1.Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Jinye ZHOU ; Haofeng ZHANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Jie WANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):41-47
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in rats based on the Hedgehog signaling pathway. MethodsThe CAG rat model was established by sodium salicylate, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group (180 mg·L-1), a moradan group (1.4 g·kg-1), and Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription groups with high, medium, and low doses (36, 9, 18 g·kg-1), followed by drug intervention. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosa cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Patched 1 (Ptch1), and Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the protein expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the CAG model group showed a reduction in gastric mucosal intrinsic glands and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells showed nuclear pyknosis, fewer mitochondria, and abnormal mitochondrial structure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and E-cadherin protein expression was decreased. Compared with the model group, the intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement in histopathological morphology and cellular ultrastructure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh, Ptch1, Gli1, and E-cadherin increased to varying degrees. Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription upregulated the expression of key Hedgehog pathway factors and E-cadherin at both the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription has a therapeutic effect on CAG in rats, and its mechanism may be related to activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
2.Treatment of erectile dysfunction based on the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis and the meridian-zangfu relationship.
Dicheng LUO ; Jun GUO ; Hao WANG ; Dongyue MA ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Yang LIU ; Hongyuan CHANG ; Jiwei ZHANG ; Wenxiao YU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(5):609-613
Based on the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) from the meridian-zangfu relationship and the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis, it proposes that dysfunction of the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis is closely related to the occurrence of ED. Among these, brain-heart disharmony is the key pathogenic factor, kidney deficiency and essence depletion constitute an important basis, and essence chamber stasis is a critical mechanism. The treatment approach emphasizes harmonizing the brain and heart, regulating the mind, tonifying the kidney and replenishing qi, unblocking qi and blood to harmonize the essence chamber. The primary acupoints include Baihui (GV20)-Neiguan (PC6)-Shenmen (HT7), Taixi (KI3)-Guanyuan (CV4)-Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zhongji (CV3)-Dahe (KI12)-Gongsun (SP4), with additional acupoints selected based on syndrome differentiation. This approach aims to restore the clarity of the brain and heart, replenish kidney qi, and unblock the essence chamber, thereby facilitating the restoration of normal functions of the brain, heart, kidney, and essence chamber, and alleviating ED symptoms and improving overall clinical efficacy.
Humans
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Male
;
Meridians
;
Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology*
;
Kidney/physiopathology*
;
Brain/physiopathology*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Heart/physiopathology*
3.Research progress on the role of peripheral nerves in wound healing.
Ziwei ZHANG ; Danyang REN ; Jingwen TANG ; Songxue GUO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(5):628-636
Skin wound repair is critically regulated by peripheral nerves. Injury or dysfunction of these nerves represents a key factor impairing the healing of pathological wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and deep burns. The mechanisms by which peripheral nerves participate in cutaneous wound healing primarily involve modulation of immune responses, construction of stem cell niches, and promotion of angiogenesis. Sensory neurons initiate and mediate essential local immune responses, contribute to the epidermal stem cell microenvironment, and support regenerative potential. Sympathetic nerves bidirectionally regulate immune homeostasis via the release of various neuromodulators and precisely control the activation of hair follicle stem cells as well as the homeostasis of melanocyte stem cells. Schwann cells also play pivotal roles in immune modulation, balancing repair processes and mitigating scar formation. During revascularization, sensory and autonomic nerve terminals release neurotransmitters that precisely regulate vasomotor activity and angiogenesis, while Schwann cells facilitate the reconstruction of functional vascular networks via potent paracrine signaling. This review systematically summarizes the crucial roles of peripheral nerves in skin wound repair, with emphasis on their regulatory mechanisms in immune responses, stem cell activation and homeostasis, and vascular dynamics, thereby providing insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting peripheral nerve regulation.
Humans
;
Wound Healing/physiology*
;
Peripheral Nerves/physiology*
;
Schwann Cells/physiology*
;
Skin/injuries*
;
Animals
4.G protein-coupled estrogen receptor alleviates lung injury in mice with exertional heat stroke by inhibiting ferroptosis.
Ziwei HAN ; Jiansong GUO ; Xiaochen WANG ; Zhi DAI ; Chao LIU ; Feihu ZHOU
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(3):268-274
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate whether the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) can attenuates acute lung injury in mice with exertional heat stroke (EHS) by inhibiting ferroptosis.
