1.Surveillance of schistosomiasis in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024
Wei LI ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Liang SHI ; Tao WANG ; Yun FENG ; Lu LIU ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):8-13
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of schistosomiasis surveillance in Jiangsu Province during the stage moving from transmission control to transmission interruption, and to analyze the current risk and challenges, so as to provide the evidence for achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination. Methods Schistosomiasis surveillance data were collected from Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, and the endemic areas, Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock, Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution and implementation of integrated interventions were descriptively analyzed. In addition, the trends in areas with snails, seroprevalence of human S. japonicum infections and numbers of advanced schistosomiasis cases were assessed using a Joinpoint regression model. Results The endemic areas of schistosomiasis continued to shrink in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, with the number of schistosomiasis-eliminated counties (cities, districts) increasing from 53 (75.71%) to 63 (96.92%), and interruption of schistosomiasis transmission was achieved across the province. A total of 4 600 300 person-times were tested for serum antibodies against S. japonicum, with 28 719 person-times positive detected; and 616 500 person-times were tested S. japonicum infections among local residents in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, with only 3 egg-positives detected, and no egg-positives found since 2017. A total of 187 600 herd-times were tested for schistosomiasis in livestock, and no S. japonicum infections were found. O. hupensis snail survey was performed covering 1 018 408.97 hm2, and a total of 35 556.35 hm2 was found with snail-infested habitats, including 174.40 hm2 of emerging snail-infested habitats. A total of 1 102 800 O. hupensis snails were identified for S. japonicum infections, and no infections were found. The areas of snail-infested habitats appeared a tendency towards a rise in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023 (APC = 23.67%, P < 0.05), and the actual areas of snail-infested habitats appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2015 (APC = −22.77%, P < 0.05), and towards a rise from 2015 to 2023 (APC = 9.76%, P < 0.01). The seroprevalence of anti-S. japonicum antibodies appeared a tendency towards a decline among residents in Jiangsu Province from 2017 to 2023 (APC = −14.92%, P < 0.01). In addition, the number of newly diagnosed advanced schistosomiasis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2024 (APC = −12.02%, P < 0.01), and the numbers of advanced schistosomiasis patients requiring treatment showed a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2021 (APC = −10.56%, P < 0.01) and from 2021 to 2023 (APC = −20.06%, P < 0.01). Conclusions Great progresses had been achieved in schistosomiasis control in Jiangsu Province following transmission control, and transmission interruption had been achieved; however, there are still snail-infested habitats. High-intensity surveillance and integrated control are required to be maintained to advance the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Jiangsu Province.
2.Transcriptomic responses of Bulinus globosus to extreme temperature and drought stress
Xinyao WANG ; Dandan PENG ; Ying YANG ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Kun YANG ; Shizhu LI ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):29-37
Objective To examine the impact of extreme temperature and drought stress on the survival of Bulinus globosus, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the genomic research of Bulinus in absence of reference genes. Methods B. globosus snail samples were collected from Kiwani Shehia in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and offspring snails were obtained through laboratory breeding and reproduction. A total of 120 10-week-old B. globosus snails from the same generation were selected and randomly assigned into four groups, including the high-temperature drought (HD) group, normal temperature drought (D) group, low-temperature drought (LD) group, and the control (C) group, of 30 snails in each group. Snails in HD, D, and LD groups were placed in beakers containing dry soil at the bottom and subsequently housed in climate chambers at 35, 26 ℃, and 10 ℃, respectively, while snails in Group C were maintained in 500 mL petri dishes containing dechlorinated tap water at 26 ℃. Following 3 days of breeding, living snails in each group were collected, and soft tissues were dissected and isolated. Total RNA was extracted from snail soft tissues for library construction, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing system. De novo transcriptome assembly was performed using the Trinity software, and the longest transcripts were selected as unigenes. Gene functional annotations of unigenes were conducted using the Diamond software against Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database, NCBI non-redundant (NR) protein sequences database, Protein Family (Pfam) database, and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (Swiss-Prot) knowledgebase. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed using the topGO and clusterProfiler software, respectively. In addition, four relevant genes were selected for validation using a real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay to verify the reliability of transcriptome sequencing results. Results Following 3 days of breeding, there were 7, 20, 28, and 30 survival B. globosus snails in HD, LD, D, and C groups, with corresponding survival rates of 23.33% (7/30), 66.67% (20/30), 93.33% (28/30), and 100.00% (30/30), respectively (χ2 = 52.72, P < 0.001). De novo transcriptome assembly generated 176 942 unigenes, with annotation rates of 0.98%, 13.49%, 26.46%, 12.48%, and 14.39% against GO knowledgebase, KEGG pathway database, NR protein sequences database, Pfam database, and Swiss-Prot knowledgebase, respectively. There were 33 up-regulated and 72 down-regulated genes in Group D, 483 up-regulated and 815 down-regulated genes in Group HD, and 245 up-regulated and 172 down-regulated genes in Group LD relative to in Group C. Following removal of overlapping genes across groups and unmatched genes, 11 candidate genes were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed 3 heat shock protein (HSP)-related DEGs in these 11 candidate genes, which were annotated as HSP12.2, HSP70, and HSP20 genes and were all significantly up-regulated in each treatment group. Three immune and nervous system-related DEGs were identified, and were all significantly down-regulated in each treatment group, which were involved in the neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein pathway, fibrinogen binding protein pathway, and leukocyte elastase inhibitor-like protein pathway. qRT-PCR assay quantified that the expression trends of four genes related to temperature and drought stress across different treatment groups were highly consistent with transcriptome sequencing data. Conclusion The survival rate of B. globosus significantly reduces under combined stresses of extreme temperature and drought, possibly due to an imbalance in its cellular homeostasis regulatory system.
3.Correlation of mitochondrial genetic differentiation and spatial variables of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province
Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Jing SONG ; Yuwan HAO ; Zaogai YANG ; Xinping SHI ; Siqi NING ; Hongqiong WANG ; Chunhong DU ; Jihua ZHOU ; Zongya ZHANG ; Kai LI ; Shizhu LI ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):54-59
Objective Objective To analyze the potential spatial factors affecting the genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 13 administrative villages were selected from schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province as O. hupensis snail sampling sites. At least 200 snails were collected in each site, and the spatial variable data of each site were recorded, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Thirty active and Schistosoma japonicum uninfected O. hupensis snails were selected from each sampling site by means of the crawling method and the cercarial shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from O. hupensis snails. Following PCR amplification, purification of PCR amplification products and sequencing, the gene sequences of O. hupensis snail samples were spliced and edited using the DNAstar software and the NCBI database to yield the complete mitochondrial sequences of O. hupensis snails at each sampling site, and the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni was calculated at each sampling site. The geographical coordinates of each sampling site were marked using the software ArcGIS 10.2, and the straight-line geographical distance between each sampling site was calculated. The altitude difference, longitude difference and latitude difference between each sampling site were calculated using the Excel software, and the correlation between the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni and each spatial variable matrix was examined by using the Mantel test at 13 sampling sites in Yunnan Province. Results Among the 13 O. hupensis snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province, the largest mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Caizhuang Village, Midu County (26.244 2), and the largest geographical distance was seen between Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (272.64 km). The highest altitude difference was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1 086.10 m), and the largest longitude difference was found between Qiandian Village, Eryuan County and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (1.86°), while the largest latitude difference was measured between Leqiu Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1.81°). In addition, the mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was positively correlated with altitude at 13 snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province (r = 0.542 8, P < 0.001), and showed no significant correlations with geographical distance (r = 0.093 4, P > 0.05), longitude (r = −0.199 5, P > 0.05) or latitude (r = 0.205 7, P > 0.05). Conclusion Altitude may be a potential spatial factor affecting the genetic differentiation of O. hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province.
4.Construction of an index system for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters
Jingye SHANG ; Chenghang YU ; Zisong WU ; Xianhong MENG ; Huirong XU ; Chaofu WANG ; Bin ZHENG ; Shizhu LI ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):60-68
Objective To construct an index system for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters such as rainstorms, floods, earthquakes, mudslides, and landslides, so as to provide insights into rapid identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk post-disasters and formulation of targeted schistosomiasis control strategies. Methods An initial framework for the index system for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters was drafted through literature review, brainstorming, and focus group discussions. Two rounds of expert correspondence consultations were conducted using the Delphi method to refine and finalize the system, and the degrees of expert activeness, authority and endorse ment, and consensus were evaluated. In addition, the weights of each index were calculated using the analytic hierarchy process. Results A total of 18 experts participated in the consultation. The expert positive coefficients were 100.00% and 94.44% for two rounds of consultations, with authority coefficients of 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The coefficients of coordination on the index importance, rationality and operability were 0.209, 0.185, 0.222 and 0.407, 0.214, 0.257 for two rounds of consultations, respectively, and all consistency tests were statistically significant (χ2 = 246.771 to 505.278, all P values < 0.001). Following two rounds of expert consultations, an index system consisting of 6 first-level indicators, 15 second-level indicators, and 49 third-level indicators was ultimately constructed. In terms of first-level indicators, “disaster situation”, “previous epidemics”, “healthcare guarantee”, “response capacity” and “emergency recovery” had the highest weights, each at 18.18%. Regarding second-level indicators, “Schistosoma japonicum infections in animals”, “S. japonicum infections in snails” and “medical treatment” had the highest weights, each at 7.35%. In terms of third-level indicators, ten items had the highest weights, including “identification of schistosomiasis cases”, “detection of S. japonicum infections in wild feces”, “detection of S. japonicum infections in snails”, “reserves of schistosomiasis diagnostic/testing reagents and consumables”, “reserves of chemotherapy agents for human and animal schistosomiasis”, “reserves of cercariacides”, “periodical surveillance on schistosomiasis”, “identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk and timely response”, “normal provision of diagnosis and treatment services” and “post-disaster schistosomiasis surveillance”, each at 2.40%. Conclusion A scientific, systematic, and practical index system has been constructed for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters, which may provide insights into rapid post-disaster identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk, formulation of targeted schistosomiasis control strategies and optimization of resource allocation.
5.Effects and mechanisms of combined exposure to noise and microwave on hippocampal structure and function in mice
Chunxue LU ; Lei SHI ; Yue WANG ; Yanhui HAO ; Xuelong ZHAO ; Yang LI ; Hongyan ZUO ; Liqian ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):419-426
Background Co-exposure to noise and microwave radiation occurs frequently. The central nervous system has been identified as a sensitive target organ for both noise and microwave exposure individually, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The specific biological effects resulting from co-exposure to these two factors have yet to be fully elucidated. Objective To clarify the effects of co-exposure to noise and microwave on neurobehavior and hippocampal tissue structure, and to explore the underlying mechanism through the assessment of serum cytokines. Methods C57BL/6N mice were selected and randomly assigned to a blank control group, a noise group, a microwave group, and a combined noise & microwave exposure group. To establish the exposure models, the noise group was subjected to broadband noise at 100 dB for 2 h, while the microwave group received radiation at a central frequency of 9.375 GHz with an average power density of 12 mW·cm−2 and a specific absorption rate of 2.58 W·kg−1 for 15 min. Open field and tail suspension tests assessed anxiety-like emotional behaviour; novel object recognition and Y-maze tests evaluated cognitive function. Histological changes in hippocampal tissue were examined using haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining under light microscopy. Serum cytokine levels were measured using radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results After 3 d of exposure, the noise, microwave, and combined exposure groups showed significant reductions in exploration frequency, duration, and distance within the central zone of the open field test compared to the control group (P < 0.01); the combined exposure group exhibited increased ratios of peripheral-to-central exploration time and distance (P < 0.05). After 7 d of exposure, compared with the control group, the noise group maintained a decrease in central zone exploration time (P < 0.01), while the combined exposure group showed persistent decline across all central zone metrics (P < 0.05) and elevated peripheral-to-central ratios (P < 0.05); compared to the microwave group, the combined exposure group showed significant less time in the central zone (P < 0.05) and higher peripheral-to-central ratios (P < 0.05). Regarding behaviour and cognition, compared with the control group, the combined exposure group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test after 3 d of exposure (P < 0.01). At this interval, all exposure groups demonstrated reduced frequency and duration of novel object recognition (P < 0.05), with the combined exposure group showing a marked decrease in novel arm exploration time (P < 0.01). After 7 d of exposure, compared with the control group, the noise group showed reduced novel object recognition frequency (P < 0.05), and both the noise and microwave groups exhibited decreased novel arm exploration time (P < 0.05). Pathological alterations including an increased number of hyperchromatic nuclei and depleted Nissl bodies were observed in the CA3 and DG regions across all exposure groups with the most severe lesions observed in the combined exposure group. Serum levels of central nervous system-specific protein β (S-100β), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and corticosterone (CORT) were significantly elevated in all exposure groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) levels increased in the combined exposure group (P < 0.05), while CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) levels rose in both the noise and combined groups compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Specifically, S-100β and CXCL10 levels in the combined exposure group were higher than those in the microwave group (P < 0.05); moreover, levels of S-100β, GFAP, CORT, AQP4, and CXCL10 in the combined exposure group were significantly higher than those in the noise group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Combined exposure to noise and microwave radiation induces pathological changes in the hippocampus of mice, increases levels of serum stress hormones and neuro-specific biomarkers. These impairments are more severe than those observed following single-factor exposure. The underlaying mechanism may be related to systemic stress response, neuronal damage, astrocyte activation, and changes in blood-brain barrier permeability, leading to emotional behavioral abnormalities and cognitive decline.
6.The Role of Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):875-886
As the core hub of energy metabolism in eukaryotes, mitochondria participate in a variety of cellular activities, including metabolic regulation of the cell matrix, apoptosis, and the activation of signal transduction pathways. Their functional status is closely linked to the initiation and progression of various diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases are primarily characterized by the progressive loss and dysfunction of neurons, and mitochondrial dysfunction is considered one of the key triggers in this process. The specific mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative diseases have attracted widespread attention. When misfolded or unfolded proteins are detected, a process known as the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR) is activated to promote proper protein folding or degradation, thereby restoring mitochondrial function. As a mitochondrial stress defense mechanism, mtUPR primarily regulates the expression of nuclear-encoded genes, such as chaperones and proteases, to alleviate mitochondrial stress. Studies have shown that, in addition to misfolded and unfolded proteins, other mitochondrial stresses—such as mitochondrial DNA abnormalities and reactive oxygen species (ROS)—can also induce mtUPR. The biological functions of mtUPR extend beyond mitochondria and are crucial for the health of the entire cell and even the whole organism. The mtUPR process involves communication between mitochondria and the nucleus, a phenomenon that is highly conserved and has been observed across different species. Abnormal activation or inhibition of mtUPR is closely associated with the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. An in-depth exploration of the dynamic regulatory role and molecular mechanisms of mtUPR is therefore of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of these disorders. In addition to neuron loss, neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain, including insoluble fibrils of amyloid beta, phosphorylated tau, or α-synuclein. While the molecular pathways of mtUPR are largely conserved across different diseases, the possibility of differential regulatory factors cannot be excluded. Although mtUPR activation is predominantly recognized for its cytoprotective role, it may exert deleterious effects when overstimulated or sustained. Chronic mtUPR activity has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and increased neuronal vulnerability, contributing to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the fundamental concepts, major inducers, and signaling pathways of the mtUPR. We focus on the intrinsic relationship and regulatory patterns between mtUPR and neurodegenerative diseases, providing insights that may aid the development of targeted therapies. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of mtUPR research in this field, aiming to pave the way for new therapeutic breakthroughs. A major limitation arises from the experimental models currently used; most findings rely on model organisms or cultured cells, which cannot fully replicate the complexity of human neurons. Future research should therefore focus on three main directions: (1) defining the molecular switches that determine whether mtUPR acts in a protective or detrimental manner; (2) elucidating differences in mtUPR molecular pathways across various models of neurodegenerative diseases; and (3) establishing robust biomarkers for mtUPR activity.
