1.Meta analysis of the effect of exercise intervention on lipid metabolism among overweight or obese children and adolescents
LI Yanrong, JIN Qian,WANG Chengji
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):273-278
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the effect of exercise intervention on lipid metabolism among overweight or obese children and adolescents, providing evidence for improving lipid metabolism.
Methods:
Literature were retrieved and screened from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases regarding the impact of exercise intervention on lipid metabolism among overweight or obese children and adolescents, with a search period from 1,January 2000 to 30,April 2025. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed, and network Meta analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 18.0 software, with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI as the effect measures.
Results:
A total of 15 eligible randomized controlled trials were included, with 13 reporting outcomes for total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and 14 for triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Network Meta analysis results showed that compared with the control group, aerobic exercise (AE) ( SMD = -0.51, 95% CI =-0.97 to -0.06) and combined aerobic and resistance exercise (COM) ( SMD =-0.54, 95% CI =-1.03 to -0.05) effectively reduced TC levels; AE ( SMD =-0.98, 95% CI =-1.64 to -0.32) and high intensity interval training (HIIT) ( SMD =-1.58, 95% CI = -2.52 to -0.64) effectively reduced TG levels; AE ( SMD =-0.60, 95% CI =-1.05 to -0.14), COM( SMD =-1.10, 95% CI =-1.72 to -0.48) and HIIT ( SMD =-1.05, 95% CI =-1.68 to -0.43) all effectively reduced LDL-C levels; only HIIT ( SMD = 1.03 , 95% CI =0.05-2.00) significantly increased HDL-C levels(all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Exercise intervention is beneficial to improve the dyslipidemia among children and adolescents, and the intervention effects of different exercise on different types of dyslipidemia are different.
2.Isolation, Identification and Biological Characteristics Analysis of Citrobacter freundii from Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)
Heling LI ; Ziyao QIAN ; Gangmin QIN ; Debing JIANG ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Wenzheng JIN ; Hong WANG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):367-377
ObjectiveIdentification and analysis, animal regression test, and drug susceptibility study were conducted on a pathogenic strain causing diarrhea in cynomolgus monkeys, aiming to provide a practical basis for the clinical treatment of Citrobacter freundii. MethodsFresh fecal samples were collected from nine diarrheal cynomolgus monkeys and streaked on Salmonella-Shigella (SS) medium, LB medium, and Columbia blood agar medium, and incubated at 37 ℃ for 24 h. Subsequently, the isolated strain was identified by colony morphology observation, Gram staining, biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and PCR was used to detect its major virulence genes. After propagation, the isolate was intragastrically administered to healthy cynomolgus monkeys and C57BL/6 mice for animal regression tests to evaluate its pathogenicity. Finally, the disk-diffusion method was used to detect the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolate. ResultsA single bacterial strain, designated MF071743, was isolated from 9 fecal samples collected from diarrheal cynomolgus monkeys. The isolate formed pink, smooth, round colonies on SS medium; translucent, smooth, moist, shiny colonies with neat edges on LB medium; and smooth, moist, off-white colonies on Columbia blood agar medium. Gram staining revealed that the isolate was a Gram-negative, spore-free short bacillus. Biochemical tests showed that the isolate was positive for motility test, mannitol test, hydrogen sulfide test, methyl red test, citrate utilization test, gas production from glucose test, raffinose test, sorbitol test, and D-xylose test, but negative for phenylalanine test, gluconate test, indole test, Voges Proskauer (VP) test, urease test, lysine test, ornithine test, and adonitol test. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the gene sequence similarity between strain MF071743 and Citrobacter freundii was 99.0%. PCR results showed that this strain carries genes encoding the urease accessory proteins UreD, UreE, and UreF. Animal intragastric administration assays demonstrated that the strain caused loose stools in cynomolgus monkeys, and all C57BL/6 mice died within 72 h. Drug susceptibility test results indicated that the isolate was sensitive to 16 antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, amikacin, gentamicin, ceftazidime, and levofloxacin, while it exhibited resistance to 5 antibiotics, including ampicillin, cefazolin, vancomycin, erythromycin, and cephalexin. ConclusionA strain of Citrobacter freundii with certain drug resistance was isolated from the feces of diarrheal cynomolgus monkeys. The results of this study provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in captive laboratory monkeys.
