1.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Regulates GP73/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway to Influence Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ameliorate Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Pengli DU ; Yuxi GUO ; Yican WANG ; Ziqi JIN ; Xin KANG ; Xuemei JIA ; Weichao XU ; Yanru CAI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):19-28
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xianglian Huazhuo prescription ameliorates chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through regulating the Golgi protein 73 (GP73)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). MethodA mouse model of CAG was induced by multiple factors, including ranitidine, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The CAG mice were randomized into five groups: model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose (7.6, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) Xianglian Huazhuo prescription, with 10 mice in each group. At the same time, 10 mice in normal group were set up. The mice in the Morodan group and the high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage, and those in the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline. All the mice were intervened once a day for 60 consecutive days. After the last administration, the overall morphological changes of the gastric tissue were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the pathological morphology and the endoplasmic reticulum ultrastructure in the gastric tissue. The serum levels of pepsinogen Ⅰ (PGⅠ), pepsinogen Ⅱ (PGⅡ), gastrin-17 (G-17), and GP73 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The pepsinogen ratio (PGR, PGⅠ/PGⅡ) was calculated. The protein levels of GP73, PERK, phosphorylated (p)-PERK, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), ATF4, CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-12 (Caspase-12), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were assessed by Western blot. The expression of GRP78 was detected by immunofluorescence (IF) assay, and the location of Bcl-2 and Bax by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed pale gastric mucosa with flattened folds and reduced and loosely arranged gastric mucosal glands, declined serum levels of PGI, PGR, G-17, and GP73 (P<0.01). downregulated protein levels of GP73, p-PERK, ATF4, GRP78, CHOP, Caspase-12, and Bax in the gastric tissue, and upregulated protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Morodan group and each Xianglian Huazhuo prescription group exhibited red gastric mucosa with increased folds, alleviated pathological damage, swelling endoplasmic reticulum, elevated serum levels of PGI, G-17, and GP73 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated protein levels of Caspase-12 and Bax and downregulated protein level of Bcl-2 in the gastric tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). The Morodan group and the high-dose and medium-dose Xianglian Huazhuo prescription groups exhibited increased serum level of PGR (P<0.05, P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of GP73, p-PERK, ATF4, GRP78, and CHOP in the gastric tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription can activate the GP73/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway and induce ERS-mediated apoptosis to alleviate the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa, thereby demonstrating a protective effect against CAG in mice.
2.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Treats Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Regulating lncRNA NOTCH1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 Axis
Rui WANG ; Jiayuan XU ; Yican LIN ; Pengli DU ; Ziqi JIN ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):39-50
ObjectiveTo construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involving long non-coding RNA NOTCH1 (lncRNA NOTCH1) and investigate whether Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) ameliorates gastric mucosal injury via regulating ferroptosis through the lncRNA NOTCH1/microRNA-138-5p (miR-138-5p)/silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) axis. MethodsLncRNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools were used to construct the ceRNA network involving lncRNA NOTCH1. In the animal experiments, a chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) model was induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in mice. Mice were randomized into normal, model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (7.6, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) XLHZ groups (n=10). Transmission electron microscopy was adopted to assess gastric pathology. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Western blot was adopted to quantify the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 in the gastric tissue. In the cell experiment, dual-luciferase assay was employed to verify the targeting among lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, and SIRT1. MNNG was used to treat GES-1 cells for disease modeling. The effects of NOTCH1 mimics on the expression of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, and SIRT1, as well as the effects of miR-138-5p inhibitor on the expression of miR-138-5p and SIRT1, were observed. The rescue experiment with XLHZ was designed with five groups: GES-1, GES-1+MNNG (Model), Model+XLHZ, Model+NOTCH1 inhibitor+XLHZ, and Model+NOTCH1 inhibitor+miR-138-5p mimics+XLHZ. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assay were employed to measure the mRNA levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 and the Fe2+ content, respectively, in GES-1 cells. ResultsThe modeled mice showed mitochondrial damage with shrinkage and cristae loss, downregulated mRNA/protein levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, and upregulated expression of miR-138-5p (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, drug treatments reduced mitochondrial structural damage and the membrane density decreased, partially recovered the crista structure, downregulated the expression of miR-138-5p, and upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the cell experiments, the dual-luciferase assays confirmed lncRNA NOTCH1 bound to miR-138-5p and miR-138-5p bound to SIRT1, both suppressing luciferase activity (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank control group, the model group showed decreased expression of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, increased expression of miR-138-5p, and enhanced Fe2+ fluorescence (P<0.01). NOTCH1 mimics or miR-138-5p inhibitor reversed these changes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Rescue experiments showed that NOTCH1 inhibitor reversed XLHZ-induced miR-138-5p decrease and SIRT1 increase (P<0.01), while miR-138-5p overexpression suppressed SIRT1 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results confirmed that lncRNA NOTCH1 negatively regulated miR-138-5p, which in turn negatively regulated SIRT1. ConclusionXLHZ effectively alleviates gastric mucosal injury and curbs CAG progression by inhibiting ferroptosis through modulation of the lncRNA NOTCH1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 axis.
