1.Targeted fluorescent imaging probes for detecting the spatial distribution of VEGF in the retinas of rats with radiation retinopathy
Yunhe DING ; Bin WANG ; Feng LIU ; Zhiyang ZHANG ; Haibei DONG ; Wenwen GUO ; Haitao YIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):567-572
AIM: To detect the distribution and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in radiation retinopathy(RR)through fluorescence targeted imaging.METHODS:Covalent binding of fluorescein FITC with VEGF antibody ranibizumab to prepare targeted fluorescent imaging probe ranibizumab-FITC. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups based on the principle of weight balance: a normal control group(Con group), a low-dose radiation group(10 Gy group), and a high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group). Medical linear accelerators and lead blocks were used to locally irradiate the rat eyeballs for modeling. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression levels of VEGF-A in each group and to screen for appropriate modeling dose. The inverted fluorescence microscope and the confocal microscope were used to observe the distribution of VEGF and imaging probes in the retinas of control and RR model group rats, and to verify the effectiveness of targeted probes.RESULTS:The expression level of VEGF-A in the retina of rats in the high-dose radiation group(30 Gy group)was higher than that in the normal control group(Con group). In early RR, VEGF expression was observed to be associated with microaneurysms and abnormal microvessels in the retina. VEGF accumulation was observed at the site of capillary wall damage. When retinal capillary endothelial damage occurred, targeted probes gathered on the outer surface of the vessel wall.CONCLUSION:The expression level of VEGF in the retina of RR model rats is elevated, and fluorescent targeted molecular imaging probes can detect the spatial distribution of VEGF at the microvascular lesions in the retina of RR rats.
2.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.
3.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.
4.Mechanism of Huangqi Chifengtang in Treating Atherosclerosis Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing and Metabolomics
Yuqin LIANG ; Jiaqi FU ; Yunhe SHI ; Fang LU ; Donghua YU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):94-103
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Huangqi Chifengtang (HQCFT) on rats with atherosclerosis (AS) by regulating the gut microbiota and their metabolites. MethodsA rat model of AS was induced through high-fat diet feeding and vitamin D3 injection, and the modeling lasted for 12 weeks. Fifty eight-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: A blank group, a model group, a group receiving a low dose of HQCFT at 1.53 g·kg-1 (HQCFT-L group), a group receiving a high dose of HQCFT at 3.06 g·kg-1 (HQCFT-H group), and a group receiving atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg·kg-1 (Ato group), with 10 rats in each group. Oral gavage administration started on the day after model establishment, once daily for four weeks. The efficacy of HQCFT was verified using aortic hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and determination of lipid levels and hemorrheology. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used for detecting inflammatory factor levels in the aorta, high-throughput sequencing for analyzing the gut microbiota composition in intestinal contents, targeted metabolomics for detecting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and non-targeted metabolomics for identifying metabolomic profiles of intestinal contents. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the aortic tissue of rats in the model group showed significant AS lesions, including endothelial damage, inflammatory infiltration, and formation of fibrous plaques and calcified foci. Moreover, serum triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Significant increases were observed in whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and the mRNA expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in aortic tissue (P<0.05). Additionally, gut microbiota composition, SCFA levels, and metabolomic profiles were significantly altered. Compared with those in the model group, serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, as well as the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity, were significantly reduced in all groups treated with HQCFT (P<0.05). Significant decreases were observed in NLRP3 mRNA expression levels in all groups treated with HQCFT, Caspase-1, IL-β, and IL-6 mRNA expression levels in the HQCFT-H group, and TNF-α mRNA expression levels in the HQCFT-L group (P<0.05). HQCFT reversed the increase in the F/B ratio and dialled back the decrease in the relative abundance of Blautia and the increase in that of Desulfovibrio. HQCFT promoted the production of acetic acid, valeric acid, and propionic acid. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 39 differential metabolites, which were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. ConclusionThe mechanism by which HQCFT ameliorates AS injury may be related to the improvement of dyslipidemia and body inflammatory responses by altering gut microbiota composition, promoting SCFA production, and regulating the levels of metabolites in intestinal contents.
5.Mechanism of Huangqi Chifengtang in Treating Atherosclerosis Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing and Metabolomics
Yuqin LIANG ; Jiaqi FU ; Yunhe SHI ; Fang LU ; Donghua YU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):94-103
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Huangqi Chifengtang (HQCFT) on rats with atherosclerosis (AS) by regulating the gut microbiota and their metabolites. MethodsA rat model of AS was induced through high-fat diet feeding and vitamin D3 injection, and the modeling lasted for 12 weeks. Fifty eight-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: A blank group, a model group, a group receiving a low dose of HQCFT at 1.53 g·kg-1 (HQCFT-L group), a group receiving a high dose of HQCFT at 3.06 g·kg-1 (HQCFT-H group), and a group receiving atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg·kg-1 (Ato group), with 10 rats in each group. Oral gavage administration started on the day after model establishment, once daily for four weeks. The efficacy of HQCFT was verified using aortic hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and determination of lipid levels and hemorrheology. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used for detecting inflammatory factor levels in the aorta, high-throughput sequencing for analyzing the gut microbiota composition in intestinal contents, targeted metabolomics for detecting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and non-targeted metabolomics for identifying metabolomic profiles of intestinal contents. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the aortic tissue of rats in the model group showed significant AS lesions, including endothelial damage, inflammatory infiltration, and formation of fibrous plaques and calcified foci. Moreover, serum triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Significant increases were observed in whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and the mRNA expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in aortic tissue (P<0.05). Additionally, gut microbiota composition, SCFA levels, and metabolomic profiles were significantly altered. Compared with those in the model group, serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, as well as the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity, were significantly reduced in all groups treated with HQCFT (P<0.05). Significant decreases were observed in NLRP3 mRNA expression levels in all groups treated with HQCFT, Caspase-1, IL-β, and IL-6 mRNA expression levels in the HQCFT-H group, and TNF-α mRNA expression levels in the HQCFT-L group (P<0.05). HQCFT reversed the increase in the F/B ratio and dialled back the decrease in the relative abundance of Blautia and the increase in that of Desulfovibrio. HQCFT promoted the production of acetic acid, valeric acid, and propionic acid. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 39 differential metabolites, which were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. ConclusionThe mechanism by which HQCFT ameliorates AS injury may be related to the improvement of dyslipidemia and body inflammatory responses by altering gut microbiota composition, promoting SCFA production, and regulating the levels of metabolites in intestinal contents.
6.Prognostic biomarker TSC2 in gastric cancer and its correlation with immune infiltration
Yawen CHEN ; Yunhe GAO ; Zhi QIAO
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(1):51-57
Objective:To investigate the expression of TSC2 in gastric cancer and its correlation with prognostic value and immune infiltration. Methods:Through Utilizing bioinformatics and experimental validation, analyzed RNA sequencing data from 624 gastric cancer patients in the TCGA-STAD dataset and the TCGA-GTEx-STAD dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immunohistochemical (IHC) images of TSC2 expression in normal and gastric cancer tissues were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA). Evaluated the relationship between TSC2 expression and clinicopathological features, prognosis, immune infiltration, and immune subtypes in gastric cancer. Additionally, the expression of TSC2 in gastric cell lines was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0 and R4.2.1 software. Results:TSC2 expression was significantly downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines compared to normal tissues. Lower expression of TSC2 correlated with worse overall survival, first progression, and progression-free survival in gastric cancer patients. TSC2 expression positively correlated with the infiltration levels of B cells, CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, and macrophages, while it negatively correlated with the levels of NK cells and eosinophils. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that TSC2 was involved in pathways related to cell cycle regulation, protein transport, and immune response. TSC2 expression also associated with different immune subtypes within gastric cancer. Conclusions:TSC2 expression is downregulated in gastric cancer and is associated with poor prognosis and immune infiltration. TSC2 may act as a potential prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
7.A brief discussion on TCM diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome based on the Theory of " Sui Qi Suo De"
Yunhe QI ; Haiyan CHEN ; Ming GUO ; Junxia LIU ; Ling LI ; Junyao LIAO ; Jing LIAO ; Xiaoqing DING
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):294-297
The theory of " Sui Qi Suo De" originates from Zhang Zhongjing's Jin Gui Yao Lue and has been further developed by later generations of practitioners, offering significant guidance for clinical practice. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are common malignant disorders of the hematopoietic system, characterized by high heterogeneity and progressive mutational changes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), MDS falls under the category of "marrow toxin exhaustion". This article applies the theory of " Sui Qi Suo De" in TCM to analyze the pathophysiological changes during different stages of MDS. Specifically, it explores the precursor stage (focusing on health maintenance and prevention before illness, addressing the " Suo De" of "gradual decline of vital qi"), the low-risk stage (strengthening the spleen and kidneys, clearing toxic pathogens, addressing the " Suo De" of "weakened vital qi invaded by pathogens"), and the medium-to-high-risk stage (detoxifying and reinforcing the body, harmonizing physical and mental health, addressing the " Suo De" of "dominant pathogens and declining vital qi"). The goal is to provide new directions and theoretical insights for the TCM treatment of MDS.