3.Analysis of the impact of high progesterone ovulation induction protocols on embryo euploidy rates and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients
Minjie WANG ; Yongjing ZHANG ; Jin QIAN ; Chao WANG ; Yuping XU ; Tianjuan WANG ; Dawei CHEN ; Yan HAO ; Qiong XING
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):923-930
ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol on embryo euploidy rate and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients. MethodsWomen who underwent Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles were selected as study participants (a total of 656 cycles and 3 081 blastocysts). Participants were divided into two age groups (≤35 years and >35 years) and further stratified by ovarian stimulation protocol: the Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) group (n=48 and 60, respectively), the Luteal Phase Long Protocol (LP) group (n=160 and 57, respectively), and the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol (AP) group (n=220 and 111, respectively). Baseline characteristics, ovarian stimulation outcomes, and embryo development parameters were compared among the three protocols within each age group. Additionally, clinical pregnancy outcomes of the first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle were compared. The primary outcome measure was the embryo euploidy rate. Results① In the ≤35 years age group, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) levels were significantly higher in the PPOS group compared to the LP and AP groups, and the bFSH/bLH ratio was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in the AP group (P < 0.05). In the >35 years age group, bFSH levels in both the PPOS and AP groups were significantly higher than in the LP group (P < 0.05).② In the ≤35 years group, there were no significant differences in the rates of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, 2-pronuclei (2 PN) zygotes, cleavage, 2 PN cleavage, blastocyst formation, high-quality embryos, or embryo euploidy between the PPOS group and either the LP or AP groups. However, the PPOS group showed significantly lower values for the following parameters compared to the other two groups: total oocytes retrieved, number of MII oocytes, number of 2 PN zygotes, number of cleaved embryos, number of 2 PN cleaved embryos, number of blastocysts formed, number of high-quality embryos, number of high-grade blastocysts, number of transferable embryos, number of cryopreserved embryos, number of biopsied blastocysts, number of euploid embryos, and the rate of obtaining at least one euploid embryo. In the >35 years group, no significant differences were observed among the PPOS, LP, and AP groups in the rates of MII oocytes, 2 PN cleavage, blastocyst formation, or in the number of euploid embryos, euploidy rate, and the rate of obtaining at least one euploid embryo. However, the PPOS group had significantly lower numbers of total oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, 2 PN zygotes, cleaved embryos, 2 PN cleaved embryos, blastocysts formed, transferable embryos, and cryopreserved embryos compared to the LP group (P<0.05). The high-quality embryo rate was significantly lower in the PPOS group than in the AP group (P<0.05). The numbers of high-quality embryos, high-grade blastocysts, and biopsied blastocysts were significantly lower in the PPOS group than in both the LP and AP groups (P<0.05). Notably, the 2 PN fertilization rate was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in the AP group, and the cleavage rate was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in both the LP and AP groups (P<0.05).③ No significant differences were found among the three groups in the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, early miscarriage rate, and late miscarriage rate following the first FET cycle. ConclusionCompared to the other two protocols, the PPOS protocol does not significantly affect embryo euploidy or clinical pregnancy rates. However, in freeze-all cycles with PGT-A, the PPOS protocol does not reduce the rate of chromosomally normal embryos but may decrease the total number of available embryos. It may not be the optimal choice for younger women, but it can be considered as a viable option for women of advanced maternal age.
