1.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
2.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
3.Optimization Study of Rat Models for Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Zhen LIU ; Wei-ling WANG ; Yun-cheng MA ; Yu-xi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiao-zhu WANG ; Xiao-yao LIU ; Mei JIANG ; Wen-hui XU ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1921-1930
Objective:To establish a stable rat model of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)with clinical characteristics,and to provide a reliable experimental model for the study of the pharmcological effect and mechanism of SPID.Methods:Twenty-four 7-week-old SD rats were divided into sham operation group,model-A(108 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution,0.2 mL),model-B(109 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution 0.2 mL),and model-C(108 cfu/mL E.coli 0.2 mL).The weight of the rat's uterine was weighed and the uterine index was calculated.The automatic hematology analyzer was used to detect the blood routine;hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE)and masson staining were used to detect uterine pathlogical changes in rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rat uterine tissue homogenates.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the uterine index of model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The levels of WBC and NE in the model-A increased significantly(P<0.01).The level of LY in model-B decreased significantly(P<0.01).The levels of IL-1β,TNF-α in model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.01).The levels of IL-6 in model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The collagen volume fraction of model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.01).Mechanism study indicates that the expression levels of p-IKKβ/IKKβ,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65 in model-A were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of IκBα/β-actin were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The expression level of p-IKKβ/IKKβ in model-B was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusions:A stable rat model of SPID that conforms to clinical characteristics can be successfully constructed by combining 0.2 mL of mixed bacterial solution with a concentration of 108 cfu/mL and mechanical injury.This modeling method intervened in the expression of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.
4.Mechanism of emodin improving cardiac hypertrophy in mice based on p38/ERK pathway
Jia SHI ; Sai-Ge SUN ; Yi-Lin HE ; Li XU ; Long-Xing LIU ; Zi-Jie GE ; Xiao-Yi ZOU ; Yu MA ; Yao-Cheng DING ; Kai QIAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1245-1252
Aim Mouse model of myocardial hypertro-phy was established via intraperitoneal injection of iso-proterenol(ISO)in mice.This approach allows for an in-depth investigation into the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of emodin,offering novel in-sights and directions for the improvement of myocardial hypertrophy.Methods The mice were randomly di-vided into the following groups:control group(CON),emodin group(EMO),MAPK activator control group(EMO+Ani),model group(ISO),treatment group(ISO+EMO),and activator intervention group(ISO+EMO+Ani).After treatment with emodin and inter-vention with MAPK activator,the heart weight ratio and cardiac size of each group were observed.Hematoxy-lin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the patho-logical changes in cardiac tissue,and kits were utilized to measure the levels of GSH,LDH,and MDA in the serum.Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of inflammatory and oxidative factors,as well as p-p38,p-ERK,p38,and ERK in cardiac tis-sue.Results Emodin can significantly inhibit the production of myocardial inflammatory and oxidative factors induced by ISO,thereby effectively alleviating the degree of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.Af-ter the p38/ERK signaling pathway was specifically ac-tivated by farnesol,the improvement effect of emodin on myocardial hypertrophy was weakened.Further comparison revealed that,compared with the myocardi-al hypertrophy pathological model group,the pathologi-cal protein expression levels in the farnesol-treated group showed no significant difference,and were even higher in some indicators.Conclusion Emodin can effectively inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and improve the state of oxidative stress by modulating the p38/ERK signaling pathway,thereby exerting an ameliorative effect on myocardial hypertrophy.
5.Optimization Study of Rat Models for Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Zhen LIU ; Wei-ling WANG ; Yun-cheng MA ; Yu-xi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiao-zhu WANG ; Xiao-yao LIU ; Mei JIANG ; Wen-hui XU ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1921-1930
Objective:To establish a stable rat model of sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease(SPID)with clinical characteristics,and to provide a reliable experimental model for the study of the pharmcological effect and mechanism of SPID.Methods:Twenty-four 7-week-old SD rats were divided into sham operation group,model-A(108 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution,0.2 mL),model-B(109 cfu/mL mixed bacterial solution 0.2 mL),and model-C(108 cfu/mL E.coli 0.2 mL).The weight of the rat's uterine was weighed and the uterine index was calculated.The automatic hematology analyzer was used to detect the blood routine;hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE)and masson staining were used to detect uterine pathlogical changes in rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rat uterine tissue homogenates.Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the uterine index of model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The levels of WBC and NE in the model-A increased significantly(P<0.01).The level of LY in model-B decreased significantly(P<0.01).The levels of IL-1β,TNF-α in model-A,model-B,and model-C were significantly increased(P<0.01).The levels of IL-6 in model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The collagen volume fraction of model-A and model-B were significantly increased(P<0.01).Mechanism study indicates that the expression levels of p-IKKβ/IKKβ,p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65 in model-A were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of IκBα/β-actin were significantly decreased(P<0.01).The expression level of p-IKKβ/IKKβ in model-B was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusions:A stable rat model of SPID that conforms to clinical characteristics can be successfully constructed by combining 0.2 mL of mixed bacterial solution with a concentration of 108 cfu/mL and mechanical injury.This modeling method intervened in the expression of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.
6.Mechanism of emodin improving cardiac hypertrophy in mice based on p38/ERK pathway
Jia SHI ; Sai-Ge SUN ; Yi-Lin HE ; Li XU ; Long-Xing LIU ; Zi-Jie GE ; Xiao-Yi ZOU ; Yu MA ; Yao-Cheng DING ; Kai QIAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1245-1252
Aim Mouse model of myocardial hypertro-phy was established via intraperitoneal injection of iso-proterenol(ISO)in mice.This approach allows for an in-depth investigation into the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of emodin,offering novel in-sights and directions for the improvement of myocardial hypertrophy.Methods The mice were randomly di-vided into the following groups:control group(CON),emodin group(EMO),MAPK activator control group(EMO+Ani),model group(ISO),treatment group(ISO+EMO),and activator intervention group(ISO+EMO+Ani).After treatment with emodin and inter-vention with MAPK activator,the heart weight ratio and cardiac size of each group were observed.Hematoxy-lin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the patho-logical changes in cardiac tissue,and kits were utilized to measure the levels of GSH,LDH,and MDA in the serum.Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression levels of inflammatory and oxidative factors,as well as p-p38,p-ERK,p38,and ERK in cardiac tis-sue.Results Emodin can significantly inhibit the production of myocardial inflammatory and oxidative factors induced by ISO,thereby effectively alleviating the degree of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.Af-ter the p38/ERK signaling pathway was specifically ac-tivated by farnesol,the improvement effect of emodin on myocardial hypertrophy was weakened.Further comparison revealed that,compared with the myocardi-al hypertrophy pathological model group,the pathologi-cal protein expression levels in the farnesol-treated group showed no significant difference,and were even higher in some indicators.Conclusion Emodin can effectively inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and improve the state of oxidative stress by modulating the p38/ERK signaling pathway,thereby exerting an ameliorative effect on myocardial hypertrophy.
7.The clinical outcomes analysis of drug-coated balloon de novo coronary lesions left with untreated dissection
Zhi-yuan CHENG ; Wen-rui MA ; Zi-lei PAN ; Chang-sheng NAI ; Shang CHANG ; Li LIANG ; Yao-jun ZHANG ; Qian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):568-573
Objective To investigate the clinical prognosis of untreated residual coronary artery dissection treated with drug coated balloon(DCB).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of patients with primary coronary artery lesions(2.5-4.0 mm)treated with DCB under angiography guidance at Xuzhou Cancer Hospital,Xuzhou New Health Geriatric Hospital,and Peixian Guotai Hospital from September 2017 to April 2023.According to the observation of coronary artery dissection through angiography,the patients were divided into a dissection group and a non dissection group.The main endpoint of this study was the major adverse cardiovascular event(MACE)during a 12-month follow-up.Results A total of 381 patients were enrolled in the three research centers,with 30 cases(30 lesions)in the dissection group and 351 cases(367 lesions)in the non dissection group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age,gender,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,smoking,previous myocardial infarction,previous percutaneous coronary intervention,coronary artery bypass grafting and other baseline clinical characteristics(all P>0.05).Except for the reference vessel diameter(P=0.049)and DCB pressure(P=0.032),there was no statistically significant difference in the characteristics of coronary angiography lesions between the two groups of patients(both P>0.05).During a 12-month follow-up,there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05)in the incidence of MACE between the dissection group and the non dissection group after DCB treatment for primary coronary artery lesions in situ.Conclusions Untreated residual dissection after DCB treatment of de novo coronary lesions does not lead to an increase in clinical MACE.
