1.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.
2.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.
3.Epidemiological study on traditional Chinese medicine treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023
Chujun NI ; Zexing LIN ; Haiyang JIANG ; Jie WU ; Peizhao LIU ; Jiaqi KANG ; Chengliang QIAN ; Haiqing LIU ; Liting DENG ; Huan YANG ; Chenling WU ; Yun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):318-325
Objective:To explore patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Jiangsu Province, China from 2019 to 2023.Methods:Using data from the IBD health data platform of the National Healthcare Big Data (Eastern) Center, a retrospective cohort study was conducted. We performed descriptive analyses on hospitalised patients diagnosed with IBD between 2019 and 2023, who received TCM treatment.Results:The study included 11 095 case records from 4 760 patients, with TCM diagnoses primarily indicating diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Ulcerative colitis (UC) accounted for 4 782 hospitalizations (3 103 patients), while Crohn's disease (CD) accounted for 6 313 hospitalizations (1 657 patients). Patient demographics showed a trend towards younger age and a higher proportion of males. Treatment utilisation was highest in southern Jiangsu compared with the central and northern regions. In terms of disease burden, all treatment costs showed a downward trend. In terms of external TCM therapies, UC patients tend to prefer plasters and enemas, while CD patients are more inclined to use acupuncture. Regarding herbal medicine, licorice, white atractylodes, and white peony root are commonly used single herbs for IBD patients.Conclusions:The number of IBD patients treated with TCM in Jiangsu Province has steadily increased from 2019 to 2023. It is important to identify effective TCM treatment methods to reduce the burden of patients.
4.The value of a nomogram based on multi-parameter MRI for predicting the risk of postoperative recurrence in hormone receptor positive breast cancer
Di KANG ; Lihua ZHANG ; Weixia TANG ; Jinfeng QIAN ; Tianle WANG ; Meihong SHENG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(10):1155-1162
Objective:To investigate the value of a multi-parameter MRI nomogram model in evaluating the recurrence risk of hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer.Methods:This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinicopathological data (age, menopausal status, axillary lymph node metastasis, etc.) and imaging data of 220 patients with HR-positive breast cancer who underwent breast MRI examination and were pathologically confirmed at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2018 to December 2023. All patients underwent preoperative MRI examinations. Their MRI features were analyzed, and the maximum diameter of the lesion and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value were measured. Finally, the clinical treatment score (CTS5 score) after 5 years was calculated, and all patients were divided into a low recurrence risk (CTS5 score 3.13 points) and a medium to high recurrence risk (CTS5 score≥3.13 points) group. The patients were followed up through the electronic medical record system or by phone until December 31, 2024 to determine recurrence status. The patients were divided into the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group. The differences in clinicopathological data, MRI features and CTS5 scores between the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group were compared using independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests or χ2 tests. Indicators with P0.05 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression to screen the independent risk factors for predicting the recurrence of HR receptor-positive breast cancer, and a nomogram was constructed to establish the nomogram model. The receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the efficacy of the nomogram model in predicting the postoperative recurrence risk of patients with HR-positive breast cancer. The variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to evaluate the multicollinearity among independent variables. Calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the fit and net clinical benefit of the nomogram model. Results:Among 220 patients with HR-positive breast cancer, 196 cases were in the non-recurrence group and 24 cases were in the recurrence group. There were statistically significant differences in the maximum diameter of the lesion, axillary lymph node metastasis, ADC value, CTS5 grouping, and CTS5 score between the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group ( P0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum diameter of the lesion ( OR=1.110, 95% CI 1.169-1.503, P0.001), ADC value ( OR=0.993, 95% CI 0.993?0.989, P0.001), and axillary lymph node metastasis ( OR=8.842; 95% CI 2.120?36.884, P=0.003) were independent factors influencing postoperative recurrence in patients with HR-positive breast cancer, and a nomogram model was constructed based on this. VIF analysis showed that no significant multicollinearity was detected among the variables (VIF5). The AUC value of the nomogram model for predicting postoperative recurrence in patients with HR-positive breast cancer was 0.868 (95% CI 0.794-0.942), the sensitivity was 0.875, and the specificity was 0.781. The calibration curve showed that the prediction curve of this model for predicting postoperative recurrence in HR-positive breast cancer patients was basically consistent with the ideal curve trend. DCA showed that this model had a relatively high clinical benefit within the threshold probability range of 0.01% to 90.00%. Conclusion:The nomogram constructed based on multi-parameter MRI features can predict the postoperative recurrence risk of HR-positive breast cancer patients, with good consistency and predictive ability.
