1.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
2.PDZ-binding kinase as a prognostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer: a pan-cancer analysis and validation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.
Jinguo WANG ; Yang MA ; Zhaoxin LI ; Lifei HE ; Yingze HUANG ; Xiaoming FAN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(10):2210-2222
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the prognostic significance of PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) in pan-cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
METHODS:
PBK expression levels were investigated in 33 cancer types based on data from TCGA, GEO and CPTAC databases. RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to examine PBK expression in clinical pancreatic cancer specimens and cell lines. The diagnostic and prognostic value of PBK in pancreatic cancer was evaluated using survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, ROC curve analysis, and clinical correlation studies. Gene enrichment and immune correlation analyses were conducted to explore the potential role of PBK in tumor microenvironment, and its correlation with drug sensitivity was investigated using GDSC and CTRP datasets. In pancreatic cancer BXPC-3 cells, the effects of lentivirus-mediated PBK knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined using CCK-8, colony formation, and Transwell assays. The interaction between PBK and non-SMC condensin II complex subunit G2 (NCAPG2) was analyzed using co-immunoprecipitation and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
PBK was overexpressed in multiple cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. A high PBK expression was associated with a poor prognosis of the patients and correlated with immune infiltration and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Elevated PBK expression was positively correlated with the sensitivity to MEK inhibitors (Trametinib) and EGFR inhibitors (Afatinib) but negatively with the sensitivity to Bcl-2 inhibitors (TW37) and niclosamide. In BXPC-3 cells, PBK knockdown significantly suppressed NCAPG2 expression and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed a direct binding between PBK and NCAPG2.
CONCLUSIONS
PBK is a key regulator of pancreatic cancer and interacts with NCAPG2 to promote tumor progression, suggesting its value as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Humans
;
Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Proliferation
;
Adenocarcinoma/metabolism*
;
Tumor Microenvironment
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Cell Movement
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
3.CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 down-regulation induced dysfusion of autophagosome and lysosome promotes β-amyloid protein deposition in hippocampus of mice
Lifei ZHANG ; Ning WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Shu SHI ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Kaili DU ; Ting LIU ; Li WANG ; Xiaohui WANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(6):719-727
Objective To explore the effects of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1(CDS1)on autophagy and amyloid deposition in hippocampal neurons of mice and the related mechanism.Methods Congo red and immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the amyloid deposition in hippocampus of amyloid precursor protein(APP)/presenilin 1(PS1)double-transgenic mice.Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of APP was induced in HT22 cells,and Congo red staining was used to observe the amyloid deposition in HT22 cells.The protein expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ and P62 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and APP-overexpressed HT22 cells were detected by Western blotting.The differential protein CDS1 was screened based on the hippocampal proteomics results of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice.The expression of CDS1 protein in hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 transgenic mice and APP-overexpressed HT22 cells was detected by Western blotting.After lentivirus-mediated APP overexpression in HT22 cells,CDS1 was overexpressed,and the protein expression levels of LC3-Ⅱ and P62 were detected by Western blotting.Results β-amyloid protein(Aβ)was deposited in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and in HT22 cells overexpressing APP.The levels of LC3-Ⅱ and P62 protein in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and APP-overexpressed HT22 cells were significantly increased.A differential metabolic pathway,glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway,was screened by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis in the proteomic results of APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice,and the differential protein CDS1 was obtained.Compared with wild-type C57BL/6 mice,APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice exhibited a significantly decrease in CDS1 protein expression in the hippocampus(0.46±0.07 vs 1.00±0.25,P<0.01).Similarly,lentivirus-mediated overexpression of APP in HT22 cells resulted in decreased CDS1 protein levels compared to cells infected with empty viral vector controls(0.68±0.18 vs 1.00±0.13,P<0.01).The autophagy flow of nerve cells was significantly restored after the CDS1 overexpression in APP-overexpressed HT22 cells(LC3-Ⅱ:1.00±0.15 vs 0.21±0.05,P<0.01;P62:1.00±0.16 vs 0.67±0.10,P<0.01),and Aβ deposition was significantly decreased.Conclusion Downregulation of CDS1 expression can induce dysfusion of autophagosome and lysosome,promoting amyloid deposition in hippocampus of mice with Alzheimer's disease.