8.The clinical outcomes analysis of drug-coated balloon de novo coronary lesions left with untreated dissection
Zhi-yuan CHENG ; Wen-rui MA ; Zi-lei PAN ; Chang-sheng NAI ; Shang CHANG ; Li LIANG ; Yao-jun ZHANG ; Qian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):568-573
Objective To investigate the clinical prognosis of untreated residual coronary artery dissection treated with drug coated balloon(DCB).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of patients with primary coronary artery lesions(2.5-4.0 mm)treated with DCB under angiography guidance at Xuzhou Cancer Hospital,Xuzhou New Health Geriatric Hospital,and Peixian Guotai Hospital from September 2017 to April 2023.According to the observation of coronary artery dissection through angiography,the patients were divided into a dissection group and a non dissection group.The main endpoint of this study was the major adverse cardiovascular event(MACE)during a 12-month follow-up.Results A total of 381 patients were enrolled in the three research centers,with 30 cases(30 lesions)in the dissection group and 351 cases(367 lesions)in the non dissection group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age,gender,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,smoking,previous myocardial infarction,previous percutaneous coronary intervention,coronary artery bypass grafting and other baseline clinical characteristics(all P>0.05).Except for the reference vessel diameter(P=0.049)and DCB pressure(P=0.032),there was no statistically significant difference in the characteristics of coronary angiography lesions between the two groups of patients(both P>0.05).During a 12-month follow-up,there was no statistically significant difference(P>0.05)in the incidence of MACE between the dissection group and the non dissection group after DCB treatment for primary coronary artery lesions in situ.Conclusions Untreated residual dissection after DCB treatment of de novo coronary lesions does not lead to an increase in clinical MACE.
9.From stretching to signal:the sensory roles of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Liangliang XING ; Zudu FAN ; Conglei HU ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):615-620
Objective To explore the roles of the mechanoreceptor Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)and piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2(PIEZO2)in mechanotransduction in mouse bladder urothelial cells.Methods Mouse bladder urothelial cells were subjected to mechanical stretching using the FX-6000T cell stretching system and treated with the YAP1-specific inhibitor verteporfin(VP).The expressions of PIEZO2,YAP1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)at the mRNA and protein levels,as well as changes in cellular adenosine triphosphatase(ATP)concentration,were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).Results After stretching stimulation,under the fluorescence microscope,it was observed that the diameter length of the stretched cells were longer than that before stretching,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels were increased in the stretched group compared to those of the non-stretched group(P<0.05).VP effectively reduced the expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels after stretching stimulation(P<0.05).Stretching stimulation significantly increased the intracellular ATP concentration,while VP was able to inhibit the increase in ATP concentration,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.000 1).Conclusion Stretching stimulation increased the expressions of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells and promoted the release of ATP;verteporfin inhibited the increase in YAP1 activity and the overexpression of PIEZO2 caused by stretching,thereby reducing the release of ATP.It is suggested that mouse bladder urothelial cells may primarily sense mechanical signals through the YAP1-PIEZO2-ATP pathway.
10.From stretching to signal:the sensory roles of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells
Yongxiang SHAO ; Meng CHENG ; Mengyuan LIU ; Liangliang XING ; Zudu FAN ; Conglei HU ; Liping YAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Fei LIU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(7):615-620
Objective To explore the roles of the mechanoreceptor Yes-associated protein 1(YAP1)and piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2(PIEZO2)in mechanotransduction in mouse bladder urothelial cells.Methods Mouse bladder urothelial cells were subjected to mechanical stretching using the FX-6000T cell stretching system and treated with the YAP1-specific inhibitor verteporfin(VP).The expressions of PIEZO2,YAP1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)at the mRNA and protein levels,as well as changes in cellular adenosine triphosphatase(ATP)concentration,were detected using reverse transcription quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting(WB).Results After stretching stimulation,under the fluorescence microscope,it was observed that the diameter length of the stretched cells were longer than that before stretching,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels were increased in the stretched group compared to those of the non-stretched group(P<0.05).VP effectively reduced the expressions of YAP1,PIEZO2 and CTGF at the mRNA and protein levels after stretching stimulation(P<0.05).Stretching stimulation significantly increased the intracellular ATP concentration,while VP was able to inhibit the increase in ATP concentration,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.000 1).Conclusion Stretching stimulation increased the expressions of YAP1 and PIEZO2 in bladder urothelial cells and promoted the release of ATP;verteporfin inhibited the increase in YAP1 activity and the overexpression of PIEZO2 caused by stretching,thereby reducing the release of ATP.It is suggested that mouse bladder urothelial cells may primarily sense mechanical signals through the YAP1-PIEZO2-ATP pathway.

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