1.Postmenopausal osteoporosis:predictive values of muscle mass,grip strength,and appendicular skeletal muscle index
Zhijie YANG ; Rui ZHAO ; Haolin YANG ; Xiaoyun LI ; Yangbo LI ; Jiachun HUANG ; Yanping LIN ; Lei WAN ; Hongxing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1073-1080
BACKGROUND:The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in postmenopausal women,but muscle mass,grip strength,and how these factors affect osteoporosis are understudied,and the exact link between them has not been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between muscle mass,grip strength,appendicular skeletal muscle index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to assess the potential values of these indices in predicting and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis.METHODS:Eighty-three postmenopausal women were collected from the outpatient clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024.General data were collected.Bone mineral density was detected.T-value,muscle mass of each part,grip strength were recorded.The body mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle index were calculated.The patients were categorized into non-osteoporosis group(n=17)and postmenopausal osteoporosis group(n=66)according to T value and fracture history,and were statistically analyzed accordingly.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The body mass,body mass index,bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine,muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index were higher in the non-osteoporosis group than the osteoporosis group(P<0.05).(2)Muscle mass was positively correlated with bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine and individual vertebrae(P<0.05).(3)Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that body mass and grip strength were linearly and positively correlated with muscle mass;body height and muscle mass were linearly and positively correlated with grip strength,and body mass was linearly and negatively correlated with grip strength.Body mass index was linearly and positively correlated with bone mineral density,and age was linearly and negatively correlated with bone mineral density.(4)Analysis by receiver operating characteristic curve showed that:muscle mass(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of muscle mass were 0.744,76.50%,74.20%and 36.50 kg,respectively,with P=0.002)and appendicular skeletal muscle index(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of appendicular skeletal muscle index were 0.739,82.40%,62.10%and 5.81 kg/m2,respectively,and P=0.002)had good predictive value for postmenopausal osteoporosis.To conclude,a reduction in muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index can help to predict the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis,and the possibility of osteoporosis should be taken into account in postmenopausal women when muscle mass is<36.50 kg or appendicular skeletal muscle index is<5.81 kg/m2,in order to prevent the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
2.Postmenopausal osteoporosis:predictive values of muscle mass,grip strength,and appendicular skeletal muscle index
Zhijie YANG ; Rui ZHAO ; Haolin YANG ; Xiaoyun LI ; Yangbo LI ; Jiachun HUANG ; Yanping LIN ; Lei WAN ; Hongxing HUANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1073-1080
BACKGROUND:The prevalence of osteoporosis is high in postmenopausal women,but muscle mass,grip strength,and how these factors affect osteoporosis are understudied,and the exact link between them has not been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between muscle mass,grip strength,appendicular skeletal muscle index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and to assess the potential values of these indices in predicting and diagnosing postmenopausal osteoporosis.METHODS:Eighty-three postmenopausal women were collected from the outpatient clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024.General data were collected.Bone mineral density was detected.T-value,muscle mass of each part,grip strength were recorded.The body mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle index were calculated.The patients were categorized into non-osteoporosis group(n=17)and postmenopausal osteoporosis group(n=66)according to T value and fracture history,and were statistically analyzed accordingly.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The body mass,body mass index,bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine,muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index were higher in the non-osteoporosis group than the osteoporosis group(P<0.05).(2)Muscle mass was positively correlated with bone mineral density of the overall lumbar spine and individual vertebrae(P<0.05).(3)Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that body mass and grip strength were linearly and positively correlated with muscle mass;body height and muscle mass were linearly and positively correlated with grip strength,and body mass was linearly and negatively correlated with grip strength.Body mass index was linearly and positively correlated with bone mineral density,and age was linearly and negatively correlated with bone mineral density.(4)Analysis by receiver operating characteristic curve showed that:muscle mass(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of muscle mass were 0.744,76.50%,74.20%and 36.50 kg,respectively,with P=0.002)and appendicular skeletal muscle index(the area under the curve,sensitivity,specificity and critical value of appendicular skeletal muscle index were 0.739,82.40%,62.10%and 5.81 kg/m2,respectively,and P=0.002)had good predictive value for postmenopausal osteoporosis.To conclude,a reduction in muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle index can help to predict the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis,and the possibility of osteoporosis should be taken into account in postmenopausal women when muscle mass is<36.50 kg or appendicular skeletal muscle index is<5.81 kg/m2,in order to prevent the occurrence of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
3.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
4.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
5.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.
6.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.
