1.m6ATEpre: Predicting YTHDF1-mediated mRNA Translation Efficiency Regulated by m6A Sites via Multi-omics Data Integration
Teng ZHANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Shao-Wu ZHANG ; Lian LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1087-1102
ObjectiveThe most prevalent mRNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in various RNA metabolism, including gene expression and translation. By recruiting different “reader” proteins and their cofactors, m6A modification can affect messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation, splicing, nuclear export and translation. However, the selective mechanism by which m6A sites regulate mRNA translation through m6A reader YTHDF1 binding remains poorly understood, due to a lack of computational methods for identifying context-specific m6A sites that regulate translation. To address this, we developed a novel computational framework named m6ATEpre, the first tool designed to predict cell-specific m6A sites that regulate translation efficiency. Methodsm6ATEpre integrates multi-omics data, introduces a novel feature representation strategy for m6A site sequences, and employs an autoencoder to effectively capture embedded feature representations. Specifically, m6ATEpre first integrated MeRIP-seq data and PAR-CLIP data through overlapping m6A sites with YTHDF1 binding sites and identified YTHDF1-mediated m6A sites. Then, m6ATEpre detected the translation gene by analyzing the Ribo-seq data under YTHDF1 knockdown vs control condition. Genes whose translation is mediated by YTHDF1 in an m6A-dependent manner were identified by a significant decrease in translation efficiency upon YTHDF1 knockdown. Next, we proposed a binary vector indicating the presence or absence of YTHDF1 binding motifs to characterize each m6A site sequence. This represents a novel feature representation strategy for m6A sites. m6ATEpre utilized the autoencoder to extract the potentially important feature representations and constructed a multilayer perceptron neural networks model to predict potential m6A sites that regulating translation efficiency. ResultsA comprehensive evaluation of m6ATEpre was conducted through a series of experiments. We compared its performance against that of a similar prediction task model, as well as other classifiers. The results indicate that m6ATEpre achieved the best prediction performance. In addition, we analyzed different feature representation strategies and performed ablation experiments to validate the rationality of the model design. The results demonstrate that our proposed feature representation strategy has a greater advantage in improving prediction performance. In the HeLa cell line, bioinformatic analysis of the metagene distribution and sequence minimum free energy of m6A sites regulating translation efficiency (m6A-reg-TE sites) revealed their specific properties in translation regulation. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that m6A-reg-TE genes are associated with specific biological processes and KEGG pathways. By integrating the binding sites of YTHDF1 co-factors with m6A-reg-TE sites, we revealed that YTHDF1-mediated and m6A-dependent translation efficiency regulation requires the cooperation of multiple translation-regulatory RNA-binding proteins among its co-factors in the HeLa cell line. Furthermore, we extended our predictions to the dataset of the HEK293T cell line. Similarly, bioinformatic analysis of the metagene distribution and functional enrichment revealed the cell-specific characteristic of these predicted m6A-reg-TE sites in HEK293T cells. Likewise, integrated analysis of multiple YTHDF1 co-factors and m6A-reg-TE sites predicted in the HEK293T cell line reveals their m6A-dependent cooperation in regulating translation efficiency. Conclusionm6ATEpre is a timely tool that will advance our understanding of the mechanisms of m6A regulation in translation efficiency. The source code and datasets used in this work can be downloaded from
2.Phenotypic heterogeneity and management strategies for two brothers with XIAP deficiency syndrome.
Hui HU ; Shengnan WU ; Kai CHEN ; Jingbo SHAO ; Ting ZHANG ; Yongmei XIAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):123-128
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the clinical features and management of two brothers affected with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency.
METHODS:
This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentations, treatment, and follow-up of two brothers with XIAP deficiency diagnosed at Shanghai Children's Hospital in 2020, and summarized similar cases recorded in databases such as PubMed, Wanfang, Chinese Medical Association Journals, and WIP from January 2006 to November 2024. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of our hospital (Ethics No.: 2025R128-E01).