7.The Dual Role of p21 in Hormone-related Cancers and Its Therapeutic Implications
Jia-Wen LI ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Yu-Kai MA ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):593-608
p21 (encoded by the CDKN1A gene) is a critical cell cycle regulatory protein endowed with versatile biological functions. In various sex hormone-related cancers, p21 exhibits a paradoxical dual role, capable of both inhibiting tumorigenesis and promoting cancer progression, exerting dual, often opposing, effects on cellular fate that are dictated by the specific context. The clinical targeting of p21 remains elusive, largely due to its functionally pleiotropic and context-dependent nature within intricate regulatory networks. During the initial, hormone-dependent phase of cancers like breast and prostate cancer, p21 expression and activity are largely governed by the transcriptional programs of estrogen or androgen receptor signaling. This hormonal regulation contributes to the control of tumor cell proliferation and underpins the initial efficacy of endocrine therapies. In contrast, as these diseases advance to late stages or evolve into non-hormone-dependent subtypes—exemplified by castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and specific forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—these conventional hormonal control mechanisms often become dysfunctional or are entirely bypassed. This fundamental transition creates a critical therapeutic void, highlighting the urgent need to identify and exploit alternative molecular pathways to effectively target p21’s function. Promising strategies may include the precise modulation of its upstream transcriptional regulators, downstream effector proteins, or the intersecting parallel signaling networks that critically influence its activity. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the intricate and interconnected mechanisms that underpin the dual effects of p21 in sex hormone-related tumors. These mechanisms are categorized into three core, interrelated functional domains. (1) cell cycle regulation: p21 executes its canonical tumor-suppressive role by binding to and inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by directly interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, predominantly at the G1/S checkpoint; (2) apoptosis modulation: p21 exerts a highly context-dependent influence on programmed cell death, functioning either as a pro-apoptotic agent under severe genotoxic stress or as a pro-survival factor by inhibiting apoptosis through interactions with proteins like Bcl-2; (3) hormonal and signaling crosstalk: p21 is an integral node within broader cellular networks, engaging in direct physical interactions with hormone receptors(e.g., AR, ER) and participating in complex feedback loops with key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53. Critically, the role of p21 is not static but highly dynamic. It can undergo a functional switch from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting in response to therapeutic pressures, metabolic alterations, or evolving tumor microenvironment cues. These adaptive shifts are frequently implicated in the development of therapy resistance and disease recurrence, particularly in advanced, hormone-resistant cancers. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to establish a coherent theoretical framework to guide the future development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the p21 pathway. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond a simplistic, binary view of p21 and emphasizes the forthcoming challenges, such as the discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict its functional state and the rational design of context-specific pharmacological modulators to selectively harness its therapeutic potential.
8.WANG Qingguo's Experience in Treatment of Headache Based on the Concept of "Achieving Harmony by Unblocking and Balancing"
Chuxin ZHANG ; Zilin REN ; Yang ZHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Bomin ZHANG ; Fafeng CHENG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):935-940
This paper summarizes professor WANG Qingguo's experience in treatment of headache based on the "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing" concept. It is considered that although the pathogenesis of headache is generally attributed to "pain arises from obstruction" and "pain arises from malnourishment", clinical presentations often involve a complex mixture of deficiency and excess, as well as cold and heat patterns. Professor WANG proposes the diagnostic and therapeutic theory of "achieving harmony by unblocking and balancing", advocating for equal emphasis on "freeing the flow of qi and blood" and "regulating the balance of yin and yang". He has summarized eight treatment methods for common headache patterns. For wind-cold attacking the collaterals, treatment should focus on dispersing and unblocking through modified Gegen Decoction (葛根汤). For wind-dampness binding, it is recommended to unblock and drain, using modified Qingshang Juantong Decoction (清上蠲痛汤). For damp-heat congestion, unblocking and clearing is the method, using modified Toufeng Shen Formula (头风神方). For liver-gallbladder qi constraint, unblocking and soothing is the treatment principle, and modified Sanpian Decoction (散偏汤) is suggested. For insufficiency of center qi, even supplementation method is recommended, and modified Yiqi Congming Decoction (益气聪明汤) can be used. For liver yang hyperactivity, unblocking and subduing are combined, using modified Xunlong Decoction (驯龙汤). For deficiency-cold in the liver and stomach, warming, harmonizing, unblocking, and descending are applied, using modified Wuzhuyu Decoction (吴茱萸汤). For blood deficiency with cold congelation, unblocking and nourishing are undertaken together, using modified Danggui Sini Decoction (当归四逆汤). The ultimate goal is to restore the dynamic balance of yin, yang, qi, and blood in the body, thereby allevia-ting pain by restoring clarity and function to the head orifices.
