Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
This study links a neutrophil protein (ANXA3) to both ulcerative colitis and ischaemic stroke and suggests a compound (ginsenoside Rb1) can bind ANXA3 and reduce neutrophil hyperactivation in lab tests — a potential route to therapies that address inflammation shared by both conditions.
Who Should Pay Attention
Researchers studying immune mechanisms or biomarkers in IBD and stroke, translational scientists exploring neutrophil-targeted therapies, and clinicians interested in emerging preclinical targets linking systemic inflammation across diseases.
Study Snapshot
What To Know
ANXA3 (annexin A3) was identified from gene-expression analyses as linked to both ischaemic stroke and ulcerative colitis; the paper reports higher ANXA3 levels in neutrophils from patients with both conditions.
The authors used molecular docking, molecular dynamics and a cellular thermal shift assay to show that the natural compound ginsenoside Rb1 binds ANXA3.
In laboratory experiments using primary human neutrophils, UC–IS patient serum caused neutrophil hyperactivation (migration, NETosis, MPO and ROS release) that the authors report was reduced by ginsenoside Rb1 in vitro.
The study suggests ANXA3 is a neutrophil-derived biomarker for UC–IS comorbidity and that targeting it with ginsenoside Rb1 could modulate neutrophil activity.
This report is based on bioinformatic analyses, patient-cell assays and biophysical binding studies described in the article abstract; it is preclinical and does not establish clinical benefit or safety of ginsenoside Rb1 in patients.
Keep In Mind
Findings are preclinical: gene-expression analyses, in vitro neutrophil assays, and biophysical binding studies support the mechanism but do not demonstrate safety or efficacy in humans. The article is an abstract-level report from the journal and should be interpreted as early-stage research.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Funding disclosed by the source: Science and Technology Development Fund, award 0065/2023/RIB3; Science and Technology Development Fund, award 0041/2025/RIB1; Science and Technology Development Fund, award 0002/2025/NRP; Science and Technology Development Fund, award 0008/2025/EQP
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.