3.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Ameliorates Chronic Atrophic Gastritis via Regulating Lysosomal Iron Metabolism
Jiayuan XU ; Yican LIN ; Rui WANG ; Pengli DU ; Ziqi JIN ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):65-75
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in ameliorating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating lysosomal iron metabolism. MethodsIn the animal experiments, a mouse model of CAG was established through a combined modeling approach, including free drinking of N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 100 mg·L-1), gavage of ranitidine (8 g·L-1), and irregular feeding. Mice were randomly assigned into the normal, model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (7.2, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) XLHZ groups. In the cell experiments, GES-1 cells were treated with MNNG to construct a cell model of CAG, and cells were allocated into the GES-1, GES-1+MNNG (Model), and Model+XLHZ groups. The general physical conditions of mice in each group were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological morphology of the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (Steap3), and transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) in the gastric tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the gastric tissue. Fluorescent probe method was used to detect the levels of Fe²⁺ and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunofluorescence assay was applied to observe the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1. ResultsThe animal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited poor mental status and hair condition, accompanied by decreased locomotor activity, food and water intake, and even reduced body weight. HE staining results showed that the gastric mucosal epithelium of model mice presented poor continuity, significantly decreased mucosal thickness, irregular gastric fovea morphology with widened spacing, dilated glandular cavities, reduced and disarranged glands with obvious atrophy, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the mitochondria were markedly shrunken with condensed and deeply stained matrix, drastically reduced and irregularly arranged cristae, and even vacuolization, and the outer mitochondrial membrane shrank and ruptured. In addition, the model group showed elevated serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.01), declined serum level of IL-10 (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LAMP1, NCOA4, Steap3, and TRPML1 (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of FTH1 (P<0.01) in the gastric tissue, reduced positive expression of GPX4 (P<0.01), and increased positive expression of 8-OHdG (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups showed improved mental state and hair appearance, increased locomotor activity, food and water intake, as well as gradual body weight gain in mice. HE staining demonstrated that the gastric mucosal epithelium of mice in each treatment group was continuous and intact, with normalized gastric fovea morphology, narrowed glandular cavities, increased and neatly arranged glands, and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the mitochondria in mice from each treatment group possessed intact structures with recovered normal volume, increased and regularly arranged cristae, and homogeneous density of the mitochondrial membrane. The mice treated with high and medium doses of XLHZ exhibited declined serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.01) and elevated serum level of IL-10 (P<0.01). Low-dose XLHZ reduced serum IL-1β level in mice (P<0.05). The expression levels of LAMP1, NCOA4, Steap3 and TRPML1 protein in gastric tissue of mice in XLHZ high- and medium-dose groups were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression level of FTH1 protein was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The positive expression of GPX4 in the gastric tissue was increased in the high- and medium-dose XLHZ groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and that of 8-OHdG was decreased in all treatment groups (P<0.01). The cell experiments showed that compared with the GES-1 group, the fluorescence intensities of Fe²⁺ and ROS, as well as the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1, were significantly increased in the GES-1 + MNNG group (P<0.01). Compared with the GES-1 + MNNG group, the fluorescence intensities of Fe²⁺ and ROS were markedly decreased in the Model + XLHZ group (P<0.01), while the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1 was reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionXLHZ can effectively regulate lysosomal iron metabolism and ameliorate gastric mucosal and cellular injury induced by CAG.