4.Effects of LINC01772 on cell cycle,apoptosis and radiosensitivity of A549
Lifei HE ; Lin ZHU ; Feng XUE ; Zuyue BI ; Zhaoxin LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(5):657-663
Objective To explore the effects of long non-coding RNA LINC01772 on cell cycle,apoptosis and radiotherapy sensitivity of A549.Methods A549 cells were resuscitated and cultured for experimental pur-pose.The effects of LINC01772 knockdown on cell viability,cell cycle progression,and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry,and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed using western blotting.CCK-8 and clonogenic assays were used to measure the changes in the sensitivity of A549 cells to radiotherapy following various radiation doses,and flow cytometry to examine alterations in the cell cycle and apoptosis post-radiation treatment.Results Following lentiviral transfection that reduced LINC01772 levels in A549 cells,a significant decrease in cell viability(P<0.01)was observed alongside an increase in apoptosis(P<0.01).Notably,expres-sions of Bad and Cleaved Caspase-3 were significantly elevated(P<0.01),while Bcl-2 expression was markedly decreased(P<0.01).After exposure to different radiation doses,a dose-dependent reduction in A549 cell viability was noted(P<0.01),accompanied by a significant impairment of clonogenic ability(P<0.01),G2/M phase arrest within the cell cycle(P<0.01),and an increased incidence of apoptosis(P<0.01).Conclusion Inhibiting long non-coding RNA LINC01772 expression substantially diminishes cellular viability in A549 cells,enhances apoptotic processes,disrupts their cycling mechanisms,and augments their sensitivity to radiotherapy,suggesting that this non-coding RNA may serve as a potential target for enhancing lung cancer radiotherapy.
5.Luteolin improves myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury
Wenwen ZHANG ; Mengru XU ; Yuan TIAN ; Lifei ZHANG ; Shu SHI ; Ning WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Li WANG ; Haihu HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):38-43
BACKGROUND:Cardiac dysfunction due to spinal cord injury is an important factor of death in patients with spinal cord injury;however,the specific mechanism is still not clear.Therefore,revealing the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients is of great significance to improve their quality of life and survival rate. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of luteolin in improving serum-induced myocardial cell death in spinal cord injury rats. METHODS:Allen's impact instrument was used to damage the spine T9-T11 of male SD rats to establish a spinal cord injury model meanwhile a sham operation group was set as the control group.The serum of rats of each group was collected.H9c2 cells were divided into a blank control group,a sham operated rat serum group,a spinal cord injury rat serum group and a luteolin pretreatment group.The cells in blank control group were only cultured with ordinary culture medium.The cells in the sham operated rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from sham operated rat.The cells in the spinal cord injury rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from spinal cord injury rat.The cells in the luteolin pretreatment group were precultured with a final concentration of 20 μmol/L luteolin for 4 hours and then changed to a medium containing 10%rat serum from spinal cord injury rat.After 24 hours of culture,the survival rate of each group of H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of autophagy related protein LC3 and p62 in H9c2 cells in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,there was no significant change in cell survival rate in the sham operated rat serum group(P>0.05).Compared with the sham operated rat serum group,the cell survival rate(P<0.01)and the expression of LC3 protein(P<0.05)in spinal cord injury rat serum group was significantly reduced,and the expression of p62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the spinal cord injury rat serum group,the survival rate of cells in the luteolin pretreatment group significantly increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of LC3 protein significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression of p62 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results indicate that luteolin may improve myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury by promoting autophagy.
6.Effects of LINC01772 on cell cycle,apoptosis and radiosensitivity of A549
Lifei HE ; Lin ZHU ; Feng XUE ; Zuyue BI ; Zhaoxin LI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(5):657-663
Objective To explore the effects of long non-coding RNA LINC01772 on cell cycle,apoptosis and radiotherapy sensitivity of A549.Methods A549 cells were resuscitated and cultured for experimental pur-pose.The effects of LINC01772 knockdown on cell viability,cell cycle progression,and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry,and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed using western blotting.CCK-8 and clonogenic assays were used to measure the changes in the sensitivity of A549 cells to radiotherapy following various radiation doses,and flow cytometry to examine alterations in the cell cycle and apoptosis post-radiation treatment.Results Following lentiviral transfection that reduced LINC01772 levels in A549 cells,a significant decrease in cell viability(P<0.01)was observed alongside an increase in apoptosis(P<0.01).Notably,expres-sions of Bad and Cleaved Caspase-3 were significantly elevated(P<0.01),while Bcl-2 expression was markedly decreased(P<0.01).After exposure to different radiation doses,a dose-dependent reduction in A549 cell viability was noted(P<0.01),accompanied by a significant impairment of clonogenic ability(P<0.01),G2/M phase arrest within the cell cycle(P<0.01),and an increased incidence of apoptosis(P<0.01).Conclusion Inhibiting long non-coding RNA LINC01772 expression substantially diminishes cellular viability in A549 cells,enhances apoptotic processes,disrupts their cycling mechanisms,and augments their sensitivity to radiotherapy,suggesting that this non-coding RNA may serve as a potential target for enhancing lung cancer radiotherapy.
7.Mechanism of spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia in gastric mucosa induced by Helicobacter pylori infection
Hainuo WANG ; Yufan LI ; Yuying WANG ; Qianying SHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Lifei ZHENG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(1):130-134
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection triggers gastric mucosal inflammatory responses and spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia(SPEM).These pathological conditions can escalate the severity of chronic gas-tritis,gastric ulcers and even cause gastric cancer.SPEM is frequently viewed as an early sign of gastric mucosal injury and the onset of carcinogenesis.A comprehensive analysis of the genesis and molecular regulation of SPEM cells in the context of H.pylori infection further has enlightened the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal diseases and provide new ideas and targets for diagnosing and treatment of H.pylori-related gastric mucosal diseases.This paper reviews a variety of molecular biomarkers associated with SPEM,encompassing TFF2,CD44v9,and AQP5,and delineates their pivotal regulatory functions in H.pylori infection and SPEM.This paper also reviews the origination of SPEM cells and pertinent molecular regulatory mechanisms.
