1.Reactive and Enzyme-activated Probe Strategies for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury
Ru-Long CHEN ; Ting-Fei XIE ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Ting CHEN ; Jie LI ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Ji-Hong CHEN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1622-1637
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent and life-threatening clinical syndrome characterised by a rapid decline in renal function and diverse pathological etiologies. The condition has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated mortality rates and an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. At present, clinicians depend heavily on conventional functional markers, such as serum creatinine and urine output, for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. It is evident that these conventional indicators characteristically manifest a considerable temporal delay and only undergo modification subsequent to considerable tissue damage. This severely restricts the timeframe for early detection and timely therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, standard markers fail to provide specific biological information regarding the underlying cellular injury mechanisms. The utilisation of advanced probe technologies in molecular imaging offers a robust alternative to overcome these inherent diagnostic limitations.This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent progress in the design and application of two primary categories of molecular imaging tools for acute kidney disease, specifically reactive probes and enzyme-activated probes. Reactive probes are engineered to specifically interact with redox-active chemical species, including hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and sulfur dioxide. Because oxidative stress constitutes a primary early event in acute renal tubular damage, these probes enable researchers and clinicians to visualize early cellular injury and radical accumulation well before global renal functional decline becomes evident. We discuss the application of these reactive probes across multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic techniques. Photoacoustic imaging combines high spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration and has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide diagnostic alerts up to 12 h before any detectable rise in serum creatinine levels. Additionally, specific reactive probes have shown promising translational potential when tested by high-throughput screening in clinical human urine samples. Enzyme-activated probes target the specific catalytic activity of disease-relevant enzymes. These include well-documented renal tubular structural biomarkers such as NAG, GGT, and ALP, along with apoptosis-related caspases and specific nitroreductases. By responding only to enzymatic cleavage, these tools provide highly specific and pathology-directed imaging readouts. Recent structural design strategies in this field have advanced significantly beyond single-enzyme detection. Researchers are now focusing on sophisticated dual-target recognition to minimize background noise, multimodal integration to cross-validate imaging signals, and theranostic applications where probes simultaneously deliver diagnostic feedback and therapeutic agents to injured tissues. Nanotechnology serves as a fundamental enabler for realizing these advanced probe functions. By precisely optimizing nanoparticle parameters such as hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and targeting ligands, researchers can achieve amplified signal output, highly precise kidney delivery, and protection against premature degradation in the systemic circulation. For example, modifying surface charges can significantly enhance the active uptake of nanoprobes by damaged renal tubular epithelial cells.While preclinical probe development has progressed rapidly, moving these technologies into routine clinical practice remains a major challenge. We analyze the translational feasibility and current obstacles from biological, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Although biological targets such as KIM-1, FAP, and ALP have been validated in extensive patient cohorts, practical barriers severely limit their immediate clinical application. These obstacles involve complex changes in in vivo pharmacokinetics. During an acute injury episode, the extreme drop in the glomerular filtration rate alters probe clearance and can cause unwanted systemic accumulation or confusing background imaging signals. Other major hurdles include a lack of comprehensive long-term toxicity data and the absence of standardized manufacturing protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Future successful translation will require rigorous multi-center clinical studies to confirm the true diagnostic value of these probes over traditional markers. Researchers must also establish strict standardization of imaging procedures and comprehensive safety evaluations. Ultimately, this review provides a thorough reference framework for designing clinically translatable molecular probes and building a precision diagnostic imaging system for acute kidney injury.
2.An exploratory study on the effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae
Shuqing JIN ; Xinyi CAI ; Heyi WEN ; Jian FAN ; Hui CAO ; Tianyu SHA ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Qiang GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):550-555
ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae at various exposure parameters (distance and time), and to preliminarily investigate the effects of different containers (water volume and depth) and ultrasonic devices on the larvicidal efficacy, so as to provide experimental evidence for the application of ultrasound-based mosquito control technology. MethodsUnder controlled laboratory conditions, two commercially available ultrasonic devices [40 kHz/300 W and (50±5) kHz/70 W] were used to systematically examine the effects of exposure distance (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 cm), exposure duration (1, 3, 6, 15 and 60 min), larval instar(Ⅰ‒Ⅱ and Ⅲ‒Ⅳ), and container type on the immediate mortality of Aedes albopictus larvae collected from urban areas of Shanghai. Statistical analysis of the mortality rates of larvae among different experimental groups was performed using the chi-square test. ResultsUltrasonic exposure exerted a detectable larvicidal effect against Aedes albopictus larvae of all instars. For early-instar larvae, exposure time significantly affected mortality at all tested distances (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm), with χ² values ranging from 25.57 to 32.74 ( all P<0.001). No significant distance effect was observed in the first and second instar larvae after short-term exposure (1 and 3 min; P>0.05). However, a distance-dependent effect emerged from 6 min onward (P<0.05). During short-term exposure (1 min and 3 min) at close range (20 cm and 40 cm), the immediate mortality of the third and fourth instar larvae was higher than that of the first and second instar larvae. Conversely, during prolonged exposure (15 min and 60 min), the first and second instar larvae exhibited significantly higher mortality than that of the third and fourth instar larvae. These results indicated that larval mortality was jointly influenced by exposure duration and distance. Preliminary experiments indicated that larvicidal efficacy in shallow water was lower than that in deep water. No significant difference in larvicidal effect was observed between the two ultrasonic devices with different frequencies and power outputs. ConclusionUnder laboratory conditions, ultrasound can effectively kill Aedes albopictus larvae, and the larvicidal effect is jointly influenced by larval instar, exposure distance, and aquatic environment. Compact ultrasonic devices show potential for field application in biological mosquito control.