7.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Treats Chronic Atrophic Gastritis by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Regulating lncRNA NOTCH1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 Axis
Rui WANG ; Jiayuan XU ; Yican LIN ; Pengli DU ; Ziqi JIN ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):39-50
ObjectiveTo construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involving long non-coding RNA NOTCH1 (lncRNA NOTCH1) and investigate whether Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) ameliorates gastric mucosal injury via regulating ferroptosis through the lncRNA NOTCH1/microRNA-138-5p (miR-138-5p)/silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) axis. MethodsLncRNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools were used to construct the ceRNA network involving lncRNA NOTCH1. In the animal experiments, a chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) model was induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in mice. Mice were randomized into normal, model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (7.6, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) XLHZ groups (n=10). Transmission electron microscopy was adopted to assess gastric pathology. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, SIRT1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Western blot was adopted to quantify the protein levels of SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 in the gastric tissue. In the cell experiment, dual-luciferase assay was employed to verify the targeting among lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, and SIRT1. MNNG was used to treat GES-1 cells for disease modeling. The effects of NOTCH1 mimics on the expression of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, and SIRT1, as well as the effects of miR-138-5p inhibitor on the expression of miR-138-5p and SIRT1, were observed. The rescue experiment with XLHZ was designed with five groups: GES-1, GES-1+MNNG (Model), Model+XLHZ, Model+NOTCH1 inhibitor+XLHZ, and Model+NOTCH1 inhibitor+miR-138-5p mimics+XLHZ. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assay were employed to measure the mRNA levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, miR-138-5p, SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 and the Fe2+ content, respectively, in GES-1 cells. ResultsThe modeled mice showed mitochondrial damage with shrinkage and cristae loss, downregulated mRNA/protein levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, and upregulated expression of miR-138-5p (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, drug treatments reduced mitochondrial structural damage and the membrane density decreased, partially recovered the crista structure, downregulated the expression of miR-138-5p, and upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, and GPX4 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the cell experiments, the dual-luciferase assays confirmed lncRNA NOTCH1 bound to miR-138-5p and miR-138-5p bound to SIRT1, both suppressing luciferase activity (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank control group, the model group showed decreased expression of lncRNA NOTCH1, SIRT1, Nrf2, GPX4, increased expression of miR-138-5p, and enhanced Fe2+ fluorescence (P<0.01). NOTCH1 mimics or miR-138-5p inhibitor reversed these changes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Rescue experiments showed that NOTCH1 inhibitor reversed XLHZ-induced miR-138-5p decrease and SIRT1 increase (P<0.01), while miR-138-5p overexpression suppressed SIRT1 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results confirmed that lncRNA NOTCH1 negatively regulated miR-138-5p, which in turn negatively regulated SIRT1. ConclusionXLHZ effectively alleviates gastric mucosal injury and curbs CAG progression by inhibiting ferroptosis through modulation of the lncRNA NOTCH1/miR-138-5p/SIRT1 axis.
8.Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription Ameliorates Chronic Atrophic Gastritis via Regulating Lysosomal Iron Metabolism
Jiayuan XU ; Yican LIN ; Rui WANG ; Pengli DU ; Ziqi JIN ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):65-75
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in ameliorating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating lysosomal iron metabolism. MethodsIn the animal experiments, a mouse model of CAG was established through a combined modeling approach, including free drinking of N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 100 mg·L-1), gavage of ranitidine (8 g·L-1), and irregular feeding. Mice were randomly assigned into the normal, model, Morodan (2.0 g·kg-1), and high-, medium-, and low-dose (7.2, 3.8, 1.9 g·kg-1, respectively) XLHZ groups. In the cell experiments, GES-1 cells were treated with MNNG to construct a cell model of CAG, and cells were allocated into the GES-1, GES-1+MNNG (Model), and Model+XLHZ groups. The general physical conditions of mice in each group were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological morphology of the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (Steap3), and transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) in the gastric tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the positive expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the gastric tissue. Fluorescent probe method was used to detect the levels of Fe²⁺ and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immunofluorescence assay was applied to observe the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1. ResultsThe