8.Effects and mechanism of persimmon leaf extract on IEC-6 cell ferroptosis induced by H2O2
Xuexia ZHANG ; Min ZHOU ; Hongyan ZHOU ; Lifei WANG ; Huani LI ; Changhe LIU ; Hongde XU ; Mingli ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):64-70
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of persimmon leaf (PL) extract against ferroptosis induced by H2O2 in IEC-6 cells.METHODS Using IEC-6 cells as object,the effects of ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 on IEC-6 cell viability induced by H2O2 were investigated;IEC-6 cells were divided into control group,H2O2 group,H2O2+PL 25 μg/mL group and H2O2+PL 50 μg/mL group.The levels of oxidant stress indexes[content of malondialdehyde (MDA),activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD),and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)],mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2),heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1),NADPH/quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1),cystine/glutamate anti-porter (xCT),glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) were detected.RESULTS Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 could significantly increase the survival rate of H2O2-induced cells (P<0.01).Compared with the control group,MDA content,ROS level,mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and NQO-1 as well as protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased or up-regulated significantly,while SOD activity,MMP,mRNA expressions of xCT,GPX4 and FTH as well as protein expressions of GPX4 and FTH were decreased or down-regulated significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared with the H2O2 group,oxidative stress indexes of H2O2+PL 25,50 μg/mL groups were reversed to different extents,MMP level was increased significantly,as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,HO-1,NQO-1,xCT,GPX4 and FTH were up-regulated to different extents;there were statistical significances in some indexes between groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS PL extract can alleviate mitochondrial membrane damage and abnormal accumulation of ROS caused by H2O2,which may be related to the inhibition of ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
9.Epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Yuhang District
WANG Lifei ; SUN Mingxi ; LU Yanqing ; LI Sen ; SHOU Jun ; MENG Xiangjie
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):626-629
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of influenza in Yuhang District, Hangzhou City from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for formulating influenza prevention and control measures.
Methods:
Influenza case data with current address in Yuhang District was collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System from 2019 to 2023. Influenza-like illness data was collected through the Hangzhou Epidemiological Investigation System. Time distribution, population distribution and pathogen detection of influenza-like illness were descriptively analyzed.
Results:
There were 118 319 influenza cases reported in Yuhang District from 2019 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 2 316.80/105. The highest incidence rate was seen in 2023, with a reported incidence rate of 5 736.82/105. The peak incidence of influenza occurred from November to March of the following year, presenting the winter and spring epidemic. The cases were mainly distributed in the age groups of 7 to 14 years and 25 to 59 years, with 31 310 and 34 470 cases, accounting for 26.46% and 29.13%, respectively. Influenza cases were reported in all 12 towns (streets) in Yuhang District, with the top two being Wuchang Street and Liangzhu Street, with the average annual incidence rates of 17 346.08/105 and 14 945.80/105, respectively. From 2019 to 2023, there were 103 868 cases of influenza-like illness, and 1 482 throat swab samples were collected. Among them, 260 positive samples of influenza virus were detected, with a positive rate of 17.54%. The peak detection period for positive specimens was from November to March of the following year, with 222 influenza virus positive specimens detected. The influenza virus types included H1N1, H3N2, and Victoria B, accounting for 25.77%, 38.85% and 35.38%, respectively.
Conclusions
The peak of influenza outbreak in Yuhang District from 2019 to 2023 was in winter and spring, with children and adolescents being the main affected objectives. H1N1, H3N2 and Victoria B were alternately prevalent. Prevention and control measures such as influenza vaccination should be strengthened.
10.Meta-synthesis of qualitative researches on the caring experience of caregivers of lung transplantation patients
Haiqing ZHOU ; Jing XU ; Xiaoli LI ; He LIU ; Lei LIU ; Minghua ZHANG ; Lifei SHI ; Enxia ZHU ; Ruting GU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(17):2280-2287
Objective:To systematically review and integrate the caring experience of caregivers of lung transplant patients.Methods:Qualitative studies on the caregiving experience of caregivers of lung transplant patients were searched by computer from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang data, and the search period was from establishment of the databases to April 30, 2023. The qualitative research quality evaluation criteria (2016 edition) of the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Based Health Care Center in Australia were used to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and the Meta-synthesis was used to integrate the literature results.Results:A total of ten articles were included, and 33 clear research results were extracted, which were summarized into eight new categories, and finally summarized into four integrated results, such as heavy burden experience, strong demand, positive experience and satisfaction with the medical service system.Conclusions:Medical workers should attach importance to and pay attention to the burden and needs of caregivers of lung transplant patients, provide professional and emotional support to caregivers, improve their caring ability and quality, and ultimately improve the quality of life of lung transplant patients.


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