METHODS:
Sixty SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (control group), EHS model group (EHS group), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent group (EHS+DMSO group), and GPER-specific agonist G1 group (EHS+G1 group), with 15 mice in each group. All mice underwent 14 days of adaptive training at 24-26 centigrade before modeling, and the EHS model was established using a high-temperature treadmill device. After successful modeling, the mice were allowed to cool naturally at room temperature. In the EHS+G1 group, 40 μg/kg of the GPER-specific agonist G1 was slowly injected intraperitoneally immediately after modeling. In the EHS+DMSO group, 40 μg/kg of DMSO was slowly injected intraperitoneally immediately after modeling. The control group received no treatment. Five hours after modeling, abdominal aortic blood was collected, and lung tissues were harvested after euthanasia. The lung coefficient was calculated to evaluate lung injury. Lung histopathological changes were observed under a light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and a lung histopathological score was assigned. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Fe2+ in lung tissue. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of GPX4, ferroportin 1 (FPN1), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1). Western blotting was performed to detect the protein expression of GPX4, FPN1, and FTH1.
RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, the lung coefficient and lung histopathological score were significantly increased in the EHS group. HE staining showed significant thickening and unevenness of the alveolar septa and alveolar walls, partial alveolar collapse, and extensive erythrocyte, inflammatory cell, and plasma-like material extravasation in the alveolar spaces. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and Fe2+ were significantly elevated. Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant decrease in GPX4-positive expression in lung tissue. Western blotting and RT-PCR showed significantly reduced protein and mRNA expression of GPX4, FPN1, and FTH1 in lung tissue. Compared with the EHS group, the EHS+G1 group showed a significant reduction in lung coefficient and lung histopathological score [lung coefficient (mg/g): 3.9±0.1 vs. 4.6±0.3, lung histopathological score: 4.2±0.2 vs. 6.9±0.2, both P < 0.05]. HE staining revealed reduced severity of lung tissue fluid extravasation, inflammatory infiltration, decreased hemorrhage, and less severe alveolar structural damage. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and Fe2+ were significantly reduced [TNF-α (ng/L): 44.3±0.2 vs. 64.6±0.3, IL-1β (ng/L): 69.3±0.4 vs. 97.8±0.2, MDA (nmol/L): 2.8±0.3 vs. 3.6±0.5, Fe2+ (nmol/L): 0.021±0.004 vs. 0.028±0.004, all P < 0.05]. Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant decrease in GPX4-positive expression in lung tissue (fluorescence intensity: 35.53±2.41 vs. 16.45±0.31, P < 0.05). RT-PCR and Western blotting showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expression of GPX4, FPN1, and FTH1 in lung tissue [mRNA expression: GPX4 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.44±0.05 vs. 0.09±0.01, FPN1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.77±0.17 vs. 0.42±0.14, FTH1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.75±0.04 vs. 0.58±0.01; protein expression: GPX4/β-actin: 0.96±0.11 vs. 0.24±0.04, FPN1/β-actin: 1.26±0.21 vs. 0.44±0.14, FTH1/β-actin: 0.27±0.12 vs. 0.15±0.07; all P < 0.05]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the above indicators between the EHS+DMSO group and the EHS group.
CONCLUSION
Activation of GPER can attenuate EHS-related lung injury in mice, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the GPX4 signaling pathway and inhibition of ferroptosis.