4.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Regulates GP73/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway to Influence Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ameliorate Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Pengli DU ; Yuxi GUO ; Yican WANG ; Ziqi JIN ; Xin KANG ; Xuemei JIA ; Weichao XU ; Yanru CAI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):19-28
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xianglian Huazhuo prescription ameliorates chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) through regulating the Golgi protein 73 (GP73)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway and modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). MethodA mouse model of CAG was induced by multiple factors, including ranitidine, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The CAG mice were randomized into five groups: model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose (7.6, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) Xianglian Huazhuo prescription, with 10 mice in each group. At the same time, 10 mice in normal group were set up. The mice in the Morodan group and the high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage, and those in the normal group and the model group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline. All the mice were intervened once a day for 60 consecutive days. After the last administration, the overall morphological changes of the gastric tissue were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate the pathological morphology and the endoplasmic reticulum ultrastructure in the gastric tissue. The serum levels of pepsinogen Ⅰ (PGⅠ), pepsinogen Ⅱ (PGⅡ), gastrin-17 (G-17), and GP73 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The pepsinogen ratio (PGR, PGⅠ/PGⅡ) was calculated. The protein levels of GP73, PERK, phosphorylated (p)-PERK, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), ATF4, CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-12 (Caspase-12), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were assessed by Western blot. The expression of GRP78 was detected by immunofluorescence (IF) assay, and the location of Bcl-2 and Bax by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed pale gastric mucosa with flattened folds and reduced and loosely arranged gastric mucosal glands, declined serum levels of PGI, PGR, G-17, and GP73 (P<0.01). downregulated protein levels of GP73, p-PERK, ATF4, GRP78, CHOP, Caspase-12, and Bax in the gastric tissue, and upregulated protein level of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Morodan group and each Xianglian Huazhuo prescription group exhibited red gastric mucosa with increased folds, alleviated pathological damage, swelling endoplasmic reticulum, elevated serum levels of PGI, G-17, and GP73 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and upregulated protein levels of Caspase-12 and Bax and downregulated protein level of Bcl-2 in the gastric tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). The Morodan group and the high-dose and medium-dose Xianglian Huazhuo prescription groups exhibited increased serum level of PGR (P<0.05, P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of GP73, p-PERK, ATF4, GRP78, and CHOP in the gastric tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription can activate the GP73/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway and induce ERS-mediated apoptosis to alleviate the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa, thereby demonstrating a protective effect against CAG in mice.
5.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Treats Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Regulating lncRNA NOTCH1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 Axis
Rui WANG ; Jiayuan XU ; Yican LIN ; Pengli DU ; Ziqi JIN ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):39-50
ObjectiveTo construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involving long non-coding RNA NOTCH1 (lncRNA NOTCH1) and investigate whether Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) ameliorates gastric mucosal injury via regulating ferroptosis through the lncRNA NOTCH1/microRNA-138-5p (miR-138-5p)/silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) axis. MethodsLncRNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools were used to construct the ceRNA network involving lncRNA NOTCH1. In the animal experiments, a chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) model was induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in mice. Mice were randomized into normal, model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (7.6, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) XLHZ groups (n=10). Transmission electron microscopy was adopted to assess gastric pathology. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Western blot was adopted to quantify the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 in the gastric tissue. In the cell experiment, dual-luciferase assay was employed to verify the targeting among lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, and SIRT1. MNNG was used to treat GES-1 cells for disease modeling. The effects of NOTCH1 mimics on the expression of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, and SIRT1, as well as the effects of miR-138-5p inhibitor on the expression of miR-138-5p and SIRT1, were observed. The rescue experiment with XLHZ was designed with five groups: GES-1, GES-1+MNNG (Model), Model+XLHZ, Model+NOTCH1 inhibitor+XLHZ, and Model+NOTCH1 inhibitor+miR-138-5p mimics+XLHZ. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assay were employed to measure the mRNA levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 and the Fe2+ content, respectively, in GES-1 cells. ResultsThe modeled mice showed mitochondrial damage with shrinkage and cristae loss, downregulated mRNA/protein levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, and upregulated expression of miR-138-5p (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, drug treatments reduced mitochondrial structural damage and the membrane density decreased, partially recovered the crista structure, downregulated the expression of miR-138-5p, and upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the cell experiments, the dual-luciferase assays confirmed lncRNA NOTCH1 bound to miR-138-5p and miR-138-5p bound to SIRT1, both suppressing luciferase activity (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank control group, the model group showed decreased expression of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, increased expression of miR-138-5p, and enhanced Fe2+ fluorescence (P<0.01). NOTCH1 mimics or miR-138-5p inhibitor reversed these changes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Rescue experiments showed that NOTCH1 inhibitor reversed XLHZ-induced miR-138-5p decrease and SIRT1 increase (P<0.01), while miR-138-5p overexpression suppressed SIRT1 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results confirmed that lncRNA NOTCH1 negatively regulated miR-138-5p, which in turn negatively regulated SIRT1. ConclusionXLHZ effectively alleviates gastric mucosal injury and curbs CAG progression by inhibiting ferroptosis through modulation of the lncRNA NOTCH1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 axis.