5.Construction and validation of a prediction model for central lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma based on contrast-enhanced venous phase CT radiomics
Xingyun HE ; Chen LIU ; Junze DU ; Qian LI ; Kang CHEN ; Rui FAN ; Jian WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(12):1367-1375
Objective To construct and validate an interpretable machine learning model integrating contrast-enhanced venous phase CT radiomics and clinical features for preoperative prediction of central lymph node metastasis(CLNM)of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC).Methods A case-control study was conducted on 243 histologically confirmed PTC patients.Among them,196 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were randomly allocated into a training set(n=137)and an internal validation set(n=59)at a 7:3 ratio,while the left 47 patients from No.958 Hospital of PLA Army were assigned into an external validation set.All participants completed standardized preoperative contrast-enhanced neck CT scanning.Quantitative radiomic features were systematically extracted from venous phase CT images through an open-source big data AI platform.Six machine learning classifiers,eXtreme Gradient Boosting(XGBoost),Support Vector Machine(SVM),Random Forest(RF),Logistic Regression(LR),k-Nearest Neighbors(KNN),and Decision Tree(DT)were implemented to construct clinical-radiomics integration models.The predictive performance was quantitatively assessed through receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,with area under the curve(AUC)values calculated for training,internal validation,and external validation sets.Model interpretability was achieved using Shapley additive explanations(SHAP)framework,with particular focus on elucidating feature contributions in the best-performing model.Results The XGBoost model had an AUC value of 0.936(95%CI:0.895~0.976),0.832(95%CI:0.724~0.941),and 0.772(95%CI:0.632~0.912)in training,internal and external validation sets,respectively.SHAP analysis revealed age as the most influential clinical predictor,with younger patients showing higher CLNM risk(OR=0.968,P=0.042).Conclusion Our machine learning-based clinic-radiomic prediction model demonstrates satisfactory performance in predicting CLNM of PTC,providing valuable references for clinical decision-making.
6.A thermo-sensitive hydrogel targeting macrophage reprogramming for sustained osteoarthritis pain relief.
Yue LIU ; Kai ZHOU ; Xinlong HE ; Kun SHI ; Danrong HU ; Chenli YANG ; Jinrong PENG ; Yuqi HE ; Guoyan ZHAO ; Yi KANG ; Yujun ZHANG ; Yue'e DAI ; Min ZENG ; Feier XIAN ; Wensheng ZHANG ; Zhiyong QIAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):6034-6051
Osteoarthritis (OA) causes chronic pain that significantly impairs quality of life, with current treatments often proving insufficient and accompanied by adverse effects. Recent research has identified the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and its resident macrophages as crucial mediators of chronic OA pain through neuroinflammation driven by macrophage polarization. We present a novel injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel system, KAF@PLEL, designed to deliver an anti-inflammatory peptide (KAF) specifically to the DRG. This biodegradable hydrogel enables sustained KAF release, promoting the reprogramming of DRG macrophages from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies, we evaluated the hydrogel's biocompatibility, effects on macrophage polarization, and therapeutic efficacy in chronic OA pain management. The system demonstrated significant capabilities in preserving macrophage mitochondrial function, suppressing neuroinflammation, alleviating chronic OA pain, reducing cartilage degradation, and improving motor function in OA rat models. The sustained-release properties of KAF@PLEL enabled prolonged therapeutic effects while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects. These findings suggest that KAF@PLEL represents a promising therapeutic approach for improving outcomes in OA patients through targeted, sustained treatment.
7.Kitchen Ventilation Attenuate the Association of Solid Fuel Use with Sarcopenia: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study.
Ying Hao YUCHI ; Wei LIAO ; Jia QIU ; Rui Ying LI ; Ning KANG ; Xiao Tian LIU ; Wen Qian HUO ; Zhen Xing MAO ; Jian HOU ; Lei ZHANG ; Chong Jian WANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(4):511-515
8.Comparison of Postoperative Upper Airway Morphology and Sleep Apnea Improvement between Low Temperature Plasma Ablation and Traditional Adenoid Curettage in Children with Severe Adenoid Hypertrophy
Chao GUAN ; Bo KOU ; Wei LIU ; Qian ZHAO ; Zi-qi YAN ; Meng-yang KANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2843-2850
Objective:To compare the differences in postoperative upper airway morphology and sleep apnea improvement between low temperature plasma ablation(LTPA)and traditional adenoidectomy(TAC)for severe adenoid hypertrophy in children.Methods:A total of 80 children with severe adenoid hypertrophy combined with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups:LTPA group and TAC group,each with 40 cases.The study compared the upper airway morphological parameters(nasopharyngeal transverse diameter,sagittal diameter,nasopharyngeal airway volume,etc.),degree of OSAHS symptom improvement(apnea-hypopnea index,lowest blood oxygen saturation,etc.),intraoperative bleeding volume,surgical time,postoperative pain score,and incidence of postoperative complications in both groups before surgery,one week after surgery,one month after surgery,and three months after surgery.Results:The intraoperative blood loss in the LTPA group was significantly less than that in the TAC group,and the operation time was shorter(P<0.05).Follow-up at 1 week,1 month,and 3 months postoperatively showed that both groups had significant improvements in upper airway morphology parameters compared to preoperative conditions.The increase in transverse diameter,sagittal diameter,and nasopharyngeal airway volume in the LTPA group was greater than in the TAC group(P<0.05).Both groups also showed significant improvements in sleep-related breathing disorders,with a greater reduction in apnea-hypopnea index in the LTPA group compared to the TAC group(P<0.05).Postoperative pain scores were lower in the LTPA group than in the TAC group(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications such as bleeding and nasopharyngeal stenosis was significantly lower in the LTPA group than in the TAC group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Compared with traditional adenoid curettage,low temperature plasma ablation has the advantages of less surgical trauma,less intraoperative bleeding,less postoperative pain,better recovery of upper airway morphology and more significant improvement of sleep apnea in children with severe adenoid hypertrophy,and can be used as the preferred surgical mode for treating severe adenoid hypertrophy.
9.Acceptance of generative artificial intelligence among maternal and infant care personnel and its influencing factors
Ziteng WANG ; Ruifu KANG ; Xuelin SUN ; Ling TONG ; Yanling WANG ; Yanting CHEN ; Qian XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2545-2549
Objective:To assess the current level of acceptance of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) among maternal and infant care providers and to explore the factors influencing their acceptance.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to survey 164 maternal and infant care providers from Beijing Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital between March and May 2024. The survey instruments included a general information questionnaire, GAI Acceptance among Maternal and Infant Care Providers Scale, and Self-assessment Scales for Digital Technology Awareness and Self-assessment Scales for Digital Competence. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify influencing factors.Results:The total acceptance score of GAI among 164 participants was [181 (158, 200) ]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that interest in GAI, digital technology awareness, and digital competence were significant influencing factors for GAI acceptance, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The level of GAI acceptance among maternal and infant care providers was relatively high. It is recommended to strengthen the promotion and training on the application and precautions of GAI, improve their digital competence and professional literacy, while fostering critical and independent thinking, to enhance the integration of GAI into maternal and infant care services.
10.Epidemiological study on traditional Chinese medicine treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023
Chujun NI ; Zexing LIN ; Haiyang JIANG ; Jie WU ; Peizhao LIU ; Jiaqi KANG ; Chengliang QIAN ; Haiqing LIU ; Liting DENG ; Huan YANG ; Chenling WU ; Yun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):318-325
Objective:To explore patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Jiangsu Province, China from 2019 to 2023.Methods:Using data from the IBD health data platform of the National Healthcare Big Data (Eastern) Center, a retrospective cohort study was conducted. We performed descriptive analyses on hospitalised patients diagnosed with IBD between 2019 and 2023, who received TCM treatment.Results:The study included 11 095 case records from 4 760 patients, with TCM diagnoses primarily indicating diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Ulcerative colitis (UC) accounted for 4 782 hospitalizations (3 103 patients), while Crohn's disease (CD) accounted for 6 313 hospitalizations (1 657 patients). Patient demographics showed a trend towards younger age and a higher proportion of males. Treatment utilisation was highest in southern Jiangsu compared with the central and northern regions. In terms of disease burden, all treatment costs showed a downward trend. In terms of external TCM therapies, UC patients tend to prefer plasters and enemas, while CD patients are more inclined to use acupuncture. Regarding herbal medicine, licorice, white atractylodes, and white peony root are commonly used single herbs for IBD patients.Conclusions:The number of IBD patients treated with TCM in Jiangsu Province has steadily increased from 2019 to 2023. It is important to identify effective TCM treatment methods to reduce the burden of patients.

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