8.Research progress on immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of adverse reactions related to gastric cancer
Yawen CHEN ; Yunhe GAO ; Zhi QIAO
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(1):54-60
Traditional chemotherapy is the cornerstone of comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer, but its recurrence and metastasis rates are high, and the overall prognosis is not ideal. The rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has brought new hope to gastric cancer patients and changed the current pattern of comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer. With the increasing use of ICI, immune related adverse reactions (irAEs) such as skin toxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity are becoming increasingly common. Scientific understanding, early diagnosis, and graded management are currently the main strategies for handling irAEs. This article aims to review the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and prediction, treatment, and management of irAEs after ICI treatment of gastric cancer, in order to enhance the understanding of irAEs among clinical physicians, better manage immunotherapy related adverse reactions, and improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
9.Anxiety and depression in primary and middle school students quarantined in hotels during the COVID-19 epidemic
Min CHEN ; Lu TONG ; Guohua LI ; Yanhua YU ; Lihui GAO ; Yunhe ZHANG ; Zhanzhou YU ; Yanyan CHEN ; Xiaojie SUI ; Yinxia BAI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(3):260-264
Objective:To investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression among primary and middle school students quarantined in hotels during the COVID-19 epidemic.Methods:Anxiety and depression symptoms among 726 primary and middle school students quarantined in hotels were investigated with The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders(SCARED)and Depression Self-rating Scale for Children(DSRSC)from September to October 2022 in Chifeng City,Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.There were 624 students completed investi-gation with response rate of 86%.The positive score of SCARED was ≥23 and DSRSC was ≥ 15.Results:The detection rates of anxiety and depression were 17.9%and 15.4%respectively.The detection rates of anxiety and depression were higherin middle school students than inprimary school students(Ps<0.05).The scores of general-ized anxiety and social phobia factors were higher in female students than in male students(Ps<0.05).The scores of dissociative anxiety factor and depression were higher in middle school students than in primary school students(Ps<0.05).Conclusion:During the COVID-19 epidemic,middle school students quarantined in hotels are more likely to have anxiety and depression symptoms than primary school students,and female students are more likely to have anxiety symptoms than male students.
10.Effects of indobuprofen combined with nicodil on inflammatory factors,myocardial injury markers and platelet function in patients with ACS after PCI
Shuhong RUI ; Chenfang WANG ; Yunhe LI ; Junlan PAN ; Jianlou WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(12):1706-1711
Objective To investigate the efficacy of indobuprofen combined with nicodil for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes(ACS)and the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention on patients Effects of myocardial injury markers,platelet function and inflammatory factors after intervention(PCI).Method A total of 150 patients with ACS admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were divided into groups according to different treatment methods.The control group(n=75)was given nicodil combined with antiplatelet therapy,and the study group(n=75)was given indobufen combined with nicodil combined with antiplatelet therapy.Both groups were treated for 2 weeks.The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared,the changes of myocardial injury markers,platelet function and inflammatory factors before and after treatment were monitored,and the total incidence of adverse reactions was recorded.Results The total effective rate of the group treated with nicodil combined with indobufen was 98.67%higher than that of the control group treated with nicodil alone,90.67%(χ2=4.754,P<0.05).The levels of myocardial injury markers such as cTnI and CK-MB in the study group after treatment were lower than those in the control group(t=15.492,3.250,P<0.05).The levels of platelet function indexes such as CD62p,CD63,GPⅡb/Ⅲa in the study group after treatment were lower than those in the control group(t=2.034,3.257,2.221,P<0.05).The levels of CRP,TNF-α,IL-6 and other inflammatory factors in the study group were lower than those in the control group after treatment(t=21.862,3.378,2.131,P<0.05).The total incidence of adverse reactions after treatment was 4.00%in the study group and 2.67%in the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion The efficacy of indobufien combined with nicodil in the treatment of ACS is better than that of nicodil alone,and it can improve myocardial injury and platelet function after PCI,inhibit the release of inflammatory factors,and the incidence of adverse reactions is lower.

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