6.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Ameliorates Chronic Atrophic Gastritis via Regulating Lysosomal Iron Metabolism
Jiayuan XU ; Yican LIN ; Rui WANG ; Pengli DU ; Ziqi JIN ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):65-75
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in ameliorating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating lysosomal iron metabolism. MethodsIn the animal experiments, a mouse model of CAG was established through a combined modeling approach, including free drinking of N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 100 mg·L-1), gavage of ranitidine (8 g·L-1), and irregular feeding. Mice were randomly assigned into the normal, model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (7.2, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) XLHZ groups. In the cell experiments, GES-1 cells were treated with MNNG to construct a cell model of CAG, and cells were allocated into the GES-1, GES-1+MNNG (Model), and Model+XLHZ groups. The general physical conditions of mice in each group were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological morphology of the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (Steap3), and transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) in the gastric tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the gastric tissue. Fluorescent probe method was used to detect the levels of Fe²⁺ and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunofluorescence assay was applied to observe the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1. ResultsThe animal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited poor mental status and hair condition, accompanied by decreased locomotor activity, food and water intake, and even reduced body weight. HE staining results showed that the gastric mucosal epithelium of model mice presented poor continuity, significantly decreased mucosal thickness, irregular gastric fovea morphology with widened spacing, dilated glandular cavities, reduced and disarranged glands with obvious atrophy, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the mitochondria were markedly shrunken with condensed and deeply stained matrix, drastically reduced and irregularly arranged cristae, and even vacuolization, and the outer mitochondrial membrane shrank and ruptured. In addition, the model group showed elevated serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.01), declined serum level of IL-10 (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LAMP1, NCOA4, Steap3, and TRPML1 (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of FTH1 (P<0.01) in the gastric tissue, reduced positive expression of GPX4 (P<0.01), and increased positive expression of 8-OHdG (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups showed improved mental state and hair appearance, increased locomotor activity, food and water intake, as well as gradual body weight gain in mice. HE staining demonstrated that the gastric mucosal epithelium of mice in each treatment group was continuous and intact, with normalized gastric fovea morphology, narrowed glandular cavities, increased and neatly arranged glands, and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the mitochondria in mice from each treatment group possessed intact structures with recovered normal volume, increased and regularly arranged cristae, and homogeneous density of the mitochondrial membrane. The mice treated with high and medium doses of XLHZ exhibited declined serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.01) and elevated serum level of IL-10 (P<0.01). Low-dose XLHZ reduced serum IL-1β level in mice (P<0.05). The expression levels of LAMP1, NCOA4, Steap3 and TRPML1 protein in gastric tissue of mice in XLHZ high- and medium-dose groups were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression level of FTH1 protein was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The positive expression of GPX4 in the gastric tissue was increased in the high- and medium-dose XLHZ groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and that of 8-OHdG was decreased in all treatment groups (P<0.01). The cell experiments showed that compared with the GES-1 group, the fluorescence intensities of Fe²⁺ and ROS, as well as the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1, were significantly increased in the GES-1 + MNNG group (P<0.01). Compared with the GES-1 + MNNG group, the fluorescence intensities of Fe²⁺ and ROS were markedly decreased in the Model + XLHZ group (P<0.01), while the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1 was reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionXLHZ can effectively regulate lysosomal iron metabolism and ameliorate gastric mucosal and cellular injury induced by CAG.