9.Effect of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤) on the VAPB-PTPIP51 Complex and Autophagy of Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Colon of Slow Transit Constipation Model Rats
Chuyue WANG ; Jiacheng LI ; Yingqi YANG ; Sicheng SHEN ; Zhiyang CHEN ; Zhizhong XU ; Bensheng WU ; Meiyao CHEN ; Ziwei XIONG ; Jinhui GU ; Xiaopeng WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):985-993
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Tongbian Decoction (通便汤, TD) in treating slow transit constipation (STC). MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, TD group, and mosapride group, with 6 rats per group. Except for the normal group, STC models were established by intragastric administration of loperamide hydrochloride combined with normal saline. On the day following successful model establishment, rats in the TD group received 18.63 g·kg⁻¹ of TD by gavage, while those in the mosapride group received 1.605 mg·d⁻¹ of mosapride, and those in the normal group and the model group received 10 ml·kg⁻¹ of normal saline by gavage. All treatments were administered once daily for 7 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, fecal pellet number and fecal water content were measured. After intragastric administration of a 10% activated charcoal suspension, the small intestinal transit rate was calculated 30 minutes later. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were measured by ELISA. Colonic histopathology was observed by HE staining, and mucus secretion by Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Ultrastructure of colon tissue was examined using transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression levels of C-kit, stem cell factor (SCF), autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, vesicle-associated membrane protein B (VAPB), and protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (VAPB-PTPIP51) were measured by Western Blot, and the mRNA levels were detected by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect SCF, C-kit, Beclin1, and ATG5 expression. The calcium content in colon tissue was determined by ELISA. ResultsCompared to the normal group, rats in the model group showed significantly reduced fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, and serum GAS and MTL levels (P<0.01); the number of goblet cells decreased, and the mucosal and muscular layers of the colon became thinner; mRNA and protein expression levels of ATG5 and Beclin1 in colon tissue significantly increased, while calcium content decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and electron microscopy revealed vacuolar degeneration and increased autophagosomes in colonic cells. Compared to the model group, both TD group and mosapride group showed increased fecal pellet number, fecal water content, small intestinal transit rate, serum GAS and MTL levels, and colonic calcium content, along with decreased Beclin1 and ATG5 protein levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the mucosal thickness and goblet cell number increased significantly, and autophagosomes decreased; in the TD group, ATG5 and Beclin1 mRNA levels decreased; in the mosapride group, SCF, VAPB, and PTPIP51 mRNA levels increased, while Beclin1 mRNA decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the mosapride group, the TD group showed higher fecal pellet number, fecal water content, serum GAS levels, colonic calcium content, and C-kit expression, along with lower ATG5 and Beclin1 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionTD may improve constipation symptoms by upregulating the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex during mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions, reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal, and promoting intestinal motility.
10.Study on the role and mechanism of SPP1+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis
Zexin YANG ; Zeping GUI ; Junqi ZHANG ; Gang ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Li SUN ; Shuang FEI ; Min GU ; Zijie WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):413-421
Objective To investigate the role and potential mechanism of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1)+ macrophages in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis. Methods The expression features of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allografts of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) patients were analyzed based on single-cell transcriptome data of renal tissues from patients with CAD. Transcription factor VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis were performed on the single-cell transcriptome data. Renal tissue samples were collected from kidney transplant recipients, including the CAD group (n=5) and the non-renal allograft fibrosis group (CTL group, n=5). A mouse model of chronic allograft rejection was established and divided into the allogeneic kidney transplantation group (CAD group, n=3) and the syngeneic kidney transplantation group (SYN group, n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect renal tissue injury in mice, and Masson staining was used to detect renal tissue fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect SPP1 expression in renal tissues of transplant recipients and mouse renal allografts. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were extracted from mice and subjected to hypoxia stimulation. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot, and SPP1 expression was detected by flow cytometry. BMDMs were transfected with HIF-1α overexpression plasmid and HIF-1α small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by hypoxia intervention, and the expression of HIF-1α and SPP1 was detected by Western blot. Mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs) were co-cultured with the supernatant of BMDMs, and the expression of endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related markers was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages in renal allograft tissues was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the CTL group (P<0.05). The renal injury score and the percentage of interstitial fibrotic area in the CAD group were significantly higher than those in the SYN group (both P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages was increased in the CAD group compared with the CTL group, and also increased in the CAD group compared with the SYN group (both P<0.05). VIPER analysis and DoRothEA transcription factor activity analysis revealed activation of the hypoxia pathway and upregulated expression of transcription factors such as HIF-1α in SPP1+ macrophages. SPP1 expression was elevated in BMDMs under hypoxic conditions. Knockdown of HIF-1α inhibited hypoxia-induced SPP1 protein expression, whereas overexpression of HIF-1α upregulated SPP1 protein levels. After co-culture of hypoxia-induced BMDMs with MAECs, the expression levels of EndMT-related markers were increased. Conclusions SPP1+ macrophages differentiated under hypoxia are significantly infiltrated in the formation of chronic renal allograft fibrosis, and may promote renal allograft fibrosis by inducing EndMT in renal vascular endothelial cells.

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