RESULTS:
Patient 1 was the younger brother, who presented at 8 years of age with growth retardation, folliculitis, erythema nodosum, and perineal abscess. Sequencing revealed that he has carried a hemizygous c.566T>C (p.Leu189Pro) variant of the XIAP gene, which was inherited from his mother. He was allergic to infliximab treatment and underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in January 2021. During a follow-up of 3 years and 10 months post-transplantation, he showed no gastrointestinal symptoms and had a good outcome. Patient 2 was the elder brother, who presented at 10 years and 6 months of age with growth retardation, rash, and anal fistula. Genetic testing revealed the same variant. He was treated with oral azathioprine but did not have regular follow-ups. At 14-years-and-6-months of age, he had developed severe gastrointestinal infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which was alleviated after treatment with antibiotics, glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin, and rituximab. He is currently being prepared for HSCT. A total of 13 publications were retrieved, which involved 64 patients from 23 families, with 23 different variants identified. The main clinical manifestations included splenomegaly (34 cases, 53.1%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (27 cases, 42.2%), and inflammatory bowel disease or colitis (20 cases, 31.8%). There were significant phenotypic differences among patients from the same family. Thirteen patients (20.3%) underwent HSCT, with a survival rate of 61.5%.
CONCLUSION
For male children with early onset, poor treatment response, especially those with unexplained splenomegaly and IBD-like symptoms, early genetic testing is recommended. HSCT is a safe and effective treatment for XIAP deficiency. For patients with developmental delay, early onset, and severe IBD phenotype, early transplantation is recommended.
Humans
;
Male
;
X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein/deficiency*
;
Child
;
Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/therapy*
;
Phenotype
;
Siblings
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
3.Huanglian Jiedutang Against Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Liyang DONG ; Qinyuan ZHANG ; Yiping WU ; Yingping HE ; Wei SHAO ; Haojia ZHANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):77-86
Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT), as a classical formula for clearing heat and removing toxins, has been widely applied in the treatment of various clinical diseases in recent years, particularly during the fire-heat stage of stroke, where it has attracted considerable attention. Based on previous studies, this paper systematically elaborates on the research progress on the active components of HLJDT, its clinical application in ischemic stroke, and advances in studies on its mechanisms of action. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that HLJDT contains multiple active components, including baicalin, geniposide, and berberine. In the treatment of ischemic stroke, these components exert therapeutic effects through multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-level mechanisms. Clinical studies have shown that HLJDT can increase cerebral blood flow, reduce cerebral infarct volume, and improve post-stroke physical dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke. Experimental studies have indicated that HLJDT can improve neurological function scores and increase cerebral perfusion in experimental stroke models. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the anti-ischemic stroke effects of HLJDT may be related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, promotion of angiogenesis, and regulation of amino acid and energy metabolism. Although existing studies have confirmed that HLJDT exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic therapeutic characteristics, further large-sample randomized controlled trials are still needed to verify its long-term efficacy and to further elucidate the dynamic interaction network among components, targets, and pathways. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, this study further clarifies the synergistic targets of the core components (berberine, baicalin, and geniposide), providing a theoretical basis for in-depth research and clinical translation of HLJDT in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
4.Clinical application of exempting anti-D monitoring in pregnant women with Asian-type DEL
Pin YI ; Ziyu OU ; Xiaoxiao SUN ; Mingming WANG ; Changlin WU ; Chaopeng SHAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):766-771
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of exempting Asian-type DEL pregnant women from anti-D monitoring and RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis injections by comparing and analyzing the clinical incidence of anti-D alloimmunization between Asian-type DEL pregnant women and true RhD-negative pregnant women. Methods: A total of 165 pregnant women who were initially screened as RhD negative by the saline method and received medical treatment in our hospital from December 2022 to August 2024 were collected as the research subjects. Absorption and elution tests, DEL genotyping, and gene sequencing were used to divide the pregnant women into the Asian-type DEL group and the true negative group. After obtaining informed consent, the following clinical management plan was implemented for pregnant women with Asian-type DEL: exemption from routine anti-D antibody detection, exemption from RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis, and transfusion of RhD-positive red blood cells. Blood samples of newborns were sent for examination of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The routine management plan was implemented for true negative pregnant women. The incidence of alloimmunization and HDFN was comparatively analyzed between the two groups. Results: Among 165 initially screened RhD negative pregnant women, serological testing and genotyping confirmed 42 as Asian-type DEL, 9 as D variant, and 114 as true negative. Among 42 pregnant women with Asian-type DEL, 3 cases tested positive for HDFN due to receiving RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis injection. The remaining 39 cases were exempted from anti-D testing after being fully informed of the risk, and did not receive RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis. The HDFN tests were all negative. In the true negative group, anti-D antibodies were detected in 20 cases, of which 6 cases tested positive for HDFN. A pregnant woman with Asian -type DEL did not show RhD homologous immune response after receiving 2 units of RhD positive red blood cells. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of anti-D alloimmunization in Asian-type DEL carriers compared to true D-negative pregnant women (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pregnant women with Asian-type DEL can be exempted from routine anti-D antibody testing and do not require routine RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis injections.
5.Expression of lymphocyte subsets in the bone marrow of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its influence on prognosis
Jinhong NIE ; Jiebing XIAO ; Yingchun SHAO ; Chenghui LI ; Lu GAO ; Xiao MA ; Xiaojin WU ; Ziling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):902-908
Objective: To explore the correlation between the composition of bone marrow lymphocyte subsets and the clinical attributes observed in de novo AML patients, as well as their influence on prognosis. Methods: A detailed study was carried out on a cohort of 191 de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients who were admitted to our medical center between October 2022 and September 2024. In addition, a group of 24 patients with iron deficiency anemia individuals was carefully chosen as the control cohort. The proportions of lymphocyte subsets within the bone marrow of de novo AML patients were analyzed. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis was performed to investigate the association between the expression levels of these subsets in de novo AML patients and their clinical attributes, as well as their prognostic implications. Results: The proportion of CD19
and CD56
lymphocytes within the bone marrow of de novo AML patients significantly diminished compared to the control cohort (8.5% vs 13.2% P<0.05, and 15.5% vs 18.0%, P<0.05). Conversely, no significant discrepancies were observed in the CD3
, CD3
CD4
, and CD3
CD8
lymphocyte percentages between the AML patients and control group (71.7% vs 72.1%, 32.5% vs 33.7% and 32.8% vs 35.7%, P>0.05). When analyzing the relationships between lymphocyte subsets within the bone marrow of de novo patients and their respective clinical characteristics, patients aged 60 years and above exhibited diminished percentages of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes in the bone marrow compared to their younger counterparts (31.6% vs 34.1%, P<0.05), while the CD56
lymphocyte subsets demonstrated an increased prevalence (17.2% vs 14.4%, P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with leukocytosis (WBC≥100×10
/L) presented lower levels of CD3
and CD3
CD4
lymphocytes in the bone marrow compared with those without it (65.3% vs 72.9% P<0.05, and 28.9% vs 33.2%, P<0.05), respectively. The AML1-ETO fusion gene-positive cohort exhibited a higher prevalence of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes in the bone marrow than in the negative group (38.2% vs 32.3%, P<0.05), whereas the FLT3-ITD mutation-positive group presented a decreased prevalence of CD56
lymphocytes compared with the negative group (12.4% vs 16.8%, P<0.05). In addition, the NPM1 mutation-positive group demonstrated lower levels of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes in the bone marrow than in the negative group (29.1% vs 33.3%, P<0.05). Variables such as tumor protein p53(TP53) mutation positive, the absence of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and CD3
CD4
lymphocyte proportions below 25% were identified as independent adverse prognostic indicators for AML patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: The pathogenesis of AML is closely associated with an imbalance in bone marrow lymphocyte subsets. The FLT3-ITD mutation potentially contributes to the dysregulation of CD56
lymphocyte subset expression. The AML1-ETO fusion gene and NPM1 mutation are implicated in the abnormal expression of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes within the bone marrow. Moreover, the percentage of CD3
CD4
lymphocytes in the bone marrow serves as a prognostic factor for de novo AML patients.
