1.A Novel Risk Prediction Model for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Spleen Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndromes and Gastric Stem Cell Dynamics
Qingqing ZHANG ; Di WU ; Fengyun GUO ; Shengnan YANG ; Ruiying ZHANG ; Lijing BAO ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):191-200
ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) that combines disease and syndrome by integrating spleen deficiency and blood stasis syndrome scores, gastric stem cell marker analysis, and network pharmacology and to elucidate the mechanism link between spleen deficiency, blood stasis, and gastric stem cell dysregulation. MethodsA total of 60 patients were stratified into high-risk CAG, low-risk CAG, and non-atrophic groups based on the operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA)/operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) stages. General data and syndrome scores of the patients were collected. Immunohistochemistry was employed to measure the protein levels of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), trefoil factor 2 (TFF2), and β-catenin in gastric mucosa across groups. Transcriptomic data (GSE130823) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to validate the expression of these molecular markers at the gene level. A Firth penalized maximum likelihood logistic regression model was employed to integrate clinical, molecular, and TCM syndrome data to develop a CAG risk prediction model. Finally, network pharmacology analysis was conducted on spleen-invigorating herbs (Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Dioscorea Rhizoma) and blood-activating herbs (Hedyotis diffusa, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Curcumae Rhizoma) to identify overlapping targets between these herbs and differentially expressed genes between low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and gastritis, thereby clarifying the role of spleen deficiency and blood stasis in CAG progression from a pharmacological perspective. ResultsHigh-risk CAG patients exhibited higher blood stasis scores (4.60±1.50,2.62±1.32, P<0.01), progressive nuclear accumulation of β-catenin (A 0.28-0.53, P<0.01), and an increased LGR5+/TFF2+ ratio (A 1.02-1.92, P<0.01). Blood stasis scores were correlated with LGR5/TFF2 imbalance (P=0.03) and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (CTNNB1 increase, log2=0.78). The integrated prediction model (blood stasis score≥5 + β-catenin>0.38 + LGR5/TFF2>1.5) outperformed a pure biomarker approach [Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.92,0.89, ΔAUC=0.03, P=0.02]. Moreover, network pharmacology revealed 66 overlapping targets between spleen-invigorating/blood-activating herbs and LGIN, which were functionally enriched in mucosal repair and anti-oxidative stress, and negatively correlated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P<0.01). ConclusionThis study developed an integrated risk prediction model for CAG by combining TCM spleen deficiency and blood stasis syndromes with gastric stem cell molecular markers. Furthermore, it proposed for the first time the "blood stasis-Wnt/β-catenin-stem cell axis" hypothesis, preliminarily elucidating that spleen deficiency and blood stasis may exacerbate gastric stem cell dysregulation and promote malignant transformation of CAG through hypoxia-induced Wnt activation. This provides a theoretical foundation and a translational tool for risk stratification and multi-target TCM intervention in CAG.
