32 專題探討 • TOPIC INSIGHT 澳大新語 • 2025 UMAGAZINE 31 Previous attempts to treat inflammation focused on directly activating Nrf2. However, this approach was much like a random guess at a password, risking interference with other physiological functions and causing unwanted side effects. Prof Leung’s team has made a breakthrough with their ‘protein detective’ technology. By using iridium probes, they are able to tag the Keap1 protein, making it impossible for the protein to hide. Then, with high-throughput screening, they can quickly identify active compounds capable of effectively separating Keap1 from Nrf2, allowing the ‘fire brigade’ to get back to work. Through systematic screening, the team has also discovered that an extract from a Chinese herbal medicine can precisely dismantle the Keap1-Nrf2 protein complex. This extract not only shows impressive anti-inflammatory effects, but is also safe, gentle, and non-irritating. Based on current cost evaluations, products made with this extract could be widely available at an affordable price. ‘Rather than brutally suppressing symptoms, our technology provides a protective shield for the skin and helps it learn to self-regulate,’ Prof Leung explains vividly. The team is preparing to apply for a patent for their technology and has drawn interest from cosmetics companies, with the first anti-inflammatory skincare product expected to launch in the near future. Putting Out the ‘Slow-Burning Fire’ of Chronic Inflammation Chronic inflammation, like a slow-burning fire, can quietly harm the body and last for months or even years. For example, office workers often suffer from chronic muscle strain caused by sitting for long periods and poor posture, which leads to stiff necks and shoulders. Middle-aged and elderly people commonly experience osteoarthritis or arthritis, while sports enthusiasts may develop chronic tendinitis from ligament and tendon injuries caused by overtraining or insufficient recovery. To address these issues, Prof He Chengwei, associate professor in ICMS, working with his team, systematically screened dozens of Every day, often hidden from notice, our bodies are locked in a constant tug-of-war between ‘firefighters’ and ‘fires’. The human immune system, acting as a well-trained fire brigade, springs into action the moment it detects abnormal fire hazards in the body. However, when the immune system becomes overactive, it can spark uncontrolled fires, leading to chronic inflammation. From skin redness and itching to joint pain and even cancer recurrence, these inflammation-related problems can spread like wildfire, threatening our health. At the University of Macau (UM), research teams have taken on the role of ‘immune firefighters’, working to find innovative ways to extinguish these fires. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage inflammation symptoms or come with unwanted side effects, the work of these researchers focuses on addressing the root causes of inflammation, providing better protection for human health. Rescue for Uncontrolled Skin Inflammation Skin inflammation is an increasingly common health concern in urban areas. According to statistics from Zhiyan Consulting Group in China, nearly one in ten people in the country suffer from dermatitis, with over 70 million affected by eczema. Many patients experience such intense itching that it disrupts their sleep, and some even scratch their skin until it bleeds, leading to infections and a loss of self-esteem. Traditional steroid treatments can come with serious side effects. While biologics are effective, they are expensive, with annual treatment costs reaching RMB 10,000, making them unaffordable for many families. Thanks to groundbreaking research at UM, a breakthrough may be on the horizon. Prof Leung Chung Hang, professor in the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS), and his research team have discovered a key mechanism behind skin inflammation—a ‘protein switch’ called Keap1-Nrf2. The Nrf2 protein plays a crucial role in directing cells to fight inflammation and maintain skin homeostasis. However, during inflammation, the Keap1 protein ‘kidnaps’ Nrf2, shutting it down and allowing the inflammation to escalate, similar to a fire that grows more intense over time.
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