animal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited poor mental status and hair condition, accompanied by decreased locomotor activity, food and water intake, and even reduced body weight. HE staining results showed that the gastric mucosal epithelium of model mice presented poor continuity, significantly decreased mucosal thickness, irregular gastric fovea morphology with widened spacing, dilated glandular cavities, reduced and disarranged glands with obvious atrophy, and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the mitochondria were markedly shrunken with condensed and deeply stained matrix, drastically reduced and irregularly arranged cristae, and even vacuolization, and the outer mitochondrial membrane shrank and ruptured. In addition, the model group showed elevated serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.01), declined serum level of IL-10 (P<0.01), upregulated protein levels of LAMP1, NCOA4, Steap3, and TRPML1 (P<0.01), downregulated protein level of FTH1 (P<0.01) in the gastric tissue, reduced positive expression of GPX4 (P<0.01), and increased positive expression of 8-OHdG (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups showed improved mental state and hair appearance, increased locomotor activity, food and water intake, as well as gradual body weight gain in mice. HE staining demonstrated that the gastric mucosal epithelium of mice in each treatment group was continuous and intact, with normalized gastric fovea morphology, narrowed glandular cavities, increased and neatly arranged glands, and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the mitochondria in mice from each treatment group possessed intact structures with recovered normal volume, increased and regularly arranged cristae, and homogeneous density of the mitochondrial membrane. The mice treated with high and medium doses of XLHZ exhibited declined serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β (P<0.01) and elevated serum level of IL-10 (P<0.01). Low-dose XLHZ reduced serum IL-1β level in mice (P<0.05). The expression levels of LAMP1, NCOA4, Steap3 and TRPML1 protein in gastric tissue of mice in XLHZ high- and medium-dose groups were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression level of FTH1 protein was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The positive expression of GPX4 in the gastric tissue was increased in the high- and medium-dose XLHZ groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and that of 8-OHdG was decreased in all treatment groups (P<0.01). The cell experiments showed that compared with the GES-1 group, the fluorescence intensities of Fe²⁺ and ROS, as well as the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1, were significantly increased in the GES-1 + MNNG group (P<0.01). Compared with the GES-1 + MNNG group, the fluorescence intensities of Fe²⁺ and ROS were markedly decreased in the Model + XLHZ group (P<0.01), while the co-localization of FTH1 and LAMP1 was reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionXLHZ can effectively regulate lysosomal iron metabolism and ameliorate gastric mucosal and cellular injury induced by CAG.
9.GLP-1RAs attenuated obesity and reversed leptin resistance partly via activating the microbiome-derived inosine/A2A pathway.
Chunyan DONG ; Bailing ZHOU ; Binyan ZHAO ; Ke LIN ; Yaomei TIAN ; Rui ZHANG ; Daoyuan XIE ; Siwen WU ; Li YANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1023-1038
Extensive evidence has demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) can ameliorate obesity. Our previous studies revealed that (Ex-4)2-Fc, a long-acting GLP-1RA we developed, depends on the leptin pathway to treat obesity. However, the mechanisms linking (Ex-4)2-Fc and leptin resistance remain largely unclear. To address this question, we explored the mechanism of GLP-1RAs from the perspective of the gut microbiota, as increasing evidence indicates an important link between the gut microbiota and obesity. This study aimed to explore the potential role of the gut microbiota in the treatment of GLP-1RAs. We found that (Ex-4)2-Fc treatment reshaped obesity-induced gut microbiota disturbances and substantially increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (Am). In addition, (Ex-4)2-Fc did not respond well in antibiotic-treated (ATB) Obese mice. Subsequent studies have shown that this defect can be overcome by gavage with Am. In addition, we found that Am enhanced (Ex-4)2-Fc therapy by producing the metabolite inosine. Inosine regulates the macrophage adenosine A2A receptor (A2A) pathway to indirectly reduce leptin levels in adipocytes Thus, elucidating the role of metabolites in regulating the leptin pathway will provide new insights into GLP-1RAs therapy and may lead to more effective strategies for guiding the clinical use of antidiabetic agents.
10.Expert consensus on peri-implant keratinized mucosa augmentation at second-stage surgery.
Shiwen ZHANG ; Rui SHENG ; Zhen FAN ; Fang WANG ; Ping DI ; Junyu SHI ; Duohong ZOU ; Dehua LI ; Yufeng ZHANG ; Zhuofan CHEN ; Guoli YANG ; Wei GENG ; Lin WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yuanding HUANG ; Baohong ZHAO ; Chunbo TANG ; Dong WU ; Shulan XU ; Cheng YANG ; Yongbin MOU ; Jiacai HE ; Xingmei YANG ; Zhen TAN ; Xiaoxiao CAI ; Jiang CHEN ; Hongchang LAI ; Zuolin WANG ; Quan YUAN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):51-51
Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans
;
Consensus
;
Dental Implants
;
Mouth Mucosa/surgery*
;
Keratins

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail