.

Single-cell RNA-sequencing combined with bulk RNA-sequencing analysis of peripheral blood reveals the characteristics and key immune cell genes of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a complicated disease caused by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors that affects mucosal homeostasis and triggers an inappropriate immune response.Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)can be used to rapidly obtain the precise gene expression patterns of thousands of cells in the intestine,analyze the characteristics of cells with the same phenotype,and provide new insights into the growth and development of intestinal organs,the clonal evolution of cells,and immune cell changes.These findings can provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of intestinal diseases.To identify clinical phenotypes and biomarkers that can predict the response of UC patients to specific therapeutic drugs and thus aid the diagnosis and treatment of UC.METHODS Using the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database,we analyzed peripheral blood cell subtypes of patients with UC by scRNA-seq combined with bulk RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)to reveal the core genes of UC.We then combined weighted gene correlation network analysis(WGCNA)and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)analysis to reveal diagnostic markers of UC.RESULTS After processing the scRNA-seq data,we obtained data from approximately 24340 cells and identified 17 cell types.Through intercellular communication analysis,we selected monocyte marker genes as the candidate gene set for the prediction model.Construction of a WGCNA coexpression network identified RhoB,cathepsin D(CTSD)and zyxin(ZYX)as core genes.Immune infiltration analysis showed that these three core genes were strongly correlated with immune cells.Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were closely related to immune and inflammatory responses,which are associated with many challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of UC.CONCLUSION Through scRNA-seq analysis,LASSO diagnostic model building and WGCNA,we identified RhoB,CTSD and ZYX as core genes of UC that are closely related to monocyte infiltration that may serve as diagnostic markers and molecular targets for UC therapeutic intervention.

Jianpi Qingchang Decoction-containing serum regulates the autophagy ofinterstitial cells

Objective： To investigate the effects of Jianpi Qingchang Decoction-containing serum （JQD-CS） on interstitial cells ofCajal （ICCs） autophagy and cell cycle arrest in vitro. Methods： ICCs were collected from the small intestines of miceand analyzed using an anti-c-Kit antibody. ICCs were divided into five groups： the blank group, the rapamycin group （anautophagy inducer）, the 5% （rapamycin ＋ 5% JQD-CS）, the 20% （rapamycin ＋ 20% JQD-CS） JQD-CS groups, and the3-Methyladenine （3-MA） group （rapamycin ＋ 3-MA; positive control）. Transmission electron microscopy was used toobserve the ultrastructure of ICCs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of microtubule-associated protein1 light chain 3 （LC3-II）, Beclin-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）, p-PI3K, protein kinase B （AKt）, p-AKt,mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）, and p-mTOR. Ca2＋ current was examined by patch-clamp experiments. Cellcycle was detected by flow cytometry. Results： Unlike in the rapamycin group, the ICC structures were more integratedand a lower number of autophagic vacuoles were observed in the 20% JQD-CS group. Moreover, the expression ofLC3-II and Beclin-1 decreased, the expression of c-Kit, p-PI3K, p-AKt increased, the maximum current density valuedecreased, and the number of cells in the G1 phase increased while those in the G2/M phase decreased, with the additionof 20% JQD-CS. Conclusion： JQD-CS can antagonize rapamycin-induced autophagy in ICCs in vitro by promoting thephosphorylation of PI3K/AKt pathway, inhibiting Ca2 ＋ inflow, and regulating the cell cycle.