Animals
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Male
;
Mice
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Heat Stroke/metabolism*
;
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
;
Ferroptosis
;
Receptors, Estrogen
;
Acute Lung Injury/metabolism*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Lung Injury
;
Lung/metabolism*
5.Characteristics of oral flora and its metabolites in children with henoch-schonlein purpura
Qin-Gwen WANG ; Shuya ZHANG ; Weilin XIONG ; Xiaolei HU ; Ziwei LI ; Qingyin GUO
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(9):1244-1250
Objective To study and compare the oral microbiota and metabolites of children with Henoch Schonlein purpura(HSP)to identify specific microbiota and metabolites related to this disease and elucidate the pathogenesis of HSP.Methods Three groups of qualified subjects were included,including 20 in the HSP group,20 in the HSP nephritis(HSPN)group,and 20 in the control group.Perform high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolic profiling of saliva from each group to analyze the correlation between differential microbiota and differ-ential metabolites.Results(1)Compared with the control group,there was a significant difference in richness and diversity in the HSPN group(P<0.05).At the same time,there was no significant difference in richness and diver-sity in the HSP group(P>0.05).Compared with the HSP group,the abundance,and diversity of the HSPN group were significantly increased(P<0.05).At the genus level,the proportion of Streptococcus in each group is the high-est.Compared with the control group,there was no significant correlation between the HSP group and the genus of bacteria.In contrast,the HSPN group showed a significant increase in the genera of Pseudomonas and Parabacteroi-des(P<0.05).Compared with the HSP group,the abundance of Pseudomonas and Parabacteroides in the HSPN group was significantly increased(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the control group,the HSPN group had 12 differen-tial metabolites involving nine metabolic pathways,such as phenylalanine metabolism;There was no significant dif-ference in metabolites and no metabolic pathway in the HSP group.Compared with the HSP group,the HSPN group has 15 differential metabolites involving nine metabolic pathways,such as phenylalanine metabolism.(3)In the HSPN and control groups,Pseudomonas and Parabacteroides negatively correlated with Phenylalanine metabolic pathway products.In the HSPN and HSP groups,Pseudomonas,Parabacteroides,and Phenylalanine metabolic path-way products were negatively correlated.The metabolites involved in phenylalanine metabolism in the oral cavity are 2-hydroxycinnamic acid,Phenylpyruvic acid,and N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine.Conclusion There is a significant dif-ference between HSPN and HSP children and healthy children.Streptococcus,Pseudomonas,and Parabacteroides may be one of the trigger factors of HSPN,and Phenylalanine metabolism may be one of the pathways in the patho-genesis of HSPN.Children with HSPN have a more pronounced imbalance in oral microbiota and greater differences in metabolic products than children with HSP.
6.Application of Mendelian randomization analysis in exploring the etiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Ziwei GUO ; Qingjuan WU ; Yongan YE ; Lanyu CHEN ; Wenliang LYU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(3):589-593
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an abnormal lipid metabolic disorder of the liver characterized by accumulation of a large amount of lipids in the liver, and it is currently the most common liver disease around the world. Mendelian randomization (MR) incorporates genomic data into traditional epidemiological study designs to infer the causal relationship between exposure factors and disease risk. In recent years, MR has been widely used in studies on inference of the etiology of NAFLD. This article systematically summarizes the advances in the application of MR in NAFLD research, so as to provide new ideas for understanding the nature of the disease and scientific interventions.
7.Biological Basis of Premature Ejaculation Based on Theory of "Brain-heart-kidney-semen Chamber" Axis
Dongyue MA ; Anmin WANG ; Jiutian YANG ; Dicheng LUO ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Jun GUO ; Fu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):203-209
The theory of "brain-heart-kidney-semen chamber" axis is proposed based on the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the modern physiological characteristics of men's diseases, and clinical practice. According to this theory, dysfunctions of the brain, heart, kidney, and semen chamber are the core mechanisms for the occurrence of premature ejaculation, and the loss of control of the opening and closing of the seminal orifices due to the dysfunction of the semen chamber is the final link in the occurrence of premature ejaculation. The treatment of premature ejaculation based on the theory of "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis highlights the overall regulation of the Zang-fu organs involved in the disease, while focusing on the simultaneous treatment of the mind and body. By exploring the biological basis of the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis and premature ejaculation, we propose that the biological basis of premature ejaculation and the axis is mainly related to the function decline of the local brain area, neuromodulation malfunction, central neurotransmitter imbalance, endocrine disorders, and enhanced sensory afferents of the penis. This study aims at providing a new approach for the prevention and treatment of premature ejaculation by traditional Chinese medicine and a scientific basis for the development of more effective therapeutic methods.
