1.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
2.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
3.Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription Treats Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jinye ZHOU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):182-189
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards, and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose (50, 25, 12.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription, and mesalazine (0.52 g·kg-1·d-1) groups, with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method, the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15), ubiquitin-specific protease 30 (USP30) in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.
4.Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription Treats Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Excessive Mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jinye ZHOU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):182-189
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu prescription in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating mitophagy. MethodsThe genes related to mitophagy and UC were retrieved from GeneCards, and then the common genes of mitophagy and UC were analyzed by metascape to identify the genes related to mitophagy in UC. Animal experiments were carried out to decipher the mechanism by which Huazhuo Jiedu prescription treated UC by regulating mitophagy. Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomized into normal, model, high-, medium-, and low-dose (50, 25, 12.5 g·kg-1, respectively) Huazhuo Jiedu prescription, and mesalazine (0.52 g·kg-1·d-1) groups, with 10 mice in each group. After successful modeling by the dextran sulfate sodium-free drinking method, the colonic mucosal damage was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the ultracellular structure of colon mucosa was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of mitophagy-related proteins PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin protein were determined by Western blot. The expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15), ubiquitin-specific protease 30 (USP30) in the colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). ResultsAll the drug intervention groups showed ameliorated pathological manifestations of the colonic mucosa and improved mitochondrial structures in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated up-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), enhanced average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and weakened average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mesalazine group and the high- and medium-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription groups showcased down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), decreased average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). The low-dose Huazhuo Jiedu prescription group showed down-regulated protein levels of PINK1 and Parkin (P<0.05), weakened average fluorescence intensity of PHB2 (P<0.05), and enhanced average fluorescence intensity of USP15 and USP30 (P<0.05). ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu prescription can attenuate the intestinal mucosal injury and improve the mitochondrial cell ultrastructure in UC mice by regulating the expression of PINK1-Parkin pathway and inhibiting excessive mitophagy.
5.Discussion on management strategies of official overseas visits inradiological health research institutions
Jiachen LIU ; Hongtao WANG ; Ziwei WANG ; Yanqing HAN ; Cuiping LEI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):293-296
The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized the expansion of international scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation. Against this backdrop, the radiological health research institutions bear important responsibilities in the field of international radiological health. As a key institution in the industry, the National Institute for Radiological Protection (NIRP), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shoulders the important mission of promoting international exchanges in radiation health in China. A case study was conducted on the NIRP using data of official overseas visits from 2010 to 2024. The SWOT analysis was used to comprehensively and systematically examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of NIRP in international cooperation and exchanges. To effectively enhance the depth and scope of international exchanges, this article proposes a series of innovative optimization strategies such as establishing dedicated personnel positions to ensure efficient handling of affairs, implementing stringent approval procedures to guarantee the rationality and compliance of overseas visits, strengthening pre-departure training to improve the professionalism of outbound personnel, conducting follow-up evaluations to continuously refine management practices, and centralizing the management of official passports to ensure their secure use. This article aims to provide practical optimization strategies for the management of official overseas visits for NIRP and other similar institutions, promote international exchanges and cooperation in the field of radiation health, and help China play a more important role in the global radiation health field.