2.A Novel Risk Prediction Model for Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Spleen Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndromes and Gastric Stem Cell Dynamics
Qingqing ZHANG ; Di WU ; Fengyun GUO ; Shengnan YANG ; Ruiying ZHANG ; Lijing BAO ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):191-200
ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) that combines disease and syndrome by integrating spleen deficiency and blood stasis syndrome scores, gastric stem cell marker analysis, and network pharmacology and to elucidate the mechanism link between spleen deficiency, blood stasis, and gastric stem cell dysregulation. MethodsA total of 60 patients were stratified into high-risk CAG, low-risk CAG, and non-atrophic groups based on the operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA)/operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) stages. General data and syndrome scores of the patients were collected. Immunohistochemistry was employed to measure the protein levels of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), trefoil factor 2 (TFF2), and β-catenin in gastric mucosa across groups. Transcriptomic data (GSE130823) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed to validate the expression of these molecular markers at the gene level. A Firth penalized maximum likelihood logistic regression model was employed to integrate clinical, molecular, and TCM syndrome data to develop a CAG risk prediction model. Finally, network pharmacology analysis was conducted on spleen-invigorating herbs (Astragali Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Dioscorea Rhizoma) and blood-activating herbs (Hedyotis diffusa, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Curcumae Rhizoma) to identify overlapping targets between these herbs and differentially expressed genes between low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and gastritis, thereby clarifying the role of spleen deficiency and blood stasis in CAG progression from a pharmacological perspective. ResultsHigh-risk CAG patients exhibited higher blood stasis scores (4.60±1.50,2.62±1.32, P<0.01), progressive nuclear accumulation of β-catenin (A 0.28-0.53, P<0.01), and an increased LGR5+/TFF2+ ratio (A 1.02-1.92, P<0.01). Blood stasis scores were correlated with LGR5/TFF2 imbalance (P=0.03) and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (CTNNB1 increase, log2=0.78). The integrated prediction model (blood stasis score≥5 + β-catenin>0.38 + LGR5/TFF2>1.5) outperformed a pure biomarker approach [Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.92,0.89, ΔAUC=0.03, P=0.02]. Moreover, network pharmacology revealed 66 overlapping targets between spleen-invigorating/blood-activating herbs and LGIN, which were functionally enriched in mucosal repair and anti-oxidative stress, and negatively correlated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway (P<0.01). ConclusionThis study developed an integrated risk prediction model for CAG by combining TCM spleen deficiency and blood stasis syndromes with gastric stem cell molecular markers. Furthermore, it proposed for the first time the "blood stasis-Wnt/β-catenin-stem cell axis" hypothesis, preliminarily elucidating that spleen deficiency and blood stasis may exacerbate gastric stem cell dysregulation and promote malignant transformation of CAG through hypoxia-induced Wnt activation. This provides a theoretical foundation and a translational tool for risk stratification and multi-target TCM intervention in CAG.
3.GOLM1 promotes cholesterol gallstone formation via ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis livers
Yi-Tong LI ; Wei-Qing SHAO ; Zhen-Mei CHEN ; Xiao-Chen MA ; Chen-He YI ; Bao-Rui TAO ; Bo ZHANG ; Yue MA ; Guo ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Yan GENG ; Jing LIN ; Jin-Hong CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):409-425
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant risk factor for gallstone formation, but mechanisms underlying MASH-related gallstone formation remain unclear. Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) participates in hepatic cholesterol metabolism and is upregulated in MASH. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GOLM1 in MASH-related gallstone formation.
Methods:
The UK Biobank cohort was used for etiological analysis. GOLM1 knockout (GOLM1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Livers were excised for histology and immunohistochemistry analysis. Gallbladders were collected to calculate incidence of cholesterol gallstones (CGSs). Biles were collected for biliary lipid analysis. HepG2 cells were used to explore underlying mechanisms. Human liver samples were used for clinical validation.
Results:
MASH patients had a greater risk of cholelithiasis. All HFD-fed mice developed MASH, and the incidence of gallstones was 16.7% and 75.0% in GOLM1-/- and WT mice, respectively. GOLM1-/- decreased biliary cholesterol concentration and output. In vivo and in vitro assays confirmed that GOLM1 facilitated cholesterol efflux through upregulating ATP binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5). Mechanistically, GOLM1 translocated into nucleus to promote osteopontin (OPN) transcription, thus stimulating ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux. Moreover, GOLM1 was upregulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we confirmed that IL-1β, GOLM1, OPN, and ABCG5 were enhanced in livers of MASH patients with CGSs.
Conclusions
In MASH livers, upregulation of GOLM1 by IL-1β increases ABCG5-mediated cholesterol efflux in an OPN-dependent manner, promoting CGS formation. GOLM1 has the potential to be a molecular hub interconnecting MASH and CGSs.