4.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
5.Long-chain Fatty Acids in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Metabolites and Mechanisms
Jin-Qian PAN ; Wang LIU ; Zhao-Bing LI ; Shi-Yang LIU ; Qin-Yi ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1826-1848
Atherosclerosis (AS) remains the core pathological basis underlying the high incidence and high rates of mortality and disability associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) worldwide. Its essence is not merely lipid deposition, but rather an immune-mediated disease of the vascular wall characterized by an interplay of lipid metabolism disorders and chronic inflammation, with damage to vascular endothelial cells serving as the initiating event. As the disease progresses, it involves complex synergistic interactions among various cellular components, including endothelial cells, macrophages, and inflammatory cells, ultimately leading to plaque formation, instability, and even fatal thrombotic events. In recent years, the central driving role of lipid metabolic reprogramming in the progression of AS has garnered increasing attention from the scientific community. Among the vast array of lipid molecules, long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) have become a primary focus of research due to their exceptional physiological functions. Traditional views have primarily emphasized the basic physiological functions of LCFAs: serving as highly efficient energy substrates through mitochondrial β-oxidation and acting as key structural components of cellular phospholipid membranes. However, emerging evidence clearly indicates that the functions of LCFAs extend far beyond those of mere metabolic fuel. They also act as potent bioactive signaling molecules, playing an indispensable multidimensional role in the pathogenesis of AS. Equally noteworthy and representing a paradigm shift in cardiovascular research is the emerging theory of the “gut-heart axis”. This theoretical framework views the human gut microbiota—comprising trillions of microorganisms—as a critical and metabolically active “bioreactor”. A wealth of clinical and multi-cohort epidemiological studies have conclusively demonstrated that imbalances in the composition and function of the gut microbiota are highly correlated with the clinical risk and severity of AS. Within this axis, the gut microbiota serves as the primary processing hub for dietary lipids. It actively participates in the digestion and biochemical remodeling of LCFAs, thereby altering their saturation and chemical structure and generating a wide variety of gut microbial metabolites. The effects of these gut-derived lipid metabolites extend far beyond the local intestinal microenvironment. Upon entering the bloodstream, these circulating microbiota metabolites act as endocrine signals. Given the extreme complexity of the underlying mechanisms, a comprehensive elucidation of the synergistic and bidirectional interactions between LCFAs and the gut microbiota in vascular pathology is particularly urgent. Therefore, this article aims to provide a systematic review of the multidimensional regulatory mechanisms of LCFAs and their associated gut microbiota metabolites in the onset, progression, and clinical manifestations of AS. By thoroughly exploring the interaction patterns within the “LCFAs-gut microbiota-AS” triad, this review seeks to fundamentally expand our understanding of the pathogenesis of CVDs. More importantly, translating these mechanistic insights into clinical practice holds tremendous promise. We hope to provide a solid theoretical foundation for the future development of novel AS prevention and treatment strategies based on non-traditional approaches. These include precision nutritional interventions (i.e., dietary lipid intake plans tailored to an individual’s unique microbiome profile) and targeted microbiome modulation therapies (such as next-generation probiotics, prebiotics, or specific metabolite supplements). Targeting the gut as a “reactor” to treat vascular wall lesions represents a promising direction for future cardiovascular medicine.
6.Contamination levels of perfluorinated compounds in water bodies of key river basins in the Yangtze River Delta Region in 2023
Jingxian ZHOU ; Yu’e JIN ; Jinjing MA ; Yuanjie LIN ; Liming XUE ; Hailei QIAN ; Yangyang REN ; Ping XIAO ; Guoquan WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):536-542
ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a scientific basis for the safety management of drinking water by assessing the contamination levels of 21 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water samples collected from the Yangtze River Delta region. MethodsSolid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was employed to determine 21 PFASs in 6 source water samples, 20 treated water samples, and 60 tap water samples collected from 5 administrative districts in the Yangtze River Delta region across four seasons in 2023. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare differences in PFAS concentrations among the three types of water samples, followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction. Removal efficiencies of target compounds were also calculated. ResultsAmong the 86 samples, 14 PFASs were detected, with 7 compounds detected in 100% of samples. The total concentrations of PFASs in source water, treated water, and tap water ranged from 63.85 to 190.54 ng·L-¹, 55.75 to 774.36 ng·L-¹, and 40.72 to 689.80 ng·L-¹, respectively. The compounds with the highest median concentrations were perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) (40.19, 15.20, and 14.05 ng·L-¹), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (29.69, 32.62, and 34.24 ng·L-¹), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (17.65, 39.45, and 36.83 ng·L-¹), and potassium perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (16.99, 24.38, and 23.89 ng·L-¹). Notably, concentrations of PFOA (7.71‒71.63 ng·L-¹) and PFOS (
7.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.
8.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.
9.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.
10.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.


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