7.Quality Evaluation of Zhuye Shigao Granules and Its Therapeutic Effect on Mice with Cold-dampness Pestilence Attacking Lung Syndrome
Haihong LI ; Jiaqi SHEN ; Liwen LIANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Yuting YANG ; Shuyun LIANG ; Zhiliang SUN ; Jiannan LI ; Guangzhi CAI ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):182-190
ObjectiveTo establish a quality evaluation method for Zhuye Shigao granules(Zhuye Shigaotang) based on fingerprint and determination of index components, and to investigate the therapeutic effect of Zhuye Shigao granules on mice with cold-dampness pestilence attacking lung syndrome. MethodsThe fingerprint of Zhuye Shigao granules was established by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), and the methods for determination of total calcium, orientin, isoorientin, ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb1 and other 2 index components were established. Fifty ICR mice were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Zhuye Shigao granules low, medium and high dose groups(9.3, 18.6, 37.2 g·kg-1·d-1), with 10 mice in each group. In addition to the blank group, the model mice with cold-dampness pestilence attacking lung syndrome was prepared by nasal drip of lipopolysaccharide combined with cold-dampness environment. Each administration group was given the corresponding liquid by gavage according to the dose, while the blank group and model group were given the same volume of normal saline by gavage. Then, the body temperature and organ index of mice in each group were measured, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to investigate the lung tissue injury of mice in each group, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-lβ, IL-6, IL-10 levels in serum and lung tissue, as well as immunoglobulin(Ig)A and IgM levels in serum. ResultsThe fingerprint similarity of 10 batches of Zhuye Shigao granules was>0.950, and 20 common peaks were calibrated. Seven of them were identified, including peak 11(isoorientin), peak 12(orientin), peak 14(apioside liquiritin), peak 15(liquiritin), peak 17(apioside isoliquiritin), peak 19(isoliquiritin) and peak 20(liquiritigenin). The results of quantitative analysis showed that the content range of each index component in 10 batches of Zhuye Shigao granules was as follows:Total calcium of 9.978-11.294 mg·g-1, isoorientin of 0.033-0.041 mg·g-1, orientin of 0.046-0.055 mg·g-1, ginsenoside Rg1+ginsenoside Re of 0.748-0.762 mg·g-1, ginsenoside Rb1 of 0.151-0.197 mg·g-1, liquiritin of 1.106-1.366 mg·g-1, glycyrrhizic acid of 0.904-1.182 mg·g-1. Compared with the blank group, the body temperature of mice in the model group was significantly increased, the organ indexes of liver, lung and spleen were significantly decreased, the organ index of thymus was significantly increased, HE staining of lung tissue showed infiltration of inflammatory cells, a small amount of serous exudation was observed in the alveoli, and lung tissue was damaged. After the intervention of Zhuye Shigao granules, the pathological changes were improved compared with the model group. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased, the expression level of IL-10 was significantly decreased in serum and lung tissue. The levels of IgA and IgM in serum were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body temperature, the organ indexes and immune factor levels in serum and lung tissue of mice in the Zhuye Shigao granules medium and high dose groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionIn this study, the quality evaluation of Zhuye Shigao granules was carried out based on fingerprint combined with determination of index components, and the fingerprint of four herbs(Lophatheri Herba, Ophiopogonis Radix, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) in this formula and the determination of 8 index components were established. The therapeutic effect of Zhuye Shigao granules on mice with cold-dampness pestilence attacking lung syndrome may be related to inhibiting inflammatory response and mediating immune regulation.
8.Occupational therapy combined with computerized cognitive remediation therapy for the treatment of early-onset Alzheimer's disease: a case report
Xiaowei LIU ; Wei FAN ; Ziqi WANG ; Qingyan CAI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):285-288
This paper reported a patient with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) who had previously responded poorly to anti-dementia medications while showed improvement in cognitive functioning after treatment with occupational therapy and computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) for 50 minutes three times per week. This case report provided an in-depth evaluation of occupational therapy combined with CCRT for early-onset AD in an effort to inform cognitive rehabilitation of patients with AD. [Funded by Chengdu Medical Scientific Research Project (number, 2023635)]
9.Quality Evaluation of Black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Based on Neuroprotective Spectrum-effect Relationship
Yuting YANG ; Shuyun LIANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yulong YANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Guangzhi CAI ; Liru ZHAO ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):149-156
ObjectiveTo clarify the neuroprotective effect of black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQR) and explore its active ingredients, with the aim of establishing an activity-oriented quality evaluation method. MethodsTransgenic Tg(HuC∶EGFP) zebrafish was used to establish a neuronal injury model by aluminum chloride immersion. Different doses(10, 20 mg·L-1) of PQR and black PQR ethanol extracts were administered. The neuroprotective effects of PQR and black PQR were compared by analyzing the fluorescent area and intensity of zebrafish neurons. Based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), a fingerprint profile of black PQR was established, followed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Differential components were screened using the criteria of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05. The neuroprotective activity of 14 batches of black PQR was assessed, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify saponins related to neuroprotective activity, which were then validated. Based on