4.Mechanism of Lizhong decoction in treating cold-damp diarrhea through network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiments
Hao ZHANG ; Wen-wen MI ; Rong-xia GUO ; Chun NIU ; Bao-xia CHEN ; Peng JI ; Yan-ming WEI ; Fang YANG ; Zhen-he LI ; Yong-li HUA
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1552-1561
Aim To explore the key components and mechanisms of Lizhong decoction in treating rats with cold-damp diarrhea based on network pharmacology,molecular docking technology and animal experiments.Methods By literature review and database collec-tion,the components of Lizhong decoction,therapeutic targets,and the mapping with diarrhea disease targets were conducted to construct an intersection target pro-tein-protein interaction network for screening core tar-gets,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to build an"active component-target-pathway"network,followed by molecular docking vali-dation.Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into the normal control group(K),model group(DG),Lizhong decoction group(LZDG),and Pulsatilla decoction group(BTDG).Subsequently,a rat cold-damp diar-rhea model was established using Senna combined with low-temperature high-humidity environment,and the rats were intervened with Lizhong decoction and Pul-satilla decoction.HE staining was used to detect path-ological changes in intestinal tissue,ELISA was em-ployed to measure the levels of peripheral blood IL-6,IL-10,IL-1 β,and TNF-α,and western blot was used to determine the expression of colon tight junction pro-teins.Results Network pharmacology initially identi-fied 125 compounds in Lizhong decoction,5 186 drug target components,438 disease targets,and 60"drug-disease"shared targets.GO and KEGG enrichment a-nalysis showed that signaling pathways such as IL-17 and TNF were highly enriched.Molecular docking in-dicated that the core components of the drug had good binding activity with corresponding key targets.Liz-hong decoction could effectively improve the clinical symptoms of rats with cold-damp diarrhea,and com-pared with the DG group,the diarrhea rate,diarrhea in-dex,and other related indicators also gradually de-creased to normal levels.Compared with the DG group,the LZDG group showed reduced inflammation levels and a recovery in energy metabolism levels.Conclusion It can regulate targets such as MMP9 and IL-17 signaling pathways through multi-components like Calycosin and formononetin to exert its therapeutic effect on cold-damp diarrhea.
5.Clinical effects of Jinhua Qinggan Granules combined with azithromycin on patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Qi-rui FAN ; Bao-fang ZHANG ; Wei GUO ; Hong-bo WU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(8):2577-2581
AIM To investigate the clinical effects of Jinhua Qinggan Granules combined with azithromycin on patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.METHODS One hundred and three patients were randomly assigned into control group(51 cases)for 1-week intervention of both azithromycin and conventional treatment,and observation group(52 cases)for 1-wee intervention of Jinhua Qinggan Granules,azithromycin and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,remission time for local symptoms(cough,wheezing,fever,pulmonary wet rales),pulmonary function indices(PEF,FEV1,FEV1/FVC),immune function indices(CD4+,CD8+,CD4+/CD8+),NLRP3 inflammatory pathway factors(Caspase-1,IL-1β,IL-18)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05),along with shorter remission time for local symptoms(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed increased pulmonary function indices,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+(P<0.05),and decreased CD8+,NLRP3 inflammatory pathway factors(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia,Jinhua Qinggan Granules combined with azithromycin can safely and effectively improve clinical symptoms,pulmonary functions and immune functions,whose mechanism may contribute to the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway expressions.
6.Effect and mechanism of Xintong Granules in ameliorating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating gut microbiota.
Yun-Jia WANG ; Ji-Dong ZHOU ; Qiu-Yu SU ; Jing-Chun YAO ; Rui-Qiang SU ; Guo-Fei QIN ; Gui-Min ZHANG ; Hong-Bao LIANG ; Shuai FENG ; Jia-Cheng ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4003-4014
This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Rats
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Male
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Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Humans
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Interleukin-6/genetics*
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Malondialdehyde/metabolism*
7.Application of genome tagging technology in elucidating the function of sperm-specific protein 411 (Ssp411).
Xue-Hai ZHOU ; Min-Min HUA ; Jia-Nan TANG ; Bang-Guo WU ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Chang-Gen SHI ; Yang YANG ; Jun WU ; Bin WU ; Bao-Li ZHANG ; Yi-Si SUN ; Tian-Cheng ZHANG ; Hui-Juan SHI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):120-128
The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Mice
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Spermatids/metabolism*
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Spermatogenesis/physiology*
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Spermatozoa/metabolism*
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Thioredoxins/genetics*
8.Engineered plant extracellular vesicles: Emerging nanoplatforms for combinational cancer immunotherapy.