6.Expression of lymphocyte subsets in the bone marrow of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and its influence on prognosis
Jinhong NIE ; Jiebing XIAO ; Yingchun SHAO ; Chenghui LI ; Lu GAO ; Xiao MA ; Xiaojin WU ; Ziling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):902-908
Objective: To explore the correlation between the composition of bone marrow lymphocyte subsets and the clinical attributes observed in de novo AML patients, as well as their influence on prognosis. Methods: A detailed study was carried out on a cohort of 191 de novo acute myeloid leukemia patients who were admitted to our medical center between October 2022 and September 2024. In addition, a group of 24 patients with iron deficiency anemia individuals was carefully chosen as the control cohort. The proportions of lymphocyte subsets within the bone marrow of de novo AML patients were analyzed. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis was performed to investigate the association between the expression levels of these subsets in de novo AML patients and their clinical attributes, as well as their prognostic implications. Results: The proportion of CD19
and CD56
lymphocytes within the bone marrow of de novo AML patients significantly diminished compared to the control cohort (8.5% vs 13.2% P<0.05, and 15.5% vs 18.0%, P<0.05). Conversely, no significant discrepancies were observed in the CD3
, CD3
CD4
, and CD3
CD8
lymphocyte percentages between the AML patients and control group (71.7% vs 72.1%, 32.5% vs 33.7% and 32.8% vs 35.7%, P>0.05). When analyzing the relationships between lymphocyte subsets within the bone marrow of de novo patients and their respective clinical characteristics, patients aged 60 years and above exhibited diminished percentages of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes in the bone marrow compared to their younger counterparts (31.6% vs 34.1%, P<0.05), while the CD56
lymphocyte subsets demonstrated an increased prevalence (17.2% vs 14.4%, P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with leukocytosis (WBC≥100×10
/L) presented lower levels of CD3
and CD3
CD4
lymphocytes in the bone marrow compared with those without it (65.3% vs 72.9% P<0.05, and 28.9% vs 33.2%, P<0.05), respectively. The AML1-ETO fusion gene-positive cohort exhibited a higher prevalence of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes in the bone marrow than in the negative group (38.2% vs 32.3%, P<0.05), whereas the FLT3-ITD mutation-positive group presented a decreased prevalence of CD56
lymphocytes compared with the negative group (12.4% vs 16.8%, P<0.05). In addition, the NPM1 mutation-positive group demonstrated lower levels of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes in the bone marrow than in the negative group (29.1% vs 33.3%, P<0.05). Variables such as tumor protein p53(TP53) mutation positive, the absence of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and CD3
CD4
lymphocyte proportions below 25% were identified as independent adverse prognostic indicators for AML patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: The pathogenesis of AML is closely associated with an imbalance in bone marrow lymphocyte subsets. The FLT3-ITD mutation potentially contributes to the dysregulation of CD56
lymphocyte subset expression. The AML1-ETO fusion gene and NPM1 mutation are implicated in the abnormal expression of CD3
CD8
lymphocytes within the bone marrow. Moreover, the percentage of CD3
CD4
lymphocytes in the bone marrow serves as a prognostic factor for de novo AML patients.
