Proteomic Study Between Interstitial Channels Along Meridians and Adjacent Areas in Mini-Pigs

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Proteomics
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Meridian interstitial channels are key concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Understanding their material basis is crucial for modern meridian research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the material basis and biological functions of stomach meridian interstitial channels in mini-pigs.
• To analyze differential proteomics between interstitial and adjacent tissues.

Main Methods:

• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and SWATH MS^ALL for proteomic analysis.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis for functional annotation.
• Western blotting to validate key protein expression.

Main Results:

• Identified 72 differentially expressed proteins between stomach meridian interstitial channels and adjacent tissues.
• Upregulation of extracellular matrix structural proteins (collagens, proteoglycans) and downregulation of functional enzymes (amino acid metabolism, nucleotide balance).
• Differential proteins are significantly associated with gastrointestinal diseases.

Conclusions:

• The stomach meridian interstitial channels possess a unique proteomic profile.
• This profile, with its distinct structural and functional proteins, may underpin meridian specificity.
• Findings suggest a pathological link between meridian interstitial channels and gastrointestinal diseases.