the above results, active marker components were determined, and an UPLC method was established for their quantitation with clear content limits. ResultsPharmacological efficacy results showed that both PQR and black PQR at different doses could significantly improved neuronal damage in zebrafish. At a dose of 20 mg·L-1, black PQR demonstrated superior efficacy(P<0.05). The fingerprint similarities of 14 batches of black PQR were>0.94, with 26 common peaks identified. Through comparison with the reference standards, 8 components were confirmed, including peak 1(ginsenoside Rg1), peak 2(ginsenoside Re), peak 5(ginsenoside Rb1), peak 9(ginsenoside Rd), peak 16[ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3], peak 17[ginsenoside 20(R)-Rg3], peak 18(ginsenoside Rk1), and peak 19(ginsenoside Rg5). The results of PCA and OPLS-DA indicated that there were differences in saponins among black PQR samples from different origins, and 12 differential components were screened. All 14 batches of black PQR exhibited good protective effects on zebrafish neurons, with Shaanxi-produced black PQR showing superior protective effects compared to the other three production regions. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that a total of 11 components, including ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5, showed a significant positive correlation with the neuroprotective effect in zebrafish(P<0.05). The activity validation results indicated that ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were the primary components responsible for the neuroprotective effects of black PQR. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 in 14 batches of black PQR ranged from 0.17% to 0.52%, and the repair rate of neuronal damage ranged from 42.77% to 97.83%. ConclusionBased on the fingerprint and neuronal protective activity, the spectrum-effect related quality control model of black PQR was established, with ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 as the quality control index, and the neuronal damage repair rate≥60% as the evaluation standard, the minimum limit of ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 in black PQR should be≥0.20%.
10.Consistency Evaluation of Processing of Black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Decoction Pieces Based on "Chromaticity-chemistry-activity"
Yulong YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yuting YANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Guangzhi CAI ; Liru ZHAO ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):195-203
ObjectiveTo assess the quality consistency of black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(bPQR) decoction pieces prepared by atmospheric and pressurized steaming processes based on chromaticity-chemical composition-vasoactive inhibition. The ultimate goal was to screen the pressurized steaming process yielding quality equivalent to atmospheric steaming, and optimize the processing technology of bPQR. MethodsThe bPQR decoction pieces were prepared using both atmospheric and pressurized steaming processes, and the chromaticity values[lightness value(L*), red/green chromaticity value(a*), yellow/blue chromaticity value(b*), total chromaticity value(E*ab)] were measured. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was employed to establish fingerprint profiles for the decoction pieces, and cluster analysis was conducted on chromaticity values and the common peak areas in fingerprint profiles to elucidate the quality relationships between the decoction pieces processed by different methods. The optimal atmospheric steaming of bPQR decoction pieces was determined through zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition experiments. The contents of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, 20(S)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 in the decoction pieces were quantified, and Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between saponin content, chromaticity, and angiogenesis inhibition activity during the steaming process. By integrating the consistency of chromaticity, saponin components and angiogenesis inhibition activity, pressurized steaming conditions with quality equivalent to the atmospheric pressure method were selected. ResultsCompared with the atmospheric steaming method, pressurized steaming resulted in faster color darkening and higher conversion rates of ginsenosides in bPQR decoction pieces. Moreover, the neovascularization inhibitory activity of bPQR decoction pieces continued to increase with the deepening of processing. Based on the effectiveness and safety, the optimal process for preparing bPQR decoction pieces with neovascularization inhibitory activity was determined to be atmospheric steaming for 21 h. All six ginsenosides tested exhibited strong to extremely strong correlations with both the chromaticity values of the decoction pieces and their neovascularization inhibitory activities. Among them, ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb1 exhibited positive correlations with chromaticity values and negative correlations with zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition activity. Conversely, ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 showed negative correlations with chromaticity values and positive correlations with zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition activity. By integrating chromaticity values, cluster analysis results, as well as the results of activity, it was determined that the quality of bPQR decoction pieces steamed under pressurized conditions of 110 ℃(0.045 MPa) for 5 h and 115 ℃(0.07 MPa) for 3 h was highly consistent with that obtained by atmospheric steaming for 21 h. ConclusionThe preparation of bPQR decoction pieces by pressurized steaming has the advantages of short preparation time, low energy consumption, and rapid saponin conversion rate, making it a viable alternative to atmospheric steaming for preparing bPQR decoction pieces. Meanwhile, the evaluation method based on chromaticity-chemical composition-activity can provide a more scientific and effective explanation of change rules in the quality during traditional Chinese medicine processing, and offer a new model for optimizing processing technology and enhancing quality control.

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