8.Matrix analysis for the identification of risk factors for choking and coughing while eating in disabled elderly individuals
Siyu GUO ; Ziwei ZHANG ; Xia LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):168-172
ObjectiveTo identify factors related to the occurrence of choking and coughing while eating in the disabled elderly and conduct importance matrix analysis to provide a reference basis for controlling choking on food in the disabled elderly. MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select 80 disabled elderly individuals in a hospital between October 2019 and April 2022 as the study population. The occurrence of choking and coughing while eating was recorded, and a questionnaire was administered to collect general information. Additionally, assessments were conducted using the intelligent mental status examination scale (MMSE), oral health checklist (BOHSE), eating assessment tool⁃10 (EAT-10), and chewing function evaluations. Univariate and multifactorial analyses were conducted to analyze the influencing factors of choking and coughing while eating in the elderly with disabilities. ResultsThe incidence of choking and coughing while eating was 52.50% (42/80) among the 80 disabled elderly. The degree of disability (OR=2.895, 95%CI: 1.352‒6.201), age (OR=4.040, 95%CI: 1.121‒14.562), BOHSE score (OR=2.473, 95%CI: 1.002‒6.102), EAT-10 score (OR=5.345, 95%CI: 2.112‒13.527), and chewing function score (OR=3.453, 95%CI: 1.247‒9.562) were identified as risk factors for choking and coughing while eating in the disabled elderly. The MMSE score (OR=0.343, 95%CI: 0.135‒0.869) was identified as a protective factor. The importance matrix analysis indicated that EAT-10 score, MMSE score, and chewing function had high importance with slightly lower difficulty in improvement, and were thus listed as items in the priority improvement area. Age and degree of disability had high importance and high difficulty in improvement, and therefore belonged to the suboptimal improvement area. BOHS score was slightly lower both in importance and difficulty of improvement, entering the alternative improvement area. ConclusionAge, degree of disability, BOHSE score, EAT-10 score, and chewing function score are risk factors for the occurrence of choking and coughing while eating, while the MMSE score is a protective factor. The importance matrix analysis can provide a basis for targeted intervention in clinical practice.
9.Expert Consensus of Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria(2024)
Miao CHEN ; Chen YANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Wei CAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Xin LIU ; Jingnan LI ; Wei LIU ; Jie PAN ; Jian WANG ; Yuehong ZHENG ; Yuexin CHEN ; Fangda LI ; Shunda DU ; Cong NING ; Limeng CHEN ; Cai YUE ; Jun NI ; Min PENG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Tao WANG ; Hongjun LI ; Rongrong LI ; Tong WU ; Bing HAN ; Shuyang ZHANG ; MULTIDISCIPLINE COLLABORATION GROUP ON RARE DISEASE AT PEKING UNION MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1011-1028
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired clonal hematopoietic stem cell disease caused by abnormal expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) on the cell membrane due to mutations in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class A(PIGA) gene. It is commonly characterized by intravascular hemolysis, repeated thrombosis, and bone marrow failure, as well as multiple systemic involvement symptoms such as renal dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, swallowing difficulties, chest pain, abdominal pain, and erectile dysfunction. Due to the rarity of PNH and its strong heterogeneity in clinical manifestations, multidisciplinary collaboration is often required for diagnosis and treatment. Peking Union Medical College Hospital, relying on the rare disease diagnosis and treatment platform, has invited multidisciplinary clinical experts to form a unified opinion on the diagnosis and treatment of PNH, and formulated the
10.Polymorphism analysis of PPP1R15A gene in Chinese Holstein cattle and its asso-ciation with milk production traits
Qiwen LU ; Quanheng GUO ; Panpan XU ; Yisan HUANG ; Haibin YU ; Ziwei LIN ; Zhihui ZHAO ; Ping JIANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(11):2458-2462
The gene encoding regulatory subunit 15 A of protein phosphatase 1 produces a protein that is a universally present protein phosphatase in eukaryotic cells.In this study,genomic DNAs were extracted from the blood of 89 Chinese Holstein cows and were used as templates for PCR amplification of the target fragment of the PPP1R15A gene.The product was tested and a polymor-phic site,E3-250T>A was found.The polymorphism of this side and its correlation with milk pro-duction traits in Chinese Holstein cattle were statistically analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software.The findings revealed three genotypes at this site:AA,AT and TT.Cows possessing the AT and TT genotypes exhibited significant differences(P<0.01)in milk fat and solid non-fat content com-pared to those with the AA genotype.While no significant differences were noted for other milk production traits,including milk yield,protein,lactose,somatic cell count,blood urea nitrogen,and corrected milk.The identification of functional SNPs in the PPP1R15A gene provides a theoretical basis for further research and identification of causal variations in the cow PPP1R15A gene.

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