3.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.
4.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.
5.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.
6.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.
7.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.
8.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.
9.Analysis of the incidence and age characteristics of colorectal cancer in cancer registration areas of Jiangsu Province from 2009 to 2019
Jin ZHOU ; Weigang MIAO ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Ran TAO ; Pengfei CAI ; Pengfei LUO ; Renqiang HAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(7):1054-1062
Objective:To analyze the trend of colorectal cancer incidence and age changes in cancer registration areas of Jiangsu Province from 2009 to 2019.Methods:Based on the continuous and complete data of 16 cancer registries with qualified quality control in Jiangsu Province from 2009 to 2019, the crude incidence rate, age-standardized incidence rate by Segi World Standard Population (ASIRW), age-specific incidence rate, mean age at onset, standardized mean age at onset, standardized age-specific incidence proportion, and incidence proportion of the population over 60 years old of colorectal cancer were calculated. Joinpoint software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of crude incidence rate, ASIRW, age-specific incidence rate, and incidence proportion of the population over 60 years, respectively. Birth cohort models were constructed to analyze the incidence of colorectal cancer and its trends in the population born from 1929 to 2019. Linear regression models were used to analyze the correlation between mean age at onset, standardized mean age at onset and the year of onset.Results:From 2009 to 2019, a total of 48 036 new cases of colorectal cancer were collected from 16 cancer registries in Jiangsu Province, including 27 508 males and 20 528 females. The crude incidence rate and ASIRW of colorectal cancer in Jiangsu Province increased from 19.00/100 000 and 12.32/100 000 in 2009 to 33.49/100 000 and 16.75/100 000 in 2019, respectively, showing a significant upward trend (CR: AAPC=5.99%, ASIRW: AAPC=3.54%, P<0.001). The increase of ASIRW was greater in males than that observed in females (males: AAPC=4.31%, females: AAPC=2.34%, P<0.001), and greater in rural areas than in urban areas (rural areas: AAPC=4.03%, urban areas: AAPC=3.13%, P<0.001). The incidence of people over 50 years old increased significantly by year, with the 60~69 age group exhibiting a more rapid increase ( AAPC=4.97%, P<0.05). In the birth cohort, the incidence increased rapidly in the population over 50 years with the passage of birth year, with AAPCs ranging from 1.76% to 7.05% ( P<0.05). From 2009 to 2019, the standardized mean age at onset of colorectal cancer increased by 0.10 years annually. The proportion of standardized age-specific incidence exhibited a trend of increase in older age groups, and the incidence proportion of the population over 60 years old showed a significant yearly increase ( AAPC=0.86%, P<0.001). Conclusion:From 2009 to 2019, the incidence, mean age at onset and the incidence proportion of the population over 60 years old of colorectal cancer in Jiangsu Province could exhibit a rapid upward trend. The increase is particularly pronounced in males and rural areas. Additionally, the age-specific incidence distribution reveals a trend of increase in older age groups. Therefore, targeted adjustments and comprehensive prevention measures should be strengthened.
10.Distribution and drug resistance of pathogens causing surgical site infections in 53 hospitals of Suzhou City from 2020 to 2023:a surveillance report
Yu ZHU ; Meijuan JIN ; Limei CAI ; Junji ZHANG ; Wei DING ; Shukai ZHU ; Xiaochao SONG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3452-3456
OBJECTIVE To retrospectively investigate the incidence of surgical site infection(SSI),distribution and drug resistance of pathogens in 53 hospitals of Suzhou area from 2020 to 2023 so as to provide strategies for pre-vention and control of the hospital-associated infections in Suzhou area.METHODS The data regarding the SSI,distribution and drug resistance of pathogens were statistically analyzed through Suzhou City Regional Hospital In-fection Surveillance Platform.RESULTS The incidence of SSI was 0.24%among the 53 hospitals from 2020 to 2023.Staphylococcus aureus,Enterococcus faecalis,Staphylococcus epidermidis,Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus haemolyticus ranked the top 5 species of gram-positive bacteria;Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Enterobacter cloacae and Acinetobacter baumannii ranked the top 5 spe-cies of gram-negative bacteria.There were significant differences in the distributions of S.aureus,K.pneumoniae and A.baumannii in the superficial,deep and organ cavities(P<0.05).The isolation rate of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)was 69.23%,and the isolation rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus au-reus(MRSA)was 42.14%.The drug resistance rate of the S.aureus strains to oxacillin reached up to 40.24%;the drug resistance rates of the A.baumannii to imipenem and meropenem reached up 63.00%and 65.80%,re-spectively.The drug resistance rates of the K.pneumoniae strains to imipenem and meropenem approximated to 30%,and the drug resistance rate to tigecycline was 19.84%.CONCLUSIONS The total incidence of SSI shows a downward trend in the 53 hospitals of Suzhou area.The S.aureus is the major species of pathogens,and some of the pathogens show high drug resistance rates.

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