6.Discussing the pathogenesis and treatment of varicocele based on the essence chamber collaterals
Anmin WANG ; Dongyue MA ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Hao WANG ; Hongyuan CHANG ; Dicheng LUO ; Fu WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):229-234
Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system, and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord manifests abnormal dilatation, extension, and circuity, which is a vasculopathy. In this article, we believe that the relevance of the essence chamber collaterals to the spermatic vein in terms of anatomical morphology and physiological function is high and that when pathogenic qi invades the essence chamber, the qi and collaterals of the essence chamber are out of harmony, the fluid collaterals are impassable, and the blood collaterals are obstrcuted, and the essence chamber collaterals are blockaded with several pathological products, and even intermingled phlegm and blood stasis in the blood collaterals and form vascular clusters, resulting in the formation and development of varicocele. Based on this, this article proposes the core treatment principle of healing, harmonizing, activating, and dredging the collaterals, with the basic treatment method of nourishing qi and harmonizing collaterals, activating blood collaterals, and dredging blood stasis to, respectively treat degree Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ varicocele, aiming to prevent the change of the varicocele, dredge the curvature of the varicocele, and dissipate the knots of the varicocele. The proposal of essence chamber collaterals is of great significance to understanding the common law and pathological aspects of the occurrence and development of essence collateral and vascular lesions from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
7.Identification of unknown pollutants in drinking water based on solid-phase extraction and supramolecular solvent extraction
Zixin QIAN ; Yuhang CHEN ; Chao FENG ; Yuanjie LIN ; Qian XU ; Ziwei LIANG ; Xinyu WANG ; Dasheng LU ; Ping XIAO ; Zhijun ZHOU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):854-861
Background With the progression of industrialization, an increasing number of emerging contaminants are entering aquatic environments, posing significant threats to the safety of drinking water. Therefore, establishing a system for identifying unknown hazardous factors and implementing safety warning mechanisms for drinking water is of paramount importance. Among these efforts, non-target screening plays a critical role, but its effectiveness is largely constrained by the scope of coverage of sample pre-treatment methods. Objective To integrate modern chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques with advanced data mining methods to develop a non-discriminatory sample pre-treatment method for comprehensive enrichment of unknown contaminants in drinking water, laying a technical foundation for the discovery and identification of unknown organic hazardous factors in drinking water. Methods A non-discriminatory pre-treatment method based on supramolecular and solid-phase extraction was developed. The final target compounds including 333 pesticides, 194 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and 59 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were used for optimizing the pre-treatment method, confirming its coverage. The impacts of different eluents on the absolute recovery rates of target compounds were compared to select the conditions with the highest recovery for sample pre-treatment. The effects of different supramolecular solvents and salt concentrations on target compound recovery were also evaluated to determine the most suitable solvent and salt concentration. Results The solid-phase extraction elution solvents, supramolecular extraction solvents, and salt concentrations were optimized based on the target compound recovery rates. The optimal recovery conditions were achieved using 2 mL methanol, 2 mL methanol (containing 1% formic acid), 2 mL ethyl acetate, 2 mL dichloromethane, hexanediol supramolecular solvent, and 426 mg salt. The detection method developed based on these conditions showed a good linear relationship for all target compounds in the range of 0.1-100.0 ng·mL−1, with R² > 0.99. The method’s limit of detection ranged from 0.01 ng−1 to 0.95 ng−1, and 95% of target compounds were recovered in the range of 20%-120%, with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 30%, indicating good precision. Conclusion The combined pre-treatment method of solid-phase extraction and supramolecular solvent extraction can effectively enrich contaminants in drinking water across low, medium, and high polarities, enabling broad-spectrum enrichment of diverse trace contaminants in drinking water. It provides technical support for broad-spectrum, high-throughput screening and identification of organic pollutants in drinking water, and also serves as a reference for establishing urban drinking water public safety warning systems.
8.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).
9.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
;
Male
;
Meridians
;
Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology*
;
Kidney/physiopathology*
;
Brain/physiopathology*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Heart/physiopathology*
10.Key questions of translational research on international standards of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques: an example from the WFAS Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting.
Shuo CUI ; Jingjing WANG ; Zhongjie CHEN ; Jin HUO ; Jing HU ; Ziwei SONG ; Yaping LIU ; Wenqian MA ; Qi GAO ; Zhongchao WU
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(8):1159-1165
OBJECTIVE:
To provide the experience and demonstration for the transformation of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques standards from Chinese national standards to international standards.
METHODS:
Questionnaire research, literature research, semi-structured interviews and expert consultation were used.
RESULTS:
The safety of acupuncture-moxibustion techniques was evaluated through literature research, and based on the results of the questionnaire survey, expert interviews, and expert consultation, 11 main bodies and structure of the former Chinese national standard, Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting, were adjusted and optimized in accordance with the requirements of international standard (including the language, normative references, purpose, scope, applicable environment, target population, work team, terms and definitions, general principles and basic requirements, structural elements and text structure, and compilation process); and the first international standard, World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societis (WFAS) Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting was formulated to specify the general rules for drafting.
CONCLUSION
The 3 key questions, "international compatibility", "technical operability" and "safety" should be solved technically on the basis of explicit international requirements. It is the core technical issue during transforming the national standards of technical benchmark of acupuncture and moxibustion into international standards.
Moxibustion/methods*
;
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*
;
Humans
;
Translational Research, Biomedical/standards*
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
China
;
Benchmarking/standards*


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