7.Relationship between psychological abuse and neglect and suicidal ideation in left-behind adolescents: the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of different stages of adolescence
Lu PAN ; Yuhang WU ; Yuqin SONG ; Cen LIN ; Yu CEN ; Jiarui SHAO ; Cailin XIE ; Mengqin DAI ; Qiuyue FAN ; Lei TANG ; Jiaming LUO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):374-380
BackgroundPrevious studies have identified a close relationship among psychological neglect and abuse, negative affect, different stages of adolescence, and suicidal ideation. However, the mechanisms underlying the impact of psychological abuse and neglect on suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents remain unclear, and this field of research is still in its relative infancy. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between psychological neglect/abuse and suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents, as well as the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating effect of different stages of adolescence, so as to provide insights for preventing and intervening suicidal ideation in this population. MethodsFrom November 2021 to May 2022, a cluster random sampling technique was utilized to select 2 309 left-behind adolescents in western China. Assessments were conducted using the Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS), the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation (PANSI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule for Children (PANAS-C). Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated across all samples, and Process 4.1 was employed to test the mediating role of negative affect and the moderating role of different stages of adolescence in the pathway linking psychological abuse/neglect to suicidal ideation. ResultsA total of 2 119 left-behind adolescents (mean age: 14.94±1.20 years) completed the study, with males comprising 51.34% (1 088/2 119) and females 48.66% (1 031/2 119).Among left-behind adolescents, scores on CPANS psychological neglect subscale showed positive correlations with both psychological abuse subscale scores and PANAS-C negative affect subscale scores (r=0.446, 0.496, P<0.01). Additionally, CPANS psychological neglect and psychological abuse subscale scores were also positively correlated with PANSI scores (r=0.487, 0.508, P<0.01). Furthermore, PANAS-C negative affect subscale scores demonstrated a positive correlation with PANSI scores (r=0.499, P<0.01). Negative affect partially mediated the relationship between psychological abuse/psychological neglect and suicidal ideation, with effect sizes of 0.166 (95% CI: 0.141~0.191) and 0.131 (95% CI: 0.112~0.152). Different stages of adolescence moderated the latter part (negative emotion → suicidal ideation) of the indirect mediation path from psychological neglect to suicidal ideation through negative affect (β=-0.066, P<0.01). ConclusionBoth psychological neglect and psychological abuse may influence suicidal ideation among left-behind adolescents via negative affect. Moreover, different stages of adolescence may moderate the indirect path from psychological neglect to suicide ideation through negative affect.
8.Analyzing the influencing factors of occupational burnout among disease control and prevention staffs in Sichuan Province
Chaoxue WU ; Shuang DONG ; Liang WANG ; Xunbo DU ; Lin ZHAO ; Dan SHAO ; Quanquan XIAO ; Lijun ZHOU ; Chongkun XIAO ; Heng YUAN
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):288-292
Objective To assess the situation and influencing factors of occupational burnout among the staff at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Sichuan Province. Methods A total of 1 038 CDC staff members in Sichuan Province were selected as the study subjects using the stratified random sampling method. Occupational burnout of the staff was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey via an online questionnaire. Results The detection rate of occupational burnout was 42.3% (439/1 038). Binary logistic regression analysis result showed that, after controlling for confounding factors such as education level and alcohol consumption, CDC staffs aged at 20-<31, 31-<41, and 41-<51 years were at higher risk of occupational burnout compared with those ≥51 years (all P<0.05). CDC staffs with 5-<10 or ≥10 years of service had higher occupational burnout risk compared with those with <5 years (both P<0.05). CDC staffs with poor or fair health status, irregular diet, and poor sleep quality had higher risk of occupational burnout compared with those healthy, have regular diet, and good sleep quality (all P<0.05). The risk of occupational burnout increased with higher overtime frequency (all P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational burnout among CDC staffs in Sichuan Province is relatively high. Age, years of service, health status, diet, sleep quality, and overtime frequency are key influencing factors.
9.Spicy food consumption and risk of vascular disease: Evidence from a large-scale Chinese prospective cohort of 0.5 million people.
Dongfang YOU ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Ziyu ZHAO ; Mingyu SONG ; Lulu PAN ; Yaqian WU ; Yingdan TANG ; Mengyi LU ; Fang SHAO ; Sipeng SHEN ; Jianling BAI ; Honggang YI ; Ruyang ZHANG ; Yongyue WEI ; Hongxia MA ; Hongyang XU ; Canqing YU ; Jun LV ; Pei PEI ; Ling YANG ; Yiping CHEN ; Zhengming CHEN ; Hongbing SHEN ; Feng CHEN ; Yang ZHAO ; Liming LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1696-1704
BACKGROUND:
Spicy food consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with mortality from multiple diseases. However, the effect of spicy food intake on the incidence of vascular diseases in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore this association.