Fucai CHEN ; Rongrong BAO ; Wanyi YANG ; Yijing LU ; Jiaxin GUO ; Wenjing CHEN ; Jiale LI ; Kuanhan FENG ; Wen ZHANG ; Liuqing DI ; Liang FENG ; Ruoning WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5663-5701
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs), describe a group of nanoparticles released by plants. These particles are characterized by a lipid bilayer structure containing various proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and unique metabolites. Although the study on PDEVs is relatively new, having only been around for ten years, they have shown promising development prospects in both basic research and clinical transformation areas. Evidence suggests that PDEVs have excellent application prospects in regulating inflammation and treating tumors. Their distinctive, vesicle-mimicking architecture and stellar biocompatibility render them prime candidates for ferrying various anti-cancer agents, including RNA, proteins, and conventional chemotherapy drugs. Increasingly, studies have shown that PDEVs can be engineered as an innovative platform for combination cancer immunotherapy. Consequently, this paper provides an extensive summary of current developments in engineering methods and strategies for PDEVs in cancer treatment and combined cancer immune therapeutics. The essential characteristics of PDEVs, including the biogenesis process and components, as well as their anti-tumor activity and mechanism, are summarized. Finally, the in vivo safety of PDEVs as delivery vectors and the challenges of scale-up production and clinical transformation are discussed.
9.COCKROACH SURVEILLANCE IN LANZHOU FROM 2016 TO 2023
Ying ZHANG ; Jing ZUO ; Qing-Ming SHI ; Zi-Peng LI ; Wen-Juan BA ; Zhi-Qing LI ; Ai-Miao LIAO ; Jing-Jing YU ; Guo-Jing BAO ; Xing LI ; Jun GAN ; Xiao-Lei YE
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(2):119-122
Objective To investigate the population composition,seasonal dynamics,and infestation levels of cockroaches in Lanzhou,China,and to provide information for the scientific development of cockroach control strategies.Methods Monitoring was conducted at three locations using the sticky trap method.Habitats included farm product markets,catering establishments,hotels,hospitals,and residential areas.Results From 2016 to 2023,the average cockroach density was 0.77 insects per board,with an average infestation rate of 10.84%.Blattella germanica was the dominant species.Seasonal density of cockroaches showed an approximately unimodal distribution,peaking in September.The highest average density and infestation rates were observed in farm product markets.Conclusions Cockroach density and infestation levels in Lanzhou remained relatively low.A comprehensive prevention and control strategy focusing on environmental management in key areas should be implemented according to the seasonal fluctuations.
10.Prospective Study of Disease Occurrence Spectrum in Asymptomatic Residents in Areas with High Incidence of Esophageal Cancer: 16-year Observation of 711 Cases in Natural Population
Qide BAO ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xueke ZHAO ; Jingjing WANG ; Xin SONG ; Zongmin FAN ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Zhuo YANG ; Junfang GUO ; Kan ZHONG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Junqing LIU ; Min LIU ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):656-660
Objective To understand the disease spectrum of a natural village in an area with high incidence of esophageal cancer to provide a reference for precise prevention and control. Methods From 2008 to 2024, 711 asymptomatic people over the age of 35 years in a natural village with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China were surveyed, and 171 of them were subjected to gastroscopy, biopsy, and pathological examination. All participants were followed up for a long time, and their disease history was recorded. Results A total of 16 years of follow-up were performed, and 703 people were effectively followed up. In 2008, 171 people underwent gastroscopy, and 160 people had biopsy and pathological results in endoscopic screening. By 2024, 76 people had been diagnosed with malignant tumors of 12 different types, and among these people, 45 had esophageal cancer. Conclusion Esophageal cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality from malignant tumors in this region. Biopsy and pathological examination should be strengthened during gastroscopy, and follow-ups and regular check-ups should be given high importance to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer.

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