1.A preliminary study on Toxoplasma gondii interfering with copper metabolism pathways in mouse kidney
Jun YANG ; Chuanming REN ; Min LIU ; Kunting WANG ; He CHEN ; Yihong CAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on copper metabolism in the kidneys of mice. MethodsA total of 80 7-8-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into four groups of 20 mice in each group after one week of adaptation, including Control group, Cu group, TgCtwh6 group and Cu+TgCtwh6 group. Mice that were not infected and fed with normal diet and water were used as the Control group; Mice fed with 1 g/kg of copper chloride processing diet and 0.1% copper chloride water for 60 consecutive days were used as Cu group; Mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts (one of the predominant genotype Chinese 1 in China) fed with normal diet and water were used as the TgCtwh6 group; mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts and fed with a processed diet containing 1 g/kg of copper chloride and water with 0.1% copper chloride for 60 consecutive days were used as the Cu+TgCtwh6 group. ICP-MS was used to determine the changes in copper content in kidney tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of mouse kidney tissue. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by PI staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2). RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cuproptosis-related genes. ResultsPathological manifestations such as inflammatory cell infiltration in the Cu group and TgCtwh6 group were seen under the microscope, and the inflammatory infiltrating cells of the renal interstitial were reduced in the Cu+TgCtwh6 group, and the pathological manifestations
2.Mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang in Improving Cholestatic Liver Injury by Inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Through FXR
Zhengwang ZHU ; Yang YANG ; Jinghan ZHAO ; Linlin WANG ; Yinpei TANG ; Qingchun CAI ; Bing WANG ; Pingsheng ZHU ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):47-54
ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of Yinchenhao Tang on the improvement of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) by inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway via regulating farnesol X receptor (FXR). MethodsA total of 40 Wistar male rats were randomly selected, with 10 as a blank group,and the remaining rats were subjected to the CLI model induced by alpha-naphthalene isothiocyanate (ANIT). After modeling,they were randomly divided into the model group, the ursodeoxycholic acid (0.1 g·kg-1) group and the Yinchenhao Tang (9.23 g·kg-1) group,with 10 animals in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding drug by intragastric administration for three consecutive days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),alkaline phosphatase (ALP),γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT),total bile acid (TBA),total bilirubin (TBil) and direct bilirubin (DBil) levels in serum were detected. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β),and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in liver tissue were detected. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of FXR,TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,F4/80,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue. Western blot was used to detect protein expression of FXR,TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB in liver tissue. The histopathological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsCompared with those in the blank group,ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA,TBil and DBil levels in serum of rats in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01),and the mRNA and protein expressions of FXR in liver tissue were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB and the mRNA expression of F4/80 were obviously increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Hepatic histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltration and proliferative changes of bile duct epithelial cells. Compared with those in the model group,ALT,ALP,γ-GT,TBA,TBil and DBil levels in serum of rats in the ursodeoxycholic acid group were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01),and the levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB and the mRNA expression of F4/80 in liver tissue were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ALT,AST,ALP,γ-GT,TBA,TBil and DBil levels in the serum of rats in the Yinchenhao Tang group were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01),and the levels and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue were obviously decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of FXR in liver tissue were significantly increased,and the mRNA expressions of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB,and F4/80, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB were obviously decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The inflammatory cell infiltration of liver tissue and the proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells decreased. ConclusionYinchenhao Tang has an obvious protective effect on CLI,and its mechanism may be related to regulating FXR to inhibit TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammatory response.
3.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
4.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
5.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
7.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.