METHODS:
This study was performed using the large-scale China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) prospective cohort of 486,335 participants. The primary outcomes were vascular disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD), major coronary events (MCEs), cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and non-stroke cerebrovascular disease. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between spicy food consumption and incident vascular diseases. Subgroup analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the association between spicy food consumption and the risk of vascular disease stratified by several basic characteristics. In addition, the joint effects of spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of vascular disease were also evaluated, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the association results.
RESULTS:
During a median follow-up time of 12.1 years, a total of 136,125 patients with vascular disease, 46,689 patients with IHD, 10,097 patients with MCEs, 80,114 patients with cerebrovascular disease, 56,726 patients with stroke, and 40,098 patients with non-stroke cerebrovascular disease were identified. Participants who consumed spicy food 1-2 days/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.93, 0.97], P <0.001), 3-5 days/week (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.94, 0.99], P = 0.003), and 6-7 days/week (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.95, 0.99], P = 0.002) had a significantly lower risk of vascular disease than those who consumed spicy food less than once a week ( Ptrend <0.001), especially in those who were younger and living in rural areas. Notably, the disease-based subgroup analysis indicated that the inverse associations remained in IHD ( Ptrend = 0.011) and MCEs ( Ptrend = 0.002) risk. Intriguingly, there was an interaction effect between spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of IHD ( Pinteraction = 0.037).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings support an inverse association between spicy food consumption and vascular disease in the Chinese population, which may provide additional dietary guidance for the prevention of vascular diseases.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Prospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Vascular Diseases/etiology*
;
Risk Factors
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Adult
;
Proportional Hazards Models
;
Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology*
;
East Asian People
10.Mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction in improving autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal of rats with functional dyspepsia by regulation of IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway.
Ming-Kai LYU ; Yong-Qiang DUAN ; Jin JIN ; Wen-Chao SHAO ; Qi WU ; Yong TIAN ; Min BAI ; Ying-Xia CHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2237-2244
This study explored the mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction(XSLJZD) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathway-mediated autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC). Forty-eight SPF-grade male SD suckling rats were randomly divided into a blank group and a modeling group, and the integrated modeling method(iodoacetamide gavage + disturbance of hunger and satiety + swimming exhaustion) was used to replicate the FD rat model. After the model replications were successfully completed, the rats were divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of XSLJZD(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a positive drug group(mosapride of 1.35 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and the intervention lasted for 14 days. The gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in each group were measured. The histopathological changes in the gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The ultrastructure of ICC was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the protein expression of phospho-IRE1(p-IRE1), TNF receptor associated factors 2(TRAF2), phospho-ASK1(p-ASK1), phospho-JNK(p-JNK), p62, and Beclin1 in ICC of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Western blot was used to detect the related protein expression of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Compared with those in the blank group, the rats in the model group showed decreased body weight, gastric emptying rate, and intestinal propulsion rate, and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to the endoplasmic reticulum structure and increased autophagosomes in ICC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the ICC of gastric sinus tissue showed a significant elevation of p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins and a significant reduction of p62 protein. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. Compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of XSLJZD was increased, and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were increased. Transmission electron microscopy observed amelioration of structural damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of ICC and reduction of autophagosomes, and the p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins in the ICC of gastric sinus tissue were significantly decreased. The p62 protein was significantly increased. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. XSLJZD can effectively treat FD, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of molecules related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway in ICC and the improvement of autophagy to promote gastric motility in ICC.
Animals
;
Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism*
;
Dyspepsia/physiopathology*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5/genetics*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Endoribonucleases/genetics*
;
Multienzyme Complexes

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