8.Mechanism of Number 2 Feibi Recipe in Ameliorating Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in AT2 Cells to Attenuate Apoptosis and Promote Alveolar Repair
Yaodong CAI ; Jialing BEI ; Wan WEI ; Chengyan XU ; Yanli LIU ; Yong WANG ; Yang JIAO ; Yun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):80-92
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Number 2 Feibi recipe (N2FBR) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), focusing on its effects on endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, stemness maintenance, and regenerative capacity of alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells (AT2 cells), and to validate the modern translational pathway of the theory of "deficiency of Zong Qi leading to pulmonary atelectasis and atrophy". MethodsA mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin (BLM). Mice were randomly divided into blank control, model, low-, and high-dose N2FBR intervention groups (9.1, 18.2 g·kg-1), and prednisolone intervention group (6.5 mg·kg-1). Pulmonary histopathological changes and collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured by the alkaline hydrolysis method. Lung coefficient and pulmonary function parameters were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related factors, including collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain (ColIa1), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1), were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Cell apoptosis was assessed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptosis of AT2 cells was further evaluated by double immunofluorescence staining for surfactant protein C (SPC) and cysteine-aspartic protease-3 (Caspase-3). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AT2 cells was examined by double staining for SPC and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). Ultrastructural changes of ER and lamellar bodies in AT2 cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of key proteins involved in ER stress and apoptosis pathways, including PERK, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and Caspase-3, were detected by Western blot. Double immunofluorescence staining of SPC and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) was performed to evaluate the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells. Lineage tracing technology (labeling AT2 cells with GFP) combined with Krt8 labeling was used to evaluate intermediate differentiation states, and morphological transformation of AT2 cells into alveolar type Ⅰ epithelial cells (AT1) was observed. ResultsBLM-induced mice exhibited significant structural disruption of lung tissue, increased collagen deposition, elevated lung coefficient, decreased pulmonary function, and upregulation of fibrosis-related factors (P<0.01). High-dose N2FBR treatment significantly ameliorated lung tissue damage and dysfunction, significantly reduced HYP content (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated ColIa1, α-SMA, and Timp1 expression (P<0.01). Apoptosis analysis showed increased TUNEL-positive and Caspase-3-positive AT2 cells in the model group, which was significantly reduced by high-dose N2FBR treatment. TEM revealed swollen ER structures in AT2 cells of the model group, which tended to return to normal following treatment. PERK protein staining analysis showed evident ER stress in AT2 cells of the model group, which were markedly alleviated in the treatment group. The expression levels of ER stress-related proteins PERK and ATF4, as well as the apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3, were elevated in the model group and significantly reduced after treatment. TEM also revealed disrupted lamellar body structures in the model group, which tended to recover in the treatment group. Regarding the proliferative capacity of AT2 cells, the proportion of Ki-67⁺SPC⁺ AT2 cells significantly increased in the treatment group (P<0.01). Lineage tracing showed that the proportion of keratin 8-positive green fluorescent protein-positive (Krt8⁺GFP⁺) cells increased in the model group, indicating differentiation arrest. This proportion was significantly reduced in the treatment group, and the morphology of GFP⁺ cells exhibited a flattened, extended shape, suggesting restored differentiation toward AT1 cells. ConclusionN2FBR alleviates ER stress in AT2 cells, reduces AT2 cell apoptosis, restores lamellar body structure and function, enhances proliferation activity, and alleviates differentiation arrest to promote differentiation into AT1 cells, thereby repairing the alveolar epithelium and effectively blocking the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Its traditional Chinese medicine mechanism of "replenishing Zong Qi, harmonizing Qi and blood, and unblocking pulmonary meridians" closely aligns with the modern regulatory pathway of AT2 stem cells, providing a novel theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the intervention of IPF with traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
10.Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of Prediction Model for Turbidity Toxicity Accumulation Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Yican WANG ; Chenggong ZHAO ; Pengli DU ; Jie WANG ; Yuxi GUO ; Haiyan BAI ; Yongli HUO ; Xiaomeng LANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Jianping LIU ; Yanru CAI ; Jianming JIANG ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):288-295
ObjectiveThis paper aims to explore the risk factors for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome and establish a prediction model. MethodsClinical data of 180 patients with CAG who participated in the "clinical study of Xianglian Huazhuo Particles blocking CAG cancer transformation" of Hebei Sheng Zhong Yi Yuan from July 2021 to March 2022 were collected. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, patients were divided into a training set (namely dev) and a validation set (namely vad) in a seven to three ratio. The risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome in the training set were investigated by using univariate Logistic regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (namely Lasso) regression algorithms. Subsequently, a model, named model 1se, was developed by using the training set data to predict the risk factors for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome. The accuracy of the prediction model was assessed by using various methods, including the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test (H-L), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsAge, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, job and life satisfaction, yellow and greasy fur with slippery pulse, and heavy body sensation were independent risk factors of the model. The prediction model showed excellent predictive value for both the training and validation sets. ConclusionThe established prediction model for CAG with turbidity toxin accumulation syndrome has high discrimination and excellent calibration, which could provide an excellent clinical basis for disease diagnosis and individualized treatment of patients.

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